© Copyright 2002.
All rights reserved.

Couples For Christ began spreading its roots in New Jersey as an outreach of a U.S.-based Christian community. Its early members include Sonny & Brenda Aguiling, Jun & Helen Banaria, Vic & Tina Chico as well as Edwin & Monet Solano.

In early 1991, four couples from CFC-Manila who migrated to New Jersey somehow got together in different interesting circumstances. Having experienced the blessings they received from their Manila households, they promptly formed their own and started meeting weekly. After a while, they felt the desire to share to others their wonderful relationship with the Lord. They got in touch with the CFC International Mission Director, Frank Padilla, who in turn introduced them to the Christian community in NJ. These couples are Alan & Josie Catuncan, Joe & Annie de Leon, Danny & Lucy Rodriguez and Ernie & Lolit Santiago.

Teaming up together and with full support from Felix Militante, their designated head, a Christian Life Program (CLP) was pursued. With the help of an LSS group, they gained approval from the pastor of St. Peter's Church in Belleville to conduct a CLP. Through the winter and through snowstorms, 4 couples completed the program and accepted the Covenant of Couples for Christ in May 1992: Ross & Regie Basalatan, Rudy & Lourdes de Jesus, Mars & Sylvia dela Cuesta, and Ric and Linda Duldulao. This becomes the first CLP of several CLPs to be conducted by this group that grew to 32 couples. In his message during the 1st Anniversary & Christmas Dinner Dance at Wayne Manor on Dec 19, 1992, Militante underscored the year 1991 as the start of the emergence and growth of this CFC group.

In 1993, its leaders sensed the need to be parish-based and able to perform its evangelization mission in a massive and rapid way. To do this, a consensus was reached to develop itself from being an outreach into a community that is part of the worldwide CFC organization based in Manila, Philippines.

In 1994, CFC leaders from Manila and NJ paid a visit to then Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and sought recognition as an official member of the Newark Archdiocese. CFC- NJ was then registered under the Family Life Ministry. Rev Fr Paul Lehman became its first Spiritual Director. In the same year, the first Pastoral Formation Office was formed with Gerry Bacarro as its Coordinator.

In October 1994, the first NJ Youth Camp was held at the St. Antoninus Church in Newark, New Jersey led by youth leaders from Maryland. Angelo Banaria became the first NJ youth leader, together with Mars and Sylvia dela Cuesta as the first CFC YFC Parent Coordinator.

In June 1995, the first CFC Kids for Christ camp was held in St Antoninus, Newark where 21 kids were dedicated. Noel and Baby Lacson were appointed as the first Kids for Christ Coordinator.

In the same year, the first CLP in New York was held at the St. Aloysius Church in Brooklyn with Ross and Regie Basalatan as its team leaders and subsequently becoming NY's first household leaders.

In 1996, CFC-NJ was incorporated giving way to its recognition by the State of New Jersey as a non-profit organization.

In 1997, with the theme "Fix Your Eyes on Jesus", CFC-NJ hosted the 3rd North America Leaders Conference held at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, New Jersey and was attended by about 1100 CFC leaders.

In 1998, CFC-NJ hosted the 4th SFC-YFC North America Leaders' Conference at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, New Jersey. The theme of the conference was "...Lead... by the Power of the Holy Spirit".

In 1999, the first CFC mission team was formed with Mars & Sylvia Dela Cuesta as its head (now Country Coordinator for Antigua and Barbuda and YFC-NJ Sector Parent Coordinator). In September 1999, the first CLP in Pennsylvania was held under the supervision of CFC-NJ.

In April 2000, Pennsylvania and Delaware were established as separate areas with Lem & Jinky De Guzman as its new Unit Head/Area Leader.

In October 2000, CFC-NJ hosted the 4th HOLD Leaders' Conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey with the theme "Bring Glad Tidings to the Poor".

On August 18, 2001, CFC-NJ celebrated a successful and well attended 10th Year Anniversary at Lake Rickabear, Kinnelon, NJ.

In year 2002, CFC has expanded its Mission Areas to include: New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

In January 5, 2003, a Family Assembly was conducted at the Bishop Rodeimer Hall, St. John’s Cathedral, Paterson, NJ. The place was big but the place overflowed with members. Leaders and representatives from New York, Metro Washington Area, PA and DE attended the assembly.

On March 21-23, 2003 CFC NJ hosted the First Women’s Summit and Men’s Empowerment Weekend at the Marriotts Hotel, attended by all the top leaders of CFC & HOLD USA and Canada. Frank and Gerry Padilla were present to deliver talks and teachings.

Today, CFC-New Jersey has two CFC Clusters, six Chapters, three Youth for Christ Clusters, three Singles for Christ Chapters, two Handmaids of the Lord Chapters, a number of Servants of the Lord and of course a bunch of Kids for Christ, totaling over 2,200 people. We, the members of CFC-NJ are so grateful to our dear Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of our Blessed Mother Mary blessing us with Holy Spirit-filled 10 years of wonderful relationship with our Father in Heaven - thus CFC-NJ's "appointment with history".