THE CREATION AND CARRYING ON OF GKK ST. THERESE OF AVILA, PUROK 17-B FVR VILLAGE, BARANGAY FATIMA, GENERAL SANTOS CITY

The recent development of the Catholic Church in the Philippines in terms of reaching out to the local communities led to the collaboration between Parishes with their clergy and lay members which created the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) translated in Cebuano as Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK).
This study presents the establishment and the significance of St. Therese of Avila GKK and its Chapel to the people of Purok 17-B FVR Village, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. This study follows the qualitative method, particularly, the historical and descriptive approach.
The establishment of St. Therese of Avila GKK and its chapel commenced in 2007 after separating from Sr. Santiago GKK. The whole community in Purok 17-B, namely: the devotees of St Therese of Avila, Barangay Fatima officials, and Catholic members contributed in one way or another to its founding and construction of the Chapel.
The patron saint of the chapel, St. Therese of Avila, serves as unifying force and a beacon of guidance to the local residents. At present, it is counted as one of the 46 GKKS comprising Our Lady of Fatima which contributes to the strengthening of the Parish pastoral programs and activities. The challenge staring them in the eye is how to sustain and maintain the active participation of its members.
The creation of the St. Therese of Avila GKK and the construction of the Chapel started from humble beginnings. The process of separation from GKK Sr. Santiago and the organization of a separate, independent, and distinct GKK was a struggle but a worthwhile
endeavor.