ANCOP Walk Vancouver Hits the Mark

It was a truly blessed day when more than 1300 souls converged at the Burnaby Central Park on August 24 for the 11th annual fund raiser, the ANCOP Walk 2014. Organizers for this year's much talked about event targeted a thousand participants and they were not disappointed by virtue of the huge turn-out of walkers from various disciplines, race, culture, influences and advocacies. Regardless of age, young and old responded to the call of reaching out to the less fortunate through child sponsorship and shelter provision. Perennial supporters Couples for Christ (CFC) and its family ministries were accompanied by an encouraging participation of businesses, associations, schools and families who have come to join the action in raising much needed funds to help the plight of the poor.

Participating CFC family ministries included the Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ, Kids for Christ, and Handmaids of the Lord which had the single largest delegation in the event. Long-time partner Holy Cross Regional High School, its faculty and students were also on hand to show their support. Grade 12 student and media sensation Courtney Barich, who after being deeply moved by what she witnessed during an earlier mission trip to the Philippines, turned in a check totalling over $15,000.00, an amount she raised through social media by foregoing her dream red chiffon gown and donning a burlap potato sack dress to her prom. The Tessa Beauchamp Foundation, a foundation created in honour of the Holy Cross high school senior who would have wanted to be part of another mission team but succumbed to cancer in 2012, sponsored three children in AVANAI in Metro Manila, an ANCOP community where the same foundation early this year donated a house.

By far it was the liveliest and most festive ANCOP Walk ever witnessed. The Aklanon Sto. Nino Association of BC Band marched and drummed entertaining live music for hours on end. The cast of Right Here Write Now, a musical play slated for November of this year, gave engaging sneak previews of the production that will have ANCOP as one of its beneficiaries. The Kids for Christ also performed a refreshing song and dance number to the delight of the audience.

The ANCOP Walk 2014 is a fund raising event held in Vancouver and in other key cities across the country. Rene Garrucho, ANCOP Coordinator for British Columbia, prayed that every step we take should be "an occasion to shed our weight of indifference to those who scavenge food in the dumps, to street children who are unable to go to school and to people without shelter from the destructive elements." He went further to petition that the event should "build our muscles of compassion for the poor, and of mercy on those who desire to get out of the cycle of poverty." In a statement, he looks forward to next year's ANCOP Walk as he envisions a "bigger and wider participation from CFC and non-CFC sectors, in line with the vision of ANCOP Canada for a stronger and more purposive work that would impact our global ANCOP work."

The ribbon, marking the starting point, lies in wait as everyone gets ready.

Last minute registrants flock the registration booth manned by Handmaids of the Lord members. 

This year's ANCOP Walk aims to generate a wider participation from CFC and non-CFC members and also to promote the institution as a charity of choice.

As the stage is set, so is ANCOP's vision of developing poverty-free and sustainable communities fashioned out of Christ's transforming love for the poor.

With all systems giving a green light, emcees Rosette Correa and Rene Trinidad called the event to order.

In his prayer, Rene Garrucho, ANCOP Coordinator for BC, quotes Blessed Mother Theresa that, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." 

Philippine Vice Consul General Rogelio Villanueva addresses the crowd as they "walk the talk" and make a difference in the lives of the poor.

Participants and guests, sponsors and the media, gather for a short program prior to the Walk proper.  

Courtney Barich and the Tessa Beauchamp Foundation present their checks to ANCOP in support of sponsoring children to school.

Warm-up exercises being led by the ladies of the Handmaids of the Lord. 

Dignitaries and guests surround the starting line as Philippine Vice Consul General Rogelio Villanueva cuts the ribbon.

The 11th annual ANCOP Walk commences preceded by the Aklanon Sto. Nino Association of BC Band which played live music until all the walkers have returned.

Kids for Christ perform a song and dance number.

The cast of the musical production Right Here Write Now (in red shirts) gives a sneak peak of their play scheduled for November 16 and 29 at the River Rock and Bell Theaters, respectively.

Jimmy Arzadon, CFC Vancouver Area head acknowledges everyone for the success of the event and announces, "Today what you did, in those small steps you did around the park, you have made a big difference in someone's life." He adds, "Just show up and things will happen. Indeed, today things happened."

Gearing Up for Bike for ANCOP

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist and you would want to take part in something amazing this summer, perhaps consider participating in B.Club's Bike for ANCOP happening this Saturday, August 9, at the Lion's Park in Port Coquitlam, BC. The club which belongs to CFC Tri-City Chapter is currently hard at work to ensure that this year's charity cycling event would be fun, safe and meaningful.


