Vol. 16 No.

13

CBCP Monitor

June 18 - July 1, 2012

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The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

By Joe Yamamoto

Couples For Christ in Rome: A Blessed Day to Remember

CFC Leaders Meet with Cardinal Rylko

ALTHOUGH it was not quite summer time, Rome was bright and sunny on the morning of May 23. The sun rose early and shone brightly that morning, as though celebrating with CFC leaders and other Catholic lay groups who patiently waited to see the Holy Father during the regular Wednesday Papal audience. When the presence of CFC leaders was called out and acknowledged by the Vatican official, there was loud and passionate singing of the Couples for Christ theme song and verbal expressions of love for Pope Benedict XVI- " CFC is ON FIRE! We love you Pope Benedict!!!" When CFC was acknowledged, the beloved Pope Benedict paused, and shook his clasped hands joyfully towards the area where CFC stood. As is practiced during general papal audiences, two representatives from each group were allowed to approach the Pope and to kiss the papal ring. When it was the turn of CFC, and after Chairman Ricky Cuenca had kissed the ring, the Pope greeted him with CFC, you are doing good. You are doing good. These were words that

By Joe Yamamoto

The Christian Family in Focus

the community received with joy, since this was affirmation of CFCs standing as the only organization from Asia among 123 Vatican-recognized lay private international associations of the faithful of pontifical right.

The 37 CFC leaders at the Vatican audience came from the Philippines, US, Canada, Australia and Europe. IC members who led the delegation were CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and wife Irma, and CFC AN-

COP Chairman and CFC Europe Overseer Joe Yamamoto and wife Mila. Making up the delegation from the US mainland were CFC USA National Council members and their spouses -National Director Eric/Pat Villanueva, Glen/Beth Santayana, Cris/Marissa Cagahastian, and Roger/Josie Santos. The CFC Canada delegation included Noli/Beth Arzadon, concurrently serving as CFC Europe Northwest Regional Coordinator, Carlito/Luisa Hael, Butch/ Lourdes Butalid, Rogerio/Nerissa Ajero, and Manuel/Purita Fausto. Joining the group were CFC Australia leaders Dom/ Josie Pangilinan, Rodel/Pacita Leano, Lourdes Zaballa, and SFC Kristone Paulo Capistrano. Leaders from CFC Europe were Chris/Chipo Mautsi, Country Head of CFC UK, Junfer/ Christianne de la Cruz, Country Head for CFC Netherlands and daughter Charly. Not to be left behind were representatives from the Philippines -- Boie/ Angging Sescon, Country Coordinator for CFC Netherlands and Regional Head for Northcentral Mindanao, Clarke Nebrao of Clergy Integration Office and mother Merlinda Nebrao, and Nolet Ladrido, Regional Coordinator for the Central Region of CFC Europe.

By Joe Yamamoto
HIS Eminence, Stanyslaw Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council of the Laity, warmly received CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and CFC ANCOP Chairman/CFC Europe Overseer Joe Yamamoto on Wednesday May 30, 2012. His opening greeting when the two leaders were ushered into his office in Trastevere was a wide smile and the exclamation "Couples for Christ!" The warmth was palpable as he offered his hand for the traditional kiss on his Cardinals ring. The visit is part of a commitment that the International Council has made to visit His Eminence at least annually and to report to him the many exciting events, progress and milestones in the life of the global CFC family. The May visit was marked by the Cardinals warmth and enthusiasm as he listened to the progress report of Ricky Cuenca and Joe Yamamoto. He also accepted the gift of the communitys Pearl Book, which was published on the occasion of CFCs 30th anniversary in 2011, and the CFC pamphlet, The Origins of Couples for Christ. Cardinal Rylko encouraged CFC to "continue its great and important work, especially that on the family," as he bestowed on the two leaders, and on the entire global community, the Apostolic Blessing.

THE Vatican- sponsored 7th World Congress on Families, held in Milan, Italy from May 30- June 3 was a crowning event that highlighted and honored God's plan and design for Christian families. The successful biannual meeting, entitled " The Family: Work and Celebration" underscored the pivotal role of the Christian families in society and in the world, a world that is constantly in need of good news. Mother Church responds with love and affection to its children by providing the venue to express their concerns and challenges. Through conferences such as this, She also offers maternal help by sharing the solutions to a world grown seriously disordered. The challenges to the family are formidable, coming as it were from all around it and all over. The threats and dangers are up close and very real, and constantly interfere with and disrupt the design of the Creator for the family, the basic unit of our society. The family, particularly the Christian family, is continuously besieged by hostile forces and by the realities of contemporary life. For it to survive, the family must not only be kept strong under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit but it must assume a proactive role in society. Christian parents, with the help of the Church Magisterium and equipped with the practical and natural

means to accomplish its mission of giving birth to and protecting life, and nurturing the children, must rise to the challenge. The words of Blessed John Paul II echo across time about the role of the Christian family. He said: "The family finds in the plan of God the Creator and Redeemer not only its identity, what it is, but also its mission, what it can and what it should do. The role that God calls the family to perform in history derives from what the family is; its role represents the dynamic and existential development of what it is. Each family finds within itself a summons that cannot be ignored, and that specifies both its dignity and its responsibility: family, become what you are." Because of the importance of this World Congress, the CFC International Council delegated CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and wife Irma and CFC ANCOP Chairman and CFC Europe Overseer Joe Yamamoto and wife Mila to represent our global community.

CFC Italy, particularly our Milan leaders and members, fielded a very strong team, participating actively in the pre-conference planning. During the conference proper, Couples for Christ was tapped to serve as one of the pillars of the Milan Diocesan conference logistics and service teams. It was a great honor and privilege for CFC when Milan Unit leader Fernando (Dong) Gomez and wife Bernadette were assigned to share their lives as family during the forum on Migrant Families. Fr. Emil Santos, the CFC Milan Chaplain and Fr. Giancarlo Quadri of Milan, Chaplain for the Migrants, expressed their appreciation and gratitude to CFC leaders and members, especially those from Milan, for their hard work in evangelization and family life renewal. In one of the Masses celebrated by His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Scola of Milan, he acknowledged the presence and active participation of the Filipinos, particularly CFC, in the life of the diocese.

