COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA

COVENANT ORIENTATION

The Covenant Orientation (CO) is part of the first-year formation program of CFCA for all
members. It is given three months after the Christian Life Program (CLP). It is a required course
to be attended by all CFCA members.

The CO is normally offered as a one-day recollection. It focuses on the most basic elements of
our Covenant in CFCA.

Goals of the course

1. To expound on the meaning and importance of our Covenant in CFCA.

2. To expound on the more basic elements of this Covenant.
3. To deepen the commitment of CFCA members to their life, mission and calling in CFCA.

Topics of the talks

1. Our Covenant in CFCA

2. Prayer and Scripture
3. Strengthening Family Life
4. Our Christian Culture in CFCA

Schedule

8:30 am Arrival and fellowship

9:00 Introduction
9:15 Worship
9:45 Talk 1 – Our Covenant in CFCA
10:30 Personal reflection
11:00 Break
11:15 Talk 2 – Prayer and Scripture
12:00 nn Personal reflection
12:30 pm Lunch break
1:15 Worship
1:45 Talk 3 – Strengthening Family Life
2:30 Personal reflection
3:00 Break
3:15 Talk 4 – Our Christian Culture in CFCA
4:00 Personal reflection
4:30 Open forum
5:30 Closing prayer
Resource persons

1. Recollection master (in charge of whole day)

2. Worship leader
3. Speakers
4. Elder for open forum (preferably a Chapter Head; if not, a more senior Unit Head).
5. Music ministry
6. Service team
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COVENANT ORIENTATION

Guidelines for "Introduction"

1. Welcome the participants.

2. Brief recap of the CFCA first-year formation program and the place of this recollection in it.

3. Schedule for the day.

4. Times for personal reflection.

* A day of recollection. Silence should be maintained during the times of personal

reflection.

* Maintain a prayerful attitude. Meditate on the teachings and their applicability to your
life and calling in CFCA.

* Note down your questions for the open forum.

5. Exhortation.

* Openness to the Lord.

* A time of grace and a step forward in your relationship with God in and through CFCA.
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUATRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 1: OUR COVENANT IN CFCA

Expanded Outline

A. Introduction.

1. In CFCA we encounter the word "Covenant".

a) After the CLP, as a member of CFCA, we entered into the "Covenant of the Couples
for Christ Australia".

b) As we read the Bible, we find out that it has two parts, the Old Testament and the New
Testament, are covenants.

c) All Christians actually have a covenant with God by virtue of baptism.

d) Also, as baptised Christians, we have a covenant relationship with one another. We

have a commitment of mutual love, loyalty, unity, service.

2. We need to understand more about our covenant.

a) It is at the heart of where we are at right now.

b) We need to appreciate the concrete situation which allows us to live out our covenant.

B. What is a covenant?

1. A covenant is a solemn agreement between parties through which they commit themselves
to certain relationships, tasks, obligations or ways of living.

2. Two types of covenant relationships.

a) Between parties equal in power and position.

* Gen 21:22-32. Abraham and Abimelech.

* 1 Sam 18:1,3-4. David and Jonathan.
* In marriage between husbands and wives.

b) Between parties unequal in power and position.

* In this case, it is unilaterally bestowed by the greater on the lesser.

* E.g., a conqueror with his new subjects. He provides military protection while
exacting loyalty and tribute.
 * God and His people.

3. Covenant agreements do not just bind persons to something outside themselves (e.g., a
business contract). Rather, the parties are bound in a personal way. What is established is
a significant family-like relationship between the agreeing parties.

* Gen 15. God with Abraham.

* Gen 31:44-54. Laban and Jacob.

C. Some important basic truths from the Old Testament.

1. Covenant = treaty or contract which established a relationship between two parties and
bound them together.

a) Conditions and clauses were important, but what’s more important is that these were
meant to safeguard: a lasting relationship.

b) Through the covenant, God and His people are joined together.

2. The covenant was not a treaty between equals, but between a mighty person and a lesser
person.

a) It was between God Almighty and a people owing their existence to Him.

b) It was issued by the stronger king at his initiative. The old covenant was initiated by
God.

3. The contents of the covenant.

a) Usually began with an introduction in which the mighty king identified himself as the
one initiating the treaty and then proceeded to summarise the history of the relationship
between the two parties, with emphasis on what the mighty king had already done for
the lesser party.

* Deut 5:6 and Ex 20:2. Introduction to Ten Commandments.

* God freed the people first before entering into a covenant with them. (God did not
give the commandments first, before freeing the people if they obeyed).

* Our covenant with God is based on what He has done for us, and only secondarily
on what we do in response.

b) Next listed what the weaker party needed to do.

* The obligations flow from what the other had already done.

* Ten Commandments. Deut 5:7-21.

 * All other commandments are part of our covenant.

c) Concluded with a list of blessings (if obey) and curses (if disobey). Deut 28.

* Breaking God's commandments = breaking our relationship with Him. There are
consequences.

* Being faithful = blessings, the promised land.

D. New Testament teaching.

1. God wants to make a covenant with us and enter into a personal relationship with us.

a) Jesus came to bring about a new covenant.

* Lk 22:20. Jn 6:56.

b) The New Covenant is not merely a matter of obeying a set of laws, but of entering into
a living relationship with Jesus.

2. As with the old covenant, the new covenant is not an agreement between equals, and is not
done on our initiative. Rather, God acted first by sending Jesus His only Son to save us.

3. All that God asks of us flows from what God has already done for us.

a) 1 Jn 4:19.

b) God's commands are taken in the light of His action in and through Jesus.

* Jn 13:15,34. A new commandment of love. Jesus' example.

4. There are also blessings and curses. Our response has eternal consequences.

E. Our response.

1. Jn 13:34-35. Commandment of the new covenant.

a) Our Lord Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loves us. This is the second
highest commandment next only to loving God. It is not a request or a mere suggestion
but a command.

b) Therefore we must love everyone especially our brethren in faith.

* Gal 6:10. It is important to note the distinction and have a special love for our
brethren in faith.

2. Many Christian groups are unsuccessful because:

 a) Their models are secular in nature.

* Democratisation of personal relationships where majority rules.

* Aim is self-fulfilment and to promote selfishness.
* Priority of personal independence, of individual freedom.
* Relationships proceed from feelings.

b) Relationships are not based on a covenant.

c) There is no authority to oversee the relationships.

d) There is no common life, no significant relationships within the body.

3. The Biblical model for relationships.

a) Like a family.

* Membership in one body, interdependence, unity, common life.

* Loving relationships (brotherhood and sisterhood), sharing.
* Authority and order.

b) If so, there are practical needs:

* Need to express commitment and love to a specific, concrete group of people.

