Couples for Christ
Couples for Christ (CFC) is a Catholic movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. The members have committed themselves to the Lord and to one another so that they may grow in maturity as men and women of God and fulfill their primary vocation of raising up families under the lordship of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God.
Where and how did CFC begin?
CFC began in 1981 in Manila, Philippines when Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy in the Lord), a covenanted Christian charismatic community, realized that to effectively renew society, a conversion of both spouses, and consequently families, to Christ was necessary. The method used consisted of bringing together a small group of prospective couples in a private home. They were brought together to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to renewal in a social environment. Beginning from the first 16 couples who joined the weekly gathering, CFC became a Christian family life renewal which was later made available to parishes and groups of married couples who wished to live out their Christian life in an active, supportive relationship with one another. The growth of CFC stemmed from its heart for mission and evangelization and its commitment to sharing God's love with others, beginning from the basic unit - the family. It did not take long for CFC to realize that while couple renewal was essential, it would be incomplete without family renewal. Through the years, CFC has blossomed into a worldwide ministry, becoming a major force for the renewal of the Christian family and also the Church.
Why such a ministry?
CFC wants to rise in defense of the family, which is God's work. CFC wants to bring God's strength and light to those who are struggling to be truly Christian families in the modern world.
Recognition
In 1996, CFC was approved by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines as a national private association of lay faithful. In 2000, CFC was recognized by the Holy See (Vatican) as a private internal association of the lay faithful of pontifical right.
CFC Family Ministries
In 1993, CFC established its family ministries. This has provided a "womb-to-tomb" renewal ministry, where persons are evangelized at the youngest age and sustained as they grow through the different stages and states of life. CFC Kids for Christ, CFC Youth, CFC Singles for Christ, CFC Handmaids of the Lord, and CFC Servants of the Lord provide a support environment for every member of the family. A person moves from one ministry to the next as his state of life changes. Thus, the whole life of a person while on this world is covered.
Kids for Christ (KFC)
KFC aims to service children from ages 4 to 12. The ministry is committed to mold young Christ-like leaders. The ministry has four evangelization programs: Kids Evangelization, Family Enrichment, World Changers, and Leadership Formation for Kids. It also has a support program for CFC members (for Couple Coordinators, YFC ROCK Facilitators, Parents) serving the ministry called Mission Support Program.
CFC Youth (CFCY)
CFCY aims to evangelize youth from ages thirteen to twenty-one. The ministry molds a generation of young, passionate, convicted, and Christ-centered young people, reaching out to them in every community, campus, and school. YFC/CFC-Y is composed of programs that aim to cater to all areas where the youth are present. The five main programs are: Community, High School, & Campus-Based, TORCH, and YCOM.
Singles for Christ (SFC)
SFC aims to cater to the needs of single men and women from twenty-one to forty years of age. The pastoral care offered by the ministry is not limited to those who are called for marriage, but includes those who may be considering either single blessedness or religious vocation. SFC ensures that it brings Christ to wherever the singles are - in the corporate setting, in campuses, in government institutions, even in prison and developing communities. SFC also intends to be relevant in various realities of a single person in the aspects of leadership, lifestyle, livelihood, and love life.
Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD)
HOLD specifically targets mature women, regardless of status or situation, from ages forty-one and above. The ministry has a three-fold mission: personal transformation; evangelization to bring her family and others, especially women, to a renewed life in the Lord, and whole-hearted service to bring glad tidings to the poor. It provides a strong teaching track, special teachings for women in different states of life, and a leadership program to equip leaders to be more effective and better servants. The mission expresses and promotes the missionary spirit among leaders to realize its vision.
Servants of the Lord (SOLD)
SOLD specifically targets mature men, regardless of status or situation, from ages forty-one and above. SOLD provides an environment wherein they will be empowered to manage their lives accordingly and find spiritual sustenance. SOLD activities revolve around the spirit of brotherhood offering pastoral formation programs that mold its members to become "True Men of God."
Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP)
ANCOP is CFC's ministry for the poor. In unity with the Catholic Church, with Christ as the center of its work, ANCOP shares Christ's love among the poor, uplifts their lives, restores their dignity as children of God, and transforms communities. ANCOP addresses the needs of the poor, especially in third world, for: decent shelters, Christian values formation, child educational support, food sufficiency, livelihood, and health. ANCOP also encompasses work with Communities for Christ (affordable housing), prison ministry, and migrant workers.