CBCP Monitor
C1
Vol. 18 No. 15
July 21 - August 3, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
IC Recollection and Election of CFC Officers By Bernie Cuevas Fr. Benedict Lagarde Jr. MJ, conducted a solemn recollection for the International Council in preparation for the elections of the CFC Officers for 2014-2015 attended by all the 9 IC members and their spouses. He opened the recollection with verses from Psalm 63: “My soul thirst for you” about David’s ardent longing for God. He said that what matters most is our quest for God, our hunger and thirst for God. This ardent longing can lead us to give up even precious possessions. He posed to them the questions “ Are we doing what we are supposed to do?” and “Are we where we are supposed to be?” and stressed that there is no such thing as better, but only different, speaking about leadership. He recalled the story of the call of Moses in Exodus and reminded the elders that as leaders, they have to accept the fact that like Moses, they might not see and harvest the fruit of their labor. They should be prepared that sometimes they will not even be thanked, mentioned or remembered for the good things they have done. What is essential is the humility to recognize and accept that God is the leader, and they are just instruments. He also reflected on Deuteronomy 31: 1-8 on leadership transition. These verses speak about the leadership succession from Moses to Joshua. It was Moses himself who summoned Joshua and told him in front of all the people of Israel that God will be with Him and that he should not fear or be dismayed. He will lead them to the Promised Land. It reminds leaders to be steadfast, and not to feel unworthy because it is not about them, it is about the Lord. God always intervenes in the life of His people. Before the ending the first session, he exhorted CFC about the need for continuing formation. Formation is what makes Jesus alive in CFC. He told CFC to “put your money where your mouth is”. To strengthen formation means to put budget in formation. To this, all IC members agreed. The celebration of the Holy Mass followed the first session. The homily centered on the gospel reading about the old and new wineskin. He said that some think that new ones are the new wineskins and the old ones
MCG Gathering Prayover of the IC Officers: Joe Tale, Chairman; George Campos, Executive Director; Arnel Santos, Corporate Secreatry; Jimmy Ilagan, Tressurer. Sharers: Mila Garcia and Edwin Cruz.
are considered old wine. However, when the IC composition changed, the whole IC became new wine. After the mass, Fr. Benedict led them to reflect on John 13, Jesus washes the disciple’s feet. He said this was a dramatic event. Before washing their feet, He already knew that most of them will abandon him and some will betray him, yet he willingly washed their feet setting the example for leadership. He said this is the drama of leadership, leadership in action. It is an undeniable love of a leader and this is the same undeniable love of God that sustains CFC in its mission. He then led the elders to ponder on the essentials of what it means to follow Jesus by reading John Chapters 14-17. Before his arrest, passion and crucifixion, Jesus prepared them for the time when he would leave them by speaking to them about the true essence of leadership. Fr Benedict gave the elders time to ponder of the readings by leading them to an individual Lectio Divina. They were asked to choose a verse from the readings that spoke to them and asked them to write it and post it on the board so that everyone can read the inspired verses for each of them. Most chose verses from John 15 about the vine and the branches, abiding in God and bearing fruit that will remain. Other reflections came from John 17 on people being gifts of the Father to Jesus and John 14, do not let your hearts be troubled. As the recollection was about to end, Father cited John 21 when Jesus appeared to his disciples in the sea of Tiberias. The very essence of this reading is Jesus’ love and forgiveness. The resurrection allowed Jesus to show his disciples that they were forgiven for abandoning and betraying Him. He prepared food for them and ate with them. He then tasked Peter feed His sheep and follow him. Jesus taught us forgiveness. He did not hate any of his disciples for what they have done. He showed us his forgiving heart. This is the same message for us in CFC. We are to be a forgiving a community. This is what will set us apart for the Lord. After the recollection, the IC members spent 1 hour in silent contemplation in front of the Blessed Sacrament listening to Jesus as a preparation for choosing who will lead CFC.
CFC Global Institute Foundation, Inc. Overview CFC GMFI. (e) To give recognition and confer awards to CFC members, clergy, and/or partners for outstanding achievements in promoting and attaining the mission and vision of CFC GMFI. (f) To do other acts and things, necessary, desirable or appropriate for the attainment of the above-mentioned purposes.
The CFCI logo, reflects the long term vision of the institute to become God’s instrument in forming “other Christs”.
Nature The complete name of the organization is “CFC Global Institute Foundation, Inc.” Its short name is “CFC Institute” or “CFCI”. It is a subsidiary body of Couples for Christ (CFC). Although the CFC Institute is a separate foundation with its own Board of Trustees, the CFC International Council exercises oversight responsibilities over CFCI. Primary Purposes As stated in its Articles of Incor-
poration (Section 2, paragraph 1), the primary purposes of CFCI are: (a) To provide training and capacity building modules on evangelization and missions, pastoral formation, marriage and family life, social development, and leadership and effective governance for the members and leaders of CFC GMFI and other interested individuals and parties which serve and promote the mission of Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation Incorporated (CFC GMFI).
(b) To foster research, development, and innovation to create new dynamic approaches among its staff and students to further the attainment of the mission and vision of CFC GMFI. (c) To be an advisory body for the top leadership of the CFC GMFI on policies related to promoting and attaining the mission and vision of CFC GMFI. (d) To store, share and manage knowledge and materials to promote and attain the mission and vision of
Programs and Activities Based on the primary purposes stated in its Articles of Incorporation, CFCI will have the following 5 distinct programs and activities: • Education, Capacity Building and Training CFCI will develop and offer programs of degree and non-degree courses that will serve and promote the mission and vision of CFC. Initially, only nondegree courses will be offered. But the long term goal is to develop CFCI into a university, perhaps in 20 or 30 years. The New Era University, for example, started as a New Era Educational Institute in 1975. But it was only in 1977 that it was formally incorporated as a private non-stock, non-profit educational institution offering vocational and technical courses. In 1981, it was renamed New Era College and recognized by the Department of Education,
Culture and Sports. It was only in 1995, or 20 years later, that it was granted university status by the Commission on Higher Education and renamed New Era University. The Maryhill Institute of Theology was established in 1972 by the Philippine Province of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM). It offers General Theology Program Course (4-year degree course), Adult Theology Program Course, Summer Theology Courses, Mission Studies, and Other Activities. The Mission Studies are 1- or 2-day lectures on various topics given by invited lecturers. Other Activities are lectures on non-religious topics such as health and wellness. CFCI may initially offer: 1. non-degree courses or 2. lectures in selected topics, as well as 3. language courses (e.g., Spanish, French, Chinese, etc) in line with the mission and vision of Couples for Christ, in particular, the need to equip its missionaries with language skills and the knowledge to effectively proclaim the Gospel and accurately tell the story of Jesus. CFCI/ C3