OFFICIAL NAME
Couples for Christ
ACRONYM
CFC
ESTABLISHED
1981
HISTORY
Couples for Christ was established in Manila, Philippines in 1981 by a Catholic Charismatic Renewal Community called "Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon" (Filipino for Joy in the Lord), as its outreach to evangelize married couples. Its goal was to renew and strengthen Christian family life and values. Its new approach to evangelization attracted many and spread in parishes as a programme for the renewal of family life. Within a few years, the association was recognized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and blossomed worldwide. On 11 March 2000, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed recognition of Couples for Christ as an international association of the faithful.
IDENTITY
CFC is made up of families who have taken up Christ's exhortation to be leaven and light to the world, particularly in the area of strengthening family life. It started with renewal of married couples, but eventually evolved with programmes for renewal of the entire family. It has ministries now for every member of the family with the introduction of Kids for Christ (4-12 years old), Youth for Christ (13-21 years old), Singles for Christ (22-39 years old), Handmaids of the Lord (widows and single women 40 years old and above), and Servants of the Lord (widowers and single men 40 years old and above). It is committed to the spread of the Good News and the Church's evangelising work and has trained and deployed lay missionaries to many countries in the world. Membership in CFC begins with taking up the Christian Life Programme, a programme of instruction designed to impart to all members the essentials of the faith, helping them to discover the sense of their vocation to marriage and to renew their faithfulness to God every day. CFC pursue its objectives with continuing programmes aimed at making the family a "domestic Church". CFC also integrates in their way of life a love for the poor through programmes on education, health and community development.
ORGANISATION
CFC is governed globally by its International Council, with its headquarters in Manila, Philippines. Under the International Council, there are the National Councils in each country, supported by regional/area governance teams which oversee the sectors and chapters in their respective areas. The chapters are the grass roots units of CFC. In 2016, CFC established an Office in Rome, which also serves as its Regional Mission Center for Europe and Africa.
PUBLICATIONS
Moved by the Holy Spirit (volume 1) and One with the Catholic Church (volume 2), a two volume history of Couples for Christ.
Ugnayan, a monthly supplement in the CBCP Monitor, the official publication of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines;
In His Steps, a quarterly publication of Bible reflections.
WEB SITE
http:/www.couplesforchristglobal.org
HEADQUARTERS
Couples for Christ Global Mission Center
156 20th Avenue, Bgy. Manga, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel +63 2 709 4868 Fax +63 2 709 4844 Viber +63 917 898 9232
Email: globalcommunications@couplesforchristglobal.org
Rome Office
Via del Cottolengo, 19, int. 8
00165 Rome
Italy
Tel. +39 06 632615
Email: cfcglobalrome@gmail.com
