WHAT IS PECS ABOUT?
PECS is a method of Parish-based evangelisation that operates in small groups that meet weekly or fortnightly in people's homes.
They are called cell groups because cells in the human body are living, vibrant, multiplying units. They are programmed to multiply or die and so it is with cell groups.
The system is a Vatican-approved formally recognised entity within the Catholic Church.
WHAT IS A PARISH EVANGELISATION CELL?
Fr John Moloney gives an excellent overview of the Parish Evangelisation Cell System (PECS)
HISTORY OF PECS
The Parish Evangelisation Cell System was introduced in the Catholic Church by Father Michael Eivers of St Boniface Parish, Pembroke Pines, Miami (USA) in 1983 and Don Piergiorgio (Pigi) Perini of Sant'Eustorgio Parish, Milan (Italy) in 1987.
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The International Council of the Parish System of Evangelization Cells (SCPE) [Organismo Internazionale di Servizio delle Cellule Parrocchiali di Evangelizzazione] was established on the
29th May 2008 to support & develop cells.
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION
The Pontifical Council for the Laity recognised the International Council (Organismo Internazionale) as an 'international instrument of evangelization' on 2nd April 2009 and approved the Parish cell system experimentally for a period of five years.
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The cells continued to grow and develop during that period.
So on Divine Mercy Sunday (12th April 2015) they confirmed the full approval of the Parish cell system, the International Council and its statutes.
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ABOUT US
PECS England is a group of clergy and laity who support and promote the Parish Evangelisation Cell System (PECS) within Catholic Parishes in England.
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PECS England is overseen by Fr Victor Vella who is the National PECS Coordinator for England.
Fr Victor works closely with the International Council of the Parish System of Evangelisation Cells and meets regularly with promoters and coordinators in various countries.
PAPAL AUDIENCE, ROME 2015
Pope Francis held an audience with members of the International Council of PECS in Rome in September 2015 to celebrate the official recognition within the Catholic Church.
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PAPAL AUDIENCE, ROME 2019
Pope Francis held a second audience with members of the International Council of PECS in Rome in September 2019 to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Parish Evangelisation Cells
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