The spirituality in practicing the gift of joy

IN 2008, CFCFFL has chosen for its theme the virtue and gift of Joy. This is indeed a fitting sequel to the rites of passage we all experienced in 2007 thru Lamentations. Not that we came out of the period of Lamentations in a state of still nursing our woundedness and brooding over the hurts inflicted on the community. The end of Lamentations has in fact provided us hope in the Lord because we were able to restore the eroded and broken anchors of our spiritual existence caused by our own infidelities to our covenant and our veering away from the life and mission of CFC. And because we hoped and began to restore the original and authentic charism with all the grit and determination provided us by the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mother Mary, our Mediatrix, we were ushered into the period of Joy. In the past few months before 2007 ended, we have been given the blessings and grace to restore, rebuild and stabilize by way of the Lord pointing to us the true North of our directions for 2008 and the ensuing years. Learning from the lessons, we also went thru a re-examination and a re-definition of our communitys vision, mission, beliefs, core values, and structures, the all important rudders and bedrocks of a community reborn and rekindled because of its sincere desire to restore its relationship with God and never again repeat the mistakes of the past. It is thus fitting to usher in the New Year and feel our newly-found existence with the spirit of Joy. The Psalms (118:24) puts it very aptly, This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it! It does not exhort us to still lick our wounds and wallow in self-pity. Even in Proverbs 15:30, the Lord tells us, A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. From out of the book of the prophet Sirach comes the following, Do not abandon yourself Nonong to sorrow. Do not torment Contreras yourself with brooding. Gladness of heart is life to a person. Joy is what gives someone length of daysJealousy and anger shorten your days and worry brings a premature age. In a more recent era, St. Augustine shares a bit of humor when he said, Learn to dance, otherwise the angels in heaven wont know what to do with you. It was the same joy of the spirit that the prophet Zephaniah refers to (3:17) when he declared, The Lord God in your midst, The Mighty One will save, He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Although this book describes the destruction of Judah, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia and Assyria by the mighty nation of Babylon, the underlying theme is Gods gracious ability to turn these nations scars into stars. There is always a bright future, if one builds with God, with ones hopes instead of ones hurts. Indeed, the spirit of joy empowers. Research has found out that in the Bible, the word Joy was mentioned 250 times, sorrow 40, and sadness only once. Even religious art of pictures and paintings have portrayed both a smiling and a laughing

Volume 2 Issue No.1

SOUND the TRUMPETS

Restoring the Authentic Couples for Christ Charism

COUPLES FOR CHRIST FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY AND LIFE

The Official Newsletter of CFCFFL

February 2008

INSIGHTS

CONTENTS Insights ................................ 1 Under the Fig Tree .............. 2 What Gives You Joy? .......... 3 JOY Conference .................. 5 Reflections ............................. 8 Gods Wheel ........................ 12 Feature: CFCFFL and the Church at the Service of the Handicapped .... 14 Feature: Prisoners are People ........................ 14 From the Mouths of Babes .. 17 Youth Worker ....................... 18 Focus on Singles ................. 19 Maidens Chronicles ............ 20 Newsbytes ........................... 21
Christ, a far cry from the very somber and serious Jesus that we used to know and see. Without doubt, let us also be mindful that joy does not always come as a permanent expression of our being. It has its accompanying opposite emotion. We say joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, smiles and tears, the ecstasy and the agony. The experience of one intensifies the awareness of the other. When we have felt great happiness in our relationships, we feel its loss more deeply. Think of the times we laughed so hard we were driven to tears. But if God has the power to save and restore the nations to Himself, Zephaniah also encourages all of us in CFCFFL to focus on our prospects and not our problems, our opportunities and not the obstacles, our future and not the failures!

Our Joy in Christ

THE FOUNDING FATHER

UNDER THE FIG TREE*

Frank Padilla

movement, which eventually resulted in the establishment of the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CFCFFL). Now we have learned the lessons of Lamentations, now we have repented of our infidelities, now we have been restored to fullness of our covenant with God, now we have been humbled and purified. So now we exult in joy.

under the fig tree

God rejoiced over finding the lost sheep and the lost coin, and celebrated the return of the prodigal son. In fact, God not only rejoices, but He parties! He sets up a feast. He is filled with intense delight. So too does God rejoice in our restoration, in our return to our authentic charism, in our greater faithfulness to covenant. Now He has a people to whom He can truly be their God. Now He has a people whom He can use to accomplish His will and plan in the life of the world. Let our hearts then be filled with intense joy, this year and for all eternity.

THIS year the Lord has given us our theme of joy. It is from the book of the prophet Zephaniah. It is very much connected with our theme from last year, and the circumstances that befell us. Last year the Lord brought us to Lamentations. It turned out to be very prophetic for us. Just as the Israelites had been unfaithful to their covenant and ultimately lost everything, so too did we in CFC veer away from our authentic calling and charism, and this resulted in an intense crisis and an eventual split in the community.

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love (Zep 3:17)
God is with us. Where two or three are gathered in his name, Jesus is in the midst of them (Mt 18:20). In our work of evangelization and mission, Jesus assures us that He will be with us always until the end of the age (Mt 28:20b). And the one who is with us is our Savior. It is He whom we proclaim, and it is salvation in His name that we share with the whole world.

But just like the situation of the Israelites in Lamentations, all was not lost. There was hope, for the mercies and favors of the Lord are never exhausted. Indeed, in our anguish and our seeking the Lords mercy and favor, If God is with us, saves us, restores we prayed: Lead us back to you, O Lord, us, purifies us and empowers us, then that we may be restored: give us anew that is cause for great joy. And so such days as we had of old. (Lam 5:21). our joy is in Christ. But wait, while And that is what the Lord did. that is true, that is not what our God allowed the start of the restoration theme verse says. What it says is that it is God who will rejoice over us!

* Being under the fig tree is a symbol of messianic peace. (Nations) shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. Every man shall sit under his own vine or under his own fig tree, undisturbed (Micah 4:3b4). Our ultimate goal is to bring the peace of Christ into the world to all.

Editorial Staff


Frank Padilla, overseer; Nonong Contreras, editor in chief; Mimi David, Mye Menguito, associate editors; Bambi Donato, Santi Edralin, Vania Padilla-Edralin, Rene Evidente, Gary Faustino, Annie Faustino, Kit Ladrido, Mon Arguelles, Marlyn Surtida, Joseph Tesoro, contributors; Manny Estrella, graphics/layout artist
Couples for Christ Foundation for Family & Life Apartelle 1, Star Mall, Edsa corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines Tel. Nos. +63() 718-13 * Fax No. +63() 718-13 or visit cfcffl.org

SHARINGS

What gives you

INDEED, so hurriedly do we live life that we miss out on simple joys! Coming in various shapes, forms, and sizes, these simple joys may include watching your favorite teleserye, spending a lazy afternoon with your loved ones, or quietly savoring a perfect moment with the Lord in prayer. Interestingly, JOY is as unique as each one of us. What brings you joy? Here are some sharings from our brethren:
Lord, and still be with my children. Rejoice!

