CBCP Monitor
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Vol. 18 No. 9
April 28 - May 11, 2014
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ
God’s Beloved
The HOLD International Conference By Alma Alvarez More than 4,000 delegates from all over the world flew in to Puerto Princesa City, in Palawan for the 21st HOLD International Conference. The HOLD ICon, which happened last April 25 – 27, 2014, was held at the City Coliseum. The conference opened with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by the Mass concelebrated by Bishop Pedro Arigo, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of Palawan, and the CFC Spiritual Director, Msgr. Allen Aganon. In the evening, HOLD International Coordinator Didi Galsim declared the conference officially open. After which, the delegates were treated to a walk down memory lane via “Throwback Friday”, a medley of games, songs and dances popular during the Handmaids’ younger years. After the Mass on Day 2, Norma Acebo, HOLD Coordinator for Northern California and a member of the National Core in the USA, delivered the first talk titled Quiet My Soul, O Lord. During the session, Acebo led the participants to an understanding of beholding and pondering, and brought the Handmaids to exercises on quieting the soul, emphasizing the need to discipline the self for meditation, thus drawing one’s self to greater intimacy with God. In Session 2, titled Lord, that I May See, Pie Cadena, HOLD Coordinator for Southeastern Mindanao, exhorted that as the Handmaids fix their eyes on Jesus and follow His commands, there should be a conscious effort to have this reflect in each person’s life through the way she lives. Prayer should bring about transformation in order for Handmaids of the Lord to become effective evangelizers and missionaries. For the 3rd session, Norma Borja, HOLD National Coordinator for Canada, emphasized on pondering, and how it brings individuals into God’s presence. Like Mary, who in scripture had been constantly pondering, and being in God’s presence since the Annunciation up to the passion and death of Christ, so must each individual strive to be in God’s
presence. She also put emphasis on disciplining the self to be aware of distractions to pondering and how to deal with these distractions. The last session of the day took everyone to the foot of the Cross to journey with Mary as she goes through her seven sorrows during her Son’s passion and death. Each of her sorrows were depicted in modern-day struggles of women—as overseas workers, as mothers, as spouses—and embracing and offering every struggle together with Christ as He suffered. The session also brought emphasis on the seven capital sins, and how each Handmaid must offer these to the Lord, burying them in the tomb with Jesus, confident that all will share as well in His resurrection. After the Mass of the Feast of the Divine Mercy, Didi Galsim gave the 5th session, titled God’s Beloved. Galsim gave emphasis to the character of Mary Magdalene, the woman chosen to be first to witness the resurrected Christ. She was a woman who had been greatly forgiven, transformed, called and sent—a woman who is God’s beloved. As Msgr. Allen previewed in his homily, and later emphasized by Galsim, a Handmaid’s true identity is being God’s beloved. And as such, one can live out this identity by donning the attire of God’s beloved, as stated in Colossians 3:12-17: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance, forgiveness and love. “Putting these on means we put on Christ. Putting on Christ means we become another Christ, alter Christus. And becoming alter Christus means our eyes will be Christ’s eyes, our hands will be His hands, and our feet His feet. A handmaid’s transformation may be likened to the metamorphosis of a butterfly, which goes from one stage to next until it fully becomes a beautiful creature. As people allow God to form them, each person grows more and more into that true identity of being God’s beloved. That is why, Galsim said that no matter what stage each individual is in growth and transformation, the Lord will meet us there to love each one.
Norma Acebo, HOLD Coordinator for Northern California, USA and a member of the HOLD National Core of the United States, giving the first session, "Quiet My Soul, O Lord"
When we say, "I am God's beloved... You are God's beloved... We are God's beloved!" this means we are embracing our true identity. -Msgr. Allen Aganon;
Session 2, titled "Lord, That I May See", being delivered by Pie Cadena, HOLD Coordinator for Southeastern Mindanao;
Bishop Pedro D. Arigo, D.D., Apostolic Vicar of Palawan, celebrating the Mass on the first day of the CFC HOLD International Conference in Puerto Princesa.
