Launch of NIP Step 2 – The Church as a Mystery of Communion
by Magdalene Soyza

Background of New Image of the Parish (NIP) Programme

The New Image of the Parish (NIP) programme is a tool or method to bring about personal and communitarian renewal. It creates new structures of participation and co-responsibility through involvement by all members of the parish and sets a definite annual programme of growth to achieve a ‘common vision’. The goal is to create an Ideal Parish which is closely united as a people of God, BECs and families.

NIP was introduced by the Movement of a Better World (MBW) and has been used successfullyincountries like Korea, Central America, Phillipines and certain parts of Europe.

NIP programmes can be expected to run for a period of 12 to 15 years depending on factors such asparish size, parish profile and commitment, The 3 stages and related activities as shown in Figure1 provides a road map for parish ministries and BECs to use to work together to achieve the common vision.    

Launch of NIP Step 1 – Brotherhood and Sisterhood at Assumption Church PJ

In 2004, Assumption Church PJ embarked on a journey to use the NIP approach to bring about renewal of the whole parish community. The objective of Step 1 – Brotherhood and Sisterhood is ‘to sensitise all people to brotherhood and sisterhood by reaching out to know one another’. For two years the theme of brotherhood and sisterhood were incorporated into church programmes to promote and build a communitarian way of living Christian faith by way of celebrations, formations, social outings, retreats, reaching out to the poor, BEC Masses and fellowships etc. Although there were some weaknesses, there was also much strength, for God inspires the works of faith for which the parish is thankful for.

Launch of NIP Step 2 – The Church as Mystery of Communion

On January 4th 2007, Step 2 of the NIP programme – 'The Church as Mystery of Communion was launched at Assumption Church PJ. The objective of Step 2 is ‘to sensitise all people to church as communion by accepting one another in our uniqueness and differences. The focus of this stage will be on reconciliation and healing.

During the launch, Rev Fr. Phillips Muthu explained that it will take some time to complete the entire NIP programme shown in Figure 2, as the Assumption Parish is only commencing Step 2 of Stage 1.

Fr. Phillips added that when thinking of the unity of the church, to bear the words of St Paul in mind, ‘Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made of different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12). It is for this one reason that we have all come together in the One Spirit of Christ.

The church programmes planned for the year will be developing the themes of communion of groups and the church, to bring all to a deeper level of understanding of each other’s uniqueness and respect for each others differences, resulting in closer relationships and unity as the body of Christ.

Celebration of Golden Jubilee of Assumption Church PJ in 2008

It was also announced that future plans must also keep in mind that the Assumption Church PJ will celebrate her 50th Anniversary of her existence in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in the year 2008.  Assumption Church PJ will begin to prepare for this by way of strengthening the basic vision, that is, to be a loving, committed to faith and missionary community.