A spur-of-themoment trip to (Renita N. Laquindanum McDonalds for a cup of coffee with CFC Handmaids for Family and Life my husband in the middle of the night Vallejo, North California, USA) brings me JOY. Each sip is sweeter as my husband lovingly holds my hand while we reminisce the past, plan for JOY is being with brethren with the future, the same conviction and Take a mini-vacation and simply passion to serve the Lord. in the hurried world today, to marvel at JOY IN THE LORD, for smell the flowers in the garden the graces me, means sharing in His to see a child at play. For often the present suffering and victory! we look to the future and all holds. (Oca Oblefias, the joy it brings, missing today (Lorna MeCFCFFL Luzon Mission for tomorrow in the search of legrito, Work Coordinator) eternal spring for Life Coor-

JOY?

sharings

CFCFFL, with my dear friends. The grass is greener because the authentic THESE are what bring JOY to foundation of the community came to THE laughter of my grandsons give my heart: my family having a close life! I also see Yahweh so close to us. me JOY! The love of family brings me joy! Serving our one and true God relationship with God, my children (Linda Leyson, CFCFFL Manila) with brothers and sisters brings me finally realizing their purpose in joy. It gives me joy, too, every morning life, birds chirping, roosters crowing I wake up with the Lords gift of life in the morning, flowers, fireflies, EVERY answered prayer brings me JOY! to face the day, knowing the Lord butterflies, babies, reunions, children Meeting with brethren during household is with me, especially my children, at play, serving others, completion of meetings brings me joy. Crossing no matter how tough or easy life is. a cross stitch project, and laughter! over to CFCFFL brought me joy! (Chona Nillas, CFCFFL Manila)

dinator/EFI CoordinaIN my dreams, I saw tor /Teodora myself going back to basics Chastity Education Program Director, Vito the joys and happiness I found in cariate of Manila)

(Take a Mini-Vacation by Edna Louise Gilbert)

(Marlyn Surtida, CFC EFI Fulltime Worker, Diocese of San Pablo)

(Donna Tan, CFCFFL Laguna) WHAT brings me JOY is the assurance of Gods love and faithfulness, in spite of and despite my sinfulness. Its His constant love through my family, friends, work, and other blessings. (Mariles Borja, Diocese of Cubao and CFCFFL Pastoral Formation Office)

It gives me JOY every morning when I wake up with the Lords gift of life. To face the day knowing the Lord is with us, especially my children, no matter how tough or easy our day will be, is a joy. I am lucky and joyous to have the chance to find the way in a continous learning and serving the

JOY comes in the confidence that God answers the collective prayers of believers for a brethren in need. Joy is brought in the knowledge that even the smallest of financial help was given in all sincerity and without pretensions.

SHARINGS

What gives you

Joy is brought forth in the presence of unassuming brothers and sisters coming together in praise and worship of our God in the CFCFFL community.

Jeo and Lyell Liban CFCFFL Vicariate of Taytay District of Antipolo

WHAT brings me JOY is seeing the love of God reflected in the faces of my five other loves: my husband Francis, and our four wonderful sons!
Debbie Rodrigo District of Manila

WHAT brings me JOY? It is seeing my daughter learn new things about life everyday.

Xavy Padilla Diocese of Antipolo

SIMPLE things find joy as CFCFFL Church Relations in life give me Coordinator. Alice San Miguel JOY. The mere Vicariate of St. John the Baptist presence of people District of Antipolo I love around me is an immeasurable source of joy. Being accepted as I am in the simplicity of my circumstance gives me joy. The wonderful, open and warm relationship among those in the CFCFFL home office brings joy whenever I come in to meet or to work. The presence of the children of the next generation is a tremendous source of joy because of the promise they bring. Having a sense of relevance as well as an active role in the quest for the restoration of our community, CFC, is a joy and a fulfillment.
Jack Burgoyne Diocese of Pasig

JOY?

sharings

A SMILE and a hug from my students, as well as seeing members I FIND JOY when the less fortunate of my family loving one another and brothers and sisters we help make an doing things together, bring me JOY! Ghing Elinon effort to appreciate what we are doing Diocese of Novaliches by trying their best to live the life GOD wants them to live. No matter how hard their situation is, they make WHAT brings me JOY is it a point to change their way of living having a happy family serving through the teachings they receive. Abe and Fe Veran, Work with the Poor God together, and for His grace Ministry, Archdiocese of Novaliches in allowing me to serve despite my weaknesses and shortcomings. Cesar Ramirez MY JOY is seeing my whole family District Coordinator serving the Lord together through Archdiocese of Lipa CFCFFL!

ANNOUNCEMENT
Watch out for HEART!!!!! HEART is the battlecry of the Young Ministries (YMs) of CFCFFL which encompasses the five purposes of the Young Ministries: worship, ministry, evangelism, fellowship, and discipleship. HEART affirms the YMs existence to provide an environment for young people to HONOR God through a life of holiness; to EMPOWER them to ACT in humble service; to encourage them to RELATE in joy with their family, community and the Church and to TESTIFY Gods love.

Bing Huertas, Social Ministries Head, Vicariate of St. John the Baptist -Taytay, District of Antipolo

JOY, for me, is serving the parish as lector and worship coordinator. I also

NEWS

EVERY single moment was turned to joy. The precious moment of waiting for the Cardinal to arrive was turned to joy through songs of praise and worship. The joyful exchange of pleasantries among brethren was turned into meaningful joy as each prayed for one another through the Holy Rosary. The whole event was capped with the expression of perfect joy through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Indeed, nothing but pure and perfect joy which only comes from the Father was witnessed that morning. Despite the rains, a colorful array of joyful colors worn by CFCFFL brethren strutted to Ultra for the JOY CONFERENCE held last January 12, 2008. His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, was warmly welcomed upon arrival. CFCFFL was extremely grateful for the accommodation extended by the good Cardinal, despite his tight schedule. His homily was a perfect fit for the years theme for CFCFFL, taken from Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. The Cardinal emphasized how powerful the Lords will is, and that we, as His people, should know how to be blessed by such power by asking the Lord to will His desire for us. He also reminded everyone how ever-present God is in our lives, fighting each of our

A conference of

JOY conference
Our Joy is in Christ delivered by Frank Padilla. He recalled how our year of Lamentations was truly a journey of hope and joy, which led us to celebrate our joy in Christ through our restoration. His talk once more reiterated Gods presence in our lives and how God is our mighty Savior. He also pointed out how God is deeply in love with each one of us that He gave His only Son. It should be noted that, though Cardinal Rosales did not have any idea about the content of the talk, his homily affirmed the message! Amidst the excitement of the event, everyone was reminded that the Lord speaks in

battles, to the extent of giving us His only Son, and desiring that we reflect His image and likeness. Soon after the mass, brethren from districts and vicariates all over the

country sounded their trumpets, a symbolic move inspired by the call of CFCFFL to restore the authentic CFC charism of family life renewal and evangelization an important and crucial call which we want the people to hear and learn. This sound of the trumpets ushered in the vibrant worship led by Bambi Urgino. Everyone was in awe with the parade of colors and the shower of colorful baby balloons, and more importantly, with the presence of God Almighty and our Blessed Mother. The brethren were glued as each carefully listened to Gods message of

the silence of our hearts, and thus, to clearly hear His message further, the call to Be Still and Listen was expounded by Gary Faustino of the

NEWS

CFCFFL Pastoral Formation OfI have to disassemble and fice. The session was highlighted by disable you so that I can assemble prophesies from brethren, as follows: you again, restore you and put you in the mainstream I want you to I hear your voice, O God. I hear be. There, I will be happy more and you in silence. You are reassuring me more. (Jun Siccion, CFCFFL Manila) not to be afraid. Remember, I do hear 2 your pleas, your cries, your needs. My beloved ones, last year you I am here, and I have heard you, my were confused, you were lost. You ran to children. Trust in Me. I assure you of and fro, faster and faster. You exhausted my loving care. Rest in Me. I am the your breath. Your lungs were burstGod who cares, the Father who is ing. You were in pain. You didnt know always and ever-present. Know that I where to go,

