CFC Timor Leste - A New Generation Is Taking Its Place!

Breaking News!

Today, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, marks a milestone in the life of CFC in Timor Leste. The grand love of the Father, the passionate zeal of the Son and the empowering fire of the Holy Spirit are truly molding the New Generation of Timorese leaders, a fitting end to what could be termed as "transition month" for both the leaving Filipino missionaries and the remaining local (and one Filipina) missionaries and leaders.

Earlier this week, our three local missionaries, Francisco "Chico" da Costa (CFC), Aleixo "Lyus" do Rosario Pereira (young Family Ministries), and Joaquina "Quina" da Costa Sarmento Barreto (young Family Ministries) were able to finish the pastoral formation course given by their Filipino co-missionaries. They were also officially introduced and endorsed to His Grace Bishop Dom Alberto Ricardo da Silva of the Diocese of Dili.

 (From L to R: Karen, the only remaining Filipino missionary effective June 12, 2010, Quina, Bishop da Silva, Lyus & Chico)

The soon-to-be departing Rodriguez family also went to see Bishop da Silva to thank him for his support of their mission and of CFC as a whole.

A similar visit to His Grace Bishop Dom Basilio Nascimento of the Diocese of Baucau is planned for next week.

Yesterday and today, the newly-appointed Governance Team of CFC Timor Leste had its recollection-training-planning, which capped off CFC TL's transition from being led by a Filipino mission head to local leadership.

(Aleixo giving the recollection "You Are Invited" to the new Governance Team members)

 (Worshipping CFC Timor style!)

  (Initial planning of the Governance Team)

It was a fruitful, information-filled, faith-renewing weekend for CFC's new generation of leaders.

(The men of CFC Timor Leste)

 (CFC Timor Leste's Governance Team (L to R top row) - Jose Orlando Magno, Chico da Costa, Joao da Silva (L to R bottom row) - Francisco da Costa, David da Silva)

On the same day that CFC's new leaders were inspired and empowered to bring God's fullness of life to the whole of Timor, a dynamic training session was also held for those who would be responsible for the future generations of CFC. The KFC Facilitators' ROCK Training (the first of its kind since KFC updated its Facilitators Training!) left fourteen YFCs on fire to serve the Lord through the youngest ministry of CFC.

Indeed, CFC Timor Leste is blessed and privileged to be empowered by the Holy Trinity to evangelize from the womb to the tomb!

We only pray that God will continue to move CFC forward, in faith, hope, joy, and especially LOVE.

Holy Trinity, bless Your new generation of leaders!

There's a new generation that is seeking Your face
There's a new generation that is taking its place
Lord we surrender to Your will let it be done
Come this day, have Your way
Let Your kingdom come

We will rise, we will run
We will exalt the name of Jesus
By His blood we overcome
We will sing, we will dance
Come on and celebrate the kingdom of our God


There's a new generation that is running by faith
There's a new generation that is willing to pray
Wind of revival, come and sweep across this land
What a change with one move of Your mighty hand


We will rise, we will run
We will exalt the name of Jesus
By His blood we overcome
We will sing, we will dance
Come on and celebrate the kingdom of our God

CFC Dili celebrates Pentecost! "Happy Birthday Mother Church!"

On Pentecost Sunday, around 140 members of the CFC community in Dili, the capital of Timor Leste, gathered to commemorate the “birthday” of our beloved Catholic Church with a lively celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Alan Bondoc SVD led everyone present - Couples, Singles, Handmaids , Servants, Youth and Kids alike - in praising God through the Liturgy. 

 Everyone truly felt the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts, especially after receiving Holy Communion.

  Before the Final Blessing, Fr. Alan led the congregation in a rousing praise and worship session that had everyone raising their hands, clapping, dancing, jumping and singing their hearts out to the Lord. It was truly refreshing and empowering for all present!

(Pictures above show CFC's staunch ally, charismatic priest Fr. Alan in action, doing what he loves the best, worshiping the Lord CFC-style along with CFC Dili members. After the mass, Fr. Alan proudly shows off his SOLD T-shirt, and takes time to pray over members who came up to him, asking to be prayed over for healing.)

 

After the Mass, the formation course on “Living As A People of God” was given to leaders and members of CFC, HOLD, SOLD and SFC, as part of CFC Timor’s transition to local governance.

Although physically drained from the heat, humidity and the lengthy whole-day affair, everyone went home on fire with the Holy Spirit, eager to give light to Timor Leste and the world through CFC and its Ministries. Hahi ba Nai Aleluia! Praise the Lord Alleluia!

CFC Timor Leste Mission Team meets with Dili Diocese Family Commission Head

BREAKING NEWS!

Earlier today (May 5) the CFC Timor Leste Mission Team headed by Anthony and Tina Rodriguez, and composed of young Family Ministries missionaries Karen dela Cerna, Aleixo do Rosario Pereira, Joaquina da Costa, CFC missionary Francisco da Costa and missionary kids Tim and Rysse Rodriguez, were blessed to meet up with Rev. Fr. Jose Tacain, SVD, the newly-assigned Head of the Dili Diocese Family Commission. CFC TL had previously collaborated with Fr. Jose for the launching of CFC's Pro-Life Month in July of last year.

 This afternoon's meeting was held upon Fr. Jose's request for CFC to become an integral part of the newly revamped and "re-activated" Family Life Commission of the Dili Diocese, which had previously been lacking a priest to head it. During the meeting, Fr. Jose acknowledged the "good work" that CFC and its Family Ministries is doing for the Catholics of Timor Leste, especially by encouraging families and youth to be active in their parishes. He exhorted the Mission Team to continue the work and also requested that a representative from CFC be selected to join him in the Commission. This is to ensure the smooth coordination and implementation of all activities under the Family Commission that CFC can be a support to. Fr. Jose also hopes that CFC will become a program adopted by all parishes in the Diocese of Dili.

The almost 2-hour long meeting ended with Fr. Jose jokingly asking the Rodriguezes to extend their mission as "the need is still great," and the assurance of the CFC Mission Team that CFC is committed to being one with the Church in all its objectives.

To God be all the glory now and forever! Hahi ba Nai Aleluia! Praise the Lord Alleluia!