HOLD Foreign Delegates Challenged to “Shine Bright”
By Thelma Hizon Handmaids from 29 countries were challenged by CFC Family Ministries Director Mannix Ocampo to continue to “shine bright” in their mission to bring countries all over the world to
Christ. The 169 foreign delegates from Australia, Austria, Brunei, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, Guam, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Palau, PNG, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sey chelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE
& the USA attended the Foreign Mission Summit held at Puerto Princesa, Palawan before the HOLD International Conference. They were welcomed by CFC IC Arnel Santos and prayed over by CFC Executive Director George Ocampo at the end of the summit. The sharing of two sisters from Oceania and the Middle East were true examples of Handmaids faithfully carrying out the mission of evangelization despite personal problems, illnesses and pain. Delma Dumas, after having retired from a well-paying job in Papa New Guinea, decided to accept the offer to be the national coordinator again of Handmaids in Papa New Guinea and to help revive the HOLD Ministrty in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, instead of going home to reitre in her hometown, Davao.
In 2013, Handmaids in Solomon Island grew from a handful to a s t ro n g 8 0 a c t i v e m e m b e r s . S h e travelled to Vanuatu and with the support of CFC from Australia, HOLD members were invited back to the fold and Household meetings were again organized. In her last mission trip she suffered from blood poisoning from a sea coral and this rendered her very sick for almost a month, and had to travel back to Davao to recuperate. Marilu Moreto, on the other hand, suffered the pains of major surgeries of both her knees, but this did not stop her from serving the HOLD Ministry in the Middle East. She lost her husband , who was one of the victims of the deadly Yolanda typhoon that struck so much devastation in the province of Leyte in November 2013, and when she saw the opportunity to
serve the Handmaids in Canada, she decided to join her children in migrating there, These stories and that of the many Handmaids who, during t h e g ro u p d i s c u s s i o n s h a re d similar stories of women “shining bright” (the theme of the Summit) despite the trials in their lives were a source of inspiration for the foreign delegates. Ocampo then challenged them to remember the sufferings and crucifixion of Christ as they face these challenges, and reminded of how His mother has suffered, t o o , a n d s h a re d i n h e r S o n ’ s Crucifixion. He dared and inspired the the foreign leaders to embrace the cross, transcend the pains and continue the mission of bringing Christ to women all over the world.
Ugnayan
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CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 9
April 28 - May 11, 2014
George Campos
Pondering on the sacrifice, Beholding the Savior
Cornerstone—A Shimmer of Hope By Daisy Padayao
The joy of Easter lies in knowing that Christ is risen. He has conquered death, removed the sting of sin and gave us back the privilege of being sons and daughters of the Father. Heaven’s gate has been opened anew to us. Indeed, this is a time of rejoicing, of celebrating the eternal love and goodness of God. Lent allowed us to pause a while, to turn our eyes solely on Christ, and to ponder on the sacrificial offering of His life to redeem us. Now we behold our Saviour, in all His glory, alive and so full of love, inviting us to “come and see”. Let our hearts be filled with love, like Mary, constantly seeking Him. Let us be sensitive to His voice, that when He calls us by name, we too will recognize our “rabboni”. Let us proclaim “I have seen the Lord” with haste and in
all obedience to the Lord. We, Couples for Christ, respond to the call of Jesus through the Church and mindfully heed the words of our supreme pontiff, Pope Francis. We are a praying Church, constantly seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we are a Church in the world, actively engaged in promoting peace, justice, life, love for the poor and disadvantaged. We have “seen the Lord” and we must put the words of Sts. Peter and John into our mouths, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” In all obedience, proclaim Christ, living and palpable through the very witness of our lives, ‘another Christ’ in the world today.