Depending on your comfort level, you will be given the option to choose an 8KM, 18KM or a 25KM route taking take you through the Traboulay PoCo Trail that encircles the city.

This flat walking and cycling trail is suitable for exploring at any time of the year. The trail traverses a varied landscape that includes forest and creek, meadow and marsh, riverfront and urban development.1

The paved Downtown section winds through areas where local residents live, play and work. It’s well used by recreational users as well as bicycle commuters. From there, cycle through the serene and historic Colony Farm section, which features more than 150 bird species and is one of the most biodiverse parts of the region.1

Along the south Pitt River, the trail winds past the Citadel Landing boardwalk, Peace Park and river-based industry, while offering views of the river and Douglas Island. Next is the Deboville Slough and north Pitt River section, which features splendid views of farmland and the mountains. From there, continue on to enjoy the cool shade from the tall trees along the Coquitlam River and Hyde Creek sections – particularly refreshing on a hot day.1

According to the event organizers, all participants will be assigned marshals who will brief you on the do's and dont's before your bike ride. They will be your guide all throughout the route. Please bring your helmets, sunscreen and water bottles as they are a must. When using the trail, please remember to always stay on the right side and be courteous of other bikers, walkers, joggers, skaters and other users of the trail.

Assembly time is 8:00 am at 2300 Lion's Way, Port Coquitlam, BC. Please contact Mike and Sheila Carino at 604.307.1442 or 778.387.0651.

Now is a good time to check on your bikes!



 1.  www.portcoquitlam.ca/Citizen_Services/Parks_and__Recreation/Parks_and_Trails/Traboulay_PoCo_Trail.htm

Click here for your registration form.

Click here for the pledge form.

Click here for the PoCo Traboulay Trail.

Christian Life Program Culminates at Abbotsford

Situated some 45 kms southeast of Surrey, the City of Abbotsford played host to a group of commendable servants who have collectively contributed their untiring effort to make the Christian Life Program (CLP) a resounding success. Distance did not play a factor as they organized 12 consecutive weeks of talks, discussions and sharings. Like any other CLPs conducted in the Greater Vancouver Area, they have gone through countless challenges and they have overcome them triumphantly.

These couple-servants are men and women who belong to the Abbotsford unit of the Surrey 2 Chapter who have shared their time, resources and skills to ensure that the program ran accordingly. Akin to a mother giving birth to her child, they have laboured in God's vineyard and have harvested six (6) delightful couples all of whom acknowledged a divine presence at work in their lives. With their roster increased, they have now augmented the household prayer groups in Abbotsford to four.

Resting on their laurels is far off from their minds, though. With the city tagged as having the third highest proportion of visible minorities in Canada, next only to Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver, they know the harvest is plenty. They are envisioned to blossom into a distinct chapter in a couple of years. They know the road to be travelled will be long and narrow but it will be undaunting, nonetheless. With brothers and sisters in the community helping each other out, and with God's graces and guidance, they will continue to thrive as they carry out the work of evangelization.

Rene Navarro leads the group in prayer. As Team Leader, he oversees the dynamics of the Christian Life Program with special focus on the participants and the teaching aspect.

The Music Ministry makes songs and singing in the spirit effortless and inspiring.

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Sector Head, delivers the talk on the "Transformation in Christ," the final topic in a 12-session Christian Life Program. 

Participants pay close attention to the speaker while existing CFC members listen in on the talk. There will always be something different from every resource person.

Service Team members at the registration table and those from the Ablaze Ministry tune in at the lecturer.

With the talk in progress, the Team Leader and the Team Leader's wife, Monique, huddle and consult with Chito Marfori, Unit Head for Abbotsford.

Working in the sidelines, Aldrin Luistro helps in the preparation of the token bags. He is instrumental in inviting most of the couple participants in attendance.

Monique Navarro deliberates with Art Carpizo, who heads a household group in Abbotsford.

With the talk coming to a close, Jimmy Arzadon instructs the participants to remain on their seats and invites all others to stand as the attendees are prayed over.

A WORLD ON FIRE. In a perfect world, it would always be a world "on fire."

Dedication and Sharing of Our New Brothers & Sisters

Carlo & Jen receive a crucifix as a token for their perfect attendance in the program. They are grateful for having been invited and encourage their batch mates to continue their journey towards Christ.