* Need for such group of people to learn a specific set of relating and living out their
commitments.

4. The nature of our commitment.

a) We are to love and serve God.

* We are to be God's own servant people.

b) We are to love and serve one another.

* We are no longer our own masters.

* We are to lay down our lives for one another.
* Practically, we should be willing to meet our brethren's needs with our personal
resources.

c) We are to live our lives in true righteousness and holiness.

d) We are to be a people that the Lord can use as a body.

* Have unity, order, peace, support for our common life.

 e) We are to be light and leaven to the world.

5. Practical considerations.

When people agree to put their lives in common, the following are necessary:

a) Clearly spelled out commitments.

* Thus our written covenant.

b) An authority to govern the body and oversee the set of relationships.

* Our pastoral structure of Household, Unit and Chapter Leaders.

* Our overall governing and pastoral authorities: the CFCA National Council and the
Local Area Councils.

c) Taking responsibility for one another and for our common life.

* Not just the responsibility of the leaders, but of every member.

* Correction, intercession, financial help, etc.

d) A visible common life.

* Our various meetings and events.

F. Conclusion.

1. The Old and New Testaments are God's old and new initiatives to establish a relationship
with His people.

2. CFCA is a vehicle, an opportunity by which we can respond fully to God.

 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 1: OUR COVENANT IN CFCA

Participant's Handout

1. A covenant is a solemn agreement between parties through which they commit themselves to
certain relationship, tasks, obligations or ways of living.

* Covenant agreements do not just bind persons to something outside themselves. Rather,
the parties are bound in a personal way, in a family-like relationship.

2. God wants to make a covenant with us and enter into a personal relationship with us. Lk
22:20. Jn 6:56.

* The New Covenant is not merely a matter of obeying a set of laws, but of entering into a
living relationship with Jesus and with one another.

3. Our response: Jn 13:34-35.

4. The nature of our commitment.

* Love and serve God.

* Love and serve one another.
* Live our lives in true righteousness and holiness.
* Be a people the Lord can use as a body.
* Be light and leaven to the world.

5. When people put their lives in common (like us in CFCA), some elements are necessary:

* Clearly spelled out commitments, thus our covenant in CFCA.

* Clearly defined structure and authority to govern the community and the members.
* Taking responsibility for one another.
* A visible commitment to common life in the community.

Personal reflection

1. How has God initiated a relationship with me? How have I responded?

2. How can CFCA help me in living out my covenant with God and with His people?
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 2: PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE

Expanded Outline

A. Introduction.

1. Prayer and Scripture are crucial tools to growth in our life as Christians.

2. We need to know God, His ways and His will for us. The most basic ways we can do this
are by communicating directly with Him through prayer and knowing Him and His word
by regularly reading the Scripture.

3. In CFCA, we commit to a daily personal prayer time and to a daily reading of the Bible.

B. Some reasons why we do not have a personal prayer time.

1. I already go to Church services (Mass) and that's enough.

a) What we are speaking about is personal prayer time.

* Alone by ourselves with God.

* This is necessary for us to develop a deeper and more intimate personal relationship
with Jesus.

b) Mass, rosary, novena, and other devotions, are all means of prayer. However, we must
not neglect personal prayer that is spending time with God in a personal level.

2. Lack of understanding about prayer.

a) Most of us may have been taught to pray early in our childhood. But what we may not
have learned is why we should pray.

* Most see prayer as just asking God for things.

b) Prayer for us should be a means of communicating with God and establishing a

personal relationship with Him.

* As we communicate, we get to know God more, and thus have the more solid
foundation for loving Him..

3. I don't have the time.

a) We have a lot of time for the many different things we do in life but not for prayer.
 * Our problem is not lack of time, but our attitude.
* If we consider prayer important enough, we would find time and make the time to
pray regularly.

b) Let us ask ourselves two questions:

* If I were not too busy working or doing something, would I be busy praying?

* If God gave me some extra hours today, will I automatically allocate it to personal
prayer?

4. I am unworthy.

a) Some may be so filled with guilt due to our sins and weaknesses that we create a
feeling of unworthiness to come before the Lord.

* Yes, we are unworthy to enter into the presence of a holy God.

* But we receive forgiveness for our sins through the blood of Jesus. We are restored
to our relationship as children of God.

b) The devil would always try to convince us of our unworthiness.

* We should not allow Satan's lies to keep us from the intimacy God desires to have
with us.

c) Remember that as long as there is a desire to pray, it is a clear sign of the Lord's
prodding us to spend time with Him.

* The Lord will not plant this desire only to frustrate us. He would never lead us to
seek something which is impossible.

* Thus even when we feel unworthy, we should just pray.

5. It is too difficult.

a) The difficulty is often of our own making.

* We expect too much from ourselves, imposing a heavy burden.

* We raise up as a standard the lofty prayer times of others.

b) Prayer is really very simple: it is coming into the presence of a loving God and
allowing Him to love us and touch our lives.

c) Techniques can help, models can guide, but it all boils down to our very own personal
relationship, done in our own personal way base on our desire to be with God.
C. What should we do?

1. Make a commitment to pray daily at a scheduled time.

a) Decide when is prime time for the Lord.

* When would I be most alert or attuned to fellowship with God?

* This is not simply left-over time.

b) If possible, make this your regular prayer time each day of the week.

* Getting into this "routine" of prayer makes it easier to pray faithfully every day.

* Be flexible in making adjustments if necessary due to your varied weekly schedule.

c) Protect this time of prayer.

2. If you are just starting to pray, start with a short time of prayer.

a) Our Covenant Card stipulates at least 15 minutes per day.

* But if you would still find this long, then start with what you would be comfortable
with and can sustain.

* Again, we are not rigidly concerned about the amount of time, but are after your
developing a personal relationship with God. The length of you time in prayer will
grow as your personal relationship with the Lord grows.

b) Spend more time with the Lord as you grow in prayer.

* You will find that 15 minutes will be very short.

3. Look for the right place where you will not be distracted.

a) Jesus' example. Lk 5:16; Lk 6:12; Mt 14:23-24a; Mk 1:35.

b) Jesus' instruction. Mt 6:6a.

c) We ought to give God our undivided attention.

4. Resolve to be open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

a) Techniques, like ACTS, are all right, as long as we are not locked in to them.

b) Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 * Quiet vs expressive.
* Different physical postures.
* Speaking and listening.
* Praying in tongues.

c) The goal is not "to pray well", but to enter into communion with God.

5. Deal with obstacles to prayer.

a) Anxieties and concerns that distract us.

* Know that you are coming into the presence of your loving Father, Who is able to
provide richly for all your needs.