CFC Migrants Program Goes to the Mall
The glow in the eyes and the smiles on the faces of the Cornerstone children are enough for me to realize that my Saturday morning sacrifices are worth doing. For me, the glow and smiles seem to radiate a shimmer of hope for these children’s future. I said Saturday sacrifice because after a stressful 5-day workweek, I could have spent those Saturday mornings to sleep in. God, however uses us in many ways to spread His love to people around us…and who am I to refuse? Three years ago, I was introduced to Cornerstone, one of the programs of CFC-ANCOP Education. Since then, my Saturdays are being spent meaningfully. When I found out first hand how some kids in Grades 2 and 3 couldn’t read, let alone recognize the alphabet, I was deeply disheartened. I am also a product of public schools (elementary to graduate school) but didn’t think, and didn’t experience the severity of these issues in public schools today. The expressions on the faces of these kids reflect their eagerness to learn but are hindered by the over-crowded classroom or having to go to school without breakfast. What will happen to these kids’ future when they don’t even have the basic reading skills? Those Saturday reading tutorial sessions may not be much, but certainly much better than spending my Saturdays in bed. Teaching them how to master the alphabet, read, and pray truly motivates me to continue spending my Saturdays with them.
My cornerstone experience in Balanti Elementary School
By Karen Anne Vergara
Being a non-SFC member, I am very fortunate to have learned about the Cornerstone Program (through Ms. July and Mr. Don Vivas), and even more blessed to have been part of its 2013-2014 run. Because I am a teacher, I thought joining Cornerstone would be a perfect opportunity for me to share my time
By Babes Arupo & Tony Obien
A family is composed of the parents and their children. It is where children learn their first lessons in morality, spirituality and self worth. The family is where sons and daughters are molded into righteousness, and is also the place where a person is made strong to face the reality of every day living. These are just a few answers to the key question asked at the start of the first session on the Moral Values Reorientation Seminar which was held on 2 April at the activity grounds of SM Sta. Rosa City. This was organized jointly by the CFC Migrants Program, headed by Jess Ferrer, and SM Global Pinoy Center (GPC) represented by Marketing Manager, Paula Belleza and Maricon Frilles, GPC
Supervisor. There was about 50 registered participants from all walks of life and different religious beliefs, but with one thing in common—each has a family member working or living abroad. As the title of Session 1 indicates, everyone should value the family. One cannot just brush it aside for other things of the world. The facilitator, Tet Aldueza, CFC-Migrant Program Core Member, explained some of the reasons why the family, as the basic unit of society, should be the strong foundation of every individual from infancy to maturity. “It is in the family the importance of being faithful, frugal, forgiving and understanding and most of all, to be persons with selfless love is being instilled. If these values are
achieved, individuals become strong, families are united that makes also a strong and united community and ultimately a strong and united country,” Aldueza emphasized. Part of the session was a group activity and the participants were divided into five groups. The purpose is to determine obstacles and problems families encounter when one member is away working in another place or country, and how this can impact the life of those left behind. Each group came up with similar lists and solutions and designated spoke persons also shared practical and inspiring messages which were appreciated by everyone. After this opening salvo, the next 3 sessions of the MVRP at SM Sta. Rosa were held on the succeeding weeks.
and talents in helping struggling students in the public schools to learn how to read. And yes I was right! It was very rewarding to witness my effect on my tutee whenever I see him motivated to try really hard to remember the sound of a letter or the word I have taught him the previous sessions, to see him eager to participate in a game I prepared to reinforce the lesson, or to see him smile and feel proud of himself
for getting the correct answer to my question. But more than that, being part of Cornerstone was a perfect opportunity for me to grow. Cornerstone enriched me with the values of commitment, patience, cooperation, humility, sacrifice, and love. What did I get out of my Cornerstone experience? Definitely so much more than what I have given!
