The BCBP Leaders Training Institute was launched during the BCBP’s annual National Leaders Retreat with its first training course focusing on Christian Morality: the 10 Commandments. Instead of the usual annual retreat for the more than 200 BCBP leaders who gathered on Thursday, September 29, at the Carmelites Center in Tagaytay, the long weekend was the first in a series of intensive leaders’ training courses for BCBP leaders.

Fr. Herb Schneider, BCBP’s Spiritual Director, conducted the course consisting of eleven talks on the 10 Commandments, ending with celebration of the Eucharist late Sunday morning, October 2. He focused his discussion of the two Tables of the Decalogue in three main areas: Scripture, Basic Truth, and the Pastoral Approach. He emphasized that it is not enough to take the commandments literally or legalistically, but we need to understand that the commandments outline the areas of Christian morality that should govern our lives and provide a framework for us to do good whenever and however we can.

Each commandment was presented by highlighting its significance through O.T. and N.T. scripture passages, its meaning that encompassed both its positive and its negative aspects, and how the commandment should impact our inner disposition. Once this basis was laid down, Fr. Herb instructed the group on how to handle practical pastoral concerns arising from the commandment, with particular emphasis on daily life application and BCBP community concerns.

All BCBP leaders, Regional Council Directors and Chapter Heads are now expected to echo the teachings to all BCBP members in their respective regions and chapters. Jun Latay, one of the National Leaders Training participants, echoed the sentiments of the group: “Thank you, Fr.Herb, for a very enlightening NLT on the 10 Commandments! The challenge is clear – A Disciplined BCBP Chapter composed of members whose lives are shaped by the Commandments!”

The participants not only concentrated on the inspired teachings of Fr. Herb. Saturday evening was highlighted by a community Lord’s Day ceremony and festive meal. Afterwards, the evening was capped by a rousing fellowship facilitated by BCBP Calamba CH Bunny and Dette Joven and their RCD Joff Almoro that saw all participants dancing to the lively rhythm of “Waku, waku” (yes, even those who had never danced a step in their lives!). Great fun was had by all!!!

The BCBP Leaders Training Institute arose from the consultations and results of the National Strategic Planning Retreat #4 held last year 2010. According to Fr. Herb, this Christian Morality course will be followed by intensive training courses in the Nicene and Apostles Creeds, the Our Father, and other courses relevant to growing our Christian faith and practice.

Check out the Gallery Photos for more pictures of the Leaders Training in Tagaytay.