JOY conference

ang tunay na mahirap para sa kanya ay hindi ang salat sa kayamanan, o salat sa materyal na bagay. Bagkus, ang mahirap sa ating Panginoon ay ang taong wala ang Espiritu sa kanilang puso, ang taong wala ang pag-ibig sa kanilang pamilya, ang taong hindi nakadarama ng pag-ibig ng Diyos. Kaya ang sabi niya, hanapin nyo iluklok ninyo Ako sa puso ng mga taong wala Ako. Hanapin ninyo sila. Gamitin ninyo ang inyong mga kamay ang inyong mga paa at ilagay ninyo Ako sa kanilang mga puso, sa kanilang pamilya. (Malyn Alonso, CFCFFL Manila) but at the end of all of these, 2 I showed My Joy is about repentance turning face to you. I away from your sins. Joy is about having showed you the right relationship with Him and how much with one another. The Lord wants us to I love you, experience this fullness of joy. Repent. and you drew (Jess Lumbang, CFCFFL Manila) breath from 2 Me. You Let Jesus grow in you, so we reflect drew breath the image of His love. And people from me and will see you, and so my salvation. My that breath is

am everything. Every thought, every beat of your heart I know. Learn from me. I am all-knowledge. Lean on Me. I am the Rock. Yes, I hear your voice as you hear Mine. Trust. I am the Lord of trust. Be faithful as I have been faithful. Do not be consumed by what the evil one is trying to do. I have My army of angels and saints that will take care of Satan, the evil one. He cannot win over Me. I am victory and I know that I rule over the spirits that is not of Me. Rest assured, yes rest assured, I have heard your cries. I have listened as you must also listen. Be of kind heart loving, trusting, compassionate, kind. I love these virtues. Live it out. (Bing Almanza CFCFFL USA)

2
6

fresh. You are now re-invigorated. You now see My joy. My loved ones, my beloved, have that joy in Me. Share my joy now. Go forth and bring that joy to the world that so much needs it people, you are my beloved. the world that has exhausted it(John Peter Vui,CFCFFLVietnam) self. I have given you this privilege to feel my joy. Spread that joy. The worship, the talks, and the (Jack Burgoyne, CFCFFL Manila) whole event were truly short and sweet, 2 but they emphasized the message of Ito ang sabi ng Panginoon tungkol finding perfect joy only in Christ! sa mahihirap. Ang sabi ng Panginoon,

sponsors
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SOUND THE TRUMPETS

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Atty. Joan Catherine Liban Joan Cristine Liban-Lareza, MD with Louie Ben & Baby Andie Joan Criselle Liban, RN Joan Carla Luz Liban, Chef Julio Carlo Liban, MultiMedia Arts student

REFLECTIONS

JOY conference
on the

JOY Conference
OUR MOTHER

JOY WALK ON our way to ULTRA, I was thinking that I would not see anyone doing the JOY WALK in the middle of the rain. But lo and behold, there was CFCFFL District of Antipolo! The sight of my brothers and sisters soaked in the rain but walking joyfully to the venue set the tone for me that day. I felt in my heart that going to ULTRA was the direction God wanted me to take. Indeed, the JOY Conference gave me much hope that God will renew me in His love after learning the lessons of Lamentations. Added bonus was the sight of Pat Frias (son of Jun who died with my husband Ben in 1997 in Vanuatu) and my daughter Bambi. (Contributed by Menchie Donato CFCFFL HOLD) REFOUND . . . REFINED . . . REJOICE! THESE three words during our first big gathering for the year, rekindled what I have always felt in my heart as I listened to the Message of our Lord. REFOUND I have re-found a Community and Family of brothers and sisters in the Philippines. I have refound Bro. Frank Padilla as the Founder of CFC and

Keeper of the CFC Charism. I have re-found my basic Vocation - having been created by God in His own image and likeness and having been saved through the death of His only Son, Our Lord, I have found my call to make people in the world see Gods image in me and make Him known through me. CFC has re-found Mama Mary and the love for the Church. REFINED Refined by Repentance after our period of Lamentations Refined again and again through silent prayer and quietly listening to the Voice of the Holy Spirit in our hearts (be still before God) Refined by the Truth and Love of Jesus Christ, who must increase as we decrease, and as He continually forms us into a new creation.

I JUST want to share how Our Ladys presence was so strong that it struck me right away as I entered the conference venue. Seeing her image there at the stage as I sat down on the chair made me take my rosary out of my bag right away and I tried to pray the rosary. I tried but failed because I could not concentrate due to the lively singing of the music ministry. As you know, when Our Mother Mary wants something done, it is done. I really sensed strongly that she wanted us to pray the rosary with her that day, Saturday because we will be reflecting on the JOYful mysteries. Despite the hesitancy at the beginning, Mimi David led us into reciting the rosary and for this I thank her sincerely. During the worship preceeding Garys talk, I also sensed the Lord telling us, I give you My own Mother. She loves you all very much. Use her, pray to her. She waits for you. I give you My Mother to help you that your burden may be light, that your hurts may be healed, REJOICE! that you may be made whole again. Pray Rejoice in the Lord because He to her. Devote yourselves to her. She is is among us and uses us mightily your Mother too. in the community to carry out (Contributed by Chona Nillas His plan in the world. CFCFFL Manila) Rejoice in the Lord because He is in our midst and will be the SWEET AND SIMPLE One to fight for us! Rejoice in the Lord with singing, KEEP it sweet and simple. Thats dancing as we welcome each how I like things. Nothing too other with open hearts joyfully complicated, too adorned, not too much proclaiming our Covenant! pizzazz. And that is why last Saturdays (Contributed by John Peter Vui, JOY Community struck a positive CFCFFL Vietnam) note within me. As the dictum goes:

REFLECTIONS Less is more. There was less fanfare, less frills, less clutter, more substance, more spirit, more JOY. In its simplicity the program gave us enough time to take in and absorb that special message that the Lord wanted to impart to each and everyone of us. Beginning with the recitation of the Rosary, we found ourselves slowly but surely being prepared and placed in the proper posture. Cardinal Rosales homily was very appropriate when he spoke about our call to be, to strive to become more-and-more the image of God, and not just to do. Franks talk brought into focus the mysterious plan of the Lord to take us through Lamentations in order to purge us of our impurities, infidelities and lukewarmness. In the process, even the seeming hardships that we have experienced are, after all, blessings. Gary, on the other hand, put a fitting cap on the day by leading us into silence, to listen to the Lord in the depths of our very being, to hear His message, to be still and to know He is God. How refreshing it was to be tweaked back into the true reality of our lives in the Lord, despite the hustle and bustle of the many situations that we found ourselves embroiled in. It was a simple day but it was a great day, indeed. It was a JOY!
Contributed by Jack Burgoyne CFCFFL Manila

Gods kingdom? Am I still worried about a lot of things? Am I still afraid of doing things that God wants me to do? Have I already forgiven those people who hurt me in the past? As I continue reflecting on this, God answered my questions through Tito Frank. He says that God allowed things to happen because of a purpose. It may be scary for us but His ways are always good though it may not always be clear in line with our own expectations. In this statement, God wants me to be worry-free and fearless and just entrust myself to Him with confidence and hope. Tito Frank also said that God rejoices in us. He knows what weve been through. The lamentation is over, and its time to rejoice and share the gladness with others. I realized that as I move on, I choose not to look back but envision the future with hope and gladness in my heart. Jesus, being my God, Savior and King, must increase in my life and I must decrease. I must free myself from the bondage of sin brought about by worries, fears and anxieties.
(Contributed by Jun Reyes, CFCFFL Provincial Youth Coordinator and Vicariate Leader of Immaculate Concepcion in Cavite)

JOY conference
I WAS BLESSED I HAD many reservations while preparing to attend the Joy Conference at the Ultra in Pasig last January 12, 2008. I asked myself: If CFCFFLs mission is to concentrate in the parish, why do we have to trek to the ULTRA for this conference? Why do we have to JOY-walk from the parking area to the ULTRA premises? What do we have to prove to the world by this gathering of the community? Is it a competition for excellence with the other CFC group? Is this really what the Lord wants me to do? We entered the Ultra at 7:30 AM, finding the place still almost empty. I doubted whether or not CFCFFL could fill the venue. Fortunately, the Music Ministry caught my attention with their lively song, Joy to the World, which cast away my many reservations and doubts. However, as the long wait for the arrival of Cardinal Rosales, scheduled to celebrate the Holy Mass at 9:00 AM, I began to doubt again. After almost two long hours, I noticed how the emcees tried their best to keep the enthusiasm of the audience. It was really the goodness of GOD, thru the intercession of Mother Mary, Lady of Mediatrix of all Graces, who provided comfort. Likewise, Our Lady awakened the hearts of the CFCFFL brethren to recite the Holy Rosary and meditate upon the mysteries of Christs passion. This devotional prayer stilled the restless hearts of the faithful who found strength through the Rosary. When Cardinal Rosales finally arrived and celebrated the Holy Mass, I could not help but wonder how the good Cardinal would be able to inspire

I DELIGHT IN YOU!