Ugnayan
CBCP Monitor Vol. 18 No. 9
April 28 - May 11, 2014
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2nd Kerala CLP Brings Great Harvest
By Francis Almeida
The CFC International Council, represented by George Campos, Executive Director, and Jimmy Santiago, Philippine Missions Director, attended the installation of Archbishop Peralta of the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
CFC Gift of Life Brings TOB Weekend to CFC Laguna
The second CLP in Kochi, Kerala was truly blessed and victorious. It was conducted over three weekends i.e. March 22nd & 23rd, March 29th & 30th and April 5th & 6th, with a harvest of 18 vibrant, mature and dedicated Christian couples. The CLP was conducted at St Antony's Church, Kannamally, Kochi. The parish priest, Fr. Josy Kandanattuthara, personally invited CFC to conduct the CLP in his parish last February. The couples that participated in the CLP were personally identified and selected by Fr. Josy. His goal was to select mature couples that would form the core of CFC within his parish and serve on an ongoing basis to renew and revitalize his parish
Canada, travelled from Bangalore and Odhisa respectively, to assist in this important CLP. The dedication of the service team to do their best in love was equally reciprocated by the enthusiastic participation of the participants. The day of dedication was blessed by the attendance of Fr. Peter Chadayangad, Diocesan Pastoral Center Director, and Fr. Josy Kandanattuthara who actively participated in the dedication ceremony and the Lords Day celebration. With God’s help and guidance, this new harvest will yield much fruit in Kochi and thereon throughout the beautiful land of Kerala—where Thomas the apostle came and bought Christianity to the shores of India.
of approximately 1,250 families. It had been his hope and vision for couples from his parish to go forth and serve to evangelize other parishes within the diocese and beyond. CFC Kochi brothers and sisters led the service team, with Judeson Peter being team leader. Joseph and Smitha, Greaten and Sincy, and Benson and Suma Mendes provided strong support and encouragement. Also, CFC Kuwait leaders, led by Bro. Thomas and Sis Jayanthi (CFC Kuwait country leaders) and Bro Winny & Sis Deepa, flew in to assist, encourage and enable the local service team. In addition to support this important effort, Hector Poppen, CFC India Country Coordinator, and wife Garnett, as well as Francis Almeida, missionary to India from CFC
ANCOP Global Walk 2014: Make dreams come true
Main Speaker: Fr. Joel O. Jason. Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, San Carlos Seminary
By Bella Cas
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32). The weekend of March 16-17, 2014 enabled some 133 participants to rediscover the biblical meaning of life and sexuality through the Theology of the Body (TOB) Weekend. This activity, hosted by Couples for Christ Laguna through its CFC Gift of Life ministry, was held at the Carmelite Missionaries Center for Spirituality in Tagaytay City. Fr. Joel O. Jason, Head of the Commission on Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila and Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, San Carlos Seminary was main speaker, assisted by Aldy and Joy Katigbak, CFC Gift of Life national coordinators. The service team was composed of Cesar and Bella Cas and Erwin and Lou Pambuan of the CFC Laguna Pastoral Formation Group. Participants consisted of 8 couples from Manila and AGT of Pangasinan, and from Laguna, 95 heads from CFC, 21 from SFC, 2 from YFC and 3 from HOLD. Fr. Joel defined Theology of the Body as a study about God revealed through and in the human body. TOB came from a series of 129 talks given by Pope John Paul II during his Wednesday audiences in the early part of his pontificate,
from 1979 to 1984. It consisted of biblical reflections on God’s design for creating us male and female, love, marriage, and sexuality. In the TOB weekend, these were condensed and were very inspiringly and powerfully presented by Fr. Joel into 5 sessions, namely: • Introduction- What is the Theology of the Body? • Man and Woman He Created Them (Our Origin) • Man and Woman He Redeemed Them (Our History) • The Resurrection of the Body (Our Destiny) • Living Out the Theology of the Body, Questions on Sexual Morality The TOB talks were complemented with personal testimonies and reflections, couple sharing and a film showing, ending with the celebration of the Holy Mass. The basic knowledge on TOB gave the participants a new perspective on the “why's behind the what's” of basic Catholic teachings on marriage and sexuality, and how these can be applied to their lives as married or single persons. For all the participants, the weekend brought not only the refreshing experience of the cool wind and serene beauty of God’s creation in scenic Tagaytay. Much more so, it left a powerful message of hope and renewal through the “gospel of the body”.
