CFC Thailand reaches 30 years
CFC Thailand celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Shrine of the Seven Martyrs in Songkhon, Mukdahan Province, Thailand from 26 to 27 October 2019. His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Philip Banchong opened the event with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and welcomed CFC members from Ubon Ratchathani, Tharae Nongseang, Phuket and Bangkok. Over 150 members represented the different CFC communities throughout Thailand to the celebration held at the tiny village located along the Mekong River, bordering Thailand and Lao PDR. The event also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the beatification of the Seven Martyrs in Songkhon. Father Wiradet, Vicar General of the Archdioceses of Tharae Nongsaeng hosted of the event and allowed the use of facilitates in the Shrine for CFC. Father Wiradet expressed his strong support to the work of CFC and invited CFC to expand its work in Songkhon where there are over 1,000 active Catholics, including young couples and children. Father Wiradet is the resident priest at the Shrine. Read more
CFC Central Bangkok greets new membersCFC Central Bangkok Chapter concluded its annual 7-weekend Christian Life Program (CLP) held at the Holy Redeemer church on 15 September 2019. The CLP graduates were 22 in total, comprising 4 couples (CFC), 9 singles (SFC) and 5 handmaids (HOLD). Mac/Gigi Velayo and Gary/Anna Hufana led the programme with support from all members, including the chapter leaders John/Princess Balgoa.
CFC Nonthaburi welcomes new members
CFC Nonthaburi Chapter welcomed 18 individuals (2 couples, 2 SOLDs, 6 HOLDs and 6 SFCs) to the CFC community following their completion of the 3-weekend CLP held in Nonthaburi on 6 October 2019. CFC Nonthaburi is the youngest CFC chapter in Bangkok that started in 2015 at the Don Bosco Filipino School. The chapter is led by Jojoy and Emelyn Mission.
CFC Laguna Phuket concludes CLPCFC Laguna Phuket welcomed 11 new members (6 HOLD, 3 SOLD and 2 SFC) at the culmination of the Christian Life Programme held on 22 September 2019. In addition, there were four children added to the CFC Kids for Christ ministry as part of the CLP. CFC Laguna Phuket is a small expat community established in 2010. Arnel and Vicky Flores have recently been appointed as the Area leaders.
Mission to TharaeA mission team from Bangkok led by Ajarn Arom visited the Diocese of Tharae Nongsaeng on 22 September 2019 as part of the preparations for the 30th anniversary celebration. The team had a courtesy call with His Excellency Most Reverend Archbishop Louis Chamnien Santisuknirand at Sakhon Nakhon at 8am where the Archbishop accepted to celebrate mass at the anniversary and received updates on the work of CFC in Tharae. Following that, the team visited two parishes in Tharae to meet with CFC Thai members. The meetings included a brief exhortation from Ajarn Arom and Edgar and practice of Thai songs for the anniversary led by Jojoy Mission and Rose Padilla. On Sunday, following the mass, the team met with parish priest of St Michael Cathedral in Tharae, Father Pongsi to discuss the preparations of the anniversary. Father Pongsi also agreed to attend the event in Songkon. The mission team comprised Ajarn Arom and his wife Supatra, Ambassador Precha and Kung, Edgar and Moonyeen, Jojoy Mission and Rose Padilla.
Chiangmai CLP welcomes new membersOn 7-8 September 2019, CFC Chiangmai and its family ministry welcomed 11 members (1 CFC, 2 HOLD, 1 SOLD and 6 SFC) to the community following their completion of a Christian Life Programme held at the Chiangmai Catholic Mission House. Sonny and Tess led the service team with support from Jemar (SFC Nonthaburi) and 5 speakers from CFC Chiangmai. The service team praised God for the good harvest and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
North Bangkok welcomes new membersCFC North Bangkok was blessed with 27 graduates (18 SFCs, 1 HOLD, 8 CFC) who were welcomed to the CFC community during the CLP Dedication ceremony on 25 August 2019 at Our Lady Mother of God Church in Rangsit. All CLP graduates were Filipinos except for the lone British SFC participant who faithfully attended all the sessions.
