2016 ANCOP Walk in Greater Vancouver Area Launched

With ANCOP Walk fast approaching, community representatives, civic leaders, business and corporate partners as well as the members of the clergy, gathered at the Royal Seafood Restaurant in Richmond, BC, for the launching (in the Greater Vancouver Area) of the largest fund-raising event of ANCOP Canada. Volunteers and supporters of the non-profit organization pledged their support for the event which is slated on August 21 at the Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC.

ANCOP volunteers manning the registration booth.

Alwin Yambao, ANCOP Coordinator for BC, welcomes guests.

Mable Elmore, incumbent MLA for Vancouver-Kensington and a vocal advocate for social justice, announces her support for the ANCOP Walk on August 21.

In appreciation of its outstanding record of service to the underprivileged, MLA Mable Elmore awards a certificate of recognition to ANCOP Canada, represented by Ricky Cuenca and Alwin Yambao. 

RJ & Liza Jose of the Right Here Write Now Musical, host the event.

Ricky Cuenca, ANCOP Canada President, discloses that the ANCOP Global Walk, a fund-raising event now observed in numerous cities and countries worldwide, traces its roots to the "walk" that was initiated in Vancouver in 2004.

About 200 guests and volunteers attended the Launch and Appreciation Night.

Fr. James Kairu, assistant pastor at St. Joseph's Parish in Langley, BC, attests the positive difference ANCOP has made in his home country of Kenya. 

The choir group of the Holy Trinity Parish in North Vancouver actively supports ANCOP's Child Sponsorship and Community Development Programs. 

Faculty and students of the Holy Cross Regional High School share testimonies of their recent mission trip to the Philippines where they participated in building houses for ANCOP's beneficiaries.

Ricky Cuenca and Alwin Yambao of ANCOP Canada hands over a certificate of appreciation to Holy Cross High School, represented by Anita Aytona and Ed Quizon, for supporting its advocacy of building homes for the poor through the latter's mission trips.

Anne Kang, Burnaby City councillor, pledges the support of her constituency for the upcoming ANCOP Walk. 

Jimmy Arzadon of Couples for Christ, expresses his gratitude to everyone who attended.

Mark your calendars. 

August 21, Sunday, 7:30 A.M.Swangard Stadium

3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 4H7

www.ancopcanada.org

2016 ANCOP Walk Launch Event & Appreciation Night

This is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our work for the poor and hear the latest updates from ANCOP Canada President Ricky Cuenca as we prepare for our upcoming 2016 ANCOP Walk. Please feel free to extend this invitation to potential partners, supporters, parish priests and clergies, businessmen, media, alumni associations and other organizations.

Visit www.ancopcanada.org

St. Matthew's Spring Dinner & Dance 2016 - Prom Night A Time To Remember

Please come out and support St. Matthew's Spring Dinner & Dance entitled "Prom Night A Time To Remember." Proceeds from this event will go towards the construction of desperately needed meeting rooms to accommodate a dynamic and thriving parish community.

For ticket inquiries or to explore how you can be of help, please call the parish office at 1.604.589.2448.

Rejoice Weekend - A Celebration of Joy, Prayer and Thanksgiving

Enthusiastic participants from the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba converged at The Westin in Calgary, Alberta for the 2016 Couples for Christ (CFC) Canada Western Conference. A total of 1200 delegates came together in joy and anticipation of the "Rejoice Weekend" as they reaffirmed God's call of spreading the joy of the Gospel.

The conference, as Noli Arzadon eloquently describes, is "a place to stop and reflect, to inspire and be inspired, where emotional bridges are built, and a place where our vision as a community is made clearer in the good tradition of open, intellectual discourses and sharing of personal experiences with the Lord."

This year as CFC celebrates its 35th year as a faith community, we are reminded of the similar joy that the apostle Paul must have felt at the continuing progress of the Gospel in the midst of imprisonment and great suffering. Let us rejoice as we continue to endeavour and enter new parishes to conduct Christian Life Programs and spread the Word of God.

Let us "pray that the work of evangelization will flourish in God's time and pacing." Joe Yamamoto continues his exhortation: "Pray that He will continue to lay on our shoulders the privilege of working in His vineyard. Above all, pray that we will all be blessed with the energy, focus and passion of sharing the Good News to everyone."

Let us adopt the posture and attitude of gratitude, of unceasingly giving thanks in any and all circumstances.

Noli Arzadon, CFC Canada Western Region Head, Speaker - Rejoice in the Lord: Discover the Reasons to Celebrate Life in Community. "We have to be aware that the devil wants to 'rob' us of the joys in our personal and in our community life. The enemy will do everything to take away CFC from us, and then destroy marriages. Ultimately, Satan wants us to forget the real joy of being in Christ."

Peter & Ayee Dumlao, CFC Greater Vancouver Area, Couple Sharers. "We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and our 25th (silver) anniversary as members of CFC. We have learned not to focus on our hurts; to serve with joy in the Lord especially in places where there are few workers."