* Offer all your concerns and petitions and leave these in God's loving hands.

b) Too much concern about the quality of our prayer.

* God is not concerned about our technique or the loftiness of our prayers, but simply
with our desire to be in communion with Him.

* Prayer is the simple reality of a child coming into the presence of his/her Father.

* The Holy Spirit will help us. Rom 8:26.

c) Dryness.

* Spiritual dryness in prayer and even in our Christian life may happen. It is normal
and nothing to be alarmed about.

* Sometimes dryness comes from God Himself. He seeks to find out if our
faithfulness comes from the consolation and joy we experience in prayer, or simply
from the reality of being in His presence.

* Thus we should simply persevere in prayer through times of dryness. Prayer is our
commitment, not just an emotional experience or mental exercise.

d) Difficulty in listening to or hearing the Lord.

* Prayer is not just talking to God, but listening to Him as well. It is a two way
communication. We speak and listen from the heart.

* Prayer is not just asking God for things, but allowing Him to form our hearts and
our minds and reform our lives.

* But perhaps our human nature makes it easier to talk and harder to listen. We need
to learn how to do both.
D. Scripture and inspirational reading.

1. Aside from daily personal prayer, we also need to read and meditate on the Word of God.

a) The Bible is our book of wisdom for living a Spirit-filled Christian life.

b) The Bible has power to convict us and change our lives. Heb 4:12-13.

c) The Bible can inspire and strengthen us as we face the difficulties and challenges of
life.

* Frequently, our Bible reading will lead us to passages that speak directly and
personally to our individual situation.

2. It is recommended that we incorporate our Bible reading into our daily prayer time.

a) The two are interactive.

b) A useful tool is to use a Scripture-based daily prayer guide, like "God's Word Today".

3. We should spend some other time during the week to read the Bible and reflect on the
message that the Lord is imparting to us..

4. We should read Christian books as well and as Catholics, books or articles relevant to our
Catholic faith.

a) We recommend reading one of these Christian books/articles every month.

E. Conclusion.

1. A lack of a regular prayer time reflects a lack of faithfulness to the Lord.

2. When we neglect prayer, we will reap the consequences in the form of a powerless
Christian life, devoid of peace, direction and purpose in life.

3. If we pray and read the Bible regularly, we tap on the unlimited inexhaustible power of
God.
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 2: PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE

Participant's Handout

1. Prayer and Scripture are crucial tools to growth in our life as Christians.

2. Reasons for not having a personal prayer time.

a) I already go to Church services and that's enough.

b) Lack of understanding about prayer.
c) I don't have the time.
d) I am unworthy.
e) It is too difficult.

3. What we should do:

a) Make a commitment to pray daily at a scheduled time.

b) Start with a short time of prayer.
c) Look for the right place.
d) Be open to the inspiration and leading of the Holy Spirit.
e) Deal with obstacles to prayer.

* Anxieties and concerns.

* Concern about the quality of prayer.
* Dryness.
* Difficulty in listening to God.

4. Aside from daily personal prayer, we also need to read and meditate on the Bible.

a) We can incorporate Bible reading into our daily prayer time.

b) We need to set aside some other time during the week to study the Bible.

5. We should also read Christian books.

a) Recommendation: one book every month

Personal reflection

1. Have I been faithful to my commitment (CFCA Covenant) to pray and read the Bible
everyday?

2. Express your love for the Lord and your desire to know Him more through prayer and His
Word.
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 3: STRENGTHENING FAMILY LIFE

Expanded Outline

A. Introduction.

1. CFCA is a Christian family life renewal ministry.

a) We want to support not just couples, but to strengthen our families as well.

b) The strength of our families in CFCA will determine the extent that the lord can use us
for His purposes.

2. The family is the basic unit of society.

a) The condition of individual families will determine the condition of society as a whole.

b) Our work of strengthening family life is the best way for us to help restore the roles of
the family in fulfilling God’s plan for the world. There is moral regeneration of society
and CFCA is called by God to address this.

B. Ways of strengthening family life.

1. Understand better the meaning of our commitment to our spouse in marriage.

a) Marriage is a relationship of love, commitment and service.

* It is not based merely on emotion, but on covenant fidelity.

* Commitment and service means entrusting oneself completely to the other. It is

denying oneself for the good of the other.

b) We need to recognize that we are first committed to God. Therefore, our feelings, likes
and dislikes, and our will are all subordinated to God's will and plan for us.

c) During moments of difficulty, we can turn to the Lord.

* We recognise that God is the architect of our marriage, and knows how best for it
to work.

* Mt 11:28-30
2. Live more fully the principles of Christian personal relationships.

a) Before we are husband and wife, we are brother and sister in the Lord.

* Christian marriage is just one kind of Christian personal relationship.

* As in any Christian relationship, we ought to manifest in our daily living the fruit
of the Spirit. We are to love and serve each other, to handle our feelings in the
right way, and so on.

* The husband's and wife's living out the New Testament teaching on personal
character and relationships will be a large part of their faithfulness in living out
their commitment to each other as spouses.

b) The demand of Christian’s personal relationships is more than just the practice of
human virtues. We are called to unconditional love and service.

* Mt 5:44-48.

3. Make the home a centre of family life.

a) In many families, the relationship between parents and children is much weaker than it
should be.

* Parents are not sufficiently available to their children. They are often preoccupied
and inaccessible, physically or psychologically.

* Children are resistant to direction and indifferent to parents' wishes for them, their
values and beliefs.

b) One reason is because the home is no longer a place where faith is taught and nurtured,
where children are educated and formed and where the sick, disabled and aged are
cared for. The home is no longer a powerhouse of prayers.

* Consequently it is no longer full of activities that are essential for family life and
which involve parents and children together.

c) Thus families should develop opportunities to expand the range of tasks, services and
activities in the home in ways that bring parents and children together.

* We must make our home not merely a physical structure, but a place where family
members experience mutual love, warmth, encouragement, forgiveness and self-
giving.

* Parents need to make a decision to bring back life in the home and make time for it
(e.g., family meals, family recreation, shared chores, etc..).

* The important element is not so much the activity itself, but the quality and
 development of relationships in relationships brought about by these activities.

4. Interact with other Christian families.

a) Not only has parent-child interaction in the home been reduced, but interaction
between the generations outside the home has also declined.

* In employment, educational and recreational settings, people are placed with their
age peers and are isolated from people who are much older or younger.

* The separate worlds of children, youth, adults and the elderly draw family members
out of the home into disconnected social groupings.

* This in turn is a major contributor to the weakening of the parent-child relationship,

especially the parents' ability to train their children once they reach school age.

b) Thus Christian families should find ways to share their lives with one another in a more
regular and active ways.