DZMM interviews ANCOP scholars

Of Men and Women of God

By Aiza Garnica
ON June 9-10, fifty young men and women from North and Central Bangkok and Chiang Mai gathered at the Pine Resort in Pathum Thani for the very first Singles for Christ Knights Tale and Princess Diaries activity in Thailand. The first day started with worship led by Andrew Balgoa of SFC Central Bangkok. The men and women then went to separate venues for their respective weekend retreat. For the sisters, it was a day of laughter, sharing and reflection as they listened to the talks and testimonies of the service team from Manila. As for the brothers, they learned how to be a true man of God through the sessions given by Art Roa, CFC North Bangkok chapter head and Lance Fernandez, SFC Metro Manila mission volunteer. After the third session, the participants gathered together for the penitential rite

By Ethel Balenton
FOUR ANCOP scholars guested recently in Julius Babao and Kaye Dacers tele-radyo program DZMM Aksyon Ngayon. Featured were Mylene David, an Aeta child, who recently graduated as valedictorian in elementary; Jordan Ablong, another Aeta child from Angeles, Pampanga, a consistent first honor student from Grade 1 to 5; Sophia Henson, child of a healed Hansenite, who is in grade 4 and belongs to the top 10% of her grade level of 13 sections; and Gilbert Lagueta, himself a healed Hansenite and lives with his widowed mother, who is also in the top 10% of the freshman high school class. The scholars were chaperoned by their parents and Ethelyn

officiated by Fr. Doroteo Reyes, who also celebrated the Eucharistic Mass afterward. Fr. Dorot, as he is fondly referred to, discussed the parable of the Prodigal Son during his homily, relating it to the three elements of the sacrament of Reconciliation, namely: confession, conversion and celebration. The Eucharist became a very personal encounter with the Lord as Fr. Dorot, giving

the Body and Blood of Christ in each hand, reminded them of what St. Augustine said about the Eucharist becoming a font of forgiveness for sins, no matter how grave. The night ended with a healing session for the women and the fourth and final session for the gentlemen. On Sunday morning, the sisters began the day with worship as the brothers prepared
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Balenton, Program Director for the ANCOP Child Sponsorship Program (CSP). Both Mylene and Jordan come from big families, having 12 and 8 siblings, respectively. Both their fathers are farmers while their mothers stay at home to take care of the brood. When asked what she wants to be when she finishes school, Mylene quipped, I want to be a lawyer! Jordan, on the other hand, dreams of becoming an engineer. Sophia, who wants to be a doctor, and Gilbert, who wishes to be a teacher, shared that they both want to serve the families of Hansenite victims like themselves. The children impressed Babao and Dacer in their responses to serious questions, such as the impeachment of CJ Corona and on environmental concerns.

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By Ricky Cuenca, CFC Chairman

Ugnayan

CBCP Monitor
June 18 - July 1, 2012

Vol. 16 No. 13

AS I stood at Mass at the Sanctuario de San Antonio reciting the new missal response, And with your Spirit, I recalled my experience of the Holy Spirit in the country trips I took in the month of May. On this month Irma and I travelled to: Guam for the Magnificat Conference and to give teachings; Bratislava, Slovak for the

European Magnificat conference; Houston, Texas to give a message for the ANCOP fund raising concert for the benefit of the Texas Village in Balanga, Bataan and Our Lady of Banneux in Montalban and to give MER 3 with Irma Rome, for audience with the Pope and meeting with Cardinal Stanislav Rylko,President of the Pontifical Council of Laity Geneva, to give teachings and celebrate their CFC anniversary Milan, to give teachings and attend the World Congress on Family Singapore, to attend their

Leadership of the Spirit

25th anniversary celebration In all these countries, my general impression is that the spirit is very much alive among the members and leaders of CFC! There is no stopping the Holy Spirit. CFC is On Fire! During discussions with the leaders, I found a common thread. The leaders of these countries have a deep and mature discernment on what CFC leadership is all about. CFC leadership is Servant Leadership for life and for Christ. There is only one agenda the global mission of Christ for CFC: Families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth. In their woundedness, these leaders allowed the Holy Spirit to empty their ego, calm their fears and remove their personal agendas and lead them to the truth. They made painful sacrifices for the good of CFC as an organization. The leaders embraced Christ as their true leader and flowed with the urging of the Spirit. The fruits of this life in the Spirit are forgiveness, humility and gratitude. And now CFC is strong and alive. Membership has expanded. Attendance in major conferences and activities is swelling, members are more generous. CFC members are passionate, dedicated and excited in these countries and ever ready to do Gods will to ripple On Fire Evangelization. We are about to celebrate 31 years of this wondrous life with God and looking forward to our golden jubilee, grateful for the gift of renewal. The attacks and trials in our individual and family lives as well as leadership challenges such as personal agendas remain. Temptations of pride, influence, power and righteousness continue to threaten our organizational growth. But our leaders, filled with the wisdom of

the Holy Spirit, have matured and have learned to discern Gods true agenda for CFC. As I sat and reflected after that Mass in Sanctuario, I realized that it is the leadership of the Holy Spirit that makes our organization strong and blessed. And so with the new missal response I say, And with your Spirit. The country visits speak eloquently of this fullness of the spirit and I thank the Lord for the experience. Truly CFC is renewed with the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