Nonoy Dalman, Country Coordinator, Speaker - Do Not Worry: How to Overcome Anxiety. "When we worry it is as if we do not trust in the Lord. Setbacks and trials, injustice and dissatisfaction will always come our way and it is how we sanctify, accept, appreciate, pardon and pray that we are able to overcome worry.

Daryl & Lourdes Sarsoza, CFC Winnipeg, Couple Sharers. "We can resemble difficulties in our lives to a bow being stretched back in order to propel the arrow to greater levels."

Marivie Dalman, wife of Nonoy Dalman, Sharer. "I was a Martha, a constant 'worrier' until I realized what you fear will likely happen. Fear kills the spirit, but God is enough."

Francis Yap, Fulltime Pastoral Worker & Provincial Head for Ontario, Speaker - Pray in Everything: Deepening Our Prayer Life. "Pope Francis has repeatedly articulated that families nowadays are under threat than ever before. Faith in God has to be rediscovered through the New Evangelization. Let prayer play a central role in our ministry. As lay faithful belonging to CFC and to the universal Church, we are called to pray with renewed vigour to the Father through the Spirit of Christ our Lord."

Emmanuel & Doreen Canillas, CFC Saskatoon, Couple Sharers. "Unlike my husband Eman who was already on fire in the service of the Lord, I was not as devoted as he was. I was worried what to pray for, how to lead discussion groups, where to start prayer & worship. It is through God's healing grace that He converted my lukewarm heart into one that is ardent just as He has turned Eman's cancer cells to benign."

Larry & Christine Cadayona, CFC Calgary, Couple Sharers. "We would pray unceasingly despite being victims of domestic abuse and family violence. Despite the impossible, God has transformed our tormentor into a loving and caring servant of the Lord."

Joe Yamamoto, Continent Overseer for North America, Speaker - An Attitude of Gratitude: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances. "The best way to give thanks is to express it in meaningful and genuine words of caring and showing through action and empathy, especially through participation in the missions of discipleship, evangelization and service. We are destined for a higher and nobler purpose - to build God's kingdom on earth."

Benny & Precy Sumayod, CFC Winnipeg, Couple Sharers. "Trial after trial, we thought the Lord has sought us out to erase our family from the face of the earth. Little did we know that He was teaching us to be prayerful, and preparing us for greater things." 

Mila Yamamoto, wife of Joe Yamamoto, Sharer. "I am grateful to my siblings who sacrificed a lot so that I could become a doctor. I am grateful for I have my own family who are all doctors. I am grateful that God sends us on missions allowing us opportunities to gather treasures in Heaven. I am thankful not only when given blessings but also when being challenged. I am thankful to God for allowing me to attend to my mother before she passed on."

Shok Ariola, CFC International Council Member, Speaker - It Is Time To Proclaim: How To Spread the Joy of the Gospel. "In CFC, we are sent forth as missionaries. The work of evangelizing the world is daunting. But amidst great challenges let us have faith. Frank Gaines said: 'Only those who believe in the invisible can attain the impossible.' Proclaim the Word; Be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching."

Rosco & Sally Doromal, CFC Calgary, Couple Sharers. "This is His work and it is all about Him. Our service is with the Servants of the Lord (SOLD) and the Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD). We have said 'Yes' to God as we answer the call to mission in Ethiopia in East Africa. As we spread the joy of the Gospel, we know He will take care of us."

Rolly & Crystal Cahilig, CFC Edmonton, Couple Sharers. "We have learned to see all things as a gift from God, and to say 'Yes' or 'Oo' to His mission."

Vinay & Morela Parmar, CFC Calgary, Couple Sharers. "Many times and on numerous occasions, we were always saying 'no' to this particular couple but when another couple invited us to the CLP, we immediately said 'yes'.  In our spiritual journey of service, we are grateful for the 'United Nations' harvests - a gathering of non-Filipino Catholic Christians with multi-cultural backgrounds."

Alex Boquiren, CFC GVA Family Ministries Head, leads the morning worship after the celebration of the Holy Mass. 

Everyone was challenged to embark on a new chapter of evangelization; to make a clear decision to spread the joy of the Gospel whether it is convenient or not, whether our prayers are answered or not. The Lord God is faithful.

Greater Vancouver Area delegates display their award-winning performance during the Banner & Chant competition. CFC GVA also gained first place for the Fun Fair Carnival Booth competition and earned the distinction of having the largest contingent in the conference outside of host Calgary.

Over 200 members of CFC GVA participated in the Western Canada Region Conference. 

GVA's East 2 & East 3 Chapters pose during a break.

"Let us proclaim with the power of the Holy Spirit. Let God's power be witnessed in our joy as Christians. We rely on Paul's conviction when he said: 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength' (Phil 4:13). In CFC, it is time to proclaim Christ to the ends of the earth, to the unchurched, to the poor, and to those who do not know Him." - An excerpt from Shok Ariola's talk.