registration form
Walk Date: Gun Start: Walk Donation: Walk Point:
May 25, 2014 ________________ Php 300.00 ________________
Name: _________________________________________
Age: ______________
(last name, first name, middle initial)
Mailing Address__________________________________________________________ Date of Birth _________________________ Email Address _____________________ Sector/ Province _______________________ Contact Number ___________________ (for Couples for Christ members)
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(for non Couples for Christ members)
waiver In consideration of being accepted and granted the right to participate, I, the undersigned, hereby release, waive and foreve r discharge any and all claims for losses and damages I may have against the Couples for Christ, its Event Committee, ANCOP, ANCOP Walk Event Volunte ers, Event Sponsors, city government hosting the event, government agencies, their representatives, and/or all persons involved in mana ging and supervising the event, for any and all claims for losses and damages I may have against such parties for any and all injuries, illnesses including death, that may result from my participation in this event. I represent and affirm that I have been cleared by a physician to participatethis in event and that I am in nd/or a pictures taken good physical condition and have sufficiently trained for this purpose. I also understand that any sponsor may use my name during the event for publicity of the CFC, Global Walk and/or ANCOP without liability or obligation to me. By submitting this entry, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the foregoing waiver and I hereby freely and voluntarily accept the same after ving haobtained the advice of a professional of my choice.
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t cu
(if participant is under 18 years old)
instructions FOR WALK IN: Fill out this form, Submit to ANCOP Global Walk Representative Pay Walk Donation. Get Provisional Receipt Redeem Walk Bib (If bib if not available, secure your claim stub and redeem on given date)For questions/ inquiries, contact (02) 7094852 Email us at: ancopglobalwalk2014@gmail.com
re he
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registration form
Walk Date: May 25, 2014 Gun Start: ________________ News Supplement Walk Donation: The Php 300.00 of ________________ Couples for Christ Walk Point: Name: _________________________________________
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(last name, first name, middle initial)
Mailing Address__________________________________________________________ The News Supplement is published by Email the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc., Date ofUgnayan Birth _________________________ Address _____________________ with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City. Sector/ Province _______________________ Contact Number ___________________ (for Couples for Christ members)
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BIB No.
In consideration of being accepted and granted the right to participate, I, the undersigned, hereby release, waive and foreve r discharge any and all claims for losses and damages I may have against the Couples for Christ, its Event Committee, ANCOP, ANCOP Walk Event Volunte ers, Event ging and supervising Sponsors, city government hosting the event, government agencies, their representatives, and/or all persons involved in mana the event, for any and all claims for losses and damages I may have against such parties for any and all injuries, illnesses including death, that may @CFChrist result from facebook.com/CFC.Global.Mission my participation in this event. I represent and affirm that I have been cleared by a physician to participatethis in event and that I am in nd/or a pictures taken good physical condition and have sufficiently trained for this purpose. I also understand that any sponsor may use my name during the event for publicity of the CFC, Global Walk and/or ANCOP without liability or obligation to me. By submitting this entry, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the foregoing waiver and I hereby freely and voluntarily accept the same after ving haobtained the
CBCP Monitor
Ugnayan
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Vol. 18 No. 9
April 28 - May 11, 2014
BEHOLD, YFC Revival: Love Rekindled
YFC ICon 8 Bishop Juanich & Lawrence Quintero
Anabel J. Britanico and John Christian Lacao
