Immaculate Conception Church
Ewa, Hawaii
What is Couples for Christ?
Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It is an association of Christian couples who have committed themselves to the Lord and to one another, so that they may grow into maturity as men and women of God and fulfill their primary vocation of raising up their families under the lordship of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God. Couples for Christ is a work of Christ which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to the work of evangelization and winning the world for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It grows mainly through the establishment of localized units in different parishes.
Where and how did CFC begin?
CFC began in 1981 in Manila when a local Christian community tried out 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 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 wised to live out 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.
Why is such a ministry necessary?
It is God's plan that the family is the basic unit of society, such that the families determine the condition 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 up 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 does Couples for Christ intend to work for Christian family renewal?
CFC intends to carry out its work by focusing on three specific objectives:
1. Individual renewal. Before one can even consider the whole family, the husband and wife first need to renew their commitment to God. 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 which will allow them to receive a fuller experience of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
2. Family renewal. As couples renew their commitment to God, they also renew their commitment to one another and to their Christian family life. Gradually, the new life that they find in the Lord filters down to all their family relationships.
3. Church renewal. As individual families are renewed, they form a network of equally committed Christian families which not only support one another but also strengthen the Church of which they are members.
Who can become a members of Couple for Christ?
Any validly married Christian couple can become members of CFC. 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.
How does a couple become a members of Couples for Christ?
Those who want to join CFC go through a seminar which is called a Christian Life Program (CLP). The CLP starts with an orientation session, then goes through 12 weekly meetings, thus involving a total time period of 3 months. The weekly meetings are usually held in the evenings and last about 2.5 hours per session.
What is the nature of the Christian Life Program?
The Christian Life Program (CLP) is an integrated course leading into a renewed understanding of God's call to us as Christian couples. It is divided into 3 modules of 4 sessions each. Each session consists of a talk, group discussion, and some time for fellowship. There is no cost involved. What happens after the Christian Life Program?
After the CLP, those who finish are invited to join CFC. When they do and after making their commitment, they are made part of a small cell group called a Household. The Household is composed of 5 to 7 couples who meet weekly for mutual support and encouragement in the Christian life, under the direction of a Household Leader. The typical meetings involve some time for prayers, a time for sharing or discussion, and finally some time for fellowship. It would normally last for about 2.5 hours. The Household meeting is held in the homes of the group members, on rotation basis. Finishing the CLP is just the beginning of a long process of growth and transformation in Christ. As such, CFC provides a continuing program of formation, which includes teachings, recollections, retreats, etc.
What is the nature of the Christian Life Program?
It is God's plan that the family is the basic unit of society, such that the families determine the condition 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 up 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.
Current Ministries performed in Immaculate Conception Church:
We are strong couples that make strong families, which make 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 priest and be available for parish services. Couples for Christ serve at the Saturday 5:00 p.m. Mass Choir.
CFC - youth serve at the Sunday 5:00 p.m. Mass Choir.
CFC members clean the church and church grounds on the 4th Saturday of each month.
CFC - youth serve as altar servers, greeters.
CFC members serve as lectors and Eucharistic Ministers.
Schedule:
Fridays - CFC - Youth Activities
Fourth Fridays - CFC & Family Ministries Assembly
Second Weekends - Household Prayer Meetings
Third Fridays - Pastoral Formation Teachings
Fourth Weekends - Household Prayer Meetings
Fifth Weekends (if any) - fellowship
September 1, 2018 - One Day Abba Father Men's Retreat (venue to be determined)
Contact information:
E-mail: ricvin.cfchi@gmail.com
E-mail: justkal@hotmail.com