A DAY filled with Gods assurance of Hope and Joy! When the trumpets MUST DECREASE were sounded and the flags paraded and waved, the Lord seemed to be AS Cardinal Rosales stated these lines telling us, His people, Lo and behold, I in his homily at the Joy Conference take delight in you. I have blessed you in last Saturday. These questions came to the past and I am blessing you right now, and I will continue to do evermore! mind. What are the areas of my life (Contributed by Warren Galarce, CFCFFL that are still in the bondage of Cavite Diocesan Head and Family sin that hinders me to proclaim Ministries Coordinator)

HE MUST INCREASE AND I

REFLECTIONS the CFC congregation. However, GOD once more proved His greatness through the Cardinals homily. The Holy Spirit buoyed up my strength, especially when fellow CFCFFL brethren started filling up the benches. I was immediately reminded of Gods word when He said, I am the LORD your GOD, the one who teaches you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go (Is. 48:17). Another scripture passage struck me, saying: My ways are not your ways and My thoughts are not yours. When Frank explained the very essence of the gathering and pointed out the many graces bestowed by GOD and His Holy Spirit to the CFCFFL Community and its members, I realized how fortunate I was for attending the Joy Conference and being blessed in my life, more particularly: The grace of keeping still while waiting for the Cardinal; The grace of meditating on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary; The grace of seeing familiar faces among CFC brethren used by GOD to be His instruments in molding me; Experiencing GODs unconditional love and reminding me of my covenant with HIM despite my unfaithfulness, enabling me to persevere in my journey to holiness; The Joy that GOD has taken away my sins and guilt, thus purifying my soul; and God casting away my impurities, cutting off the excesses and restoring me in GODs favor so I may worthily continue JESUS mission.
Contributed by Cering Dator, CFCFFL Pastoral Support Coordinator and District 5 Coordinator of Our Lady of Candelaria Diocese of Imus, Cavite

QUIT NO MORE

JOY conference

There was a time I wanted to quit CFC, but I decided to stay because of my husband, Barry. I thought, I can do without CFC. However, my experience during the JOY Leaders Conference was different. It was like experiencing something I have not experienced for a long time. I said to myself, Ay, nandito pala ito! While Gary Faustino was praying in tongues, I felt several messages from God gushing forth. The praying in tongues created a flood of messages and inspirations. I strongly felt that the message of Garys praying in tongues was, When the time came for me to show you a favor, I heard you. When the day arrived for me to save you, I helped you. Indeed, there is so much reason for us to be JOYFUL!!!!
Contributed by Bet Orenciana Diocese of Cubao

intended us to be. It does not matter whether we are rich or poor, successful or not, famous or ordinary, because God looks into our hearts and souls, and not on our earthly achievements nor failures. How I wished every CFCFFL member was there to hear the Cardinals wonderful message. May God truly bless him. I certainly look forward to more Joy in the Lord this year! Louie Torres CFCFFL Manila INANG MARIA TALAGA namang hindi magkamayaw ang aking tuwa noong ika-12 ngEnero dahil sa ating Joy Conference. Ito ay mas naging kumpleto nang tayo ay magkaroon ng pagkakatong magdasal ng Rosaryo bago ang banal na misa. Ako ay naniniwala na hindi lamang ang Ama, ang Anak at ang Espirito Santo ang nagagalak sa atin, dahil sa ating papuri at pag-sambang ibinigay sa kanila, Pati ang Ating Mahal na Inang Birheng Maria na ating patron ay hindi magkamayaw sa tuwa. Noong isang araw sa aking pagdarasal at pagmumuni-muni ay ipinahayag sa akin ng ating Ina ang kanyang katuwaan sa pamamagitan ng malalim na pagpapaliwanag sa akin kung bakit napakahalaga sa atin ang mag Rosaryo. Ako mismo ay naging saksi sa bisa ng intercession ng ating Ina sa pamamagitan ng Rosaryo. Dahil sa kanya, nakita ko ang tunay na buhay komunidad sa CFCFFL. Contributed by Joey Devela

VALUABLE LESSONS I WAS blessed for having been able to attend the January 12, 2008 CFCFFL Joy in Community Conference. After going through a year of Lamentations, we at CFCFFL have slowly recovered, got back on our feet, and have been through Restoration. This year, we look forward to more restoration and Joy. I was particularly touched by the talk of Cardinal Rosales who stressed that we should listen to God and not to man, especially during our quiet time when we are supposed to be still and listen to God. I was struck by what he said that his being a priest, a bishop or even a cardinal is not as important as becoming the person God intended him to be. He reminded me of the value of reflecting the holiness of God. He said that at the end of each day, we should all ask ourselves if we have done something to be more like what God

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sponsors
Greetings from . . .

Vicariate of St. John the Baptist

Taytay, Rizal

FROM THE CARDINAL

Gods Wheel
(Excerpts from the Homily of His Eminence, GAUDENCIO CARDINAL ROSALES, ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA, CFCFFL Joy Conference, January 12, 2008, Ultra, Pasig City)

JOY conference
was just sent before Him to prepare the way. John also shares with us the call to image the goodness and holiness of God the God who does more than the fighting for us. God is not always fighting, neither are we. But fight or no fight, God is with us. Let us not forget that. Sure there are moments in time, but not in eternity. We have not gone there yet, but in time, man had problems and during those times, we needed God. But God is not only there to do the fighting for us. As He once said in Exodus. . . when Moses was assured by Yahweh, Tell the people to be quiet and to obey. Just tell them to keep still, and I will do the fighting for you. Those were the words of Yahweh in Exodus. This was on the eve of the great expulsion, when the firstborn would die in Egypt . . .when they had to cross the Sea of Weeds that night. I will do the fighting for you. But fight or no fight, He is still with us. He is with us as Emmanuel, as Jesus was called. God with us . . . a beautiful story of God falling in love with us. The story of creation . . . the story of salvation. Its true that God was disappointed at mans disobedience. Get out! He said. Get out of this paradise! You shall die. Dust thou art, unto dust you shall return! God was angry at that time. And you, woman, you are going to give birth in pain. And you, man, you are going to sweat to earn your bread. He asked angels to drive them out, but then He left a hint of hope, and said, Behold the devil (symbolized by the serpent), I am going to put an enmity between you and the woman and her

I want to thank you for inviting me to be with you, within the context of Christs own prayer to the Father, through His sacrifice to the Father. For that is what we do when we come together always the focus is Christ. Jesus. Jesus. In fact, the gospel tells us also within the context is Christ. The mass is Christ. The sacrament is Christ. In todays gospel of John, the people were asking, Why is that man teaching? Why is that man preaching? Why is he gathering disciples? Then John answered, I am not He. I am not the Messiah. He must increase, and I must decrease. Thats the position of the Christian before Jesus Jesus. only Jesus. We make this reflection. In the Gospel, people were talking and asking, So why? Is this a contest between John and Jesus? Across the river, that man is taking disciples. John said, No contest! And there must not be any contest. Only Jesus matters. And for the rest of us, including John, we need HUMILITY. We must decrease. My most important vocation is not my priesthood. To become a bishop is not my greatest vocation. Although I honor my being a Christian, because I was called by the Father in Jesus, and I was called as you are called that the basic vocation of every human being, including Catholics, bishops, and lay people like you is to become images of
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God. We are called to become images of God. If that call is not fulfilled and satisfied in your life and mine, I believe and I have a feeling that God is not going to judge me as a cardinal, but human beings will! I believe and I feel, I will not even be judged by God as a priest, but human beings will! I believe I will not even be judged by God as a Catholic. That will help, of course and so will be my being a priest help. But how will God judge you and me? I will tell you how. God will judge you and me the way He created you and me. Our basic call is: Did you live faithfully the way I made you and called you to become My image and likeness? That means we reflect the holiness and kindness of God to replicate His goodness and love to be able to have compassion on those who need help, and that is placed before you and me as we travel through life. It is not that I am a bishop or a priest or a cardinal. For me, that is important but it is not at the pinnacle of my mind. Everyday I ask myself, Have I lived as a right, holy, good, human image of God? And what do you think of your life as a people? Your married life? The sacraments that you receive? The frequency of the sacraments you receive? The celebration of the mercy and compassion of God? Yes, and thank God for these, but the primary call for you and for me is to bring God again into our lives and into our community because we are made unto His image and likeness! I can see John and the disciples arguing, but John said, I know what I am not, but I also know what I am. I