The CLP was supported by the new parish priest, Fr. Worawut Kitsakoon, who delivered a brief welcome remarks during the orientation session. Fr. Arvin, an Indian Franciscan priest from Samphran and the current English mass parishioners priest, also supported the CLP by administering the sacrament of reconciliation to all CLP Team members and participants. The CLP team was led by Bro. Tony and Sis. Emy Dalisay’s household with the support of SFC North Bangkok led by Bro. Louie and Sis. Pinky Lepiten. This CLP was a sort of transformation of Bro. Tony and Sis. Emy’s household members who served as members of the CLP Service Team for the first time. Praise God for the gift of service and for the new members added to our flock Women conferencesCFC Thailand Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) ministry organized back to back women conferences entitled “The Radiance of the Son”. The first conference was held at the Milton Bender Auditorium, Asian Institute of Technology on 18 August 2019 with 102 attendees and the second at St Joseph Church, Laguna, Phuket on 25 August 2019 with 36 attendees.
The conference exhorted participants to be strong and courageous when faced with challenges and darkness in life and turn to Jesus who is the Light for help. There were five inspiring talks facilitated by two HOLD leaders from Manila and women leaders in Bangkok. The two Manila speakers are Betty Talosig, HOLD GMA Coordinator and Leli Roque, HOLD Sector Coordinator Central B Metro Manila. SFC Central Bangkok welcomes new membersSingles for Christ (SFC) members from Central Bangkok Chapter concluded a Christian Life Programme on 30 June 2019 and welcomed 22 new members. The event was held at Saint John Church, Ladprao, Bangkok and supported by Father Chaiya. Jason and Rubina Domingo, Couple Coordinators for SFC Central Bangkok, led the service team. As a result of the Programme, three SFCs household were formed. Fr. Chaiya affirmed that the Catholic Church supports the work of lay communities, such as CFC SFCs, to evangelize and enrich the catholic faith. He extended his gratitude to CFC for the work being done in Thailand.
CFC Phitsanulok welcomes new membersFormed last year, CFC Phitsanulok is the youngest community of CFC in Thailand. With support from CFC Bangkok, the Phitsanulok group comprised mainly of Singles for Christ concluded the 2nd Christian Life Programme on 20 July 2019 and welcomed 16 new members, including two couples. In addition, there were two Nigerian nationals who attended some sessions of the CLP. The event was held at the Saint Nicholas School building and supported by Father Ronnie Torres who was a former member of Singles for Christ. Farther Rommie also took part in the CLP as a speaker and confessor. The team from Bangkok comprised Edgar/Moonyeen, Louie/Pinky, Lucena, Maverick, Lenin, Beth, Cel, Princess, Fe, Siegrid and Eriel. As a result of the CLP, one couple household, four SFCs and one HOLD household were formed. Due to the large number of expats in Phitsanulok and in neighboring towns, there is a great potential for further evangelization work for CFC.
CFC Phuket concludes MER and HERWith support from CFC Singapore, CFC Phuket group concluded a weekend Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) 2 and Handmaid Enrichment Retreat (HER) 2 on 29-30 June 2019. Five couples attended the MER and 11 individuals the HER. CFC Singapore service team included Boni/Mary Soque, Kirk Gepilano, Alex/Aby Yabut, Maleen Ngan, Eliza Reyes and Neil Rama. The first day of the retreats was held at the St. Joseph Church and the final day at the Amora Resort and Spa Phuket.
CFC Korat welcomes new membersOn 23 June 2019, the CFC community in Korat welcomes 9 new SFC members who completed the 3-Sunday CLP on 12 & 19 May and 23 June 2019 held at St. Lourdes Cathedral, Nakhon Ratchasima. In addition to the CLP graduates, two new sisters, who are already SFC members in the Philippines, also joined SFC Korat anew.
