Why We Attend Our General Assembly (Surrey 2's first GA under a new overseer)

We all come from varied backgrounds and experiences and each one of us possesses unique personal circumstances only we ourselves can understand. Yet if we listen closely, our hearts yearn to commune with our brethren despite the divergence.  We choose to be one with our brothers and sisters because we were created as social beings. We choose to leave the comfort of our homes and spend time to associate with others.

In Couples for Christ, the General Assembly (GA) provides such an avenue where we can catch up and learn from one another. Usually held monthly, this chapter activity brings to fore the importance of community.

Last weekend's GA was an eventful start for the Surrey 2 Chapter as it forges ahead under a new leadership. Many continued to show their support by the simple act of showing up.

Meticulously planned, Surrey 2 holds its first General Assembly for the year at the Jubilee Hall of St. Matthew's Parish.

We attend the General Assembly for many reasons and I have listed a few common ones.

Singing praises to our Heavenly Father is regarded as a form of worship. The Bible contains over 400 references to singing and 50 direct commands to sing.

The Music Ministry has certainly come a long way. Those who are musically inclined and gifted are invited to join in the regular practice.

Members engage in praise and worship songs.

A wealth of knowledge and wisdom can be downloaded by listening to the teachings and sharings of the speakers. They often volunteer life lessons and experiences that serve as inspiration.

Chapter leader Jim Diaz leads the opening praise and worship where he calls on the Lord to take free reign in our lives.  He continues to praise the Lord and tells our Heavenly Father that He is larger than our own lives.

Pete Dela Paz reminds us that our ministry extends beyond the church. He points out that we should be setting good examples as other people especially our children are observant of our actions.

Ed Cosico, seen here with spouse Carmel, discloses that as a result of his family background and upbringing, he used to have a hardened heart remiss of compassion. He has now come full circle after realizing that there are people who look up to him as a role model. He further declares that there is no room for a double life; that we should embody what CFC teaches, whether we are in church or at work.

Belle Diaz asserts that CFC is truly a global community evidenced by the time when her son stayed at a CFC sister's residence during a YFC conference in Calgary.

Jun Guevarra, flanked by son Isaac and spouse Malou, testifies that evangelization starts from the home because it is not easy to show our love to those who are near us. They gave witness that God has moved them as a family and that they are now family evangelizers.

Reggie Cardeno holds his Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics jacket to emphasize that the same fire, zeal, passion and commitment felt during the games should be the same qualities exuded in pursuit of spiritual growth.

Chito Marfori, whose colourful history deserves a separate chronicle, summons us to render service not only when times are easy but also when it is difficult and challenging. He tells us to love those who cannot reciprocate our love. 

Fellowship is an opportunity for us to meet and mingle with members from other households. It allows us to encounter brothers and sisters who are familiar in faces but whom we cannot seem to associate a name with. Let us take that first step in knowing them more.

All smiles and laughter during this ice breaker moment.

Food. We gather in communion with our brothers and sisters to feed our souls. In the GA, we also feed the body.

No gathering would be complete without food. We are encouraged to share whatever we can.

Prayer and blessing. Those celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries are prayed over by the multitude. The more prayers there are, the better we are heard.

Birthday celebrants Art Carpizo, Didith Lachica, Becky Noriega and George Elamparo sit close together as prayers for blessings are recited for them.

Announcements and reminders are often done during GAs.

Gerry Petines holds a check while he announces to the body that Surrey 2 topped Ablaze Ministry's sales figure for 2013. The check was turned over to the Chapter.

There are times when the General Assembly will be held jointly with another chapter or with the whole cluster. In any which case, let us continuously show our support to our leaders and organizers who make each endeavour a meaningful experience. Allowing our presence to be felt builds a kinship with our brothers and sisters and strengthens our commitment to our Creator.

CFC members attentively listen to the speakers. Close to 60 members attended the chapter's initial General Assembly.

Remember, our presence is a blessing to others.




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Helping Out Those Who Help Others

The Holy Cross Regional High School in Surrey is a Catholic school run by the Vancouver Archdiocese. With its thrust in religious and academic excellence, it is ranked as one of the top secondary schools in British Columbia. To ensure that its students receive a well-rounded education, it has included Service as one of its key learning areas. "Students are encouraged to participate in our many service projects not only to help others, but to make a positive change in the world and realize that they are capable of great things even at an early age (www.holycross.bc.ca)."

One such project that many Holy Cross senior students take part of is the Mission Trip to the Philippines where they work in ANCOP communities to help build homes for underprivileged families. "The amount needed to fund each student's plane fare, food, accommodations, house building, and orientation tours is quite substantial (www.holycross.bc.ca)." That is why the Holy Cross Mission Team came up with a Masquerade Gala Dinner Dance Fundraiser last Saturday, February 8 at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Delta.

A contingent of 33 students and 6 teachers will form part of the Mission Team that will help build houses in ANCOP communities in the Philippines. Father Patrick Tepoorten (IC Delta Pastor and the Archbishop's Representative at Holy Cross) will also join the Mission Team.

