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Couples for Christ

History of Couples for Christ (CFC)

Couples for Christ (CFC) is a Catholic lay movement committed to the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. Founded in 1981 in Manila, Philippines, it began when 16 married couples gathered under the guidance of the Christian Family Movement to deepen their faith and rediscover the beauty of their vocation as Christian spouses. Through prayer, formation, and the power of the Holy Spirit, the couples experienced a profound renewal that transformed their relationships and family life.

From these humble beginnings, CFC grew rapidly, spreading throughout the Philippines and eventually to more than 100 countries worldwide. In 1996, the Holy See, through the Pontifical Council for the Laity, granted CFC official recognition as a private international association of the faithful. Guided by the mission to “Build the Church of the Home and the Church of the Poor,” CFC seeks to form families that live in the fullness of Christian life and serve as witnesses to God’s love in the world.

The spirituality of CFC centers on living out the Gospel within family life. Couples are invited to renew their marriage through the Christian Life Program (CLP) — a series of sessions on faith, marriage, and discipleship — followed by continued formation, prayer assemblies, and service opportunities. From its core group of couples, CFC has expanded into family ministries that serve all stages of life:

  • Kids for Christ (KFC)

  • Youth for Christ (YFC)

  • Singles for Christ (SFC)

  • Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD)

  • Servants of the Lord (SOLD)

Together, they form one spiritual family dedicated to proclaiming Christ and defending the sanctity of marriage and family.

CFC at St. Paschal Baylon Parish

Couples for Christ has been an active presence at St. Paschal Baylon Parish for many years, faithfully reflecting the parish’s Scalabrinian spirit of community, service, and hospitality. 

With the support of the parish priests and the Filipino Support Group, early CFC members organized Christian Life Programs and household prayer groups that inspired many couples to deepen their faith and renew their commitment to each other and to God. 

CFC members at St. Paschal Baylon Parish actively participate in parish life — serving as lectors, choir members, ushers, catechists, and volunteers at various events. They also collaborate with other parish ministries to support evangelization efforts, family enrichment activities, and community outreach.

Today, Couples for Christ continues to thrive as a vital part of the St. Paschal Baylon family. Through prayer, formation, and joyful service, CFC couples live out their calling to “Renew the face of the earth, one family at a time.”