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.

CFC Vancouver Clergy Appreciation Dinner Behind-the-Scenes

As promised, I am posting several candid and behind-the scene shots taken during the Clergy Appreciation Dinner which was organized by Couples for Christ Vancouver to mark its 20th year in Canada. Hope you'll like them.

Tech Check. Rene Perez, Family Ministries Head, serves as the technical director in the Appreciation Dinner event.

Rev. Patrick Chisolm, Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools, chats with Anita Aytona, a CFC member and Holy Cross teacher.

OLGC Huddle. CFC members Tess Briones, Aida Domingo and Senen Alcos, all belonging to Our Lady of Good Counsel chapter come together in a huddle.

Noli Arzadon, Western Canada Head, at the base guitar.

Rev. Fr. Glenn Dion, CFC Spiritual Director, listens to a CFC member.

Jeffrey Javier of OLGC, notices the camera aimed at his direction and pulls off a smile.

Fraternal Huddle. Ethel Perez, Bing Rodas and Ogie Evangelista

Mic Test. Grace Boquiren and Brenda Navao, Music Ministry vocalists.

St Matthew's Huddle. Mary Ann Marfori and Zony De la Paz.

His Grace, the Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver.

Another Fraternal Huddle. Cesar Rodas and Chong Evangelista.

Jimmy Dimaculangan, West Cluster Head confers with Central Cluster Head Henjie San Juan.

Anna Marie Armea and Virgie Basbas man the buffet table.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Smith of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Burnaby, at the buffet table.

Members of the clergy enjoying the night.

Jimmy and Liza Arzadon, CFC Vancouver Area leaders enjoying the night.

Rev. Fr. George Atok, SDB, of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, stands after being acknowledged.

A KFC member looks at an older KFC member for guidance.

Thumbs up.

Gerry Andrada of Burnaby/New Westminster Chapter shows his answer during a game.

Inverted B?