* By working together, having a social life together, and helping one another in
practical ways that involve people of various ages.

* Some practical activities: praying together, going on vacation together, family

outings, etc.

c) We already are in such a network of families in CFCA.

* With our Family Ministries (something for everyone in the family), we can have
more activities together.

* We know we do not stand alone in our desire to strengthen Christian family living.

5) Exercise greater control over the family use of time, social media, television, gadgets, etc.

a) Many families do not deal strongly enough with the intrusion of social media and other
disruptors. Social media have almost unlimited access to many families.

* The formation of young minds is given over to the information and entertainment
industries.

* Also, media dampens family activity and communication.

b) We should monitor and control the flow of social media, books, magazines, records,
radios and television programs in our home.

* Decide what is allowed into the home.

* Decide how much is allowed (e.g, hours spent watching TV or on games and social
media).
 c) Given also the scarcity of time together, we must set priorities and manage our time
effectively and productively.

* Parents and children should not get overly involved in their own respective
activities that they no longer have quality family time together.

* We also need to be creative in developing family recreation and activities that will
foster relationship among family members. Our objective should be to have
entertainment, relaxation, fun, camaraderie, training and development among
family members.

6. Develop Christian peer environments for young people.

a) Age-peer environments are important.

* Peer groups are a powerful influence in the lives of young people.

* We do not seek to avoid these, but to properly direct them.

b) We should strive to get our children into our family ministries.

* They will develop strong supportive relationships with their own peers..

* We will have a real alternative to the often intensely secular peer environments that
are not Christian in orientation.

* They will be connected intimately into the life of the larger body of CFCA.

7. Become pastors to our children.

a) Parents must work actively to train and form their children in Christian faith, morals,
values and character.

b) The ultimate goal of raising and training our children is not to make them what we
want them to be, but to help them fulfil their God-given destiny.

* Our goal is to train them for life, imbued with Christian ideals, morals and values.
We should give them our Christian heritage and legacy.

* Our example: the Israelites. Deut 6:20-25.

c) We must be determined to wrest the initiative from school, peers and the media.

d) Prayer is essential.

* Personal as well as family prayer.

C. Conclusion.

1. Pope John Paul II in Familiaris Consortio: "The future of humanity passes by way of the
family".

2. We need to strengthen Christian family life, in order to defend God's creation. We need to
raise families in the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth.
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

TALK NO. 3: STRENGTHENING FAMILY LIFE

Participant's Handout

Ways of strengthening family life:

1. Understand better the meaning of our commitment to our spouse in marriage.

* Marriage is a relationship of mutual love, commitment and service.

* We are first committed to God, and therefore are subordinated to God's will and plan for us
and our family.

2. Live more fully the principles of Christian personal relationships.

* Husband and wife are firstly brother and sister in the Lord.
* We practice not only human virtues, but are called to unconditional love and service.

3. Make our home a centre of family life.

4. Interact with other Christian families.

* Our network of families in CFCA.

5. Exercise greater control over the family use of time, technology and social media.

6. Develop Christian peer environments for young people.

* Our Family Ministries in CFCA.

7. Become pastors of our children.

* Train and form children in Christian faith, morals, values and character.
* Wrest the initiative from school, peers and social media.
* Prayer is essential.

Personal Reflection

1. Am I building up my family life in accordance with Christian principles?

2. Do I understand God’s plan for my own family?

3. Lord, forgive me in the ways I have been remiss. Grant me the grace to start over and be
able to raise up my family for you.
 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 4: OUR CHRISTIAN CULTURE IN CFCA

Expanded Outline

A. Introduction.

1. We have a covenant with God and with one another. We are to be His people, and our lives
are to reflect our intimate relationship with Him.

2. More specifically, we are called together in CFCA to live out a common life in the
community. Part of this common life is a distinct culture as Christians in general and as
CFCA in particular.

B. The New Testament teaching.

1. What did God do for us? Col 1:13.

a) From darkness to God's Kingdom.

b) Christians, by virtue of their new birth in Christ, we are to be a new people, a new
creation, truly God's people, with a new way of life which is in harmony with God's
plans and purposes.

2. What is our response? Eph 4:17-18.

a) Involved in this new life with God is a concrete and decisive change in our behaviour
before God and man. Eph 4:22-24.

b) Spiritual ignorance alienates people from the life with God and results in a corrupted
way of life. Eph 4:18-19.

* The form of human character we will have will depend on our relationship with
God. If we do not humbly acknowledge and obey the one true God, we will forfeit
a life of true righteousness, and will oftentimes result in immoral practices with
morals and values inconsistent with the way of the Lord.

3. What now is our new identity as Christians? 1 Pet 2:9-11a.

a) We become people from darkness to light.

b) Once no people, now God's people.

c) Like the prodigal son (daughter), we are now restored to our loving and compassionate
Father.
 * We live amongst people with similar way of life, life in the Lord.

* We now “belong to a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set
apart”. 1 Peter 2:9

C. What is a culture?

1. Culture = the way of life of a people.

a) It is the sum total of attained and learned behavioural patterns of a group of people,
regarded as expressing a common traditional way of life. It is the sum total of what
makes a group people what they are.

b) Culture includes beliefs, values, social structures, customs and expressions of a group
of people or community..

2. Christianity is a culture.

a) As a natural consequence of our Christian beliefs and values, we Christians ought to

have a distinctively Christian way of life that reflects and supports such values and
beliefs.

* We ought to be distinguishable from other worldly cultures. In fact, Christianity is

counter-culture.

b) We can be Australian, Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, etc. by birth or ancestry but we are
all Christians first and foremost. This is our identity we are Christians, sons and
daughters of God. We have one Father so we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

D. Our Christian culture in CFCA.

1. CFCA is a Christian community with distinctive beliefs, values, patterns and purpose in
life.

a) Of course, our basic Christian beliefs and values are those held in common by all
orthodox Christians.

* Beliefs: Jesus is Lord, life after death, etc.

* Values: What are pleasing to God, e.g., loyalty, dependability, dignity of life, etc.

b) In addition, we believe in the sanctity of marriage, family and life from conception to
natural death.

2. Our "Statement of Mission and Vision" defines our purpose and the rationale for our being.

a) The family is a creation of God and God wants us to rise in the defence of His work.
 b) We are to bring families back to the plan of God and to the heart of the Church.

3. Our "Statement of Philosophy" spells out the beliefs and ideals of CFCA, which govern
our thrust and mission.

a) Marriage is indissoluble and is created by God for love and procreation.

b) Both husband and wife have equal personal worth and dignity. God's order for the
family is expressed in roles, with man as head and woman as helpmate.

c) Parents are responsible for the rearing and education of children.

d) The family shares in the life and mission of the Church.