Rejoice Pray & Give Thanks; Edicts Pondered by CFC GVA During Leaders' Assembly

In a lead-up to the Rejoice Weekend in May, servant leaders of Couples for Christ in the Greater Vancouver Area convened at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Surrey, BC. Noted as another jam-packed sector event, the leaders' conference glossed over the essence of Philippians 4:4-7, which is to rejoice, pray and give thanks.



REJOICE

How are we to rejoice amidst the barrage of trials in our daily living? We need to understand that whatever we are going through we have Jesus as our strong tower. This is sufficient reason for us to be cheerful and calmly happy through it all. We need to praise Him in the midst of whatever we are going though.

Elmer Tangco, East Cluster Head, tells that an intimate relationship with God can bring about genuine happiness.  

PRAY

Why is there a need to pray if God knows everything? It is important to realize that when we pray we are inviting God into our lives. When we pray we experience fellowship with our creator, and He allows us the joy and privilege of working in His vineyard and attending to its affairs. When we pray, we experience growth and development as we persevere and wait in patience. When we pray, we become dependent upon God.

Jimmy Arzadon, Greater Vancouver Area Head, stresses the importance of contemplative prayer - the practice of clearing one's mind of outside concerns so that God's voice, guidance and presence may be heard and felt more easily.

GIVE THANKS

Why is giving thanks necessary? Without gratefulness, we become arrogant and self-centered. Learning to be thankful acknowledges the fact that it is not through our own strength, intelligence or abilities that we have achieved what we have accomplished. God wants us to be thankful for all the gifts and graces we have received from Him. Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship with our God and keeps in check the negative mindset that will rob us of the peace that God wants us to experience.

Jimmy Dimaculangan, North Cluster Head, points out that the best way of expressing thankfulness is by putting it into action.

CFC ANCOP Vancouver's Kickoff for 2016

The last weekend of the first month of the year saw a gathering of workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Primarily composed of Couples for Christ members, the assembly was a remarkable representation of ANCOP volunteers, chapter coordinators, chapter leaders, cluster leaders and area leaders. They discussed the highlights of the previous year and outlined plans and projects for 2016. The objective of the kickoff event was to keep everyone on the same page, share ideas and learn from each other.

   

Alwin Yambao, ANCOP Vancouver Area Coordinator takes the floor and underscores the importance of service while spotlighting the progress and achievements of 2015.

Several key ANCOP Vancouver events of 2016 are outlined in a powerpoint presentation.  

Edna Garrucho, ANCOP Canada Communications & Editorial Consultant, touches key financial aspects and highlights the increasing trend in ANCOP Walk participation levels. 

One of several break out groups meant to encourage discussion and generate ideas. 

The North Cluster Team pens their plan of action. 

Expanding CFC Vancouver's Reach Through Evangelization

The Evangelization Rally has usually been a platform to assemble the troops, pass along mandates and inspire them into action. For 2016, the directive of "strengthening the core and expanding the reach" could not have come at the perfect time for Couples for Christ in the Greater Vancouver Area. This means bringing the "CFC life and mission to a higher level," says Jimmy Arzadon who heads the CFC GVA. He calls on all CFC members to deepen their spiritual formation, to intensify the call to strengthen the family, to spread the Good News and to care for the poor.

Jimmy Arzadon, Greater Vancouver Area Head and National Council Member, addresses the colour-coded crowd. The E-Rally is one of the largest event of the year that brings together members of CFC and its Family Ministries (YFC, KFC, HOLD and SFC).

Owing to a continuous growth in numbers, Jimmy Arzadon announces the introduction of a new cluster into the GVA. He is flanked, from left to right, by Jimmy Dimaculangan, North Cluster Head; Alex Boquiren, Family Ministries Head; Elmer Tangco, East Cluster Head; Henjie San Juan, West Cluster Head; and Rene Perez, South Cluster Head. The North Cluster is composed of the chapters in St. Francis the Sales in Burnaby, Our Lady of Fatima in Coquitlam, and Holy Trinity in North Vancouver. The East Cluster is composed of the chapters in Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Matthew's both in Surrey, and St. Anne in Abbotsford. The West Cluster is composed of the chapters in St. Patrick, St. Mary's and Corpus Christi all in Vancouver. The South Cluster is composed of the chapters in St. Paul and St. Monica both in Richmond, and St. Bernadette in Surrey.

As a means to expand CFC's reach, Elmer Tangco of the East Cluster highlights the diligence needed in the conduct of Christian Life Programs (CLPs), and the extensive and deliberate utilization of social media.

The E-Rally began (and ended) with uplifting and spirit-filling praise and worship.

South Cluster presentation 

Kids for Christ presentation

West Cluster presentation

Handmaids of the Lord presentation

A significant development in the Life and Mission of CFC GVA are full time pastoral workers who increase support for mission work. FTPWs, from left to right, are Hannah Pambuan, Anton Brosas and Henjie San Juan who lend assistance to the YFC, SFC and CFC, respectively.