FROM THE CARDINAL

JOY conference
for us. Fight or no fight, He is there, and we are here because He wills, He desires. He loves you and me. Thats why anything that will enhance this, we saw it in Jesus, and we saw it now in our movement for it is something that is precious to God. The beautiful songs that you sing, accompanied by so many musicians, makes not just beautiful music. It makes beautiful prayer. We also cannot continue with what we are doing without the Spirit. A spiritual life is necessary, no matter who you are, where you are, how accomplished you are, how successful you are, what failure may be we need the Spirit. It makes you and I more lovable to our Father. Christ is here in Spirit, and He appreciates what you are doing. In Christ, we understand why the Father likes us why the Father loves us. Like John in the gospel, dont listen to man. If you listen only to man, you will lose your faith, you will lose your hope. I dont have to elaborate that to you. Man has been feeding with everything we could read in the papers, see on television, hear over the radio, and even over a cup of coffee. Man sees the work of God differently. That is why we go back to Jesus. He tells us the reasons. God is in our midst. Emmanuel God is with us. No matter the state of the human person, God sees His image in you and me.

child. The heel will crush your head. He tells the devil that when the woman and the child break into the history of time, you will find the end of the power of evil. And this is what our Christian faith is telling us but only in Jesus the Emmanuel. That is why, Is Jesus with us? Yes! Fight or no fight, He is with us. In fact, we are here because God wills it. Dont you remember a couple of days ago, the beautiful gospel tells us about that leper who met Jesus. He went to Jesus and said, Master, Lord, if you will, I can be cleansed and healed. If you only will it! You can see the power of the will of God. We say, Will it, Lord. Please desire it! And Jesus said to the leper, I will. At that moment, the man was healed. The power of God! The power of the will of God! No wonder, Jesus said, When you pray, say, Father in Heaven, holy be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done How powerful is that will. It could cure. It could heal. But if you want to see the fullness of the will of God, go to Genesis and start at the first chapter. It will tell you that there was chaos in the beginning, and then God said, Let there be light! And there was light. Scientists are interpreting that now. They say that what God probably meant with light was heat. It produced carbon, which is the beginning of light. Now we begin to see that even scientists agree with the Bible. Thus, the will of God can create! You and I are here because God wills. Everything that happens to you is Gods will. Desire me, Lord. That is how we deal with Gods power, and all of us are standing precisely to understand the power of God in our midst. No, He is not just fighting

ANNOUNCEMENT
Here are some events to look forward to!!!!

Members of CFC Singles for Family and Life (SFFL) from all over the world will converge on March 29 30, 2008 for the WORLD SINGLES CONGRESS. It will be held in Alpadi Estate in Antipolo City. Registration fee is P1,000.00. Heres more: All SFFL members, especially those from Laguna, Tagaytay, Novaliches, Antipolo, Tarlac, Pangasinan and Baguio, are invited to
a 10-day reflective journey of self-awareness and spiritual deepening while experiencing the beauty of Gods creation and developing life-long friendships with other SFFL members. This will be from March 25 April 3, 2008. Deadline for registration is on February 18, 2008.
For more information on any of the above events, please contact your SFFL Coordinators or call the CFCFFL office at (02)718-2213.

I-EXPLORE,

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FEATURES

FROM different places they came some ferried by manual wheelchairs manipulated by smiling volunteers; there were those wrapped around the shoulders of their parents, relatives and friends all converging at the spacious grounds of the College of the Holy Spirit inside the BF Homes Subdivision. Organized by the Diocese of Novaliches, it was the Annual Gathering of Children with Disabilities held in November 2007. Hundreds of handicapped children, many kept from the public eye for the most part of the year, made their

CFCFFL and the CHURCH at the Service of the Handicapped

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rare public appearance reminiscent for a shot at a toy, crayons, new clothes, of Biblical times when Jesus attracted shoes, basic food, etc. things that many outsiders take for granted. In this gathering where the presence of God was not difficult to find, CFCFFL was blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve and interact with the special children. Couples and youth belonging to the District of Novaliches came in full force in support of this laudable and spiritually-enriching project. CFCFFLs involvement in the event ushers in a new era of close collaboration between the church and CFCFFL. throngs of sick people in search of healing. It was an early Christmas for these challenged children who braved the visual intrusion of curious onlookers
Contributed by Chito Liban District of Novaliches

Prisoners are people

Ben is an inmate at the maximum security compound and a member of CFCFFL. His letter indicates the needs and longings of a person and a brother. His letter allows us an insight into the plight of people at the Maximum Security. Our prayer is that in reading his letter, we will discover the mangled face of Jesus who cries out: I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. All these faces of poverty are all in the prison. Therefore, nowhere can the face of Jesus be more present than in the prison. However, we all need His heart to discover and see. Our invitation is for you, readers, to come join us and discover the face of Jesus in the plight of the prisoners.

Society has programmed us to despise offenders of the law and consider them undeserving of understanding, care and love. But beyond the crime is a real person like us with family they care for very much, with biological needs and psycho-emotional needs to belong, to be accepted, to be understood and loved.

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FEATURES 11-24-07 Reggie, Shad, Mae, Bennie, Kumusta kayong lahat dyan. Nawa kayo ay nasa mabuting kalagayan, at kung ako naman ang inyong inaalala at matatanong sa kalagayan ko ngayon sa pakiramdam ko lalong pahirap ang buhay ko rito lalo na di ako makadiskarte. Bawal sa amin ang lumayo sa brigade lalong lalo na walang puhunan, isa pa magkaroon man, wala ring mangyayari. Alam mo na siguro and ibig kong sabihin. Pero wag mo alalahanin ang mga ito. Malalampasan ko rin yan. Basta maging matibay lang tayo sa isat isa. Kung di ka man dumalaw, payag na nga ako. Basta wag lang mahihinto sa pag-aaral ang mga bata. Itong darating na Pasko at Bagong taon kahit di mo na sila isama kung pupunta ka rito. Sayang ang mahal ng pamasahe. Imbes pambaon na lang at panggastos sa school ipapamasahe pa nila. Mahaba pa na man ang panahon, magkikita pa naman kami ng mga bata. Siguro dapat makatapos muna sila kahit man lang High school. Ikaw na lang mama ang pag-asa ng mga bata. Kung susuko ka pa, lalong mawawalan ng kinabukasan ang mga anak natin. Kaya sana tibayan mo pa, maging matatag ka, makakaroon din tayo sa mga pagsubok sa buhay. Ako nga minsanmay mga gabing di ako makatulog. Lagi ko kayong naaalala. May mga araw na ako ay nagugutom minsan pay may nagbibigay sa akin na mga kaibigan, kahit pa pisopiso nakakaraos din. May pambayad ako sa lingguhan pondo naming, makakabili minsan ng limang pisong kanin. Yong tutong ang binibili ko sa tanghali para marami, at dalawang kain ko hanggang hapon. Nakakain lang ako ng magandang sinaing kung huling sabado na ng buwan. May biyaya kami galing sa CFC. Mga bigas, sabon at