The CLP was conducted by CFC North Bangkok leaders with members from CFC Korat giving some of the talks for the first time. The CLP was also well supported by the resident priests, Fr. Ferdinand C. Aporillo and Fr. Joseph T. Baslao, MSP and with the approval of the Vicar General for Nakhon Ratchasima Diocese, Rev. Fr. Somchai Pongsiripat. With the addition of 11 new members, two new SFC household groups were formed and two members have moved up to become household leaders. Thus, there are now 5 household groups in Korat (4 SFCs, 1 mixed group of CFCs and HOLD). We praise God for the gift of a bountiful harvest from the CLP and for the amazing work of the Holy Spirit. With more empowerment from the Holy Spirit, we believe that this is just a beginning of a stronger and bigger CFC family in Korat. CFC North Bangkok welcomes new membersCFC North Bangkok was blessed with 4 graduates (2 SFCs and 2 SOLDs) in the concluded Christian Life Program last 28 April 2019 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, AIT. The harvest may be few but the journey all throughout the CLP was what matters most both for the participants and members of the community. The members of Kristine and Alvin’s household were trained and devotedly shared their time, talents and treasures in different ways. The CLP team was led by Patrick Gonzales and Rey Padilla who both stepped out of their comfort zones with the support of SFC North Bangkok led by Louie and Pinky Lepiten. Regardless of the number of participants our love and joy in service should always be the same all throughout of the CLP.
Enriching marriages in ChristFor several years now, CFC Bangkok organizes Marriage Enrichment Retreats (MER) I and II for its couple members during the first quarter of the year. These seminars are essential formation programmes of CFC aimed at strengthening marriages and building homes for God through better appreciation and understanding of God's plan for marriage and family life. This year, both retreats were held at the Camillian Pastoral Centre in Latkrabang during the weekend of 9-10 March 2019. Some 15 couple participants attended MER 1 and 11 MER 2. Four couples from CFC Manila who came to Bangkok to deliver powerful talks and facilitated exciting sessions were Raffy and Amie Ballesteros; Ding/Tess Aguinaldo; Lito/Linda Tayag and Tito/Leny Cayamanda. Their rich experiences in marriage life and long involvement in CFC made the retreats very successful and enriching for both participants and service team members alike.
Mission to Laguna, Phuket
The CFC community in Laguna, Phuket marks 10th anniversary this year. Members are mainly expats working in luxury hotels. On 3 March 2019, Edgar/Moonyeen visited the group and joined their household meeting. Unexpectedly, they met with Thai couple Khun Prasert and Panida at the mass in St Joseph Church prior to the household. This couple brought CFC in Laguna 10 years ago with support from Edgar/Moonyeen and members from CFC Singapore. Also in attendance was Bernadette from Phuket town who completed her CLP in 2008. It turned out to be a very special and meaningful gathering with the members of CFC in Laguna, some of them belong to the first CLP. During the meeting, Edgar exhorted the members to continue to rekindle their spirit and reflect on the CFC theme of the year "live as children of light." Many members renewed their commitment to the daily prayers and attendance to household meetings. Edgar also installed the new Governance Team for the Laguna community comprising Arnel/Vicky Flores (Area Leaders and Evangelization), Ariel/Dhona Campos (Pastoral Formation) and Mike/Majoy Trinidad (Family Ministries). The meeting concluded with a praying over of the new leaders.
Covenant Orientation in PhitsanulokPhitsanulok lies in upper central Thailand and takes 4.5 hours drive from Bangkok. There is a new CFC group established last year with very active members mostly Singles for Christ (SFC). Most of them are teachers in different Thai schools. Monthly visits are made alternately between Louie/Pinky Lepiten, who visited the group last January, and Edgar/Moonyeen with support from SFC members in North/Central Bangkok chapters. Edgar/Moonyeen, together with Lenin (SFC), went on 23 February 2019 and joined the household prayer meeting. They also gave three Covenant Orientation talks. Most members informed that they will join the SFC conference to be held at AIT on 10 March 2019.
