Couples for Christ event planned for November

+ Enlarge

BOUNTIFUL — Rekindle, a two-day Christian Life program where couples and individuals can learn about Couples for Christ’s mission of evangelization for families, will be held on Nov. 5-6, sponsored by St. Olaf Parish and the diocesan Office of Family Life.

“This starts an ongoing journey of formation,” said Crystal Painter, director of the Office of Family Life. “After this event, groups are formed at their respective parishes to continue the work to build up individuals, couples, families and the parish community.”

Couples for Christ “is a Catholic movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life,” according to the organization’s website. The Couples for Christ Association was established in Manila, Philippines, by 16 married couples belonging to a Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayer group. In 2018 Bishop Oscar A. Solis endorsed Couples for Christ and welcomed them to the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

“For so many years now, I have observed them and on various occasions worked with their leaders in promoting the important mission of our Church to bring Christian spiritual renewal in marriage through evangelization, formation and support of couples, their children and the rest of the family,” Bishop Solis wrote in a May 1, 2018, letter of endorsement. “Their leaders have proven their commitment to this special ministry and dedicated their lives with great devotion in order to build stronger families rooted in the teaching of Christ and Gospel values.”

The two-day course in November, which is free, will offer speakers on several subjects. On Saturday, the course will go from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ending with Mass. The talks will include “God’s Love,” “Who is Jesus Christ,” “Repentance and Faith,” “The Christian Ideal: Loving God/Loving Your Neighbor,” “Living and Empowered by the Holy Spirit” and “Growing in the Spirit.” There will also be prayer, song and group discussion, along with a presentation on “The Christian Family” by St. Olaf parishioner Windy Amboy and his family.

“We will be discussing how this movement helps the family,” Amboy said; he and his wife Donna Bella participated in a Couples for Christ retreat at St. Olaf’s four years ago. They have been involved with the program ever since.

“What it’s all about is trying to go through the relationship of the couple and how you can make it better and grow together with God,” he said.  

Couples for Christ coordinator Ricky Coronel will give a presentation on “The Mission & Vision of Couples for Christ/Transformation in Christ.”

“Basically, our mission in life is to know, love and serve God,” Coronel said. “In a nutshell that is what the Christian Life program is about, but that is only the seed. It doesn’t end there. It’s a continuing formation.”

On Sunday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. participants will hear from speakers on the orientation of a household/general assembly, then have a prayer meeting and practicum. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m.; an open forum will follow.