How did Couples for Christ begin?
Couples for Christ (CFC) began in 1981 in Manila, Philippines, when Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy in the Lord), a covenanted Christian charismatic community, realised that to effectively renew society, a conversion of both spouses, and consequently families, to Christ was necessary.
The method used consisted of bringing together a small group of prospective couples in a private home. There they were brought to a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to renewal in the power of the Holy Spirit through a series of weekly informal discussions of the gospel in a social environment.
Beginning from the first 16 couples who joined the weekly gathering, CFC became a Christian family life renewal which was later made available to parishes and groups of married couples who wished to live out their Christian life in an active supportive relationship with one another.
The growth of CFC stemmed from its heart for mission and evangelisation and its commitment to sharing God's love with others, beginning from the basic unit - the family. It did not take long for CFC to realise that while a couple renewal was essential, it would be incomplete without family renewal.
Through the years, CFC has blossomed into a worldwide ministry, becoming a major force for the renewal of the Christian family life and also of the church.
Who Can Become CFC?
Any validly married Catholic couple can become members of CFC. Although a Catholic movement/organization, CFC remains open to having non-Catholic Christians as members. CFC draws its membership from all sectors of society, young and old, rich and poor, etc. CFC transcends all cultural, economic, educational, social and other distinctions.
Recognitions
In 1996, CFC was approved by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines as a national private association of lay faithful. And in 2000, CFC was recognized by the Holy See (Vatican) as a private international association of the lay faithful of pontifical right. See recognition at the Dicastery for Laity Family and Life in the Vatican page.
Couples For Christ in Ireland
CFC-Ireland is part of a worldwide family life renewal ministry whose mission is to renew and build strong Christian marriages and families within the parish it represents.
CFC is an affiliate of the Catholic family life, which carries out its role as a lay apostolate group, bringing families back to the plan of God. CFC is called to bring the Lord’s strength and light to those struggling to be truly Christian families in the modern world.
CFC has been evident in Ireland since 2002, when a missionary couple from the UK facilitated the first Christian Life Program (CLP) at the Redemptorist Church at Marianella in Dublin. Over the years it has gathered hundreds of couple members in all over Ireland. It is supported and sees to collaborate with all affiliates in the Catholic Family Life and almost all parishes in the diocese. The formation and training for individuals and couples in the community were established to sustain them and give back to the parish, the more committed Catholics for a more vibrant community.