* Prayers
* Evangelization
* Mission
* Service to others especially the poor

e) Christian family renewal is best achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit and the
full use of all charismatic gifts.

E. Expressions of Christian culture in CFCA.

1. The way we relate to one another.

a) Honour and respect.

* This is to acknowledge each individual's dignity as a child of God.

* We are one family, brothers and sisters in the Lord.

b) Loyalty and commitment.

* We should be loyal and committed to one another and to the body. We are to look
out for the good of the other.

* We should resolve conflicts as loving Christians.

e) Christian speech.

* Our speech is of paramount importance for the life of the body. Prov 18:21a.

* We are to avoid slander, gossip, negative humour and not to scandalise anyone or
the community..

* Our speech must be gracious. Col 4:6. Eph 4:29.

 - Express praise, affection, affirmation and words of encouragement to one
another..
- Correct with meekness.
- Communicate faith and joy.
- Show courtesy and respect to one another.

d) Our goal in the way we relate with one another is to build up one another in love, and
to build up the body, CFCA. Eph 4:15-16.

2. Faith. We are to be men and women of faith.

a) What is faith? Heb 11:1.

* Have the faith of our ancestors. (Heb 11:4-40).

b) We can depend on divine providence. Lk 12:22-31.

c) Jesus is our focus. Heb 12:2a.

3. Prayer and Scriptures.

a) We are to have a daily conversation with God through prayers and Scriptures.

* Eph 6:18. Col 4:2.

b) We are to receive wisdom, guidance and life from God's Word.

* Col 3:16a. Heb 4:12.

4. Order in the family.

a) The Christian family is at the very centre of God's plan.

* As the basic unit of society, the condition of families will determine the condition
of societies.

b) We need to strengthen our family.

* God's order: headship and submission. Eph 5:22-25.

* We are to fulfil our responsibilities in the Lord.

- Husband: govern, provide, protect as head of the family.

- Wife: partner, support as the heart of the home.
- Parents: raise children in the Lord. Eph 6:4.

* Always have Jesus at the centre of family life.

  Know God’s plan for your family.

5. Life as a body in CFCA.

a) We are one body, with a common way of life.

* Not individualistic, but brethren.

* Not pursue holiness just individually, but also corporately.

b) One concrete expression is the Household.

* A concrete manifestation of being a "family".

* Our weekly "spiritual filling station" in Household prayer meeting.

* A place to truly love and support our brethren.

c) Respect for order and authority in the body.

* We need to maintain order and authority for the body to function effectively.

* The Lord places various people in positions of authority. We are to obey and
respect them. Heb 13:17.

d) Christian finance.

* We have a common responsibility to support God's work.

* We are to make available to the Lord not just our time and our talents, but also our
treasure.

* CFCA's work is supported by the freewill contributions of its members. While

giving money to CFCA is not a requirement for membership, we are encouraged to
be generous.

F. Conclusion.

1. CFCA is one body throughout Australia with one vision, one mission, one culture, one
purpose and one direction.

2. God wants to create a new humanity, one that would live his/her life here on earth as His
witnesses. We are to be His witnesses in the way we live our lives.

3. Our response will determine the effectiveness of our witnessing to God. Our positive
response will keep us united and will enable the Lord to use us for the mission He has
entrusted to us and our community CFCA.
 CULTURE IN CFCA

Who is Couples for Christ Australia?

Couples for Christ Australia (CFCA) is a Catholic renewal community, whose goal is to
strengthen the Christian family. We believe that Couples for Christ Australia is a work of God
established to support Catholic Christian families committed to living out the message of the
Word of God and the values and morals of the Catholic Church. The leaders and members of
CFCA do this by meeting weekly in small household groups where they can share their faith
experiences and support each other.

The leaders and members have committed themselves to serve God, to evangelise and to spread
the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout Australia and wherever the Lord will lead CFCA to go.
Through our pastoral formation programs, we aim to help others and ourselves grow in maturity
as men and women of God and to fulfil the role of our primary vocation, raising up families under
the Lordship of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We see ourselves as servants of Christ working towards total human liberation through the power
of the Holy Spirit. As lay individuals, we endeavor to support the work of the church by
supporting our parishes. Our service extends to the couples, young children, youths, singles, the
divorced, widowed and separated members of the society.

CFCA has five “Pillars”:- Evangelization and Mission, Pastor Formation, Family Ministries, Work
with the Poor Ministry and Special Ministries (Music and Social Media).

CFCA is under the guidance and direction of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
(ACBC). CFCA is pro-Church, pro-Life, pro-Family and pro-Poor. CFCA is “Families in the
Holy Spirit… renewing the face of the earth”.

CULTURE IN CFCA

CFCA is a Catholic Charismatic Community

CFCA as a Catholic Community in Australia is under the guidance and direction of the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference. Our charism, principles, values, practices, devotions and activities
are always aligned with that of the Catholic Church. We follow the Catholic Church liturgical year
and observe her Seasons, Feast Days and Holy Days of Obligations. Our members and leaders are
encouraged to actively serve and participate in the worship life of their respective parishes. Our
Covenant calls for our members and leaders to be faithful in attending Mass at least every Sunday
and Holy Days of Obligations and regularly go to confession.

CFCA is a Charismatic Community whereby we meet regularly in small cell groups called
Households in an atmosphere of love, respect and support for one another in our effort to grow in
our knowledge and love of God, and to show this love in our attitude towards our neighbors. In
our meetings and assemblies we exercise our charismatic gifts through lively singing, raising
hands, clapping, vocal praise and worship, prophecy, reading passages from the Scriptures,
speaking/singing in tongues, intercessory prayers and sharing of faith experiences. We share with
one another how the Lord have touched our lives, the small but significant modern day to day
miracle we experience and the many ways the Holy Spirit manifests to us His power.

CFCA as a welcoming and culturally diverse community

Australia is a diverse and multicultural country. Australia is home to the world’s oldest indigenous
cultures, as well as the millions of Australians from more than 270 ethnic ancestries and cultural
backgrounds. Since 1945, several million people have migrated to Australia from all over the
world. This rich cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is central to our national
identity. Likewise, the Catholic Church in Australia is also culturally diverse. CFCA is a vibrant,
prayerful community, embracing and respecting the multicultural nature and diverse culture of all
ethnic groups in Australia. Essential to this is our awareness and adherence to the CFCA Code of
Conduct.

