Couples for Christ (CFC)
Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. The members have committed themselves to the Lord and to one another so that they may grow in maturity as men and women of God and fulfill their primary vocation of raising up families under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God.
Couples for Christ is a work of the Lord which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to spreading the Good News of the liberation of humanity from sin, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
MISSION
BUILDING THE CHURCH OF THE HOME AND THE CHURCH OF THE POOR
We are Couples for Christ. We are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service; we shall work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and, we shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor.
WHEN AND WHERE DID COUPLES FOR CHRIST BEGIN?
CFC began in 1981 in Manila, Philippines when a local Christian community tried a new approach in evangelizing married couples. The method used consisted of bringing together a small group of prospective couples in a private home. There they were brought to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to a renewal of the power of the Holy Spirit through a series of weekly informal discussions of the gospel in a social setting. Soon, CFC became a Christian Family Life Renewal Program made available to parishes and groups of married couples who wish to live their Christian life in an active, supportive relationship with one another.
Through the years, CFC has blossomed into a worldwide ministry, becoming a major force for the renewal of Christian family life and also of the Church.
In 1993, CFC established its Family Ministries. These are the CFC Kids for Christ (KFC), CFC Youth for Christ (YFC), CFC Singles for Christ (SFC), CFC Handmaids of the Lord(HOLD), and CFC Servants of the Lord (SOLD). This has provided a “womb-to-tomb” renewal ministry, where persons are evangelized at the youngest age and sustained as they grow through the different stages and states of life.
CFC came to Canada in 1994, when a group of immigrants from the community started holding prayer meetings and organized Christian Life Programs in Richmond, British Columbia and in Toronto, Ontario. As CFC continues its massive work the present generation builds the foundation of the future as married couples, committed singles, or religious men and women who came from our Family Ministries.
IS COUPLES FOR CHRIST RECOGNIZED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
Yes. On 11 March 2000, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed recognition of Couples for Christ as an International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right.
WHY IS SUCH A MINISTRY NECESSARY?
It is God’s plan that the family be the basic unit of society. However, there are many forces in the world today that would, wittingly or unwittingly, destroy the very foundations of the family. CFC wants to rise in defense of the family, which is God’s work. CFC wants to bring God’s strength and light to those who are struggling to be truly Christian families in the modern world.
HOW IS COUPLES FOR CHRIST UNIQUE AS A MOVEMENTS?
- It fosters deep spiritual renewal which involves personal conversion, developing a personal relationship with Jesus, and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- It focuses on the family, with emphasis on their growing together in their Christian lives.
- It provides continuing support and formation, recognizing that programs can only plant a seed, but that growth is a long and difficult process.
- It concentrates on evangelization, reaching out to more and more people, in line with the Church’s call for lay people to participate actively in the building of God’s kingdom on earth.
CFC intends to carry out its work by focusing on 3 specific objectives:
INDIVIDUAL RENEWAL. CFC takes the basic message of Christianity and proclaims it anew so that those who hear it can make a renewed commitment to God in a way that will allow them to receive a fuller experience of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
FAMILY RENEWAL. As individuals renew their commitment to God, they also renew their commitment to their families, which filters down to all their relationships.
CHURCH RENEWAL. As individuals and families are renewed, they form a network of equally committed families that not only support one another but also strengthen the Church of which they are members.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN A PARISH DERIVE IN WELCOMING CFC AND ITS FAMILY MINISTRIES?
- Couples are renewed and strengthened in their Christian lives. Strong couples make for strong families, which make a strong parish.
- A basic CFC objective is to be relevant to the life of the Church, specifically in the parish. CFC members are expected to support their parish priests and be available for parish services.
- CFC can be effectively used in the strategic evangelization of parishioners who are potentially strong servants and workers for the parish.
- CFC has proven to be an effective tool for fostering unity among mandated organizations and other parish groups, by redirecting leaders to focus on the Lord rather than on their service.
- CFC can be a conduit for social action in the parish, one of our objectives being the spiritual and economic upliftment of our less fortunate brethren.
- CFC can hasten the formation of a strong, vibrant community.
- CFC members can be tapped to serve in many important parish services, such as Eucharistic Ministry, Choir, Pre-Marriage Counseling, NFP, etc.
Any validly married Catholic couple, or adult can become members of CFC or its Family Ministries. Although a Catholic movement/organization, CFC remains open to having non-Catholic Christians as members. CFC draws its membership from all sectors of society, young and old, rich and poor, etc. CFC transcends all cultural, economic, educational, social and other distinctions.
Those who want to join CFC, SFC, HOLD or SOLD go through a seminar that is called the Christian Life Program (CLP). Likewise, weekend camps are held for teens (YFC) and young children (KFC).
Click here for more information on the Christian Life Program.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM?
After the CLP a formal invitation is extended to join the community. Upon joining new members are made part of a small cell group called a household. The household is composed 5 to 7 couples or singles who meet weekly for mutual support and encouragement in the Christian life under the direction of a household leader.
The household meeting is held in the homes of the group members on a rotation basis. A typical meeting would involve some time for prayers, a time for sharing or discussion, and finally, some time for food and fellowship. It would normally last about 2.5 hours.
HOW ABOUT CHRISTIAN FORMATION?
Completing the CLP is just the beginning of a long process of growth and transformation in Christ. As such, CFC provides a continuing program of Christian formation, which includes teachings, recollections, retreats, etc.
After the CLP, there is continuing formation throughout the life of a community member. Pastoral guidance is extended to members through a vast network of cell groups called households composed of 5-7 members led by a household head. The household meets once a week, on the same day of the week as mutually agreed on by its members. The household meetings are held in the homes of the group members, on rotation basis from week to week. There are 3 basic ingredients in a typical household meeting: prayer &worship, sharing or discussion, and fellowship. Further, unit heads lead household heads, chapter heads lead unit heads and cluster heads lead chapter heads. Overall direction is provided by a national council.
Formation continues on in general prayer assemblies, annual conferences, leadership summits, mission trips, outreach and socio-renewal activities, Christian fellowship, etc. Support in, and through CFC is intended for a lifetime.
See also: Kenya mission.
Courtesy of: couples for Christ Canada.
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