First fruits offering for CFC BangkokThe three CFC chapters in Bangkok (Central, North and Nonthaburi) gathered together on 3 February 2019 at the Korea House in AIT for the First Fruit consecration. The venue was packed with about 200 members many in red colored clothes to join the Chinese New Year celebration. Art Roa led the assembly and gave a powerful talk on financial stewardship. He emphasized the importance of living the scripture teaching on tithing to become a mature and responsible Christian and to support the spiritual work of the overall church and of CFC. Edgar followed up with a talk on the theme of CFC for 2019 "Live as Children of Light" and then introduced the First Fruits consecration to the members. This tradition of First Fruits allows each member to express his or her gratitude to God and seek His mercy and graces throughout the year.
Youth for Christ welcomes new membersYouth Christ Central Bangkok welcomed 2019 with its first evangelization youth camp held on 19-20 January at Phramahatai School (Beside Holy Redeemer Church) Bangkok. The camp theme followed the CFC Theme of the year 2019. “Live as Children of Light”. The camp is an entry point to becoming a member of Youth for Christ and was led by Kyle Dante and Angelo Saga. Parz Maristela served in the music ministry. First time camp servants Chompoo Maristela and Richard Hufana facilitated the entire event.
Sharers from Central and Nonthaburi (Don Bosco) YFCs and speakers from the household of Siegrid Tejeno of SFC North Bangkok guided the youths in fun-filled and spiritually uplifting activities. Participants' parents came to surprise their children and engaged in the exchanging of letters and dialogue activity. The camp ended with 9 members added to CFC-YFC Central Bangkok and North-East Bangkok Chapter. After the camp, participants joined the General Assembly of Central Bangkok and were welcomed as new members. The team was grateful to the Lord for the fruitful harvest and for allowing them to serve in His vineyard. CFC Bangkok celebrates Christmas
Some 300 members from the four Chapters of CFC Bangkok gathered at the AIT Centre Auditorium on 8 December 2018 to celebrate the birth of Christ through the annual Christmas party. Edgar exhorted the group to focus on Jesus in celebrating Christmas and counteract the current Christmas culture based on entertainment, leisure and consumption. He presented a video highlighting the work of evangelization of CFC Thailand in 2018 as gifts we offer to Jesus this Christmas. Each chapter lighten up the party with colorful and lively presentations involving the entire membership about the meaning of Christmas. This was followed by group games organized by the SFCs and involved each ministries, including the children. The final part of the event was a unique gift exchanging mechanics arranged by the South East Bangkok Chapter through their chapter leaders Bal and Joyce Palmos. Each one brought home the joy and peace of Christmas and the task of praying for each other during the Advent session. Click for more photos of the event.
CFC Singapore mission to Laguna, Phuket
A team from CFC Singapore visited Laguna, Phuket to give the six talks of the Christians and His Emotion on 2 December 2018 for members of CFC Laguna, Phuket. The team from Singapore were Boni Soque, Allaine Sotto and Art Cabinian. Some 30 participants from different CFC ministries attended the spirit-filled talks and look forward to having the Singapore team again next year. The Christian and His Emotion is one of the formation programmes available for members of CFC to grow as a mature Christian.
Chiang mai missionSonny and Tess Montalbo visited the Chiangmai community on 7-8 November 2018. After attending Mass, they gathered the members for a fellowship lunch and General Assembly. The General Assembly was held in Café shop in-front of the Cathedral and Sonny led the praise and worship. SFC Covenant Orientation Talks 5 and 6 were given. Some 20 members and non-members attended the assembly. After the talks, Bro. Bill shared his healing experience that inspired the group to pray for one another.
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CFC participates in the 2018 Federation of Asian Bishops Conference held in Pattaya, Thailand
A CFC team comprising Ricky Cuenca, Lawrence & Anna Quintero, Raffy and Amie Ballesteros, Edyvmarian Abuan and Jimmy Lozare attended the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference held at the Redemptorist Centre, Pattaya, Thailand on 21-25 November 2018 (Read more).