CFCA Code of Conduct for leaders and members

This Code of Conduct is a summary of guidelines for all leaders and members of Couples for
Christ Australia (CFCA) to understand and adhered to. As a Catholic Christian community, we
are expected to live by the Word of God and the values and morals of the Catholic Church. Our
inward and outward behaviour must show our love for God and our neighbors. Leaders Of CFCA
are expected to show good example of leadership to their members, as exemplified by the
leadership qualities of Jesus Christ and the apostles. This code is supplementary to the current
Covenant of CFCA and is an expression of one’s love and care for one another. In any
relationship, let us all be guided by 1 John 4:7 “Let us love one another, because love is of God.”

1. We express our love for God by:

 Actively participating in the activities of CFCA and the parish where we
belong.
 Faithfully attending regular Household meetings, assemblies, trainings,
pastoral formation teachings and other activities of CFCA.
 Studying the Scriptures and applying the message to our daily life.
 Giving our time, talent, treasure and other gifts in order to build up God’s
Kingdom on earth.
 Being faithful to the Covenant of CFCA.
 Sharing the Gospel to others as an ambassador for Christ.

2. We express our love for others by:

 Loving and caring for our immediate families, extended families, friends, co-
workers and neighbors.
 Showing respect to others, whether they agree with us or not.
  Supporting the Family Ministries and other Ministries of the CFCA
community.
 Being a positive influence especially to those who need it most.
 Cooperating with leaders and members to achieve our common goals.
 Respecting confidentiality in matters that may arise during prayer meetings and
assemblies.
 Avoiding conflicts among members which may undermine genuine
relationships.

3. As committed members and leaders of CFCA, we will:

 Be faithful to God, our Covenant and to one another.
 Accept personal responsibility and accountability of our own actions or lack
thereof.
 Respect the decision of our elders.
 Ensure that lines of communications are open and all information are
cascaded down to the members efficiently and in a timely manner.
 Be honest in all dealings with leaders and members of the community.
 Avoid actions or speech which may cause distrust and breakdown of
relationships.
 Follow the precepts and teachings of the Catholic Church.
 Support the activities of our own parish as part of our service and
cooperation with other Christian groups within the parish.
 Avoid sending/sharing negative and/or offensive information or messages via the
social media.
 In a Christian way, admonish a brother/sister in matters of discipline or
unacceptable behaviour.
 Exercise the duty of care to those in need, especially members of the CFCA
community.
 Be a good citizen of Australia by embracing her culture, respecting her laws and
regulations, integrating with the society and actively participating in the
observance and celebration of the major occasions in this country.

Pastoral Correction and Encouragement

In CFCA, we provide pastoral care, guidance and direction to our members and leaders. This
includes handling of pastoral issues of members and relational issues among members. Leaders
must exercise pastoral correction in areas of serious wrongdoings eg vices, addiction, uncontrolled
anger, disrespect to CFCA and Church leaders, unfaithfulness to Household meetings, trainings
and teachings and indifference to the culture of CFCA and morals and values of the Catholic
Church. Improvements in these areas are expected of our members and leaders and continuous.
Otherwise, it becomes ground for dismissal from CFCA.
CFCA is also a ministry of encouragement. Leaders in CFCA are expected to encourage their
members to persevere in their pursuit of improving their personal and spiritual life and in their
service to the Lord and brothers and sisters in the community.

Integration of Family Ministries to CFCA

CFCA is a holistic community wherein all members are intimately integrated into one body. Our
Family Ministries (KFCA, YFCA, SFCA, HOLD and SOLD) being part of the community must
be fully integrated with CFCA and not to function on its own. The organisational structure of the
Family Ministries must be incorporated within the structure of every CFCA Chapter. A Chapter
being a mini-CFCA has the responsibility to ensure that the Family Ministries are properly
resourced and fully supported in order for them to effectively conduct their activities and to
achieve their goals and objectives.

CFCA is pro-Church, pro-Family, pro-Life and pro-Poor

CFCA embraces and follow the Catholic Church’s principles of pro-family, pro-life and pro-poor.
We believe that the Sacrament of Marriage is between a man and a woman. We respect the
sanctity of life from conception to natural death and we believe that no man must interfere with
God’s plan on creation. We embrace Jesus’ preferential love for the poor and we have a program
on alleviating poverty through our Work with the Poor Ministry.

Obedience in CFCA

In CFCA there is a pastoral organizational structure composed of leaders at various levels. The
main purpose of the structure is for peace, unity and governance of the body. In order for our
community to work well, leaders are vested with authority. In CFCA we promote active
submission to their leaders, not blind obedience. This means that members do not blindly follow
their leaders but are encouraged to raise questions for greater understanding of directions. They
are encouraged to respectfully express their opinions and contrary views, bring these forth and
enter into objective discussions with their leaders. They may request for the inputs or intervention
of higher-ups if need be.

More importantly, obedience to our leaders simply follows our obedience to the Lord. Obedience
to our leaders is our acknowledgement and acceptance that they are appointed by God in their
respective positions, they have responsibilities for our pastoral needs, our continuous formation,
transformation and renewal as people of God.

Appointing of Leaders in CFCA

Leaders in CFCA are appointed after prayerful discernment according to our criteria for various
stages of leadership, with qualifications discussed with other elders when needed. Appointed
leaders are prayed over for them to receive empowerment from God and be equipped for the task
He has called them to do, because we believe that this is His work. These are the foundations for
their leadership, including their decisions and directions to benefit those under them. However,
such empowerment should not be a cause for pride, nor claims to infallibility, nor for a demand of
blind obedience from subordinates, nor for insisting on doing everything oneself. Humility is
expected from all appointed leaders in CFCA.

This empowerment includes breeding and developing leaders in the community to further our
work of evangelization, formation and renewal through the CLPs, training programs and pastoral
formation teachings. This should start from the basic Household. The Household Heads must
always look for potential leaders among their members, develop their leadership skills and
encourage them to take on a leadership role as soon as the opportunity arises. The growth of the
community will depend on how many of our members will become leaders and the quality of
leadership they will offer to our members, current and future. The more the community grows, the
more leaders will be required as Jesus said, “The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few”. Mt
9:37.

Our community and respective families should also be a place where we fervently encourage our
children to discern and consider entering vocation to ordained ministry (priest & deacons - to be
leaders of the church) or religious life.

Household Meetings

Households meet weekly, three times as a small cell group and once in a larger prayer assembly.
Households are never cancelled, except in extreme circumstances (e.g., emergencies, calamity,
armed conflict, epidemics), which threaten the wellbeing of members. Household leaders who may
have a "good reason” for not being able to attend a Household meeting should not cancel the
meeting, but simply assign someone else to run the meeting.

