FIDELITY play-dance-skit

CFC play-dance-skit presentation @Holy Family Parish Kamias QC.
Parish Organizations Night Competition. Feb 11, 2011.
First Prize Winner! Yey!

CFC theme 2011: Put on the Armor of God

CFC Leader's Conference
Araneta Coliseum
January 15, 2011

Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.

For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.

Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.

So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
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RH Bill Talk/Forum: "Why Catholics should oppose HB 96 (RH Bill)"

CFC AT THE CONGRESS ON ASIAN CATHOLIC LAITY

Couples for Christ participated in the recently-concluded Congress on Asian Catholic Laity sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Held in Seoul, Korea from August 31 to September 5, 2010, the congress was attended by about 400 delegates from 35 international lay associations, ecclesial movements and new communities in 20countries. The congress theme was “Proclaiming Jesus Christ in Asia today.”

During the conference proper, CFC was one of only five associations asked to make a presentation before the body. CFC, among the more than 100 international lay associations recognized by the Vatican, is also the only one that originated in Asia.

Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in his closing address at the Congress, entitled, “Catholic Laity: Witnesses of Hope for the Good of the People of Asia,” spoke of HOPE as the common denominator of experiences that emerged from the various discussions and testimonies shared at the congress. He said, “This is the hope that the Church and every Christian is called to witness to the world, making it an important service to humanity in our time.”

The Cardinal also exhorted the participants to be mindful of their role as witnesses, particularly since “As we know, Catholics in Asia are a tiny minority, but we are certainly not a timid minority closed in on ourselves. On the contrary, we are a “creative minority”, full of vitality and stimulated by the hope that comes from faith.” He ended with these words: “Dear brothers and sisters, I conclude by making my own the exhortation of the Apostle to the Gentiles: “So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught” (Col 2. 6). The three International Council members present, Joe Tale, Executive Director Joe Yamamoto and International Missions Director Rouquel Ponte, could only marvel at the awesome affirmation – that the Cardinal had chosen the very same Gospel verse that CFC was given as its theme for 2010.

CFC chairman Joe Tale made a 10-minute powerpoint presentation on the evangelization programs of Couples for Christ, a presentation so well received that it made Cardinal Rylko comment, “Couples for Christ, your presentation was excellent!”
Joe Tale called the congress “very affirming” of the evangelization efforts and of the very life and mission of CFC. He shared that during the imposition of the cross necklace, Cardinal Rylko whispered a message for the entire community: “God bless you and all of Couples for Christ.”

Professor Guzman Carriquiry, the Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, also imparted a very affirming message for CFC. During the Friday night fellowship, he informed the three IC members that CFC should no longer worry because the problems the community had in the past were over. When pressed for explanation, he told Rouquel Ponte that the Vatican is aware that CFC is doing good things and is a major force for evangelization, particularly in Asia. He urged CFC to continue doing its mission and not to dwell on the past storms because the mere fact that it was CFC, represented by the International Council, that was invited to the Congress is ample confirmation of its Vatican recognition.

Pics and the rest here.

Montalvan on John Henry Newman

Antonio J. Montalvan II writes an informative article in his Inquirer column on Blessed John Henry Newman.

The beatification of John Henry Newman coincides with the momentous UK visit of Pope Benedict XVI. In his article, Montalvan focuses on Newman's pronouncements on education, citing the volume of lectures on “The Idea of a University” that Newman wrote as rector of the then newly established Catholic University of Ireland. Here are some excerpts from that column.
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His philosophy of education, which educators of today can take heed of, is mainly this: that education is founded on truths in the natural order, “when we use what we have by nature to the utmost, at the same time that we look out for what is beyond nature in the confidence of faith and hope.”...

In the typically classic Victorian prose of his day, Newman may not be easy reading for ordinary mortals like us. But his ideas remain as fresh in their relevance. Consider this: education must teach self-respect as “the motive principle of the soul.” “It is directed into the channel of industry, frugality, honesty, and obedience; and it becomes the very staple of the religion and morality held in honor in a day like our own. It becomes the safeguard of chastity, the guarantee of veracity, in high and low; it is the very household god of society, inspiring neatness and decency, propriety of carriage and refined manners, uprightness, manliness, and generosity.” Precisely because they sound alien in today’s educational standards, the more Newman’s ethics continue to ring painfully true...