2019 calendar of activities
What is Couples for Christ?Couples for Christ (CFC) is a Catholic-based community intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. It brings families together to pray and grow in their marriage vocation, enhance their family relationships and raise their children in accordance with Christian faith, values and teaching. CFC welcomes other family groups through its Family Ministries comprising Singles for Christ (SFC), Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), Servants of the Lord (SOLD), Youth for Christ (YFC) and Kids for Christ (KFC). This website contains information about the work and activities of CFC in Thailand. For further information about CFC Thailand and if you wish to join its programmes, please contact the CFC office via email (cfcbkkcenter@gmail.com) or call Ms. Tess Montalbo +66853421243.
CFC Thailand Light in the Lord Theme Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration
The much anticipated annual event lived up to all expectations with inspiring and enriching talks and testimonies. The CFC Thailand Theme Conference and 30th anniversary celebration held at the AIT Conference Centre on 8 June 2019 brought together about 300 committed members of the CFC Thailand family.
The central theme of the Conference presents Jesus as the one true source of light in our lives and we are all instruments to bring the Lord's light to illuminate the world beginning with our own home. It reinforced the important truth that the home is a domestic church but also is a battlefield in spiritual life. Families seeking for light also experience darkness that needs to be overcome. As Pope Francis said that perfect families do not exist but this must not discourage us. The Conference was structured in four sessions: Darkness in the Home; Live as Children of Light; Radiate Christ's Fragrance and Aroma and Be the Light. The speakers and sharers from Manila were James and Petty Dio; Raffy and Amie Ballesteros; James Solano and Nelson Corneja and Reggie and Janet Ragojos. Following the Conference, the community gathered in an evening ball to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of CFC Thailand. Edgar, CFC Thailand, opening the event with a recall of the foundation of CFC Thailand. Rowena and Philip facilitated a lively show of talents and gifts from the various chapters and areas and ended the evening with a community dance. (Click for more photos of the conference). CFC Thailand 30th Anniversary videoGuests corner
Joe and Mila Yamamoto, members of the CFC International Council, visited Bangkok on 28-30 September 2018 and spent time to meet with Edgar/Moonyeen and Jimmy/Naty. The couple were here to attend an ASEAN cardio conference.
Jun and Tina Ymson from CFC Paranaque met with Edgar and Moonyeen on 21 September 2018. They were actively involved in organizing the senior programme of CFC in the Philippines. They were in Bangkok for family purpose and took time to connect with CFC Thailand.
CFC Thailand joins the International Leaders Conference and Continental Leaders Empowerment Conference in Jan 2019Edgar/Moonyeen Dante and Sonny/Tess Montalbo represented CFC Thailand at the CFC International Leaders Conference (ILC) held at Mall of Asia Arena, Manila on 11 January 2019 and at the Continental Leaders Empowerment Conference (CLEC) for Asia and Oceania at the SM Aura, Manila on 12-13 January 2019. The ILC introduced the CFC theme of the year "Live as a Children of Light" and provided guidance on how to live out the theme and on future direction of CFC. Over 14,000 CFC leaders attended the ILC. At the CLEC, a five-year (2019-2023) strategic plan with clear targets for the continent was introduced. The plan serves as an overarching framework for the continent and informs the development of five-year national plans by the respective Country Governance Team. One of the targets of the overall plan was to make CFC Thailand a full mission centre by 2023.
Fr Michael Tidkham Jailertrit, SCJ, of the Chiangmai Diocese, is all smiles after concelebrating Mass with 12 bishops and more than 200 priests from 20 countries, Manila and provinces, attended by more than 50 religious and about 600 CFC lay leaders at the CFC Clergy-Laity Congress, held at the SMX Hall of the Mall of Asia Complex last June 21st.