Ako nga noong nag-aaral ako, wala akong sinelas. Naka apak lang ako sa school. Kusa akong nag-aral kahit malayo ako sa Lola Seria mo. Walang nag-aalaga sa akin na magulang. Ang almusal ko kamote lang. Ganon din sa tanghali at hapon. Pero, nakaraos pa rin ako. Di ako nahihiya. Minsan nga ang baon ko pagbreak time, bayabas lang. Kaya saging lang na linaga. Kaya maswerte pa kayo ni ate, may mama pang nag-aalaga Kung may luma kayong banig dalhin sa inyo. mo. Wala na akong banig, binigay ko na sa kakosa kong nakolonya.. Pakabait kayo ni ate. Wag kayong Kandadong maliit wala na kasing mainggit sa maraming baon at kandado yong locker ko sa platohan. bagong kasuotan. Ang lahat ng iyan, Kung pupunta ka rito, kumpletohin mo makakamtan nyo rin pagdating na araw yong mga kailangan sa overseer. Baka pag may trabaho na kayo. Lagi kayong magpakabait at maging masunurin kay mag pabalik-balik na naman tayo. mama at wag matigas ang ulo. Wag Hanggang dito na lang at kumusta sa laging pasaway. Ok. Byebye. I love mga bata. Ingat kayo lagi. Wag nyong youI miss you. kakalumutan magdasal humingi ng tulong kay Lord dahil sya na lang ang Papa tanging pag-asa natin, at ganon din ako lagi ko kayong isasama sa aking mga Sha Mae dasal na way nya kayong pababayaan Kumusta na ang anak kong maganda. sa araw-araw. Bye!!! Bye!!! I love you Pasenya ka na ate, ngayon ko lang nasagot ang sulat mo. Oo nga ate, 1 year na lang, I miss you graduate kana. Pagbutihin mo. Konti tiis na lang sa hirap. Makakatapos ka Ben na. Advance happy wedding anniversary Kaya kung maari, wag mo muna kayong Dec 16 16 years na tayo. Mama pupunta dito ni Benjie sa pasko o new Merry Christmas & New Year. year para sa inyo din ito. Sayang ang pamasahe. Ang mahal, imbes panggastos 11-24-07 nyo na sa school ay masasayang lang sa Bengie Kumusta na ang anak kong Pogi. Sana mag-aaral kang mabuti. Wag mong
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toothpaste na dala nila ng mga ka brothers at sisters naming na galing laya. Sya nga pala, si Edgar wala na dito yong asawa ni Cora. Nasa Bldg 7 na sa BSL. Natapon kaya wag na kayong mgatxt doon kung meron man kayong bilin sa volunteers ng CFC na lang ipakisuyo o ipadala. Sya ng pala pagpunta mo rito dalhan mo ako ng pantalon. Yong bigay ni Mela, isa na lang ang pantalon ko dito at kung magkikita kayo, si Pareng Sammy o Pareng Biyo. Kaya si Doods, pakisabi nakikipamasko ako ng sigarilyo kahit ano basta puti ang filter.

ikahiya kung luma o puro sulsi ang uniporme mo. Pagsumikapan mo kahit man lang makatapos kayo ni ate ng High-school.

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With our prayerful support and best wishes!

CFCFFL Cavite Diocese of Imus
pamasahe. Sana maintindihan mo ako ate. Saka muna ako dalawin pagkatapos mo nang mag-aral pag may-trabaho kana. OK. Isa pa sabi mo minsan, tuyo lang ang ulam nyo. Pano pa kung tatlo kayong pupunta rito. Di lalong nawalan kayo ng panggastos sa school pati pang-ulam. Tama na munang si mama dadalaw sa akin minsan. Saka di ka pwede magstay in kasi dalaga ka na. Pati si Benjie di na rin pwere. Pano, pakabait kayong dalawa kay mama. Wag matigas ang ulo, kawawa naman si mama. hand carried to the family, especially in cases where we are starting to reconnect the family to the inmates. The letter was printed with permission from the inmate concerned.)
Contributed by Mon Arguelles CFCFFL Prison Ministry (Ministry for Restorative Justice)

Miss ko na rin kayo. Mahaba pa ang panahon. Konting tiis na lang di ba ate. Sana wag sasama ang loob mo kay Papa. Basta isipin mo mahal ko kayong tatlo. Kaya magtitiis akong di ninyo dalawin, makatapos lang kayong mag-aral ni Benjie. Isang taon na lang naman tapos Advance merry Christmas at Happy New ka nang mag-aral di ba? Madadalaw Year. I Love you I miss you mo na ako Papa

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(Note: Part of our ministrys work is accepting letters of inmates which we screen and mail for them. In many instances within Metro Manila, they are

from the mouth of babes Bible Study For Kids? How Is It Possible?
CFC Kids for Family and Life

YES, you read it right! Kids can go through Bible study and enjoy it just as much as their PSP. It was in November 2007 when a number of parents serving in CFC Kids for Family and Life came with their children to undergo the Liturgical Bible Study (LBS) program introduced by Fr. Arlo Yap, SVD, to the CFCFFL group. The children were enticed to join by telling them that there was going to be a surprise. Thus, these cute ones thought they would get a gift. Nonetheless, the day turned out with so many wonderful surprises! The LBS was facilitated by no less than 12-year old Carlo, who was also a former KFC School-Based member. He has been doing LBS under Fr. Arlo for three months prior to this activity. What was most surprising was that two young KFL members, Francis (nine years old) and Tommy (11 years old), were

able to sit through over an hour of Bible study and even actively participated in the discussions. They even summarized the readings in their own words! This was really astonishing, especially for the parents. Most of all, we believe God was pleased. It was truly amazing! Fr. Arlo likewise challenged the kids to intently listen to the readings the coming Sunday (since LBS is based on the Sunday readings) and find out if they would still remember what they discussed. A few days after, when Francis and Tommy were asked, they excitedly responded. For the first time, all those stories they would hear from the priest during mass had life and meaning! Experiencing the joy of understanding and learning more about Gods word, and seeing young kids appreciate it as well, is what makes the love of Jesus even more real in our lives. Come to think of it, these

children indeed got a gift which was more precious than what they expected! As CFCFFL takes that step into learning more about the word of God, kids will naturally follow suit. Everyone is encouraged to bring their kids to CFC KFFL activities. Allow our precious ones to experience the fun, friendship and more importantly, our faith, as we study scripture that will most definitely bring JOY to our lives and JOY to God!
Contributed by Santi & Vania Edralin CFC Kids for Family and Life Coordinators

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

February 23, 2008 - CFC KFL will have its first ever Metro Manila Kids Conference entitled iHEART Conference taken from Philippians 2:2, Rejoice in the Lord. May 9-11, 2008 - 1st CFC KFL iCON (International Conference) in Tagaytay (exact venue to be announced later)

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CFC Youth for Family and Life

the best
I DIDNT get good gifts from Santa this Christmas, nor did I get good gifts from my titos and titas. I remember receiving an umbrella this Christmas, but lost it two days after. Nonetheless, I received my favorite gift the week after Christmas, but it didnt even fit in my Christmas sock. All I wanted for Christmas was for our dioceses mega camp to be a great success. I praise God because through Him, my Christmas wish came true! CFC Youth for Family and Life Diocese of Antipolos mega camp was held at Cotolengo Montalban, Rizal on the 29th and 30th of December. The camp entitled, SPREAD: TELL THE WORLD aimed to share Christs love to the participants.

gift ever

youth worker

Sure there were a lot of oppressions, but the Lord helped us through it all. We, the service team, learned how to stand strong together and face our fears. I recall facing my fear of speaking in front of a large crowd and my fear of relating to strangers. However, the greatest lesson I learned during our camp was that it is no longer I, but Christ, in me. I remember writing those words over and over again onto the keepsakes we gave away to the participants. I guess through writing, it helped me remember. In some special and heart-warming way, I actually felt good imitating Christ. After the camp I felt as if there was a whole new me, since of course I have lost myself and let Christ work through me. More than that, I saw how Christ worked through

my partner, my household, DGLs, prayer warriors, support team, and through the participants. I had so much fun during the camp, but I was happier to see the participants and service team go home with wide smiles and wonderful memories to keep. At the end of the camp, everyone gained new friends, learned new things, and felt Gods love. All in all, the camp was superb! But it wouldnt be that super if not for the Christ in all of us. It was not my victory, nor was it the service teams victory. The victory was Christs! All these and more were Gods present to me. And I praise God for such a gift!
Contributed by Bianca Bonjibod CFC YFFL Diocese of Antipolo

Greetings from

SCHOOL OF THE MORNING STAR (SMS)

San Bernardo St., San Joaquin, Pasig City

Melba M. Trono
Directress

CFC Singles for Family and Life

Happy New You!!!