Of late, we read in the news what was probably the best pronouncement ever by Archbishop Soc Villegas at the installation of the new president of De La Salle University. Bishop Villegas said it very simply but not without a shocking value. The aim of the Catholic university (and I would propose even for non-sectarian universities, for faith and praxis must be solidly in harmony) is to produce saints. Every student, he said, is a soul. It is amazing news in an era when many of our educators have long discarded that duty in exchange for “mercenarianism.” Those lines reflect Newman: “he cared for standards, but never forgot the person.”
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I have learned in a past CFC formation talk that prophecy is not only that which is concerned with future events, but also that of which is divinely inspired to illuminate that which is currently elusive by natural reasoning. Cardinal Neuman's treatise on education is prophetic in both senses, and it is quite insightful (and to a certain extent, prophetic) for Montalvan and Bishop Soc to zero-in on Neuman's legacy on education in at this time. I am of a firm stand that the way this country manages education is the key in bringing this country forward. Enough of "mercenarianism".

We can start by having Catholic Theology professors teach real theology.

It's a real battle

There is a legend that the Queen of Sheba once sent two bouquets of roses to Solomon. One was genuine and the other was artificial. According to the legend, she challenged Solomon to detect which was artificial and which was genuine, without touching it.

Solomon opened the window and let in a swarm of bees, which at once settled on the real roses.
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In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus tells of the requirements for real discipleship. I was at first puzzled by the comparison with a king at war:

"What king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?".

But then I realized that Christ's followers are into a deadly spiritual battle with evil. Jesus tells us to be ready and give up inordinate desires, or else we can not follow Him. Oftentimes, these inordinate desires consume us to the point that we are not even aware that we are already unfit for battle. So there is a need for introspection. I remembered a management book I was reading about Sun Tzu on the Art of War sometime ago.

"He who has a thorough knowledge of himself and the enemy is bound to win all battles. He who knows himself but not the enemy has only an even chance of winning. He who knows not himself and the enemy is bound to perish in battles".

King Solomon and Sun Tzu understands the principles of coming to terms with reality, but it is only Jesus who can see through our inner selves and guide us through.

This morning we conducted the 5th session of our CFC Christian Life Program at 9am to 11am after the 7:15am mass. It was a lazy Sunday morning, there was a drizzle, and it was very tempting to sleep late. I guess the participants and the CLP service team won one battle, but there will be lots more. I did get a restful nap in the afternoon. God is good.

xposted for CatholicFriends

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Well-rested

Sunday Gospel
(Lk 12:32-48)

"...That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more."

If one interprets Jesus' words here literally in isolation, it would seem that those who have been endowed with much talent and knowledge would have a bigger burden to bear. Much will be required of that person so endowed, or else "severe beating" would be due. Wouldn't it then be far more desirable to be untalented, stay uninformed and therefore be more relaxed, unperturbed, and carefree? To remain blissfully ignorant, passive and unresponsive just so one only deserves "light" punishment?

More than nine years ago before I became active in a Catholic Charismatic community, I was quite exhausted with the demands of my office work. I managed our company's IT department and I felt it was a very demanding job. The remaining spare time that I had was spent on recharging myself, and occasionally having late-night outs with some close friends to unwind. I felt I was maxed-out and there was no time left nor nothing much else to do. I was attending Mass on most Sundays (which was already fair enough I thought) but other than that, I simply neglected my spiritual life.

I was indifferent, cranky, much too busy, and much too tired anyway.

In the year 2001, my wife and I succumbed to a persistent invitation by a close friend to join the Couples For Christ (CFC) community. We gave in to the invitation more as a favor to that close friend rather than a real desire to attend a 13-Saturday CLP formation program - the entry point to CFC. I was a reluctant, nonchalant participant as the first few talks started, but as the formation program progressed, the spiritual passion was gradually stirred within me. To cut the long story short, my wife and I eventually became active members of CFC starting 2001. Since then we eventually became household heads and unit heads where we were entrusted various couples under our pastoral care. Since 2004 we have also concurrently served in the Parish Pastoral Council as Family and Life Ministry couple coordinators, where we pursue family-oriented programs for the parish as well as conduct pre-cana marriage seminars. We also joined the CFC ProLife Ministry where my wife and I got ourselves qualified as certified instructors to be able to volunteer in teaching Natural Family Planning courses. In all this time, my wife and I still held our full-time office jobs. She is an Associate Director in a large hospital. On my part, my responsibility in our office has more than doubled in the time being, since our CEO also assigned me starting in 2005 to head the HR department on top of my responsibility in managing the IT department.

There is much, much more on my plate right now compared to more than nine years ago, but I am not complaining. Wonders, but there is still much left for quality time with the family, plus some recreation on the side. Compared with the years before I became active in the church, now I feel much more organized, fulfilled, relaxed, and the most amazing thing is that I feel so much more...well-rested.