Ben & Mercedes cite the unending support from the service team which gave them inspiration to finish the CLP. 

Despite conflicting schedules, Dennis & Odessa complete the Christian Life Program. 

Denis & Anne believe their presence in the CLP has a higher purpose and they look forward for an opportunity to serve.

Peter & Glo admit divine providence being instrumental for their participation in the CLP.

Louie & Maricar thank CFC and the service team for bringing their family closer to one another.

Monique Navarro describes the treasures in the bag given to each couple participant. 

Our newest batch of brothers and sisters in Christ takes notice.

As a time-honoured observance, "The Graduates" render a song and dance number.

Congratulations and welcome to the family!

The Abby Unit

ELAMPARO Household headed by George & Dinah.

NAVARRO Household headed by Rene & Monique.

CARPIZO Household headed by Art & Eden.

CARLOS Household headed by Pat & Mariz.

CFC Vancouver Shows Its Appreciation for the Clergy

To express gratitude and recognition for the encouragement and support for all its endeavours and for allowing it to be one with the Holy Catholic Church, Couples for Christ (CFC) Vancouver recently hosted a Clergy Appreciation Dinner & Fellowship at the Peach Arch Provincial Park Hall. The casual dinner was set up to honour the clergy as CFC celebrates its 20th year of existence in Canada. It was and is through their untiring support to our evangelization work that CFC in Canada was born; Vancouver was the location where Couples for Christ convened its very first Christian Life Program in the country.

The Appreciation Dinner was well attended by members of both the clergy and the laity. His Grace, The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, appeared at the function along with the pastors and priests from different parishes. CFC elders and leaders from the Lower Mainland came in numbers to signify their support and thanksgiving. It was an opportunity for CFC to pray in unity for the priesthood, to get to know more about them on a more personal level and to thank them for their dedication and service to the people of God.

The Reverend Father Patrick Chisholm of Our Lady of Fatima in Coquitlam, BC says grace before the meal.

Members of the clergy and special guests at the buffet table.

Kids for Christ perform a special number during dinner.

The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, applauds the children's performance.

After individually acknowledging the presence of invited guests, the emcee, Nick Borja, CFC Pastoral Formation National Coordinator, breaks the ice by sharing out-of-the-box church signs which he encountered during his travels. His personal favourite: "Honk if you love Jesus. Text while driving if you want to meet Him." 

The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, expresses his appreciation in Couples for Christ's active participation in the Archdiocese.

Henjie San Juan of the CFC Vancouver Area Governance Team leads the opening worship. He recites a prayer for the sanctification of priests and invokes that they may be strengthened and healed by the power of the Eucharist.

"My Soul Magnifies the Lord" - Sector Music Ministry

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Area Director, speaking in behalf of CFC gives thanks to the clergy for allowing and helping Couples for Christ to thrive in the parishes. He affirms a previous statement made by The Most Reverend J. Michael Miller during the Eucharistic Congress in 2012, that the laity is no longer viewed as collaborators but rather "co-responsibles" for the churches actions and being.

Rita Chua acts as game master and inside informant. She shares information gathered about our clergy and challenges everyone to a guessing game.

The Reverend Father Terry Larkin raises his arms while shouting "That's me!"  We learned that Fr Terry speaks Tagalog.

DIFFERING OPINIONS. Everyone enjoying a good laugh during a light moment of the program.

Anita Aytona speaks on behalf of Rev. Fr. Patrick Tepoorten of IC Delta Parish. She later goes on to read his thoughts during their ANCOP Mission trip to the Philippines in March 2014. Fr. Patrick who is the outgoing Archbishop's representative to Holy Cross High School, wishes to be part of the next mission trip in 2016.

The Peach Arch Provincial Park Hall packed with attendees attentively listening to the exploits of the Holy Cross Mission Team as shared by Anita Aytona.

Jimmy Dimaculangan of the Vancouver Area Governance Team, presents a bird's-eye-view of the organizational structure of the Couples for Christ and how everyone is related and linked to one other so that no one is by himself. 

Rev. Fr. Glenn Dion, Spiritual Director of CFC gives the closing remarks. After ten years serving at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, he will be moving to the parish with three churches, the Star of the Sea Parish.

After distributing family prayer cards, Rev. Fr. Glenn Dion enjoins the congregation in prayer.

Behind the Scenes

Behind-the-scene shots can be viewed here:

http://jon2ejavier.blogspot.ca/2014/07/cfc-vancouver-clergy-appreciation.html 

Thank you.