By Joe Yamamoto

The Christian Family: Cradle and Bedrock for Leaders

the genocides committed by the murderous dictators of Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and East Timor, it still would not approximate the lives lost to abortion!! And this is only in America! Let us not forget the abortions carried out in other first world countries around the world today. The Holy Family of Nazareth modeled the simplicity, humility and obedience that flows naturally for those who love the Lord and walk in his ways, St. Joseph was very protective of Mary and Jesus; it is no small wonder that he is worthy to be emulated by all fathers. The story of the familys flight to Egypt to escape Herods evil plan to kill Jesus (as told to Joseph in a dream) is a riveting and timely reminder for contemporary families of the commitment that parents should have for the welfare and well being of their children. Participating in the Development of Society Pope John Paul II stressed in Familaris Consortio- "Since the Creator of all things has established the conjugal partnership as the beginning and basis of human society, the family is the first and vital cell of society." The family has vital and organic links with society; it is from the family that citizens come to birth and it is within the family that they learn the social virtues that are the animating principle of the existence and development of society itself. Based on what the Holy Father says, the family is the fertile breeding ground of children who become individuals and citizens who will not only change their lives but can also have the opportunity to be 'game changers' or even 'world changers.' Since the family is the building block of society, then it is incumbent for us laity to ensure that the families would be instilled with that conviction as well as given the empowerment needed to animate, transform and influence society. A society that does not honor God will certainly manifest apathy and disregard for good moral and spiritual values. Its institutions will succumb to the lure of relativism and cynicism; it will be a society where nothing is sacred and where moral, spiritual and family values can be easily set aside and compromised with expediency. One Christian author wrote that the way to help the individual grow to his maximal potential is to cultivate the family as the right environment to accomplish just that. In short, the family, particularly the parents, must realize that the home is the first and foremost school for the children. Erik Rees used the acronym SHAPE- Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Attitude, Personality and Experiences- to drive home this lesson. Spiritual Gifts In order for a Christian to make a difference, he needs to make an inventory of the Spiritual gifts and he needs to desire to have those gifts and use them in his daily life. In the hands of God, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by discovering the gifts that they have been richly endowed. These gifts are given freely by a God who desires only the best for his people and plans for a future full of hope and fulfillment. Once this is known to parents, they can use those gifts to contribute to the realization of the potential of their children. Heart - Unless the heart of the individual is in tune with Gods ordained purpose, one is likely to feel no sense of completeness. It is only when there is congruence between core values and core principles on the one side and passion on the other can the right combination for fulfillment happen. Another Christian author, Tom Paterson, wrote: Heart is where you are centered, where you desire to serve, the altar upon which to place your talents... heart refers to empathy, attraction, or factor that draws one toward a group of people, a field of expertise, or a particular type of service. Evaluating your heart helps you determine where you might best use gifts, where you wish to serve, and whom you wish to serve. Abilities - this refers to discovering what you are good at, to recognizing the need to align passion, abilities and gifts if one is to uncover ones purpose in life. Abilities are best seen as some innate capabilities that a person is born with and which over time can be honed to a level of expertise or strength through training and practice. For all intents and purposes, abilities and strengths can be interchangeably used. Author Marcus Buckingham defines strength as consistent near perfect performance in an activity. As such, what has been recognized as a strength must be done with consistency in order to maximize it. If it is to be valued, a strength must produce intrinsic satisfaction. It cannot bear fruits when done reluctantly or negatively. Once again Scripture comes to our aid: Romans 12:6a: Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them.. Personality - In simple terms, it refers to who God has made us to be- different one from the other and yet equally precious in the eyes of God. Rick Warren aptly states: Like stained glass, our different personalities reflect Gods light in many colors and patterns. Some of us are comfortable in the presence of many persons and therefore are able to relate rather quickly and easily while others are led to a more quiet life. One is not superior over the other but simply different. Given proper orientation, cultivation and appreciation by the person concerned or the people charged with his or her growth, one will certainly find the right environment to allow his talents and giftedness to bloom fully. Such is the challenge and opportunity confronting leaders of organizations, churches or communities and the sooner this is addressed, the better the outcome. Experiences This variable determines or defines where we have been or how we have been shaped by the past. Whether accepted or not, there is nothing that one can do to unravel the past but that is not to say that one cannot derive or apply lessons from the past. In Gods plan, we are all works in progress. Just like clay in His hands, He continues to shape us and correctly expect our lives to be masterpieces. He uses all our experiences, both the enjoyable and pleasant as well as the painful ones, to produce the finished product. Not all experiences are supposed to be personally gone through, because, lessons can be learned vicariously, i.e. through the experiences of other people. Here is where study, fellowship, and sharing of community life teach invaluable lessons. The revelations of God through the millennia made through the patriarchs, prophets and Gods people are sources of valuable lessons and records gleaned from the books of the Bible. Erik Rees puts it succinctly. Imagine yourself walking a long hallway. On the walls are paintings that reflect those life-shaping moments in your life. On one side are portraits of experiences that brought you excitement, achievement, and fulfillment. On the other side hang pictures of experiences that caused pain, frustration, and remorse. Walking slowly down the hallway, looking carefully at each painting, is an important step toward understanding who God created you to be and discovering the Kingdom Purpose he has set aside just for you. By understanding the relevance of SHAPE and helping their children exercise them, Christian families can really make their homes the source of Godly individuals who are responsible citizens of society and the world, who can contribute to the upliftment of human dignity. Sharing in the Life of the Church In December 1975, Pope Paul VI issued the very important encyclical, Evangeli Nuntiandi (Evangelization in the Modern Word), summing up the responsibility of the Church, both clergy and laity, in the responsibility of gospel proclamation. In that document, a very critical exhortation that should always be in the consciousness of even the laity is that the Church exists in order to evangelize. In Redemptoris Missio, the Pope emphasized that evangelization is an issue of faith, an accurate indicator of our faith in Christ and his love for us. It becomes our primary responsibility simply because the love of Christ impels us. (2 Cor 5:14) In short, there can be no true evangelization without the explicit proclamation of Jesus as Lord, by word and witness of life. This is in recognition of the fact that people today put more trust in witnesses than in teachers, in experiences than in teaching and in life and action than in theories. It is important to remember that the foundation of effective evangelization is a life of prayer. Thus our words of proclamation must always be bathed in an intense life of prayer. Corollary to prayer, and one which must likewise stem from a prayerful life, is humility. This is the message of the parable of the mustard seed, that great realities often have humble beginnings. Humility dictates that evangelizers must not expect immediate results nor demand that these results be attuned to their own will and timing. For the Lord of the harvest is God. He alone decides the pace, the timing, and mode of growth of the seed. We only need to remind ourselves of this truth in order to be protected from being discouraged as we discharge our missionary commitment. For all these to happen in our lifetime, all of us must honor, affirm and support the Family, "the first and vital cell of society," the cradle and bedrock of leaders.