THE start of the year always elicits excitement and joyful expectations from people. I guess no one really says, Darn, this would be a bad one for me. We draw up our New Years resolutions - lose weight, be debt-free, forgive someone, be kinder to people, and the list goes on. Every year, we hope that the coming year would be a better one; a memorable one, and a more blessed one. Just a few months into the new year usually finds us in a situation with all these resolutions shelved somewhere in our memory. Then, we sadly find ourselves back to where we started the year before. It often leaves us wondering why others find themselves happy while others do not. As our community enters a year of Joy, let us realize that our joy can come from God alone. No one and nothing can ever take that away from us. No amount of hard work on our part could ever guarantee us a life of true joy. With God, our joy is made complete. This year, why dont we spend some time to be still and listen to our Lords direction. Let us come before Him and ask Him how he wants us to serve Him. Every year, we start the year with the Feast of the Epiphany. It commemorates the time when the three wise men visited the Baby Jesus and offered Him gifts. Let us reflect on this and ask ourselves what gift we can offer the Lord this coming year. This year, what better gift could we give our Messiah who faithfully loved and restored us, but ourselves. Surrender ourselves completely to Him and to His will. Let us ask Him, Lord, what is it that You want me to do for You this year? How do You want me to live my life for You? Be still amidst trials? Decide to love someone? Move? Be hopeful in waiting? Discover more of myself? We all desire to be our parents pride and joy. We all hope that our parents will beam with pride and joy knowing that we have lived our life well. What could be more fulfilling when God tells us that we are His pride and joy?! Wow, His pride and joy - the one who followed Him when everyone else chose to do otherwise; the one who allowed Himself to be pruned even though it hurt; the one who focused on Him in spite of the persecutions and trials that He experienced; the one who surrendered His life from its smallest details, to His deepest desires, His pains. Allow the Lord to use you powerfully this year to be a gift to others and in turn, offer yourselves as a gift to God. Then, take pride in knowing that you are indeed Gods pride and joy. More than the wise men offering gifts, what made that night more special was they received the Messiah into their hearts. We all know that when we first received Jesus completely in our hearts, we were never the same again. Little by little, Jesus reveals a part of Himself to us so that we will get to know Him better. This year, let us open another part of our lives to Him so He can come in and fill our emptiness. Let us allow Him to heal us of our sickness and addictions. He can rescue us out of our troubles. He can get into our dreams. He can carry our burdens. There is so much in God to know and

focus on singles
to love. He has so much about Him that He wants us to know through His Word, the Sacraments, our prayers, and our everyday encounters with people He brings into our lives. Our theme for this year starts with a promise, The Lord your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior. It is an assurance that no matter what risks and trials He will ask us to overcome, and whatever path He will ask us to take, He will always be with us. He will not only be holding our hands but He will be carrying us. That is enough for all of us to joyfully await what this year will bring, and to long for the joy that comes from God alone.

REFLECTION Pray and ask the Lord to lead you to answer the following questions: How can I offer myself to God this year? What does He want me to do for Him this year? What other ways can I receive Him?
Contributed by Bambi Donato CFC Singles for Family and Life Coordinator for Metro Manila

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CFC Handmaids for Family and Life

The Lord, your God, is in your midst (Zephaniah 3:17)

Sister to Sister

maidens chronicles
LETS PARTY
Mark this day RED! And yes, come in RED! All CFC Handmaids for Family and Life are invited to a post-Valentine Party on Sunday, February 17, 2008, 1:00-5:00 PM at the PAF Airmens Club, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. This is open to all Handmaids in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Entrance tickets are available for only P80.00 from your Handmaids District Coordinators. After the party, attendees may wish to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus at 6:15 PM. For more information, please contact CFC Handmaids FFL Coordinator Kit Ladrido at (0920) 952-7856.

WHAT joy this truth should bring us. This is the heart of the Good News, and it reminds us of the Angel Gabriels message to Mary: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. This message is for each and everyone of us: The Lord is with you; do not be afraid. Are you saying that God has never sent to you an angel who greeted you and brought you a message? Who is it, then, who brings your messages? It is perhaps a telephone call conveying news which may destroy all your lifes dreams and happiness . . . or a relationship broken by conflict and betrayal . . . or a doctor with grave news about a loved one. You learn that . . . others that you trusted now judge you or will not speak to you . . . that you have lost your honor or good name . . . that you have lost money or possessions, or that your creditor threatens with foreclosure. Or, you are beset with problems interior and exterior which make life hard for you. Do not say that the good God never sends an angel to you, nor a message! Kneel quietly before your God, as Mary did, and reflect: To those that love God, all things work for their good! Is not our cross, whatever name

it may bear, a greeting from God, a message from your Father to you, His child? Does not the Angel of the Lord, as it were, stand also before you? As with Mary, he also awaits your Yes. And our God continues to assure us: I am with you . . . always. Do not be afraid. So much reason to be joyful! Believe that God greets us in our problems, in our difficulties, in our everyday trivia. He speaks to us. We have to learn to listen with hearts that believe. And then, He will rejoice over you with gladness . . . Exercise: Pay close attention to every small event and look upon it as a greeting from Our Father God. Prayer: Dear Mother Mary, you have walked in the darkness of blind faith and submitted at all times to the wish and will of the Almighty. Help me amidst the turmoil and crosses of my life to discover the Love of my Heavenly Father. Help me to always live in the joy of the Lord. Amen.
Contributed by Kit Ladrido, CFC Handmaids for Family and Life Coordinator

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Also, on April 26-27 this year, all Handmaids are encouraged to attend the Handmaids FFL Conference. Venue and other details will be announced soon.

NEWSBYTES

Seek and You Will Find

WE cannot hide the apprehension as we scheduled a restoration assembly last December 16, 2007, knowing how close it was to Christmas, but Dumaguete Citys request for Frank Padilla to visit them pushed through. He was joined by Lachie Agana. Aptly titled, CFC Enlightenment Forum, the assembly was in search of the truth for the real issues besetting the communitys crisis be exposed and explained. Held at the Bethel Guest House, the gathering definitely brought peace to those who attended, that they decided in the subsequent assembly of January 6 this year to formally affiliate with CFCFFL. It once more typified the reality that no matter how hard some brethren tried to suppress the truth, Gods true light shines forth! It must be Gods way--- enlightenment does not readily fall from thin air. We have to continuously seek it and the truth will set us free! Courage to embrace the truth should be a welcome consequence of such vigilance! We welcome our brothers and sisters from Negros Oriental to the CFCFFL family!

