COUPLES FOR CHRIST
“Verdant Springtime”
The last quarter of 2007 was punctuated by the appointment of the new set of leaders for Couples for Christ (CFC)-Vienna with Jun Dano as Chapter Head and the Governance Team composed of Ato Benganal, Biboy Blanco, Rommel Dacillo, Tom Dolor, Glenn Figuracion & Erich Matzner. At about the same time Joey Mempin of CFC Davao was assigned as the Philippine - based Country Coordinator for CFC Austria. The appointments were made by the CFC International Council through Joe Yamamoto, CFC European Coordinator.
The CFC International Council is the overall top governing body for the international Couples for Christ community. It is the policy – making body that determines major policies for the entire body a). The present members of the CFC International Council are as follows; Joe Tale, Director; Rouquel Ponte; Ernie Maipid; Lito Tayag; Joe Yamamoto; Joey Arguelles; Melo Villaroman, Jr. The members of the International Council in Manila are elected by the CFC Elders Assembly b) every 2 years.
The quagmire of 2007 was indeed the most challenging year for Couples for Christ (CFC), the only Vatican - recognized lay organization based in the Philippines. Nevertheless, God’s love broke through the night of struggles, of fears, of tears, of pain and brokenness. The twelvemonth that followed, the year of our Lord twenty hundred and eight, proved to be a verdant springtime of renewed vigor for Couples for Christ (CFC) worldwide and particularly for Couples for Christ (CFC) – Vienna
“Conclusive Commitment”
When the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC) celebrated it’s 25th anniversary last September, Couples for Christ (CFC) – Vienna together with the other organizations were fully engaged in the celebration. The singles (SFC) and youth (YFC) organized the activity for the younger members of the community of the week long celebration. Upon the request of Bro. Jorge Florendo, the creative team of CFC - Vienna amenably coordinated the program to honor the past & present FCC pastors, to the pleasure of the many guests that stayed until late in the evening. Members of Couples for Christ (CFC) were encouraged to contribute in whatever capacity to lighten the many tasks during 25th year celebration, as a conclusive commitment of Couples for Christ (CFC) to the Filipino Catholic Community (FCC). Indeed, it was memorable anniversary for everyone and an excellent occasion for us to work hand in hand with the other groups in the Filipino Catholic Community.
This Advent, we anticipate with great enthusiasm the activities of the community most especially the “Simbang Gabi” and the Eucharistic celebrations that will feature the Couples for Christ - Choir with their vibrant songs of worship will surely add fervor to the season. In the same way, we strive to fulfill Couples for Christ’s irrevocable responsibility to be in full communion with the Universal Church as we actively pursue our global mission to build the “Church of the Home” and the “Church of the Poor”.
“Glimpses”
Outstanding, would be an understatement to depict CFC - Vienna & it’s Family Ministries attainment in their respective annual European conferences. This year’s theme was taken from John 13: 34-35 “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for of one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” Herewith are glimpses of the 2008 European conferences. . .
CFC – Kids for Christ (KFC); August 15-17, 2008 Paris, France
Kids for Christ - Vienna, practically won all the ballgames (Gold in basketball, volleyball & football) despite the fact that it was a banner year for the European Kids Village (EKV) in terms of attendance. There were 134 kids from 8 Countries out of the 222 registered participants. We would hope and pray for the other countries not represented in this year’s 7th European Kids Village (EKV) to join us next year in The Netherlands sometime in August.
The most enjoyable fellowship was the “Grill Fiesta” where the different delegations show-cased the local grill delicacies of their respective country/area. The weekend was not only filled with joy and laughter but a spiritual experience for the kids through the many workshops, work stations and presentations intensified by prayer & worship.
Of course the event would not have been complete without a visit to the Euro-Disney. Our kids also took home the gold medal in the Dance Competitions & second place in the “Grill Fiesta” contest. All were gratified not so much of the medals & trophies we have brought home but the authentic encounter with the Lord that left a durable imprint in the hearts of our kids”.
“I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me:” Phil. 4:13
Ato & Roanne Benganal
KFC-Vienna Coordinators
CFC-Youth for Christ (YFC); July 25-27, 2008 Athens, Greece
One thing we look forward to every year is the Youth for Christ (YFC) Euro - Conference. The annual conference is a get-together of young people coming from around Europe to experience God’s Love.
This year’s theme is “Love one another, as I have loved you”. Apart from hearing talks, having workshops and meeting friends from other countries, the conference also had various competitions in sports, dancing and singing. Since Youth for Christ (YFC) - Vienna has always been willing to enter these competitions, we did not go to Greece unprepared. Preparing and practicing for these competitions was not easy and surely took up a lot of our time. Nevertheless, all the time, effort and stress was worth it because we did come home with enough trophies and certificates.