THE Vatican- sponsored World Congress on Families in Milan, Italy from May 30- June 3 had as theme: "The Family: Work and Celebration." It underscored the pivotal role of the Chrisitian families in society and in the world. Familiaris Consortio, the 1981 Apostolic Exhortation authored by Pope John Paul II, with much clarity, strongly emphasized the four general tasks for the family: (1) Forming a community of persons (2) Serving life (3) Participating in the development of society (4) Sharing in the life and mission of the church Forming a Community of Persons The first experience in life that has immeasurable impact on children is the unconditional and selfless love of the parents. A happy and secure childhood characterized by parental and fraternal love, care and affirmation provides the strong foundations and life experiences that positively impact on the individual, particularly in the exercise of his chosen vocation in later life. In Biblical times, when the Pharaoh in Egypt ordered the merciless killing of all Hebrew male babies, God intervened so His plan of redemptive love for His people can come to pass. He allowed Moses to be 'drawn' from the river Nile and sent Him first into the court and house of the Pharaoh and later set the 'life' of Moses on its ordained path. Moses grew up to be an important man who walked along the path cut out for him by the Lord. His life story, known and recited widely by Jewish and Christian children of all generations, continues to inspire and underscore the importance of forming a community of people and leaders, especially under the mighty hand of God. Serving Life Life is sacred and any violation of its sanctity and integrity offends our Creator. Ever since 1973 when abortion was legalized in America, an estimated 53 million estimated abortions have been performed. This figure far exceeds the sum total of all the American military and civilian casualties of all the wars waged by that nation from its founding. Even if one throws in all the victims of the Nazi holocaust, the Bolshevik pogroms, and

CFC Aurora Conducts CLP for PNP Personnel CFC Northern California
The News Supplement of Couples for Christ

Volume 16, No. 12

www.couplesforchristglobal.org cfcmultimedia@gmail.com

Melo Villaroman, Jr.

Executive Director Editor-in-Chief

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Managing Editor Associate Editor

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Writer/Lay-out Artist Circulation Staff
Jesse Pimentel addresses the PNP personnel at the start of the session

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The Ugnayan News Supplement is published by the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, Incorporated with editorial offices at 156 20th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City. Editorial trunk line: (063)709-4868 loc. 23; Direct line : (063)709-4856

By Mon Banas
JESSE Pimentel, a member of the Area Governance Team of CFC Aurora and head of the provinces Mission and Evangelization program, does not think that mega-CLPs are no longer possible. He and the province of Aurora just saw one mega-CLP happen in the province. The Christian Life Program

(CLP) was given to more than 90 personnel of the Philippine National Police and single men and women over three weekends that began May 19 and ended on June 2, 2012 in the PNP compound in Aurora. It all started when the newlyappointed Aurora Provincial Director (PD) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), PS Su-

perintendent Benjamin Hulipas, approached Jesse and told him that the policemen in Aurora had to have some kind of spiritual transformation. Jesse suggested the conduct of Christian Life Program (CLP) for the policemen and their spouses and when the PNP leadership agreed, he informed Mon Baas, newlydesignated Provincial Area Head (PAH) of CFC Aurora of the exciting development. The planning for the first-ever CLP for the policemen of Aurora began in earnest. The first hurdle was to gather the team and the speakers. Aurora leaders were ably helped by a team from Meralco in Manila led by Chris and Marivic Yap who handled the talks of module 1 on the first weekend. The second module on the following weekend was given by speakers from CFC Nueva Ecija led by Pabling Trinidad. A mission team from the Pastoral Support Group (PSG) of Central A in Metro Manila provided the speakers for module 3. Mon and his wife Marge were on hand for all the modules.

Going Strong at 20

By Mauril Mariano
CFC Northern California (NorCal) celebrated 20 years of Gods blessings at St. Timothys Church in 1515 Dolan Ave. San Mateo, California last May 12, 2012. Twenty years ago on May 14, 1992, CFC NorCal was officially begun at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milpitas with six couples ( Boni and Baby Capuyan, Rolly and Nila Fajilan, Cris and Celia Naza-

reno, Loy and Mely Sagrado, Carl and Solly Sinsay and Larry and Lorna Tamayo). To date, three of these couples (Fajilan, Nazareno and Sinsay couples) remain in CFC which now totals 2,434 adult members, 550 YFC, and 400 KFC. The celebration started with praise and worship led by Jun Faustino at 9AM, followed by the opening remarks from Eric Villanueva, CFC-USA National Director. He urged CFC Norcal
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Vol. 16 No. 13
June 18 - July 1, 2012

Ugnayan
Hongkong under the leadership of Shok and Carel Ariola. The CFC Migrant Workers Program blossomed with programs and trainings given to sector and area Leaders for implementation in their parishes and barangays. Partnerships and linkages with the Catholic Church through the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant Workers (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as well as manpower agencies and NGOs were formalized. The program has continued with greater participation from Jess conducts the MVRP for OFWs in Hongkong. other volunteer facilitators all (and if time permits the Christian CFC members from Paranaque, over Metro Manila. In 2011, when Shok and Carel Life Program) to all our departing Las Pinas, Muntinlupa and Taguig, (South A, South B and were appointed as International workers and their families. Joining the CFC community Central C) and majority are forCoordinators for Singles For Christ (SFC), the responsibility in 1997 has entirely changed my mer OFWs or who have family as National Coordinators for the perspective in life and in business. members overseas. We conduct CFC Migrant Workers Program If you take care of Gods business, the Moral Values Reorientation was given to me and my wife He will take care of yours. He Program (MVRP) at the Overseas Mercy. At that time, we were will never be outdone in gener- Workers Welfare Administration cluster leaders in MM Sector osity. Mercy and I rarely go on (OWWA), for Household Service South B and Country Coordina- overseas marketing missions to Workers (HSWs) at the National tor for Guam, Federated States of promote our services but we are Reintegration Center for OFWs Micronesia, Marshall Islands and still blessed with several solid, (NRCO) in Intramuros and at the Commonwealth of Northern reputable clients because of our the Philippine Association of overseas evangelization missions! Service Exporters Inc. (PASEI), an Mariana Islands. Being a former OFW myself, The Lord uses our recruits to do association of about 700 private Recruitment Agencies where the and owner of an overseas recruit- the marketing for us! The members of our Migrant Pre-Departure Orientation Semiment and placement agency, I knew firsthand the problems Workers Program team are all nar (PDOS) is conducted for about that OFWs face and the challenges that they daily go through as a result of being separated from their families. I have tried to alleviate some of their worries by not collecting placement fees from applicants so that they do not have the added burden of paying off debts. As a direct offshoot of being CFC, I was also giving Values Formation CLP graduates from the JM International Overseas Recruitment Agency.