The event featured a buffet dinner, a silent auction, door prizes, live entertainment, and a cash bar.

The fundraiser was hosted by Laura Lynn Tyler Thompson, comedic speaker and co-host of a national daily show, The 700 Club Canada. It was graced by the presence of Peter Fassbender, Surrey-Fleetwood MLA and Minister of Education, who shows Thompson he still got "the moves."

A tap dance routine, one of several performances presented by students and alumni. 

The Mission Team in a photo op accompanied by Peter Fassbender.

"Mission trips have been a part of our school culture since 1990. It is a wonderful chance for the students to deepen their faith and put it into action. Our students come back truly transformed, due to their first-hand experience in reaching out to the unfortunate, regardless of culture and distance (www.holycross.bc.ca)."


Good luck to the Holy Cross Mission Team!



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CFC Vancouver Leaders' Assembly

Annually, heads of various areas of governance across Vancouver come together at the Leaders' Assembly to broaden their understanding of CFC's theme which for this year is "Behold & Ponder." It is an opportunity to build relationships and increase engagement between other leaders within the sector and its family ministries. It is also an avenue to hear inspiring stories of encouragement and fortitude.

This year, the gathering was held February 8 at the Auditorium of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) in Surrey where approximately 200 leaders converged. 

Owing to a favourable turn out in attendance, Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Head, commends the audience.

Rene Perez, who heads the family ministries, announced that the responsibilities of leaders are: to know God; to love God; and to serve God.

Rene Perez rouses the audience during the opening worship.

Brenda Navoa, flanked by Grace Boquiren, appears animated and effervescent while singing praise and worship songs.

Leader servants participate in praise songs.

Starting with the annunciation, Mother Mary pondered on the events that took place during her lifetime and her response was to believe, to love, and to hope. Following her example, we should "ask ourselves why these things are happening to us," suggested Jojie Catibog. 

Minimalism is the enemy of excellence and the father of mediocrity, according to Jojie Catibog who serves with the National PFO Group.

He cited some common prevailing responses for the seeming lack of leaders in the community:

1. Individualism - best explained when we ask the question: "What's in it for me?"
2. Hedonism - best explained when we declare: "If it feels good, then I'll do it."
3. Minimalism - best explained when we inquire: "What's the least amount I can do?"

To countercheck these challenges, he suggested allotting prayer time by initially starting with one minute; allotting Bible study time by initially starting with one page; allotting a portion of our time, talent, treasure and patience initially by one percent (1%). Taking one small step at a time by starting with one gesture of service per week in the community and the Church, would ultimately increase our spirituality. 

Leading the afternoon worship was Mark Bawagan, Tri-Cities Chapter Head, who encouraged the listeners to remain faithful to the Lord.

In one of Cesar Rodas' travel to the Philippines, he was moved at the resolve of a tricycle driver who openly revealed that he was a unit head of a local CFC chapter. When he reached his intended destination, he was equally amazed when he found out the resort owner is a household leader under the wing of the unit head he met earlier. This goes to say that the Lord will use everyone for His purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit just like Jesus' disciples who were not theologians but were "remarkably unremarkable."

Cesar Rodas, a full time pastoral worker negates the notion that stepping down is the answer when a leader is unsuccessful at attaining a desired position.

"Mary represents us," Cesar Rodas asserted.  "God also calls us.  There are some of us who unlike Mary, do not want to heed God's call. Some feel completely unqualified to do God's will. Nevertheless, when God calls, He knows what He is doing."

It is the fear of the unknown that prevents us from saying "yes" to his plans. And it is for the same reason we should be committing our "yes" to the Lord. Fear prevents us from saying "yes."

Brenda Navoa lovingly looks at his spouse John, recalling the moment she said "yes" to him which she equates as the same commitment in answering God's call, while John Navoa recounts the challenges and contentment in accepting the huge responsibility of handling a chapter.

Aside from deepening our personal relationship with God and our brethren, CFC's strategic priorities for 2014-2016, according to Cesar Rodas, is also to increase the presence of CFC and the Family Ministries in all parishes. In addition, all BCOP (Building the Church of the Poor) programs like the CSP (Child Sponsorship Program) & Cornerstone are to be supported as fullness of the work.

The Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) have the appearance of always being favoured and blessed. Deservedly so, because they have worked hard on every endeavour they train their sights to.  The HOLD has been successful at evangelization work due to the timely dissemination of information. They are "bold" in inviting candidates to the Christian Life Program (CLP) and they see to it that everyone from facilitators to the service team, from speakers to the participants are all prayed over.

Gina Garcia, Handmaids of the Lord from Surrey boasts an average of 80 graduates per year.

Teejay & Katya Juanima of Surrey 1 reminisce the immense obstacles they had to go through before being successful at putting up fund raising projects for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Their efforts meant a lot to them especially to Teejay who hails from Ormoc, Leyte.

Cesar Rodas also stressed the importance of taking care our young couples. Aside from the potential of being groomed as the next set of leaders, they revolve themselves in a greater social circle and thus have the ability to lead more people towards God. These young couples also speak the language very fluently.