“Behold, YFC Revival” This was the theme of the victorious 21st International Conference of CFC-YFC that happened in the City Coliseum, Puerto Princesa, Palawan last April 4-6. The theme was anchored to the words of Jesus at the cross from John 19:2627 consigning Mary, His mother, and John, His beloved disciple, to each other “…Woman, behold your son… son behold your mother.” Five thousand young people were thrilled with the vibrant YFC song ID inaugurating the opening program. Bodit Enon, Full Time Pastoral Worker of Metro Manila (MM) led the opening worship. Lawrence Quintero, International Coordinator of CFC-YFC immediately followed in declaring the event open with an affirming sense of love and joy, "Before we behold, Christ first beheld us. When we say ‘behold’, it's like embracing one another. The Lord wants us to love one another as He has loved us." On the morning of Day 2, youth leaders and couple coordinators joined members of the clergy in the Church Integration Congress at the A&A Plaza. Outdoors, the Oath of Sportsmanship was initiated by CB Robles, FTPW for Batangas, signaling the start of the simultaneous competitions in sports, creatives, special and fun games categories. City-wide Advocacy Parade Members of YFC paraded from Robinsons Puerto Princesa to the main venue in order to promote the YFC advocacies—RevUp, A+, Greeneration and 100% Free. These advocacies are CFC-YFC’s steps of making their love for Christ more real in society. Once in the coliseum, the young people recited the Holy Rosary and heard Mass celebrated by no less than the Most Rev. Leopoldo C. Jaucian, DD, Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth. “Youth, you are the hope, and the Church of the now. Reach out to our troubled friends, our troubled youth, to the poor and the marginalized, to the delinquent and imprisoned youth,” Bishop Juanich exhorted YFC. Bishop Jaucian added, “Let us always look up to the cross where Jesus en-
trusted us to His mother and told us to behold her.” Afterwards, the ICon started with the cultural performances, followed by the welcome remarks by Jun Zabala, Provincial Area Director of CFC Palawan, and the Couple Coordinators Got Talent to the delight of the the crowd. Ghamay Pepito, FTPW of MM, led a worship of thanksgiving and gracious surrender, inspiring the participants, “Have your love shine upon us. Allow us to be focused on your love.” CFC Church Integration Office Coordinator and former YFC leader Michael Ariola delivered the first session entitled “Behold, The Mission to Love”. He shared how God has transformed him as a person, that despite one’s weaknesses, he is assured that God would have His way to change a person. Joven Inosanto led the closing worship afterwards. On the second day, YFC gathered for the Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Pedro P. Arigo, DD, Bishop of Palawan. “It is only in beholding and pondering that we can fully experience the essence of our service,” stated Bishop Arigo. Boyboy Manaoag, FTPW of Sultan Kudarat led the opening worship after the Mass. JESUS LIVE!, patterned after a popular noontime show, was the format for session 2, emphasizing that YFC members are not only called to obey or comply, but to commit to the service. Ado Caspe of Eastern Samar shared through a video clip their victorious attempts as a chapter in going through mission. CK Castro of Metro Manila, who was identified among the madlang YFC, shared the same level of personal battles in living a life of 100% free. MJ Martinez of Middle East, live on chat, shared also her ability to recognize Christ amidst the conflicts that rose in their family. Looking back at the lives of these three persons and countless others, truly, God manifests His love in the very situations one is in. There is an assurance of God’s love never running out. The participants broke out into nine workshops afterwards. Keken Cabaraban, FTPW, tackled the third session entitled “Behold, the Beloved” and presented four strong YFC leaders whose stories inspired the crowd—Alex Gopez of Misamis Oriental, Kelvin Sy of Metro Manila,
Bryza Sinados of Lanao del Norte, and Hazel Tuazon of Iloilo. A holy hour followed the session. The fourth and final talk was delivered by YFC International Coordinator Lawrence Quintero. In his talk titled, “Behold, the YFC Revival”, he discussed the four major priorities of YFC – relationship with God, family, studies and service. He emphasized that not having a love life at this stage of life means being on the right track in waiting for the gradual unfolding of God’s plans. For now, YFC has three main thrusts: Strong Ministry Foundation, Dynamic Catholicism and Pro-Active Relevant Evangelization.