The whole meeting would typically run for about 2.5hours to 3 hours, as follows:
Praise and worship 30 minutes
Sharing/teaching/discussion 60 - 90 minutes
Fellowship 30 - 60 minutes

CFCA is a charismatic community and apply the charismatic way during praise and worship at
Household meetings and assemblies. Hence, the typical format for the praise and worship are as
follows:

- come before the Lord (may be a short period of silence and/or a short exhortation from
the leader)
- sing a lively song of praise
- vocal praising
- sing another song, then more vocal praising
- sing a worship song
- singing/praising in tongues, followed by a short period of silence
- bring forward words from the Lord (prophecy, inspired Scripture verses, exhortations)
- individual prayers of thanksgiving
- individual prayers of petition and intercession
- closing prayer by the leader
The Household Head may give some announcements during fellowship. Regular Household
meetings should not be used for service meeting. Service meeting should be scheduled in another
week of the month. (Please see below)

Prophecy

Since we do not utilize messages at our prayer assemblies, it is recommended that those who
speak a prophetic word not start with "and the Lord says" nor end with "this is the word of the
Lord" or some other variation. Just go ahead with the prophecy without such beginning or ending
phrase. It is up to the congregation, especially the elders, to discern whether the prophecy is
authentically a word from the Lord, based on 1 Cor14:29.

Sharing in Household Meetings or General Assemblies

Sharers should observe the ABC of sharing.

A - be audible. Use the microphone correctly. Do not mumble. Speak to the audience in a way
that elicits interest in your sharing.

B-be brief. A good sharing can be made in 7 minutes or less. Try to target for this. Going beyond
this time, in case a particular sharing has much significant content, should be the exception. Since
the overall time for sharing in a prayer assembly is limited, this affords more people the
opportunity to share.

C-be Christ -centred. Do not just tell a story, however interesting it may be, but relate everything
ultimately to Christ. The sharing is meant to glorify God,

Drinking Liquor

Drinking liquor is not prohibited in CFCA. In fact consider the following:

- wine is consecrated and drunk during the mass

- wine is a regular part of the meal in some countries even some families in Australia
- wine can be taken from medical purposes 1Tim 5:23

However, drinking liquor can be sinful when:

- it becomes an addictive vice,

- it is excessive even if one does not get drunk,
- one cannot afford to, given the needs of the family,
- it is scandalous to others (example CFCA leader being seen intoxicated in public place)

Simplicity of Snacks during Household Meetings

We have gotten used to the expression "one solid, one liquid" in referring to the food preparation
during Household meetings. This is an unofficial adaptation of our actual policy, which just
speaks of "a very simple snack" (Household Head manual). However, one solid and one liquid
will not necessarily be simple. Remember that food is only incidental to the meeting and focus
should be in building relationship among members.

The practical application of simplicity will differ from Household to Household. Simplicity is the
key especially in cases wherein a Household will have meal instead of snacks. What is important
is that no one is burdened as to cost and time of preparation of snacks.

It is also encouraged to only serve simple snacks during Chapter Assemblies, teachings and CLPs.

Principle of Confidentiality

All leaders and members must observe and follow CFCA’s principle of confidentiality. Personal
sharing during Household Meetings, Assemblies and other gatherings must not be shared or
disclosed to others without the consent and permission by the sharers.

Venue for Household Meetings

It is part of our culture in CFCA to open up our homes and welcome guests, especially CFCA
brethren. Hence, Household meetings are held at homes of members and leaders. By doing so, the
idea of making our home a domestic church becomes a reality. This also gives us opportunity to
evangelise other members of the family as they will witness how we express our faith and love for
Jesus. However, in respect to the culture of other members from different ethnic backgrounds, our
leaders may offer some flexibility where household meetings may be held at another venue
appropriate to Household meetings like Church Hall or meeting rooms. This is an exception from
the norm and must have prior approval by the Local Area Head.

Safe and Secure Environment

All leaders must provide a safe and secure environment for all members, especially children and
young adults during meetings, assemblies, teachings, conferences and other gatherings.

Service Meetings

The Clusters Leaders, Chapter Leaders and Unit Leaders must conduct regular Service Meetings
with the members of their respective Lower Households. Normally, this meeting is attended only
by the husbands but the wives may be invited to the meeting from time to time depending on the
agenda items for discussion at the meeting.

One-on-One with Members

Leaders must conduct regular One-on-One with their members at least twice a year. The meeting
may be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on the subject for discussion.
Under normal circumstances, the husband-leader meets with the husband-member and the leader-
wife deals with the member-wife. Depending on the subject matter, the leader-couple has the
option to meet with the member-couple as a couple, and not individually.

One of the topics of discussion is the potential and need of the couple-members to take on
leadership role including the Family Ministries or higher roles within the community.
Please refer to Guidelines – One-on-One meeting for reference

Household Visitation by Leaders

Leaders should make a visitation of his Lower Household at least once a month. It could be
more often as the situation requires and as his time and commitments permit. The monthly
visitation means that the leader goes out once a month, visiting his different Lower
Households in turn. It does not mean that each Lower Household will be visited monthly.
Please refer to the relevant section of the Leaders Manuals for reference

One Service Principle in CFCA

CFCA recognizes the seriousness of being a leader in the community and the enormity of the
responsibilities involved in the service. CFCA also recognizes that leaders have other
responsibilities and commitment eg family, work, and for himself. For these reasons, CFCA had
adopted a “One Service Principle”. This means that a leader must be given one service at a time.
For example, a leader cannot be a Household Head and a Unit Head at the same time. However,
there will be times when a Household Head (Senior) may temporarily take over the Unit when the
Unit Head is away on holiday or work assignment. In this example, if the Unit Head will be away
for an extended period of time, the Chapter Head must assign a relief Unit Head until the regular
Unit Head becomes available.

However, exemptions to this One Service Principle are:

a) A Unit Head may be asked to represent CFCA in his parish should he be active in the
parish and have good relationship with the parish priest.
b) A leader may be asked to lead or become a member of a committee to organise a big event
such as conference, etc.
c) A leader may be asked to be the coordinator to look after a mission area.
d) A leader may be asked by the Cluster Head, Area Head or Local Area Council to lead or be
a member of a special project where his talents and skills will be needed.

Before accepting another service eg above, the leader must properly discern and asses that taking
on the additional roles will not severely affect his primarily service eg Unit Head, will not neglect
his family and work and will still have time for himself. Whoever assigned the additional role to a
leader must regularly review his/her situation to ensure that he/she is not neglecting his/her
primary service, family, work and still have time for him/herself. He should also see to it that the
additional service is not affecting the health of the leader. It is paramount that no leader will be
overburdened or overloaded no matter how seemingly capable and willing he or she may be. Other
activities and related tasks must be assigned to other leaders and even members to give them
opportunities to also grow in their service.

Social Night

A social night is a time devoted to fellowship, with no formal worship, discussion or sharing,
usually once a quarter, in a month where there is a 5th week.

