Commission on Family and Life

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith, if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12: 6-8

Nature of the Commission

This is composed of experienced priests and lay people who have special dedications and specific knowledge to deal with matters involving the said program.

CFL is instituted as an arm of the Archbishop of Cebu for his Family and Life Programs.

Vision

Every family of the Archdiocese of Cebu becomes and remains “sanctuary of life” (AL 83) of every person “created in the image and likeness of God.” (Gen. 1:26)

MISSION

To help families and individuals, through accompaniment, rediscover the original meaning of love in marriage and family as God intended.

CFL Quick History

• His Grace, Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, elevated Family Life Apostolate (FLA) into a Commission on Family and Life who will serve as the principal body responsible for overseeing and coordinating pastoral initiatives related to family and life issues within the ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
• This was decreed on November 21, 2016.

CFL  Programs

1. FORMATION
   • Marriage Preparation: preparations to be taken cared of before the actual marriage
     • Remote Preparation (for 0-17 yrs. old)
     • Proximate Preparation (for 18 yrs. old and above)
     • Immediate Preparation (for engaged couples who wish to get married)
2. Post Cana:
   • Marriage Preparation: preparations to be taken cared of before the actual marriage
     • Post Cana 1          (first year of marriage); using CPML (Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life as mandated by Pope Francis)
     • Post Cana 2          (2^nd year to 5^th years of marriage)
     • Post Cana 3          (married beyond 5 years

DEVOTION AND CELEBRATION

• Archdiocesan Couples’ Day is celebrated every second (2^nd) Saturday of July in honor of Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, (parents of  St. Thérèse of Lisieux). On January 17, 2016, His Excellency Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D. declared them the Patron Saints of all Catholic married couples in the RCAC.
• Requesting all parish priests to give special attention to married couples celebrating their 25^th and 50^th wedding anniversaries
• First Sunday, we beg priests to give blessings to the birthday celebrators of the month before the final blessing of every Mass
• Second Sunday, parents’ prayer for their children and children’s prayer for their parents before the final blessing of every Mass
• Third Sunday, renewal of marriage vows for couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries that month, before the final blessing of every Mass
• Fourth Sunday, blessing of all children, the elderly and grandparents before the final blessing of every Mass
• Leading families into loving the Holy Eucharist
• Devotion to the Holy Rosary

*** Parishes have the option to celebrate the Couples’ Day in their parish (especially those who cannot join the Archdiocesan wide celebration) on the FOURTH (4^th) Saturday of July.*** Parishes have the option to celebrate the Couples’ Day in their parish (especially those who cannot join the Archdiocesan wide celebration) on the FOURTH (4^th) Saturday of July.

1. MEDIATION
   • Basic Helping Skills in Pastoral Care (Counseling) Training Course – designed to empower individuals with essential counseling skills. This program aims to equip FLM participants with essential counseling techniques and practical skills tailored to assist individuals, couples, or families facing challenges and experiencing a crisis.
   • Journeying
   • Bereaved widows/widowers
   • OFW’s (left behind family members ) (to be implemented)
   • Solo parents (to be implemented)
   • Separated but devoted spouses  (to be implemented)
   • PSSA (Persons with Same Sex Attractions) through Courage Phils. And EnCourage

To establish a John Paul II (JP2) Family and Life Center (an appeal to all parish priests) in every parishes