What is Couples for Christ ?
Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It is an association of Christian couples who have committed themselves to the Lord and to one another, so that they may grow into maturity as men an women of God and fulfil their primary vocation of raising up their families under the lordship of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God.
Couples for Christ is a work of Christ which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to the work of evangelization and winning the world for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It grows mainly through the establishment of localised units in different parishes.
Where and how did CFC begin ?
CFC began in 1981 in Manila when a local Christian community tried out a new approarch 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 of the power of the Holy Spirit through a series of weekly informal discussions of the gospel in a social setting.
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.
Through the years, CFC has blossomed into a worldwide ministry, becoming a major force for the renewal of Christian family life and also of the church.
Why is such a ministry necessary?
It is God’s plan that the family be the basic unit of society, such that the condition of the families determines the condition of society. However, there are many forces in the world today that would , wittingly or unwittingly, destroy the very foundations of the family. CFC wants to rise in defence 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.
How does Couples for Christ intend to work for Christian family renewal ?
CFC intends to carry out its work by focusing on three specific objectives.
Who can become members of Couples for Christ ?
Any married Catholic couple can become members of CFC. CFC draws its membership from all sectors of society, young and old, rich and poor, etc. CFC transcends all cultural, economic, educational, social and other distinctions. And although at present, the majority of members in Bahrain are of Filipino nationality, couples from India, Egypt and China are also in the community.
How does a couple become members of Couples for Christ ?
Those who want to join CFC go through a seminar which is called a Christian Life Program (CLP). The CLP starts with an orientation session, then goes through 12 weekly meetings, thus involving a total time period of 3 months. The weekly meetings are usually held in the evenings and last about 2.5 hours per session.
What is the nature of the Christian Life Program ?
The Christian Life Program (CLP) is an integrated course leading into a renewed understanding of God’s call to us as Christian couples. It is divided into 3 modules of 4 session each. Each session consist of a talk, group discussion, and some time for fellowship.
The different topics of the talks are as follows :
The first module (first 4 talks) presents the absolute basics of Christian life, with emphasis on our hearing it with an adult perspective. The second module (next 4 talks) presents the kind of life that God calls to us : it spells out the personal response involved in receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour and helps couples to make a reorientation of their lives around Jesus. The third module (last 4 talks) helps the couples to commit their lives in a serious way to Jesus. It helps them appropriate for their lives the power of the Holy Spirit. It provides the basics for continuing spiritual growth.
Is there any cost involved ?
There are no fees or any monetary expenses required of participants. The only investment required is their time and their openness.
What happens after the Christian Life Program ?
After the CLP, those who finish are invited to join CFC. When they do, they are made part of a small cell group called a household. The household is composed of from 5 to 7 couples who meet weekly for mutual support and encouragement in the Christian life, under the direction of a household leader.
What is the nature of this household ?
The purpose of the household group is to build an environtment for the support of the Christian life of couples, and to provide a means for encouraging and hastening spiritual growth. It provides friendship and brotherhood. It helps people overcome obstacles to growth in the Christian life.
The household meeting is held in the homes of the group members, on rotation basis. A typical meeting would involve some time for prayers, a time for sharing or discussion , and finally some time for fellowship. It would normally last about 2.5 hours.
How about Christian formation?
Finishing the CLP is just the beginning of a long process of growth and transformation in Christ. As such, CFC provides a continuing program of formation, which includes teachings, recollections, retreats, etc.
How is Couples for Christ different from other movements or organizations ?
CFC differs in a number of ways but the most significant are the following:
Is CFC recognized by the Catholic Church ?
Yes, CFC is a servant and lay arm of the Church in the work of renewal, and has a number of bishops as its Spiritual Directors. Furthermore, CFC is present and operates in many different parishes and dioceses, fully recognized by and operating under the authority of the parish priests and bishops.
CFC Bahrain's Spiritual Director is none other than Fr. Felicio Diniz, the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Parish Church.
What benefits can a parish derive in having Couples for Christ ?
There are a number of benefits :