Various activities are possible. Members may have dinner together, at a home or outside, or go out
somewhere together (at a party, go bowling, etc.), or even decide to have a whole day outing. This
could be a time when their children would be brought along, so that they might get to know
everyone else's children. There is a lot of flexibility, and the idea is just to enjoy each other's
company socially, develop relationship among members and become intimate friends as well as
brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Financial Contributions and Acknowledgement

Every member and leader of CFCA is encouraged to financially support the work of the
community by contributing regularly and generously to the funds of the community. The funds are
to meet the cost of the community’s work on evangelization, mission, formation and pastoral care
for members, support to the Family Ministries and for administration expenses.

Financial contributions of individual members are acknowledged and are recorded by the CFCA
office. It is not our pastoral policy to just have anonymous tithing (though there might be cases
where anonymous donations are given). We want to keep track of members' contributions for
pastoral purposes.

Leaders are given a monthly copy of the record of their members' tithes. Household Heads get the
tithe record of their Household members, Unit Heads get the tithe record of all the members of the
Unit, and Chapter Heads get the tithe record of all members of the Chapter. This enables these
leaders to support the spiritual formation of members. Just as we would ask every once in a while
how is one's prayer time or dialogue with the spouse, so we should ask how one is growing in
financial stewardship and generosity in sharing the financial blessings they receive from God.

This individual recording of financial giving does not apply to instances when the collection
basket is passed, like during Mass or when soliciting alms (contribution to help those in need) for
members.

Conducting CLPs

CFCA is an evangelistic community, and its mission is to spread the good news and share Jesus
with others by inviting them to the Christian Life Program (CLP). Every CFCA member is called
to be an evangeliser. Our members are encouraged to do person-to-person, day-to-day
evangelization. All Chapters must conduct at least on CLP per year at the minimum. It is
encouraged that a Chapter conducts more than one CLP per year as our community’s response to
God’s call to evangelise and to bring more workers in His vineyard. This is also our response to
the call for New Evangelization by St John Paul II.

Pray over for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Talk 9 of the CLP is what we call “Pray over for the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit”. The allocated
length of time for prayer over for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is more or less one hour. It
should not take too much longer than this. It is not a prayer for all the concerns of CLP
participants. Rather, it is simply a prayer for the renewed in-filling of the Spirit. This need not take
long.

Thus, those who conduct the pray over must be conscious of the amount of time they have for
their group. For example, if there are six persons in the group, then the average praying over time
is 10 minutes, including time gaps in between. Those who have fewer persons to pray for can
afford to spend more time per person.

The participants can become very restless if the praying over session is too long. Slow worship
songs should be sung during the whole time, to maintain a solemn atmosphere. After an hour, and
after giving some allowance for those still praying over, the speaker should move into the
conducting remarks, even while there are still others being prayed over.

(It is not CFCA culture that members of the pray over team have to wear white garments, light
candles or dim the lights while praying over the participants.)

Conducting Leaders Training and Basic Pastoral Formation

Leaders (husbands and wives) in CFCA undergo their respective trainings. These
trainings are given to new leaders for their continuous formation and their
attendance is a must. Other leaders may also attend as refresher and/or as required
by their upper leaders. The complete training programs and talk outlines are included
in the Household, Unit and Chapter Leaders Manuals respectively.

Conducting Regular Pastoral Formation Teachings

CFCA also offers quarterly Pastoral Formation Teachings (PFTs) for all members and leaders.
These PFTs are to be held in a parish and non-CFCA members are welcome to attend. Members
and leaders are encouraged to invite members of their families, co-workers, friends and co-
parishioners to attend the PFTs. Guest speaker may be invited to give the talk. The PFT can be
given in a form of a retreat eg Lenten Retreat to be led by a Catholic priest or Deacon. The PFTs
are conducted by CFCA with the aim of enhancing the faith of members and leaders as Catholic
Christians, relationship within the family, raising children or other topics that benefit members and
leaders.

Punctuality

In CFCA we practice and encourage punctuality in attendance to meetings, assemblies, trainings

and teachings. This means that we are punctual in all our activities, whether Household meetings,
prayer assemblies, or others. We should be at the venue and ready for the activity before the
starting time. Leaders should show good example in punctuality.

We start the CFCA activities with the praise and worship. The Lord is waiting for us and so as our
brothers and sisters who strive to come on time. If we are late for no good reason, we are being
disrespectful to God Himself. We are also lacking in concern and respect for our brethren, who
strive to be punctual in spite of their own busyness.

All CFCA activities should start promptly at the designated time. If it becomes necessary to wait a
while for others, some activity must be done, such as practicing songs. However, long delays
should be avoided at all times.

Financial and Business Dealings among Members

Engaging in financial and business dealings among CFCA members and leaders is highly
discouraged. Examples of financial dealings are borrowing/lending money (especially substantial
amount) and business transactions. In case of extreme financial difficulties, a member or leader
may ask his/her Household Head for support. If the support involves borrowing/lending money, it
must be approved by the Chapter Head and be put in writing detailing the terms and conditions eg
method of repayment. Any form of business dealings is also discouraged between leaders and
members as this usually results to conflicts of interest and to avoid negative impacts on
relationships.

*Updated 31 January 2020”

 COUPLES FOR CHRIST AUSTRALIA
COVENANT ORIENTATION

Talk No. 4 OUR CHRISTIAN CULTURE IN CFCA

Participant's Handout

1. The New Testament teaching on Christian culture.

a) What did God do for us? Col 1:13.

b) What would be our response? Eph 4:17-18.
c) What is our new identity as Christians? 1 Pet 2:9-11a.

2. Culture is the way of life of a group of people, a community. It includes their beliefs, values,
social structures, customs and expressions.

3. Christianity is a culture.

a) In CFCA, our basic beliefs and values are those held in common by all orthodox
Christians. In addition, we believe in the sanctity of marriage, family and life from
conception to natural death.

b) Our "Statement of Mission and Vision” defines our purpose and the rationale for our being.

c) Our "Statement of Philosophy" spells out the beliefs and ideals of CFCA, which govern
our thrust and mission.

4. Expressions of Christian culture in CFCA.

a) The way we relate with one another.

* Honour and respect.
* Loyalty and commitment.
* Christian speech.
b) We are to be men and women of faith.
c) Prayer and Scripture.
d) Order in the family.
e) Life as a body.
* One body, with a common life.
* Households.
* Respect for order and authority.
* Christian finance.

Personal reflection

1. Is my life a reflection of a Christianity which is a counter-culture to the ways of the world?

2. Am I trying to live out faithfully the culture of CFCA in all its various expressions?