Couples for Christ Joins ONE Conference

Couples for Christ (CFC), an international Catholic lay ecclesial movement, participated in the Vancouver Archdiocese's ONE Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre at Canada Place last February 14. The ONE Conference is an annual Archdiocesan event aimed at cultivating, uniting, and inspiring leadership for the Archdiocesan mission. The event featured world-class speakers who travelled a good distance to share their wisdom.

The Ministry Fair featured exhibits that allowed attendees to learn more about the many and varied ministries and organizations in the Archdiocese, and allowed an opportunity to view and purchase resources for evangelization and faith formation.

Aside from being exhibitors, a good number of CFC members were part of the Executive and the Steering Committees. Several youth volunteers assisted in the conduct and administration of the event.
 

His Grace, J. Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver delivers the opening remarks. He invites everyone to bring the joy of the gospel to those who are confused and broken in spirit.

Strengthening Your Inner Life in Challenging Times

Dr. Robert Wicks, a faculty of Loyola University Maryland and recipient of the Papal Medal from Saint Pope John Paul II, discusses spiritual and psychological approaches to maintaining perspective and inner strength in challenging times. He offers insights into how we can remain resilient and, in turn, extend our warmth to others without losing our own inner fire in the process.

Remember You Are Loved

Martha Fernandez-Sardina, a bilingual international speaker and ministry consultant, speaks about Love at the heart of the New Evangelization and the Message of Pope Francis.

Between breaks, spouses Fred & Malou Tejada engage attendees while manning the Couples for Christ exhibit. 

Forming Intentional Disciples

Keith Strohm, Director of Faith Formation for Queen of the Rosary Parish in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, speaks about forming intentional disciples and the lay apostolate.

Nick Borja, Norma Borja and Jimmy Arzadon visit the Couples for Christ exhibit. CFC is one among over 60 ministries and exhibitors in the conference.

Having a distinct brand and flavour, Couples for Christ - Youth showcase their passion.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller delivers the homily in the Mass that capped the event.

CFC Vancouver Gathers for Leaders' Assembly

Servant leaders of Couples for Christ and its family ministries located in the Greater Vancouver Area converged February 7 at the auditorium of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) Parish for the annual Leaders' Assembly. The event is an opportunity to learn from teachings arising from this year's CFC theme: Love More.

Elmer Tangco, East Cluster Head, leads the opening exhortation and worship. He shares a verse in Hebrews 13:16 "Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." 

Mark Bawagan, Tri-City Chapter Head, quotes scripture in building his talk. He states that it is easy to be busy with work, business and careers that people fail to live lives of ardent devotion to Jesus. 

Do You Love Me?

This was the question asked of Simon by Jesus after having breakfast with His disciples soon after His resurrection. The same question was asked three times. What was the significance of this? Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times? Was Peter slow to comprehend or was he hard of hearing?

Perhaps not. Perhaps numbers are relevant in the interplay of words. Perhaps Peter was being encouraged about his upcoming responsibilities. Perhaps the importance of the task ahead was being impressed upon him.

Loving God is not an option; it's a responsibility. Do we love only by words? Do we risk being ridiculed, abandoned or rejected?

Chito & MaryAnn Marfori hands over to Alwin & Melody Yambao, ANCOP Coordinators for Vancouver, a check of over $12,500.00, the amount raised by St. Matthew's Parish and volunteers for ANCOP during the musical Right Here Write Now. 

Rene Perez, Family Ministries Head, leads the afternoon prayers.

Nick Borja, CFC Pastoral Formation National Coordinator, facilitates a workshop.

There's nothing like an icebreaker to counteract that mid-afternoon crash.

Participants break into groups to discuss and to share.

The Presenters

Robert Séne of Singles for Christ: Travel light and trust in the Lord. Believe that we are not alone as He will send people.

Flor Agad of Handmaids of the Lord: We are both sheep and shepherd. Constantly seek spiritual nourishment through teachings. Continue shepherding the flock when given the opportunity.

Alex & Tin Velasco of CFC Victoria: Seek to know more about your flock to help keep them ablaze. Be humble, accept mistakes, discern and pray.

Reggie Robles of CFC Vancouver 1: Inspire members through musical abilities. Forge ahead with prayer meetings even if attendance is less than ideal.

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Area Head, delivers the second talk for the day.

Feed My Sheep

This was the instruction given to Peter. It signifies the importance of tending the flock of Christ. It means that if we are to love Christ, we are to look after and care for our brethren. The repeated instructions given to Peter humbles and reminds him that he denied Christ three times. However, despite such blunder, Peter was forgiven, restored and reconciled.

Call to Shepherding - We are to support, nourish and love (not lord over) those whom we serve

Call to Evangelization - We are to go out and reach out to nominal Christians

Call to Love More - We are to show our gratefulness for the love, mercy and compassion that the Lord has offered us by loving God and loving neighbour even more.

Paolo Dantes of Youth for Christ caps the day with praise and worship. 

CFC leaders in Greater Vancouver gather for this year's Leaders' Assembly.

CFC Surrey 2 Chapter Initiates Its General Assembly

Customarily held during the first Saturday of the month, a general assembly (GA) was convened by the Surrey 2 Chapter last February 7, its first GA of the year. It was a remarkable night as close to seventy (70) individuals came to worship, learn and fellowship with brothers and sister in faith.

A delightful activity revealed the "five love languages" which outlines five ways to express and experience love: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Zaldy Cortes leads the opening worship.

Jim Diaz explains the mechanics of the night's activity.

The "words of affirmation" group giggles upon learning that verbal compliments and words of appreciation are enough reasons to send their spirits skyward.

The "quality time" group listens as they are given full and undivided attention.

The "acts of service" group smiles when they discovered that they tend to seek to please their partners and express their love by serving them or doing things for them.

Comparing notes?

Aldrin & Flory Luistro performs an amusing skit. 

Belle Diaz expounds on the significance of the activity.

Malou Guevarra shares endearing ways her husband Jun show her his love.

Grace Zulueta relates how she and husband Dennis spend their time together.

The newest CLP graduates are welcomed and introduced. 

Elmer Tangco invites everyone to the forthcoming Liveloud Praise Concert.

Vic & Carol Baniqued announce programs intended for the KFC.

Birthday and anniversary celebrants stand in front of the congregation, as they are prayed over.

Covenant Orientation Arranged at Surrey

A covenant orientation was conducted January 31 at the St. Matthew's elementary school gymnasium by the Surrey 2 Chapter. The intensive half-day activity is part of the first-year formation program for all Couples for Christ (CFC) members. It focuses on the basic elements of the covenant entered into towards the end of a Christian Life Program. It aims to deepen the commitment of members to their life and calling in CFC.

It is worthwhile to note that aside from Surrey 2 members, also in attendance were brothers and sisters from neighbouring chapters in Surrey 3 and Richmond. The service team, speakers, elders and the music ministry were also on hand to show their support. A few weeks earlier, a similar Covenant Orientation was administered by the chapter in Abbotsford.

Carmel Cosico cites the living covenant God wants us to enter into to establish a lasting relationship with the Almighty. 

Participants and service team members assemble and line up for a drill.

In a huddle, an opposing group listens to instructions. 

To emphasize points in her teaching, Carmel Cosico gives directions to another group.

Everyone rediscovers the fun in learning.

Jason Soliven quotes the gospel as he expounds on the importance of prayer and scripture in the growth of Christian life.

Pete De la Paz shares his wisdom in strengthening family life.

Joanne Cardeno discusses the Christian culture in Couples for Christ.

Covenant Orientation participants.

Covenant Orientation participants and support groups.