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200 departing workers daily as service to its member agencies. To date, at OWWA, around 20,800 OFWs have undergone the MVRP since 2010 while about 60,000 have gone through the program in PASEI since Feb. of 2011. Equally important in the program are the families or dependents of OFWs that are left behind, which we call Family Circles. Through partnership with OWWA and various parishes, the MVRP for Family Circles is starting to gain ground. The CFC MVRP-FC modules have available programs for each member of the family. The program was first piloted with dependents of OFWs organized by OWWA from Taguig; it will soon to be done in strategic major cities around the country. We are also doing the MVRP-FC in several parishes, among them the Mary Help of Christians Parish in Better Living Subd. Paranaque, where two batches have already finished the modules; at Golden City, Sta.Rosa, Laguna, and at the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish where on going Family Circles MVRP has close to 40 participants. Other parishes that are already in the pipeline are St. Joseph in Upper Bicutan; Mother of Perpetual Help in Perpetual Village Taguig; Mary Queen of the Apostles SAV 5 Paranaque and other parishes in Las Pinas and Muntinlupa. Apart from the OWWA, PASEI and Parish Engagements, the team likewise saw the immediate need to minister to other departing OFWs not covered by OWWA and PASEI. Thus, arrangements were done directly with several recruitment agencies to conduct the MVRP to their departing workers and dependents. For instance, in two agencies, we have already conducted MVRP-FC and follow-up seminars for more than 700 families since 2010. God gave us an even bigger bonus. Five owners and officers of big recruitment agencies were invited to attend the strategic Christian Life Program last March 30 and 31 and they all attended and graduated! All are now active members of CFC Handmaids of the Lord. With Gods grace they will in turn be the light to others in the overseas recruitment industry. The work with migrants is indeed so vast. With about 10 million Filipinos working overseas, assuming that each person has an average of five family members, we can see that about half of the population is affected by this migration phenomenon. Despite the OFWs positive contributions to the economy, the social cost is unquantifiable. Sadly, we hear of so many tragic stories of OFW families breaking up, with the children leaving home and school because of lack of guidance. The result of this breakdown is growing substance abuse, teen pregnancies, distorted values, broken lives and even suicide. Mercy and I consider ourselves blessed that we have been given the opportunity to contribute to this great work. We are also blessed because we belong to a community whose vision and mission are geared for family renewal, a gigantic work indeed but doable work because God remains to be our focus in everything that we do.

By Jess Ferrer
IN 2009, Couples for Christ, seeing the trend of migration and realizing the vulnerability of the migrants and their families to forces that tend to destroy it, embarked on a program to support the needs of migrant workers. Conducted through TEKTON, a CFC ministry, modules for Moral Values Reorientation, designed to strengthen moral fiber and family relationships, were developed. This response is in line with the call of the late Pope John Paul II in Erga migrantes caritas Christi #86: In both the Church and society, the lay faithful, lay associations and ecclesial movements, with all the diversity of their charisms and ministries, are called to bear Christian witness and to be in the service of migrants. In the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II), #108, it is likewise stressed that A growing awareness of the missionary potential of Filipino migrant workers abroad has also dawned upon us. We also need to provide the pastoral and social care for them and their families. In that way, their spiritual and material welfare is served, their rights protected and their faith strengthened. The program was first initiated through the efforts of Nolet Ladrido who was able to formalize a partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment for the conduct of moral values orientation for departing workers. In 2009, the program began to take off with the first seminars conducted for Filipino workers in

Working with Migrants

On Mission in Laos
Alarin, leaders of a group of HOLD Laos members at the Scavi Lao Garments Factory. The group had a chance to experience greater bonding with workers in the factory, who attended the Christian Life Program in July 2011, but who are not able to regularly attend the assemblies or teachings due to their very tight work schedules. Dining with them where they live and work gave the CFC governance a deeper appreciation and understanding of their limitations and a better idea of how best to cater to their needs for spiritual sustenance. The weekend mission officially started with a Eucharistic Celebration at 10:30 by Fr. Doroteo. The members of the team and the attendees to the teachings were then ferried to the Philippine Embassy where the teachings were held. A total of 29 brothers and sisters attended, 14 of whom have not yet attended the Christian Life Program, but who expressed their desire to be part of the next CLP in July 2012. A spirit-filled worship prepared everybody for the afternoon sessions which started off with a presentation on the Great Commission and a talk on Evangelization. The teachings and discussions, handled jointly by JM Yupangco and Alex Escucha served as timely reminders of Gods mandate to all Christians to spread the good news and baptize our brethren, even as the Lord