A RESTORATION Team Training was held on January 13, 2008 at the Lay Formation Center in San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe, Makati. Conducted by the CFCFFL Work with the Poor core group, the training aimed to prepare the restoration team in the implementation of restoration villages, both in the spiritual and technical aspects of the work. The event gathered around 66 brothers and sisters from Paranaque, Las Pinas, Antipolo, Quezon City, Batangas, Isabela, General Santos City, Dumaguete. The participants learned so much from inputs shared by

Restoration Team Training Work with the Poor Program

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experienced work with the poor workers: Gerry/Malyn Alonso, Narcing Eguia, and Rene/Lorna Evidente. Fr. Justin Sequeira celebrated the Sunday mass. He initially planned to leave after the mass, but eventually stayed on until the training was finished around 6:00pm. (Contributed by Rene Evidente, CFCFFL Work with the Poor)

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WITH 132 leaders present, CFC FFL Cavite held its first Planning and Evaluation day for 2007-2008 at the scenic Josan Resort in Trece Martirez, Cavite last November 24, 2007. All 10 vicariates of Philosophy and Core Values of the and the leaders throughout the day. the Diocese as well as from the Family community. The Provincial Governance Guests, fulltime workers and and Social Ministries was ably volunteers from the Young represented. Each area initially Ministries in Manila also gave made an evaluation of the events and words of encouragement and results of 2007 using the Strengthsupport. They also laid down some Weakness-Opportunities-Threats directions for the Young Ministries (SWOT) tool before proceeding for 2008 to guide the leaders of with planning for 2008. the province. A discussion on the Bro. Tony Espino, Provincial new Christian Life Seminar (CLSArea Head of the province, former CLP) and Restoration facilitated the whole day activity, Structure was also made. introducing each session with It was truly a day blessed with a group dynamics activity. He fun and encouraging support from encouraged all, that after learning each other. This event also helped the lessons of Lamentations, we Break out sessions by vicariate during the CFCFFL everyone prepare for the year of should now look and move forward Cavite Planning Workshop Joy In Christ as it gears to actively in advancing the CFC FFL respond by uniting everyone in our community in the province. He also went team and staff from the Provincial work of evangelization of the family and about explaining the Vision, Mission, Home office also ably assisted Bro. Tony promote a pro-life stand in Cavite for 2008.

CFCFFL Cavite Holds Year End Planning and Evaluation

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CFC FFL Cavite Celebrates 18th Provincial CFC Founding Anniversary

CFCFFL Cavite celebrated its 18th CFC founding anniversary in the province last December 1, 2007 amidst the chants and presentations numbers of the 10 vicariates and five districts of the province. Close to 1,000 members braved the predicted four typhoons hovering around the country to attend the celebration held at the spacious Trece Martirez National High School covered court. It was indeed a blessed day not a single drop of rain came. Instead, a heavy downpour of praises for the

Mayor of Trece Martirez City Hon. Jun Sagun being introduced by Nel Dator who is the mayors former teacher and now Provincial DECS Superintendent of Cavite. Lord and prayers for brethren were experienced! The loud and joyful sound prompted Honorable Mayor Jun Sagun, who was passing by, to join the celebration. He gave words of encouragement and support. He also shared that he was ONCE a CFC member, but he promised to actively serve once more through the community all because of what he witnessed: a joyful community restored in the Lord. Gary Faustino of the CFCFFL International Governance Team (IGT) gave an overview of the restoration structure and urged everyone to always remember that the main reason for being with CFCFFL is ones focus on the Lord.



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On the other hand, Pancho Lopez Tan, also of the CFCFFL IGT, congratulated the province for its solidarity. Fr. Jojo Abueg of the Missionaries of Charity celebrated the thanksgiving mass where he encouraged the faithful to continue its work of evangelization of the family in the province. All those gathered replied with a resounding YES when asked if CFCFFL Cavite should be celebrating 18 years instead of four months of founding. Indeed, we continue to be CFC not only in name and recognition by the Church, but also in heart, mind, and in our way of life. After all, the remaining active members of the original 14 couples and three handmaids of the 1st batch (1989), and 90% of 11 couples of the 2nd batch (1990) of CLP graduates have affiliated with CFCFFL! This is great reason for CFCFFL Cavite to celebrate 18th years of CFC life! The day ended with a spectacular 10minute fireworks display, announcing to the whole province that CFC-FFL Cavite is here and will continue to work in the province with Gods blessing for many more years to come! Contributed by Warren Galarce, CFC-FFL Cavite Diocesan Head and Family Ministries Coordinator

TALeNTs Unlimited in Hong Kong!

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Dec 9, 2007 CFC FFL Hong Kong Christmas Celebration

Metro Manila Planning

THE Metro Manila Planning was held last November 30, 2007 at Stone Crest Clubhouse in San Pedro, Laguna. It was a whole day affair attended by all MM mobilization Team leaders and recommended district heads. The planning turned out well and we were able to determine our membership in Metro Manila as far as the number of couple members are concerned. Membership to the family ministries was not yet discussed. The different areas were also able to re-organize themselves into the seven new districts aligned with the seven MM dioceses.
Contributed by Marilyn Lopez-Tan, CFCFFL Manila

IT was a wonderful Christmas Celebration attended by the Families of CFC FFL Hong Kong, when all of us from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territory gathered at the Tung Chung Catholic School in Lantau Island. The New Territory is so blessed and teeming with bountiful talents from our CFCFFL brothers and sisters. From singing, dancing, acting, painting, and up to the cooking prowess of our sisters, all of which were shared with the rest of our brethren. We, all together as one joyful family, welcomed the birth of Christ with joy, peace and unity. Our theme for the Christmas community get-together was Talents Unlimited: Ang Galing ng Pinoy . A highlight of the event was the very creative and colorful oil painting prepared by the Kids Ministry on a big canvass depicting Christmas sa Pinas. Each segment of the canvass was carefully and meticulously designed and painted by the children coming together to complete the theme of the painting. It served as the stage backdrop. It will eventually be transferred and exhibited at the HK- Philippine consulate together with the art exhibit of well known Filipino artists in Hong Kong. We were so privileged to have our very own Bro. Frank Padilla as our special guest. He reminded all of us that HK was one of the early CFC international communities established in 1986. I was reminded of the pilot who has been our contact and initial CFC member in HK. My heart is glad and grateful for the unity of our community. It is indeed good to be joyful especially this season of Christmas to be with our families and close friends. More so when we see the many children running cheerfully, because Christmas is about children specifically - a family and the child Jesus who is our true source of hope and joy. That is why it is with great rejoicing that after our lamentations - similar to a time of darkness and despair, joy comes after waiting in hope - of being renewed and restored - like at the birth of Christ. A glorious praise fest ended the celebration with Bro. Bambi Urgino leading the worship with the HK-CFCFFL Band. It was very memorable & fruitful celebration and we appreciate Bro Frank Padillas presence and for his visionary guidance and leadership of Couples for Christ since its founding in 1981 and for bringing CFC to Hong Kong in July 7, 1986. We also appreciate the presence of Bro Bambi Urgino, for sharing your gift of music to Hong Kong. We are looking forward to another year filled with hope and joy in the Lord. Contributed by Tony Mangente, CFCFFL Hong Kong 3

Cool Switzerland

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IT was a JOYOUS occasion when CFCFFL Lausanne and Geneva celebrated their Christmas Party. The brethren had fun having fellowship with one another. Even Ambassador Basilio joined in the games!!! We are also proud to announce that CFC Youth for Family and Life of Geneva will have its National Youth Fellowship on February 15-17, 2008 at La Pelouse, Geneva, Switzerland. Also, CFCFFL Lausanne, Switzerland will have its CLS beginning January 27,2008 which and will run for five Sundays.
Contributed By: Reynaldo Marcelo CFCFFL Geneva Head

Ambassador Basilio (center, with brooch on her blouse)

CFCFFL in UAE!
THE United Arab Emirates CFCFFL brethren invited our brothers, Frank Padilla and Benjie Gadi, to have an audience with Bishop Hinder, who was misinformed about the many issues plaguing our beloved CFC community. With the support of Bishop Gregorio, Bishop of Batanes, and equipped with Gods armour, our brothers proceeded to the Emirates on November 27, 2007. F r a n k presented to Bishop Hi n d e r, C F C F F L s m i s s i o n statement, core values and addressed issues regarding the communitys split. Meanwhile in Doha, Qatar, the brethren had a planning session for a Restoration Assembly the following

day. A CLS (Christian Life Series) was also scheduled for March 2008, after CFCFFL members finished the Speakers and Facilitators training seminars. The UAE area is predominantly aligned with CFC Global Mission Foundation, Inc., but with Gods grace, CFCFFL is definitely moving on in this part of the globe. SOUND THE TRUMPETS!! Contributed by Benjie Gadi CFCFFL Regional Coordinator UAE