CFC Vancouver's First Fruit for 2014

I have previously wondered what "first fruits" was all about. Since joining the CFC some years back, my spouse and I have only participated in one similar activity. We never fully understood what it meant but we went through the process because it was prescribed. As we go through life and find meaning in everything that we do, we learn to appreciate what we have and take in the lessons that the world has to offer. We learn to be more thankful of our blessings and misfortunes. We come to an awareness of offering back to God everything that we have and own; after all everything is originally His. At the risk of sounding cliche, we come to understand that offering our time, talent, and treasure in the service of others is one way of bringing honour and glory to our God.

It is by offering a portion of what we own that we are sanctifying the rest. If a part of what we possess is made holy then surely the rest is also holy.

To our brothers and sisters in faith who were unable to join us in this year's gathering, we would like to bring the event to you and share in the wonderful blessing of the Lord's presence in our speakers and fellowmen, as we enjoin you to take part next year. On a side note, it isn't too late to offer our "first fruits" to God.

At point, was Andrew Chua who presided over the Sector's first activity of the year.

The Music Ministry, with their dedication and melodic rendition of praise and worship songs, always able and ready to lead us into singing praises to the Lord.

Father Glenn Dion, Rector of the Holy Rosary Cathedral, and CFC's Spiritual Director gave an enlightening talk on First Fruits. He challenged us to be critical of how we spend and observe our time if we are to bring honour and glory to God. Being "on time" for Holy Mass and other activities are some examples where we can show our commitment in sharing our time.

Fr. Dion also pointed out that our talents, our efforts, our expertise and all the things that we are good at doing should benefit others. "It is easy to do it towards people you love or know," he said, and he challenged us to go "beyond the home territory" and to reach out to a "broader spectrum" of society. He added that volunteerism is key.

Reaching behind the lectern, Fr. Dion grabbed and spoke about the Sunday envelopes and Project Advance as a visible means where we could share our treasures. To aid us in considering which charitable institutions to support, he suggested that we decide on the matter early on. "Premeditated giving" helps us in decision-making and in focusing our resources and our time.

Rita Chua recounts a story on being generous and receiving back even more. 

Participants list their blessings of health, talents, skills, capabilities, work, career, sources of livelihood, family and community among many others.

Rita Chua instructs participants.

Jimmy Arzadon addresses the crowd.

The altar where the offerings in form of tithes or first fruits are presented.

Members of CFC's Family Ministries also participated. Young and old thanked God. The unavailability of a family member did not deter families from making their offerings. 

This year's First Fruits Gathering was held at a jam-packed hall at St. Patrick's Church in Vancouver, BC.