Silence, Words, and Writing

By Rey and Lyn Feria

A TEAM of elders composed of JM Yupangco, Alex Escucha and his wife Bess conducted another series of teachings and talks for the brethren in Laos recently. Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane City, Laos, the team were whisked immediately to the residence of the Philippine ambassador to Laos, Ms. Honey Isleta for a courtesy call that was only expected to last a few minutes but ended three hours later, as pleasantries quickly evolved into ideas for expansion in the country. The mission team from Manila were joined by members of the CFC Lao governance (Rey and Lyn Feria and Ronnie and May Villanueva and by Fr. Doroteo Reyes, OMI, a Bangkok-based Filipino priest who visits Vientiane monthly to celebrate Mass, to support CFC Laos and to assist in the continuing spiritual formation of Filipinos in Vientiane. Later that day, the group enjoyed dinner hosted by Baby Lantican and Glenda

gave the assurance that He will be with us to the end of the age. The talk on the Great Commission was a fitting prelude to the succeeding presentation on Evangelization, which focused on the various ways by which we can deliver Gods love and bring others to experience a much deeper personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. A special talk on Christian Personal Relationships was given by Alex, with special emphasis on the role of our tongue as an instrument to praise or to curse others; an instrument to upbuild relationships or to destroy them. The presentation was pregnant with numberless illustrations on how brothers and sisters can continue to enrich their relationship with one another in an atmosphere of true brotherhood and sisterhood, and in the spirit of Gods unconditional love, touching on the many ways by which we use our tongue to admonish, to counsel, to correct, to praise, and to console. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to a presentation on Financial Stewardship. It was indeed very heartening to know that for those who respond to Gods call to share their resources to the less fortunate, the Lord in fact gives more so that they may have enough surplus to share with others. Even more heartening is the realization that nobody can outgive the Lord --- a fact which has been experienced and proven by many brothers and sisters who have never found themselves wanting even as they continue to share of their time, talents and treasures to further the Lords kingdom. And as if in immediate response to the just-concluded teaching, everybody responded joyfully during the First Fruits ceremony that capped the days program.

By K.I. Martin
RECENT reports state that the Philippines is the texting capital of the world, with over P1B worth of text messages sent nationwide everyday. In light of this phenomenon, Pope Benedict XVIs Silence and Word became even more relevant to those who heard it last June 3, 2012 during the recollection held at the Mary the Queen Church in San Juan, MM. SFC Communications (SCOM) organized the recollection, its first activity since its inception. The recollection was given by the director of Jesuit Communications, Fr. Nono Alfonso, SJ. During his talk, Fr. Nono emphasized the role of every Christian as evangelizer, juxtaposing the equal importance of speech and silence in the path to evangelization. He discussed the problem with words: its excessive use which results in the crowding out of the message; superficiality; and lastly, the use of words as a means for violence. On the other hand, he noted the integral part of silence in the communication process, reminding the crowd that silence allows for true listening, facilitates understanding, and enables discernment. Silence can also be a medium for prayer, as it is not merely the absence of noise, but can also pave the way for the pregnant presence of God. Towards the end of the recollection, Fr. Nono quoted Henry Nouen and
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CFC Guam Celebrates 17th Anniversary

By Jess Ferrer
HAFA adai! This was the warm greeting of the CFC Guam brethren in welcoming the Mission Team from Manila who arrived May 2 to join the celebration of CFC Guams 17th Anniversary and to echo the Magnificat Conference in that Pacific Island U.S. territory. The mission team was composed of CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca and wife Irma, Guam country coordinator Jess Ferrer and wife Mercy and fulltime worker Mike Serapio. Mike had arrived a week earlier to conduct a Music Ministry workshop, to meet with the YFC and SFC ministries and to assist in the preparations for the conference that was held on May 6, 2012. Apart from the Magnificat Conference, Country Coordinators Jess and Mercy Ferrer conducted a Household Leaders Workshop while CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca gave a teaching on Commitment among others, updated the community on the latest positive developments in and around CFC and discussed the CFC Roadmap. During the teams stay in the island, CFC Guam Country Head Ebet Sapida arranged meetings with several parish priests that included Fr. Paul M. Gofigan of the Parish of Sta. Barbara in Dededo, Fr. Jeff San Nicolas of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Yigo, Fr. Danny Ferrandiz of Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral and Monsignor David Quitagua, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Hagatna, the capital of Guam. Each was given a copy of the CFC 30th Anniversary Pearl Book. All the priests and the monsignor expressed their appreciation of the work of CFC and gave their full support and blessings. The mission team also had a radio interview at 101.9 KTKBs Damdaming Pinoy, a weekly program produced by the Filipino community. The work of CFC in Family Renewal was highlighted during the one-hour interview.

provided the upside of passivitysurrendering to Gods will and allowing His plan of salvation to unfold for us. A workshop on Events Scriptwriting followed the recollection. It was given by Mae Manalac, an industry professional who has worked for some of the biggest TV networks in the country. The workshop was a crash course on writing for events the way it is done in the entertainment world todaybut with an SFC edge, of course. Mae provided the participants with a typical writing process prior to the event and on the day itself, emphasizing that the team must always be ready for anything and that the writer must allow God to work in spite of the plans that were prepared. She taught the basics of writing sequence guides and treatments as well as scripts, sharing some trivia and commonly-used terms along the process to further enrich the talk. Afterwards, the participants were split into five groups and experienced a baptism of fire of sorts, as each group was asked to come up with a sequence guide and opening script for a specific SFC event. Mae then gave a very short introduction to VTR Basics. In the end, all the participants left the recollection/ workshop excited to apply what they had learned in their own chapter-based events, and with a renewed understanding of the importance of both silence and word.

The Magnificat Conference was held at the Parish Hall of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and was very well attended. The participants were all fired-up, motivated and inspired by the various topics and raring to go with renewed vigor to further the work. Presentations by the various Family Ministries were done during the lunch break as part of the 17 th anniversary celebration. The whole day activity culminated with a Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr. Jeff San Nicolas and Fr. Paul M. Gofigan, CFC Guam Spiritual Director.

to continue to be On FIRE for the Lord, saying: CFC Norcal now stands at the threshold of greater things to come. He urged CFC Norcal to offer to God all the works over the past 20 years and to recommit to God. CFC is a way of life, designed by God to help you become all you can be. There was much fun, fellowship and food as the celebration continued, but this will never be complete without the Eucharistic Service which was celebrated at 10:15AM by Most Rev Fr. Richie Bueza, Pastor of St John the Baptist Catholic Church (CFC NorCals first Parish). Various chapters and ministries put

up booths and helped fund-raise with such offerings as halo-halo, gulaman, maiz con hielo, coffee, soda and water, and other food items. There were also game booths and a photo booth that every enjoyed. The main event was the Amazing Race were everyone participated. In between these fun activities, door prizes and cash prizes ranging from $5 to $100 were given away. The highlight of the fellowship was the drawing of raffle tickets for cash prizes of $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place . The celebration was ended with a praise fest led by Gerard Talampas, an SFC leader.