Though we were able to get recognitions in the creative & sports competitions, (Unplugged – 1st Place; Dance Competition – 2nd Place; Volleyball – 3rd Place) we are more proud of the special awards we received namely: Legacy Award – for being present every year since 1998; Most Vibrant Delegation - for being the loudest & liveliest delegation; Biggest Delegation – for having the majority of our members present at the conference and the “Love One Another Award”- for being loving and caring to each other as well as to the rest of the delegations. With these awards, we gain confidence in our spiritual growth, and strive to love one another more each day.
See you in Malta next year!
Anness Villanueva
YFC Vienna
CFC-Singles for Christ (SFC); July 4-6, 2008 Milan, Italy
This year was indeed a highlight event in the life of CFC - Singles for Christ here in Europe as it celebrated it’s ten Spirit-filled years. All roads led to Milan, Italy last summer of July 4, 5 and 6 where the conference was held where 195 committed single men and women from all over Europe joined and took an active part.
The said conference with its theme @ Home: Singles in God's heart was a manifestation of care, joy, peace and love as the delegates participated and responded to His great call of service and holiness. Various talks during the plenary sessions, workshops and praise fest’s had been the focal point of reflection, action and healing. The competitions have been a showcase of the many talents and creativity of our brethren. The testimonials of many simply proved that God works in mysterious and marvelous ways.
Truly, God has showed His majesty and power to our 15 vibrant singles from SFC - Vienna who reaped the most number of awards and won few citations in the contests that were conducted namely: 1st prize- Memory Lane; 1st prize – Banner; 2nd prize - Food and Pasta festival; 3rd prize- 80's dance contest; Most inspiring delegates and the Most number of delegates.
Even with these added feathers on their caps, they still will strive to be the best disciples that Jesus made of them and together shout the battle-cry: Love deeply, live fully!
Glenn & Gamai Figuracion
SFC-Vienna Coordinators
CFC-Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD); October 3-5, 2008; Milan, Italy
Every HOLD conference is a time of spiritual nourishment because of the vibrant & inspiring talks given by our HOLD elders from the Philippines. The testimonies and sharings of fellow Handmaids strengthen one’s outlook of the problems of life in general.
Sis Didi Galsim, HOLD International Coordinator gave the talk on “Handmaids after God`s own heart”. She expounded that every handmaid must aspire to be a woman after God`s own heart. A woman after God’s heart must manifest the fruits of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy & peace which are attitudes of the heart. Patience, kindness & generosity should rule her relationship with others. Faithfulness, gentleness & self-control would enable her to have self-discipline.
Truly, the 9th HOLD European Conference held as a back to back conference with CFC was very fruitful as we firm up on our resolve that every woman is a creation of God distinctly called to the mission of personal transformation & evangelization to bring other women to a renewed life in the Lord, just like our Mother Mary.
Let us look forward to our next HOLD conference in Athens, Greece!
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die, but have eternal life” John3:16
Sally Doria
HOLD - Vienna
Couples for Christ (CFC); October 3-5, 2008; Milan, Italy
The 10th CFC European Conference which was held in Milan, Italy was very memorable, not just because my wife and I were like honeymooners as our kids were not with us (special thanks to my sister who took care of them for 3 days), since God spoke clearly to us even before the conference actually began.
When we embarked on our plane to Milan we never expected to experience our worst flight ever. As our aircraft was tossed around for over a quarter of an hour, I remembered calling all the saints in heaven, for it seemed to be the end of the world for us.. ‘Ganun pala pag ramdam mo na kukunin ka na”. However, I am quiet sure that in the eventuality Bing & I were not going to hell. “Lord sa purgatorio lang, please! “At saka Lord sayang yong na-practice naming sayaw!” In retrospect, we discovered that at that moment we were thinking of only one thing in common - our kids! We have 2 boys. Earnestly, I just prayed “Sana Lord wag muna, kawawa naman ang mga bata”.
To make the story short, we arrived Milan safely and the chance to be part of the 10th CFC European Conference. Through the talks and sharings I realized that indeed God has a plan for me & Bing. Not only to raise our kids well, but much more! Why was it not our time yet? Do we have something yet to be accomplished?
God’s message to me in the conference was very clear -“take care of my sheep” “But I feel unworthy, Lord?” “Hindi ko po ata kaya, Lord?” Nonetheless, I was fondled by God’s affirming love on that dreadful flight to Milan.
“And as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!”
