CFC organises one-day conference on fatherhood

KOTA KINABALU – The Couples for Christ (CFC) organised a one-day conference on fatherhood dubbed “Abba Fathers Conference” on 23 July 2016, at the Sacred Heart Parish Centre here.

The conference was organised on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) of Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Thirty-nine participants, of which eight came from SHC-PPC, two from Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang, others from Stella Maris Tanjung Aru, St Simon Likas, St Thomas Kepayan and St Michael Penampang.

The first talk, by Archbishop John Wong, covered a wide-ranging view on fatherhood, beginning with the three-fold baptismal mission of man as priest, prophet and king, to the elements of the Fatherhood of God (encompassing training His people, dialoguing with them, protecting and defending them, and finally showing Himself as shepherd) which reflects the best model for true fatherhood.

The prelate also touched briefly on the unique and irreplaceable qualities of a father. “Families who live in the power of the Holy Spirit are able to witness the role of the father as the revelation and a re-living of the goodness of the Heavenly Father,”  summarised the  archbishop.

The other three talks were given by James Molijoh, BG Chin and Allan Scott . The conference was supported by the service team consisting of Couples for Christ (CFC) members.

The conference ended with most of the families attending the Sunset Mass celebrated by Abp Wong.

The participants’ comments:

Colin Forsythe: Stimulating, soul-searching and timely!

Howard Chin: Positive, encouraging. I have learnt new things. Just what I was looking for….. refreshing and useful!

David Majanil: Worthwhile for Christian parents!

Lionel Leong: Awesome… please do have another for the rest of the ‘abbas out there’!

KK Lee: Thank you for the conference. It has helped me to focus on my family, with Christ as the Head.

Marcus Wong: Video segments were really good. Very impactful! Sharers were good!

Douglas Naun: I want to praise and thank God for opening my heart to come and attend this conference….. most fathers might not have the knowledge to become good, responsible ‘4Ps’ father. At least listening to the talks, fathers can start the journey with faith, strength and love, walking proudly as ‘God’s Family’ with the Holy Family of Nazareth.

William Mah: Very enriching! It has made me realise my shortcomings as a husband. We should conduct this seminar again for the benefit of those who have not attended. Some of the dynamics were fantastic! It’s a new beginning for my wife and me!

Philip Yen: The service team was excellent and efficient. Thank you for conducting this seminar.”

Francis Liew: An eye opener for me because I have taken things for granted.

Parishioner from Kolopis, Penampang: It should be held as often as possible focusing more on Parenting Skills and Family as a whole!

Carlos Cardova: It has impacted us to be the fathers we are supposed to be. It has helped us to be more sensitive towards some family issues. May this programme be continuously organised from time to time so that we may live more harmoniously as families. – CFC, Wendy Carvalho-Chin and other sources