Please visit our communitys websites:

www.couplesforchristglobal.org

www.sfcglobal.org

www.cfcyouthforchrist.net

www.cfckidsforchrist.com

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By Roseller Ayson

Ugnayan CFC Ilocos Norte Conducts CFC ANCOP hosts Press Conference to Promote Global Walk 2012 Magnificat Weekend Retreat

CBCP Monitor

June 18 - July 1, 2012

Vol. 16 No. 13

AROUND 400 warm bodies from the 3 chapters of Ilocos Norte and from the nearby provinces of Apayao and northern Cagayan gathered at the Gerrys Grill of Museo Ilocos Norte in Laoag City on May 12 and 13 for the Magnificat Weekend Retreat. The retreat started with a Holy Rosary at 7:30 AM led by Medel and Mary Dawang, followed by Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Melchor Palomares, the assistant parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish of the City of Batac. Fr. Melchor is also the parochial vicar of the Southern Vicariate and the director of the Legion of Mary of the Diocese of Laoag. In his homily, Fr. Palomares expressed his delight that the CFC community has incorporated teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary in its formation tracks. Fr. Palomares also gave a comprehensive explanation of the essence of Marys Magnificat. According to him, the Magnificat summarizes perfectly Marys faith and trust in God. After the Opening Worship which was led by Amboy Tan, Talk 1: Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord was delivered by Robert Maranan, Ilocos Norte Provincial Area Head and member of the Sector Governance Team of West B in Metro Manila. His wife, Cynthia and Freddie Mercado affirmed the message of his talk with their powerful testimonies. The afternoon session began with Talk 2 All Ages will Call Me Blessed which was given by Ed Garcia, a cluster head of West B Sector followed by a sharing from his wife Dina. Talk 3 Lift up the Lowly was given by

From left to right: CFC ANCOP Program Director Ethel Balenton, CFC ANCOP President Eric de los Reyes, CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca, ANCOP Global Walk Ambassador and Miss Earth Philippines 2011 Athena Imperial, and CFC Indonesia country coordinator Jimmy Santiago

By Alma Alvarez
Arnel Santos, country coordinator for Singapore and sector head of West B. His talk was supplemented by sharings from Ninfa of HOLD, Apayao and Warren Isaguirre, ANCOP coordinator of West B Sector. The climax of the days activity was the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour led by Fr. Cipriano Alnas, the director of the Commission on Family Life of the Diocese of Laoag. The second day was opened with a Holy Rosary led by Ver and Damie del Rosario, unit leaders of South Chapter, Ilocos Norte. After the opening worship led by Roger Labayan, Provincial Area Director of Ilocos Norte. Talk 4 God is Faithful to All Generations was given by Raymund Bucu, cluster head in West B member of the ANCOP core team. His wife shared their familys blessings as affirmation of Gods faithfulness. The administrator of the Diocese of Laoag, Msgr. Ian Rabago celebrated the Sunday Mass that capped the weekend retreat. In his homily, Msgr. Rabago said May 13 is the international Mothers Day and the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima or Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, and that it is just fitting that the retreat coincides with these significant events that depict the life and mission of the Blessed Mother. Like Fr. Palomares, Msgr. Rabago expressed delight that CFC has incorporated teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mother in its formation tracks. He stressed that as followers of Christ, we should emulate the 3 Rs of Mama Mary: Receptive, Reflective, and Responsive to Gods message. The weekend retreat ended with a praisefest led by Fernan Agcaoili, unit head of Mangato, Laoag City. LAST June 14, 2012, CFC ANCOP hosted an afternoon gathering for bloggers and the press to promote the ANCOP Global Walk (AGW) 2012. ANCOP Chairman Joe Yamamoto and AGW 2012 Ambassador Miss Earth-Water 2011 Athena Imperial welcomed the bloggers and members of the press at MyCinema in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Fish & Co. served refreshments before the program started. Members of the press had the chance to interview Yamamoto and Imperial about the ANCOP Global Walk. ANCOP scholar-alumni Ken Mark Agustin, who graduated magna cum laude, Simon Beringuela, who finished in the top 10% of his graduating class, and current scholar Jean Rey Supera also gamely answered questions and invited the press to join the Walk. During the Q and A, ANCOP

Thank God for CFC: West B Magnificat Weekend

By Arnel Santos
WE thank God for you. We thank God for the CFC. We thank God for the gift of faith, for the gift of mission. These were the words of His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, in the mass celebrated by him during the CFC West B Magnificat Echo Conference held at the Quezon City Performing Arts Theater, Amoranto Sports Complex, Quezon City, on May 19-20, 2012. With over a thousand CFC WB members and Family Ministries in attendance, Bishop Ongtioco exhorted all to ask for the grace that we will always remain faithful. Thirty one (31) years we have been journeying as a community of disciples--- believing and struggling to live our mission, to strengthen family life, to share with the world, lasting values. He pointed to the Blessed Mother Mary for inspiration as Marys greatness is not because of her own merits. Si Maria ay naging dakila, naging ina ng Diyos, hindi dahil sa ano pa mang katangian, ngunit ito ay isang malaking

President Eric de los Reyes gave the press an overview of ANCOP being Couples for Christs work with the poor program. Likewise, he explained how the AGW is an effective way of involving people from all walks of life and all ages in answering the cry of the poor in terms of education. CFC Chairman Ricky Cuenca delivered the closing remarks, reminding the press how the power of the pen can help spread the word about the ANCOP Global Walk. This year, ANCOP aims to gather 150,000 walkers from Metro Manila alone, and raise enough funds to send this years 1,000 AGW scholars, plus another 1,000, to school next school year. ANCOP Global Walk 2012 is happening simultaneously on August 12, 2012. For Metro Manila, the Walk will be at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta. Gun start is at 5:00 AM. Walk registration is P300. For details, go to www.ancopglobalwalk.com.