CFC Thailand joins the Mission Core WeekendOver 2,500 leaders of CFC climb to the mountain resort of Baguio each year for the mission core weekend retreat. On 19-21 January 2018, Edgar and Moonyeen attended the retreat for the first time representing CFC Thailand. Called Solemn Charge, the retreat reflected on the 2018 theme of CFC based on the second letter to Timothy by Paul. It expounded Paul's final exhortation to younger Timothy as Paul knew his ministry was coming to an end and emphasized on the importance of proclaiming the Gospel even in difficult circumstances with courage and sacrifices as exemplified by Paul's missionary life. Paul's story was depicted through talks, celebration of the Eucharist, testimonies from members and drama presentations. It was a great opportunity to meet with CFC elders, particularly those who supported CFC Thailand during its formative years, including Brod. Roquel and Sis Nina Ponte. The conference also offered a time to bond with the country coordinators Brod Bombee and Sis Beth Tiongsion who kindly facilitated the participation of Edgar and Moonyeen and allowed them to meet with other leaders who had previous engagements with CFC Thailand. The retreat will be echoed in Bangkok sometime in May or June 2018.
CFC women volleyball team in Phuket
Not often we hear about a CFC sport team joining in competitive tournament. But members of CFC Laguna Phuket participated in a volleyball tournament of this year's Filipino Community League (FCL) which commenced on 20 August 2017. Despite being busy from work and fellowship, the sisters of CFC Laguna Phuket made time to compete against 5 other volleyball teams. They also aimed to promote CFC and encourage other Filipinos to join the community. This activity was inspired by the words of St. Paul "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
Basic healing and growth seminar and consultations, 10-18 June 2017
A series of seminar on basic healing and growth was organized from 10 to 19 June in different chapters of CFC Thailand. It is a special 3-hour session presented by Sister Melba Serafico, Founder of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Missionaries. The missionary group has been officially accepted by Archbishop Jose Palma, Diocese of Cebu, Philippines who also served as their bishop protector. Their charism is healing and deliverance. Sister Melba has traveled in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, Oceania, United States, Costa Rica, Iceland and Mexico, to give seminars on healing of hurts, traumas and family tree, and reparation. Schedule of seminars and consultations are as follows:
Farewell to Steve and Agnes Ward
The fraternal household gathered at the residence of Steve and Agnes at Rama III on 13 June 2017 to bid farewell to the couple and their two daughters who were preparing to leave Bangkok for good to Windsor London. Steve and Agnes have been active members of CFC for over 9 years and at one time had served as members of the Council and chapter leaders for CFC Central Bangkok. They also led several missions to Huahin to conduct Christian Life Programmes and sustained a monthly visit to the school at the Fatima Centre of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Thailand to conduct special lessons and games for students. Steve expected to join a government school in Windsor and integrate themselves in a local CFC community. Our prayers and wishes for safe travel and smooth transition go to the couple!
CFC Thailand celebrates 25th anniversary
25 October 2014: CFC Thailand celebrated its 25th anniversary at Baan Phu Wan Pastoral Centre on 25-26 October 2014. Nearly 500 members from CFC communities in Bangkok, Ubon, Tharae, Surat Thani, Panom, Phuket and Chiangmai gathered in unity to offer praise to God and share their joys and talents. Under the theme "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19), the event represented a significant milestone in the 25 years history of the community in Thailand. Fr. Joseph Chalerm Kitmongkhol, Secretary-General of the CBCT Commission on Family Apostolate informed the gathering on the challenges of Christian family life in the context of the discussions at the recent Synod on Family and H.E. Bishop Prathan Sridarunslip recalled his inspiring experiences with the CFC communities. The events highlighted the achievements of the past 25 years, inspiring testimonies of CFC members and variety of talents that exist in the community.
The anniversary celebration exceeded everybody's expectation. It was truly awesome and Spirit-filled from all counts: large turnout, inspiring testimonies, breathtaking presentations, solemn masses, powerful worships and lovely ball. Two key messages came out from the event. The first calls us to remain faithful to our covenant as expressed in Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another”. The second reminds us that God’s work is not over yet; therefore we need to persevere as long as we live just as the words from Philippians 1:3-7 “…the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” tell us. These are important messages to reflect upon as we resume doing the work that the Lord has given us. Link to photos of the event |