FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is Couples for Christ?
Couples for Christ (CFC) is a movement of Christian families established in 1981 under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and for the service of the Kingdom of God committed to the work of evangelization, winning the world for Christ and total human liberation through the power of the Holy Spirit, present in 160 countries to date (December 2007). It grows mainly through the establishment of localized units in different parishes throughout the world. CFC is a servant and lay arm of the Roman Catholic Church in the work of family renewal and evangelization, and has a number of bishops as its spiritual directors. (VATICAN RECOGNITION)

Why is such a singles ministry necessary?
There are many forces in the world today that would, wittingly or unwittingly, destroy the very foundations of the family. SFC wants to create a strong foundation for, and rise in defense of the family which is God's work.

How does SFC intend to work for renewal?
CFC-Singles for Christ intends to carry out its works and its mission by focusing on 3 specific objectives:
  1. Individual renewal. SFC takes the basic message of Catholic Christianity and proclaims it anew for others to make a renewed commitment to God, allowing them to receive a fuller experience of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
  2. Family renewal. As individuals renew their commitment to God, they also renew their commitment to their families, which filters down to all their relationships.
  3. Church renewal. As individuals and families are renewed, they form a network of equally committed Christians who not only support one another but also strengthen the Church of which they are members.
Who can join SFC?
Any single, unmarried person can become a member of SFC, which is a mainly Catholic group, but open to membership to other Christians. SFC draws its membership from all sectors of society, young and old, rich and poor. SFC is equally adaptable, and transcends cultural, economic, religious, social and political boundaries.

How does a person join SFC?
Those who wish to join SFC go through an integrated 3-month course called a Christian Life Program (CLP). The CLP commences with an Orientation session, then goes through 12 talks, divided into 3 modules (4 talks/module) with each session consisting of a talk, a group discussion, and of course, fellowship. After CLP, SFC provides a continuing, intensive program of formation which includes assemblies, teachings, recollections, retreats, conferences, mission trips, etc.


FAQ, continued...

What benefits can a parish derive in welcoming SFC?

There are a number of benefits:
  1. Singles are renewed and strengthened in their Christian lives. Strong singles make for strong families, which make for strong parishes.
  2. The basic SFC objective is to be relevant to the life of the Church, specifically in the parish. SFC members are expected to support their parish priest and be available for parish services.
  3. SFC can be effectively used in the strategic evangelization of parishioners who are potentially strong servants and workers for the parish.
  4. SFC has proven to be an effective tool for fostering unity among mandated organizations and other parish groups, by redirecting leaders to focus on the Lord rather than on their service.
  5. SFC can be a conduit for social action in the parish, one of our objectives being the economic and spiritual upliftment of our less fortunate brethren.
  6. SFC can hasten the formation of strong, vibrant Christian communities, making Christ known and real in the larger society.