ANCOP, DZMM Partnership Funds 25 Children of Sendong Victims

Four generations of CFCs after their sharing at the CFC West B Magnificat Echo Conference on May 19-20 at the Amoranto Theater.

biyaya. Biyaya na hindi mo inaasahan, pero ipinagkaloob ng Diyos. (Mary was glorified and became the mother of God, not because of any other characteristic but because it was a great blessing. Blessing that was unexpected, but which the Lord granted.) Bishop Ongtioco further explained, Ang biyayang ito o anumang biyaya ng Diyos ay hindi para sa iyong kapakanan lamang, ngunit itoy para ibahagi, ipamigay sa iba. (This blessing or any other blessing from God is not for

your own benefit but it should be shared and given to others.) And so if we do this like Mary, the Lord will continue to bless us and we can honestly proclaim the greatness of the Lord. The two-day conference was a Spiritfilled activity with the introductory talk delivered by Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco, Jr., S Th D, and sessions led by CFC WBs Bob Lasalla, Ed Garcia, Leony Balmeo, and Danny Lopez. A powerful praisefest led by Kirby Llaban concluded the conference.

By Ethel Balenton
LAST May 24, 2012, CFC ANCOP and DZMM awarded scholarships for 25 children of Sendong victims at the Pagatpat Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City. Parents of the scholar children signed the MOA of scholarship, after the orientation given by Jinggoy Acebu, ANCOP Head of Misamis Oriental. DZMM distributed school opening provisions to the children, such as school bags, school supplies

SELPIE THE MUSICALE: A Gateway Evangelization

alien to him. When he finally listens to the small voice, he makes a wonderful discovery. The beautiful story of Jesus is artistically woven into this simple plot, using not only Christian music but even adapting very secular songs like the Queens Bohemian Rhapsody, The Square Heads Happy and Van Halens Jump. This makes Selpie the Musicale not only evangelistic, but entertaining as well. Selpie has an appeal for all ages: from kids, to youth, to young adults and married couples. The scenes are emotionally loaded and will break even the most hardened heart. The verse from Psalm 95:7-8 is the message that is presented throughout the play, If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Some comments from those who have watched it: Sobrang ganda, I was crying the whole time, Bitin! 90 minutes just flew by, My children enjoyed it. Made it clear how cunning the devil can be, Awesome, Amazing, Spirit-filled, Beautiful script, beautiful everything. Selpie is directed by Jethro Tenorio, a faculty of the Kagawaran ng Filipino of the Ateneo de Manila University. Musical director is Nonong Sampang of CFC. The story was written by Bob Serrano with the dance sequences choreographed by Dayloe Ranario, Tank Bautista, Rey Guardaquivil, and Joms Vicencio. The lead roles are played by Stephen and Grace Umaguing, Tank Bautista, Bubi Camus, Cerisse Balatbat, Gretchen Yaoyao, Paul Salita, Emer Guingon, AJ Angeles, Mimmon Vicente, Hanz Zaragoza, and Edmund Martinez. All cast and crew are volunteers and members of CFC and its various Family Ministries.

and funds to buy uniforms and shoes. CFC ANCOP, on the other hand, will implement the CFC ANCOP education program, providing the transportation and food allowance, tutorials, value formation and spiritual enhancement for the children and the parents for the whole school year of 2012-2013. This scholarship was the result of ANCOPs participation during the Takbo Para Sa Karunungan marathon organized by DZMM Tele-radyo last March 11, 2012.

IC Member Nonoy Dalman Meets CFC NorCal AGT

By Bob Serrano
COUPLES for Christ, in its passion to proclaim the greatness of the Lord to all, continues to seek new and creative ways of evangelization. Over the years, music is one avenue that has greatly helped in mission. The most recent musical effort is Selpie, the Musicale. Selpie is a 90-minute musicale that presents the different talks in CFCs Christian Life Program. For all CFCs, the CLP is the starting point of a lifelong journey to seek Jesus and build a deeper personal relationship with Him. Drawing inspiration from the CLP, the musical aims to achieve these objectives: to present Jesus through music, dance and stage acting; to present the reality of spiritual battles going on for our souls; to inspire people and plant seeds

of revival in their hearts , through the power of the Holy Spirit, that will drive them to seek Jesus more. The main character, Selpie (it is not a coincidence that his name sounds like CLP) is a hard-hearted, arrogant man who does not know God. The hardness of his heart has damaged his relationship with his wife and with his son, Galileo, a gang leader addicted to illegal drugs. After getting involved in a brawl, Galileo is imprisoned and a big fight ensues between Selpie and his wife, Moira. Confused and deeply hurt, Moira runs away. She finds refuge in a church, asking God for answers and praying for her family. Left alone, Selpie is torn between staying in the artificial and temporary comfort of his old evil ways and listening to the small voice within him that urges him to a path

IC member Nonoy Dalman and wife Marivie (extreme right in photo) met the Area Governance Team (AGT) of CFC Northern California (NorCal) last May when he gave a talk to the NorCal brethren on the CFC structure. The NorCal AGT is composed of Raffy and Carl Estrera (Sector Head), Rolly and Nila Fajilan (Family Ministries Head), Carl and Sollie Sinsay (Regional Head Southwestern Region), Pidz and Joy Banasan (Pastoral Formation), Bobbee and Marivic Mella (Mission Support Services) and Ding and Joy de Guzman (ANCOP Regional Coordinator).

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for their team building. The highlights of the second day included the knighting ceremony for the brothers and the crowning ceremony for the sisters. The plenary session followed where the women were given the opportunity to share their realizations and experiences during the weekend. The day ended with a very moving praisefest

led by Nemboy Rivera of SFC Central Bangkok. The Knights Tale and Princess Diaries are part of the new pastoral formation track of SFC which aim to instill in the hearts and minds of SFC members the truth that they are sons and daughters of the King and that they were created men and women for a specific purpose.