There is no irony when God is at work, after all He is the one arranging our schedules, managing our difficulties, and blessing us with time and resources to fulfill His will. When we commit ourselves to serve, it is God's work, and we are just instruments. It is God who makes things possible, and His handiwork becomes manifest in our lives. We are blessed and empowered and I understand why St Paul says we are going to be made prosperous in every way so that we can be generous for others in every way. I also understand why this Sunday's Gospel also says that to whom much is given, much is expected in return.

There should be nothing to worry about regarding the Master's will, because Jesus also tells us: Come to me all of you who are tired...and I will give you rest.
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On the matter of endorsing political candidates

CFC WILL NOT ENDORSE ANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Related cbcpnews item here: ‘Mainstream’ CFC will not endorse candidates

In this memo CFC merely clarifies its stand to remain non-partisan, to avoid confusing its position with that of the breakaway group who insists on using the CFC name in some form. From a prerogative point of view, it is acceptable for a Catholic lay organization to either support or refrain from supporting particular candidates. As long as it's the official stand of the leadership, I would say it falls under a matter of legitimate prerogative. Of course if there is a particular endorsement, it goes without saying that it should never carry any element of coercion to its members. Endorsement or no endorsement, the bottom line is that in the final reckoning, it is still the individual's conscientious choice that must be respected. In the contentious matter of selecting the best political candidate, reasonable people can come to different conclusions.

The matter is different though, when we talk of an official endorsement coming from the Catholic clergy. The danger lies when such an endorsement is perceived to represent an official Church stand that the faithful must follow. To my knowledge, there is no allowance in the Church's principles for political partisan endorsements. The Church as a matter of principle avoids endorsing particular candidates for public office, as the matter of voter's choice rests upon contingent and controvertible matters that are beyond the scope of certainty as it relates to the articles of faith. It is the role of the Church however, to issue moral guidelines for arriving at a conscientious choice in line with Catholic teaching.

Here are some profitable readings along the line.

DOCTRINAL NOTE on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life

- A document released in 2002 by the Congregation of the Doctrine for the Faith, headed by then Cardinal Ratzinger. An interesting portion of the document talks about "moral principles that do not admit of exception, compromise or derogation". Thus we infer that that voting for persons who unquestionably hold such adverse positions goes against a conscientious Catholic choice.
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A Catechism on Family and Life for the 2010 Elections

- The voters guide released by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, which is rather heavy in its admonition against voting for candidates who promote contraceptives. Coincidentally, when the document was released last December 27, 2009, all the popular leading presidential candidates changed their tune and withdrew their support for the RH-bill. Interesting coincidence.
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Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics

- A good explanation by Catholic Answers on the Five Non-Negotiable Issues
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Abortion Is the Black Hole of Moral Issues

- A great explanation by Jimmy Akin in his featured article for Catholic Answers, explaining Cardinal Ratzinger’s "Proportionate Reasons".
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Voters Guide, NOT!

- And lastly, a Voters Guide for the Not-so-Serious Catholics
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10 days to go and I am still undecided. Sigh.

Seven Last Words 2010

"Today you shall be with me in Paradise"
(Bro Lito Estrella)

"Woman behold thy Son..."
(Bro Ernie Balarbar)



CFC Holy Family Parish Choir

Abaruray

Abaruray. The dance is believed to have been derived from "Aba! Ruray?!", probably an exclamation to a dancer who was very skillful with balancing the glass on her head despite very difficult dance steps. Though obvious that the name was derived from a sort of a 'spectacular' or daring dance piece, there are however, equally beautiful versions of the Abaruray less the wine-glass balancing act. The most popular among which is the Abaruray de Catanauan from Catanauan, Quezon Province. The version is popular among Southern Tagalog festivities like baptisms, town or barrio fiestas and similar festive occasions. (source)

Couples For Christ NB5C presented the Abaruray dance in yesterday's program for the Fiesta 2010 Holy Family Parish Organizations Night.

CFC Leaders Conference Jan 2010

"Fullness of Life in Christ"

CFC Leaders Conference
January 9, 2010
Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines




for 2011 event click here

CFC Defines Guidelines for CFC GK Work

These guidelines were issued by the CFC International Council to define CFC's GK work. An article containing such guidelines was also reported in the CFC Ugnayan supplement of the recent CBCP Monitor issue for Oct 26-Nov 8, Vol 13, No. 22.

For informational purposes.