Tom & Bing Dolor
CFC-Vienna
“Forward in Christ”
Couples for Christ (CFC) -Vienna is one of the mission centers of Couples for Christ (CFC)- Europe where most of the Senior Regional Coordinators (SRC’s) are based namely; Ruben Colon, for the Nordic Region; Rene Santayana, Northwest; Don Sarmiento, Southeast and Jorge Villanueva, Eastern. Only Venci Arcayan of Paris, France and Joe Aquilina of Malta are not based in Vienna. Venci covers the Southwest region while Joe, a Maltese is coordinator for the Central Region which includes Austria.
Inspirited, would be a restraint word to describe the experience derived by those who have attended their respective annual European Conferences. Definitely, everyone was inspired by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and by one another. This year’s theme taken from JOHN 13: 34-35 “Love one another” will be officially over at the end of this year but will surely remain as a way of life in the community.
We rejoice that the Lord has given us a theme for next year - “Forward in Christ”. The scriptural basis for this theme is taken from Philippians 3: 13-14 “Just one thing; forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus”. Our rejoicing comes from the firm belief that this theme is God’s gift to us, because, by His grace it is consistent with the Pauline year celebration of the Catholic Church.
Footnotes:
a) §6:63 of the Vatican approved International Statutes of Couples for Christ
b) The Elders assembly is composed of Sector Heads in Manila, Area Heads and Regional Heads for Philippine provinces, Regional Coordinators, Directors and Mission Directors in Manila, National Directors of major ministries and members of the CFC Council and the Board of Elders, together with their respective spouses(if any). - IS_CFC §6:61
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Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It began in Manila when a local Christian community tried a new approach in evangelizing married couples. The method used consisted of bringing together a small group of prospective couples in a private home. There they were brought to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit through a series of weekly informal discussions of the gospel in a social environment. Soon, CFC became a Christian family life renewal program 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.
In Vienna towards the end of September 1995, through the initiative and approval of Fr. Joey Demoy, then the new Chaplain of the Filipino Catholic Community in Vienna, the first Christian Life Program (CLP) was held. Four couples, Frank and Gerry Padilla, Tony and Ruby Borja, Nolet and Mila Ladrido, Bangy and Shirley Bangayan, and Charlie and Evelyn CuUnjeng, came all the way from Manila to conduct the seminar which was held for two consecutive weekends.
For most of the sixty individuals who accepted the invitation and subsequently finished the seminar, it was a totally different experience. The twelve talks and the personal sharing of the speakers paved the way towards a new, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. They learned a new way of praying and praising, in songs, in shouts, also in tongues. They came to know the Holy Spirit, no longer just the dove in paintings of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan, but an ever-present, loving companion. Suddenly, the world seemed less hostile, there was an unexplainable urge to make friends with everybody, and each day began and ended with songs of praise. Close friendships were formed in the household and the assembly became the most important activity of every month.
The first CLP yielded 20 couples, twelve handmaids (HOLD) and eight singles (SFC). In 1997, the Youth for Christ was introduced and the first Youth Camp was held in the Niederösterriech. Not long after that, the first Kids’ Camp was also conducted, finally making the CFC family complete.
CFC-Vienna grew steadily in number, with each new member adding to the community’s treasure chest of talents and capabilities. Armed with new found boldness in proclaiming God’s goodness, new communities were soon established in other provinces in Austria and other European countries. CFC-Vienna has also been instrumental in bringing the community to many European countries.
Gawad Kalinga, (to give care) CFC’s work with the poor has added a new dimension to Christian community life. What used to be just faith has become faith in action. GK-Austria supports the Prayer Mountain village in Antipolo City and several towns in the Bicol Region. Through numerous fundraising activities, more than forty families have been given concrete homes and their children sent to school. GK’s ultimate goal is to eradicate slums in the Philippines and in the world.
Last year not only marked the tenth year anniversary of CFC in Europe which was held in Rome, Italy but also the announcement of its permanent recognition by the Vatican.
To be a member, one has to join the Christian Life Program (CLP), which is regularly taking place during 10 Sundays in spring and autumn (For groups, special schedule can be arranged). During that course of 13 talks one is presented with the basics of Christian life and can decide to become a member. After the CLP, one will have weekly household prayer meetings and many other teachings, retreats and conferences, a rich program that tackles important spiritual as well as practical aspects of life.
For more information, contact:
Couples for Christ European Mission Center - Vienna
Stadlauer Str. 24/1, A-1220 Wien
Tel./Fax 282 95 64 /Web Site: www.cfcglobal.org.ph /E-Mail: cfceu.missioncenter@aon.at
Or Call: 0699 1198 5733