The Catholic lay renewal movement Couples for Christ (CFC) will hold its annual Clergy–Lay Congress on June 18 at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, under the theme “One in Christ in His Heart for the Poor.”

The gathering will serve as a venue for dialogue between clergy and laity, as the Church and lay faithful reflect on their shared mission of service, particularly to the poor and marginalized.

This year’s congress will bring together bishops, priest-spiritual advisers of CFC from various countries, as well as partners and volunteers of CFC ANCOP Global Foundation, Inc. (ANCOP) and Missio Amare.

Representatives from the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life are also expected to attend.

His Excellency Most Rev. Dario Gervasi, Adjunct Secretary of the Dicastery, will deliver an inspirational message, while Rev. Fr. Giovanni Bountempo, who handles relations with ecclesial movements and associations of the faithful, will speak in the second session.

The congress will also feature Most Rev. Roberto Calara Agcaracar, SVD, D.D., the newly installed Bishop of San Jose in Nueva Ecija and a former Couples for Christ Singles for Christ member, who will deliver the first session.

CFC Chairman Arnel Santos and International Council member George Campos will present the laity’s response, highlighting Couples for Christ’s mission for the poor, along with its milestones, future plans, and partnerships with the Church.

CFC continues to work closely with Church partners through its social action arms, including ANCOP, Give Kare Foundation (GKare), and Missio Amare.

Through these initiatives, CFC has sustained programs that combine education, health, and social outreach.

ANCOP’s flagship initiative, the Educational Sponsorship Program (ESP), provides support for children from low-income families to pursue their studies.

It currently serves around 12,000 scholars across elementary, junior and senior high school, technical-vocational training, college, and even seminarians.

Meanwhile, GKare focuses on medical and surgical missions in partnership with local government units and dioceses.

Missio Amare (Send Out to Love) complements these efforts through programs focused on environmental stewardship, assistance for persons deprived of liberty, rehabilitation for individuals with substance use disorders, and support for migrant workers and their families, among others.