Building a church

Tucked somewhere among the remote hills of Antipolo is this modest church which serves as a venue for an ongoing CFC Christian Life Program where I was invited to deliver a talk yesterday. It is located in the Lower Antipolo area where the last stretch leads one through bumpy, rough roads. Having been accustomed to well-appointed churches and formation centers in the city, I was quite awestruck by the bare simplicity of this church and its verdant surroundings. The building is quite unfinished, unpainted and unfurnished. The lower floor serves as the main church-cum-formation center, while the upper floor serves as the priests' modest quarters. The parishioners are mostly from the nearby relocation settlement areas, composed of former squatters who were forcibly relocated from the city. CFC has established GK communities in the area, started around 6 years ago. I heard that more displaced settlers have been recently hauled into the site by the government, poor victims of the recent Ondoy storm devastation. These are people that need the most pastoral care.

I did not get to talk with the parish priest although an incoming assistant priest dropped by and we had the chance for a little chat. It appears they are missionary priests from the Augustinian order, and I guess they chose the right assignment. God bless them. They may have bare facilities, but they certainly know how to build the church.

After the deluge

Nothing beats a word of comfort, a hug, a helping hand, and a hot bowl of "lugaw".



Thank you brothers and sisters!

Feed my sheep

CFC 28th Anniversary

RUNNING THE RACE TO WIN

June 27, 2009

HAPPY 28th ANNIVERSARY - COUPLES FOR CHRIST !

Online HH

CFC’s first online missionaries’ get together, a success

MANILA, June 2, 2009—Physical proximity is no longer an impediment for prayer meetings and spiritual get together as internet made the first online international missionaries’ household meeting of the Couples For Christ Global Mission Foundation, Inc. (CFC) a success.

At least 24 CFC missionaries from the United States, Trinidad & Tobago, Seychelles, Kenya, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, St. Martin and the Philippines simultaneously went online to participate in a pioneering intercontinental sharing last May 28.

Through videoconferencing via Yahoo Messenger, the CFC missionaries met online for three hours and shared their stories of victory, challenge, and realization about being out of the country on mission...
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A virtual meeting of geographically dispersed but spiritually united hearts, minds, and souls in cyberspace. What an uplifting moment. Certainly, whenever two or more are gathered in His name, even in cyberspace, there is Jesus in their midst, with the ultra-fastest bandwidth one can ever imagine.

Question: How do you make beso-beso in cyberspace?

Time out

Off to Subic Bay! (5/30/2009)























The kids' summer vacation is almost over, the rainy season is just about geared up, and our
CFC unit just completed our first Christian Life Program for the year. We thanked the Lord for His guidance, the resources He gave us, and congratulated ourselves. It called for a celebration,
and a lot of fun.

Cutting poverty

Gawad Kalinga, Reyes Haircutters (RH) build homes for the poor
-by Patricia Esteves
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"Beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga (GK) housing in the slums of Deparo, Caloocan have a reason to smile and feel positive about these days despite the economic crisis.

Five new, rainbow-colored homes have been constructed in the area and were recently handed over to the beneficiaries.

Thiry-seven more homes will be constructed plus a new salon training center for the livelihood of the residents.

In the new salon, everyone will be welcome to learn hair-cutting, styling, body and foot massage, pedicure and salon management, among others, for free.

After finishing the course, beneficiaries are guaranteed to be employed in any of the Reyes Haircutters' branches.

They can also opt to work in other salons, put up their own business or go abroad for employment..."
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I must say this is a most welcome innovation along the lines of "teach a man how to fish...". It underscores the ideal of an unselfish, holistic, sustainable, and values-driven approach in finding solutions to poverty. According to RH president Les Reyes, their on-going project "Gupit Ko, Buhay Mo" allocates 1 peso for every P50 haircut fee in all Reyes salons to the construction of more GK homes. A little less for self, but most definitely more for others. While the current news on the "Legacy" pre-need scandal (among a host of other unresolved scandals) appalls most of us, there are bright, refreshing spots on the horizon like this hair-and-poverty-cutting development. Now, if only we had more of the likes of Les Reyes and less of the likes of...
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FORWARD IN CHRIST

CFC Leader's Conference
January 10, 2009
Araneta Center

FORWARD IN CHRIST

"Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

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The theme of Couples For Christ this year is : Moving Forward in Christ. On a personal note, one cannot really forget what went on in the past, but must put it in the proper perspective. St. Paul always finds the imagery for straining forward, fighting the good fight, and running the race to win. It is all about advancing in growth for Christ. Peter once faltered while walking forward on the water towards Christ. If one does not forge ahead and grow, one can only falter, slide backward, and sink. Brothers and sisters, Forward in Christ!