CFC Canada National Council Holds Annual Retreat
Mark Junsay, FTPW of Zamboanga Sibugay, shared how he grew up with parents of opposing faith. He was baptized a Catholic after consistent and persistent pondering on the doctrines of his present religion. The Vivares family of Laguna, on the other hand, spoke about recognizing the fullness of their service to God thru CFC with the death of their eldest child. After months of struggling to overcome the pain of their loss, the Vivares family continues to trust that they are one as a family and one in the Lord for the mission. On the other hand, Lester Guillermo, FTPW of Zamboanga, persuaded the audience to take part
Great Adventure Weekend in Northern California
By Mauril Mariano
The CFC Canada National Council, composed of Greg Parillas, Jimmy and Noli Arzadon, Francis Yap, Jun Clarito, Arnel Simbulan and George Fournier, recently went on a weekend retreat at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre in Mississauga. The retreat focused on strengthening and deepening the faith formation of our council members as they
carry on the task of shepherding the CFC flock all over Canada. Eric de los Reyes, Country Coordinator for Canada, with his wife Carina, facilitated the retreat. The national council members pondered and reflected, particularly on the following areas: • Discovering their individual spiritual gifts; • Unity in service and various ways of serving one another;
• Purging moments, perfecting grace; • Discerning and being on fire; and • Leading and developing leaders. The retreat coincided with another Lenten retreat by a group of elderly women who were delighted to hear ‘men power’ singing in the joint celebration of the Sunday Mass.
in renewing the world by sharing the little that they have. Lawrence further explained, “YFC is not being called to be extraordinary beings, but to live extraordinary lives. There is more than meeting the deliverables we have in the community. YFC is tapped to be and to bring Christ to others. YFC is called to be and to bring love to others.” As a final note, Quintero chall e n g e d t h e c r o w d : , " To l o v e i s beautiful, but in reality, it is not an easy task. But let us not be a f r a i d . " J e re l S u p e r a b l e , I s l a n d Coordinator of Luzon, concluded the second night with a powerful praise fest.
On March 22-23, 2014, CFC Board of Elders member Joe Yamamoto, together with his wife, Mila, conducted the Great Adventure Weekend at the Clarion Hotel in Concord, California for the NorCal Sector. Over 160 registered CFC participants and 20 guests journeyed through the Quick Bible Timeline. The session started with a Praise and Worship led by Don Fernandez, followed shortly by an Introduction by Bro Joe Yamamoto. Dinner was served while having the last discussion group in the afternoon. Thereafter, the evening sessions started with praise and worship led by Mauril Mariano. In spite of a power failure prior to the start and during the worship, the worship leader, music ministry and God's
people continued to praise and worship God. The evening sessions having been concluded with a closing prayer, everyone rested for the night, looking forward to another session day. After a good breakfast, the Sunday morning session started with praise and worship led by Pao Banzon. The remainder of the session was concluded by Joe with a Q&A and evaluation of the various sharings. The weekend retreat culminated with a celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Johnson Abraham, who inspired all the participants with a beautiful homily and a heart-warming endorsement of the good works the CFC community is doing. CFC NorCal is confident that this Program will be extended to many, if not all, of the Sector’s membership!
First METRO RYC Outside GTA Held The Annunciation of Our Lord Elementary School in Hamilton, Ontario was host to the 2014 METRO Region Youth Conference, held for the first time outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The conference drew a record number of delegates from all over GTA, Hamilton and Windsor—with more than 450 in attendance. The theme for this year’s RYC is ‘Word’ taken from Matthew 7:7, with the talk topics taken from the same verse: ‘Ask,’ ‘Seek’ and ‘Knock.’ Another first in this year’s RYC is the integration of the sacraments, Mass, Confession and Adoration in the day-long program.