Introduction:
Couples for Christ (CFC) began in Manila, Philippines, in 1981. In 1996, CFC was recognized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines as a national private association of lay faithful. In 2000, the Holy See, through the Pontifical Council for the Laity, formally recognized it as an International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right.
In June 2026, CFC celebrated its 45th anniversary in Clark, Pampanga, with international leaders and members. Now present in over 160 countries, it remains one of the most active Catholic movements in evangelization, family renewal, faith formation, and social transformation.
CFC's mission is rooted in the belief that the family is the basic unit of society, and that transformed families can transform the Church and the world. Its vision is summarized as: "Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth." The movement emphasizes prayer, Scripture, Christian formation, household meetings, worship assemblies, leadership development, and missionary work.
Mission in Macau
CFC Hong Kong began in 1986. In 2000, Hong Kong CFC brought the movement to Macau through the Handmaids of the Lord. CFC Macau was established, registered with DSI Macau, and recognized by the Diocese of Macau. CLP was held in various church halls and facilities.
In 2004, CFC Macau hosted the first CFC China International Leaders Conference at St. Joseph Cheokvan Retreat House in Coloane, with former Bishop Jose Lai. CFC was recognized by the Vatican on April 25, 2005. The CFC Music Ministry Choir began in 2007 and continues to serve at English and Tagalog Eucharistic celebrations at Se Cathedral.
Monthly Prayer Assemblies and formation teachings are held for general members at the Pastoral Center and SVD. After CLP, participants are grouped into family ministries, with weekly household meetings led by leaders. These meetings include prayer, personal sharing, fellowship, and support for local and overseas religious activities.
Guiding principles support a twofold mission: Building the Church of the Home and Building the Church of the Poor. ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), CFC's social development arm, began in 2007, supporting scholarships, housing, and livelihood programs. CFC has been part of the Organization of Filipino Communities in Macau since its early years.
In December 2025, CFC Macau celebrated its 25th anniversary. Through ANCOP, a global walk raised funds for earthquake and typhoon victims in Cebu, provided scholarships to 10 high school and primary students, and gave Christmas gifts to 50 families.
CFC Macau is grateful for the missionary journey from the Philippines and for leaders and members who shared their time, talent, and treasure for evangelization in Macau, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and North Asia. Macau is under the leadership of Bro. Jess & Mercy Ferrer, with country coordinator Bro. Sonny & Alma Sta. Ana. Former spiritual directors include SOLT priests from the Pastoral Care for Filipino Migrants and Fr. Leonard Dollentas. Fr. Raymund Gaspar, as Pastoral Care Filipino Chaplaincy, currently provides full guidance and support to CFC Macau and all religious group leaders.
The CFC Family Ministries allow individuals and families to remain actively involved in Christian formation at every life stage:
1. Kids for Christ (KFC)
2. Youth for Christ (YFC)
3. Singles for Christ (SFC)
4. Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD)
5. Servants of the Lord (SOLD)
As Pope John Paul II said in Familiaris Consortio: "The future of humanity passes by the way of the family." God calls CFC to evangelize families, protect them from evil, and empower them to spread His love.