Newly installed heads and leaders who have stepped up to a higher calling are prayed over by the congregation.

Attendees share in the expression of exuberance during the closing worship led by Alex Boquiren of the Music Ministry.

CFC Vancouver Evangelization Rally

To behold is to see or to observe; to watch and look at something that catches our attention. It is to witness and gaze upon that which is presented to us.

To ponder is to think about something very carefully especially before making a decision or arriving at a conclusion. It is to contemplate, think about, reflect on and mull over certain aspects of our lives that need thoughtful and conscientious consideration notably those that would ultimately lead us to a higher sense of being.

The last weekend of January signalled CFC Vancouver's kickoff to this year's thematic battle cry: Behold & Ponder. Inspired by verses in the nineteenth chapter of the Book of John, we are reminded to continue to turn to the Blessed Mother and acknowledge her as our own Mother.  To quote the International Council, "She will lead us to Jesus. She will teach us to behold Jesus and ponder His actions in our lives. As God embraces us as His beloved, we shall behold and ponder." 

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother. "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-26)

Filled with the Spirit, John Navoa, newly installed Surrey 3 Chapter Head rallies the congregation to a volley of praise and worship songs. 

Leading the opening worship, John Navoa, reminded the audience that when good things happen to us we tend to take all the credit for the hard work we've done. We forget that our Heavenly Father blesses us with all that we can handle. He reminded us to tame our proud hearts and to remain always grateful.

Brothers and Sisters from the East Cluster, West Cluster and Central Cluster enthusiastically express their acclamation during the opening songs. Also represented were Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), Singles for Christ (SFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC) from the Family Ministries.

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Area Head, recounts a time when Our Lady of Good Counsel's (OLGC) Don Bosco Youth Centre seemed to be an enormous venue which is now becoming smaller and smaller because of the growing presence of CFC members and its family ministries. 

The Couples for Christ as an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement is celebrating its 33rd year anniversary. In Canada, CFC will be marking its 20th year of existence. Numerous accomplishments have been achieved but much remains to be done. One such way of attaining our mission and vision is through evangelization.

In the traditional sense of the word, to 'evangelize' is to preach the Gospel. But we are called to evangelize in varied ways. From preaching like a pastor with his wealth of knowledge in Bible verses to the simplicity of pastoring our own families and being good role models to our neighbours, we are called to grow in holiness. Jimmy Arzadon added that, from building the church of the home to building the church of the poor, we become heroes to our fellowmen by participating in the Shelter and Child Sponsorship Programs of ANCOP. 

He announced that CFC Canada is also being asked to lend a helping hand in establishing CFC communities in Australia and China where in the latter, membership has risen from four couples to 4000 individuals.

Noli Arzadon, who heads Western Canada, points out that CFC community in Canada started in Vancouver with 16 couples in attendance.

Noli Arzadon said that places like Poland, Cuba and Bratislava in Slovakia are areas where we will be needed. These are countries where evangelization work has to prosper. 

With growth comes the inevitability of challenges. CFC is faced with a seeming lack of leaders willing to guide other couples to a spiritual awakening and rediscovery. He added that if there are no committed members then there would be no committed leaders, although he affirmed that the Catholic Church is likewise besieged with same dilemma.

God works for the good of those who works for His cause, and to give inspiration to the attendees, Jim & Belle Diaz shared that serving the Lord does not equate immunity from unfortunate circumstances. They imparted that life will be an emotional and spiritual roller coaster and that if we remain focused we will eventually see the good side of every trial.  

Jim & Belle Diaz, who now co-heads the Surrey 2 Chapter, confide that they once preferred to stay out of the spotlight owing to their reserved demeanor. 

Alex Boquiren is flanked by his spouse Grace and children Genevieve, Griselda, Alexis (partly hidden) and Adrian. Grace reveals that it was in the state of darkness that they have seen the light. 

We'd suppose that having children would be an obstacle to service. Not so, say spouses Alex & Grace Boquiren, who remarked that having them allows them the opportunity to become the 'Abraham' in the new world. Because of their involvement in the community, their offspring are following in their footsteps, who are very much involved in their own ministry. Such was their resolve that all of the children who were present in the assembly spoke in front of the large crowd gathered before them.

Genevieve, Griselda, Alexis and Adrian each took the center stage with ease, a testament to the success of their upbringing. Completing the brood of seven are Angelo, Anthony and Gail.

Culminating the event were entertaining and creative presentations performed by the Clusters and Family Ministries; all embodied the essence of this year's theme: Behold & Ponder.

East Cluster

West Cluster

Central Cluster

Handmaids Of The Lord (HOLD)

Singles For Christ (SFC)

Youth For Christ (YFC)

Arne Arfieza of Surrey 1, alongside his spouse Myrna, holds out his arms in supplication during the closing worship led by Noel Magtibay from the West Cluster.

Approximately 700 attendees participated in the Evangelization Rally.

See more photos from the event here: 

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