CFC–Youth for Christ: Forming Young Disciples and Transforming Communities
By: Sharmie Kate M. Oracion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharmie Kate M. Oracion is a 4th-year BSED-ENGLISH student at the Bohol Island State University-Main Campus. She is the Chapter Head of CFC-Youth for Christ (YFC) Sikatuna. Since her camp experience, she has been deeply involved in various YFC activities, including households, monthly worships, trainings, and conferences, and has actively served in youth camps. Her commitment led to greater responsibilities, including serving as a household head for several years before stepping up to her current leadership position. Her purpose is to guide and lead youth closer to Christ, inspiring them to shepherd others while actively living out the 4 F’s of YFC: fun, friendship, faith, and freedom.
CFC–Youth for Christ: Forming Young Disciples and Transforming Communities
CFC–Youth for Christ (YFC), one of the ministries under the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation, continues to play a significant role in nurturing the faith and leadership of young people throughout the world. Established in 1993 alongside Kids for Christ, Singles for Christ, and Handmaids of the Lord, the ministry forms part of a Catholic charismatic community rooted in the family life movement. Drawing its identity, mission, and vision from Couples for Christ, YFC serves as a dedicated partner in evangelizing the youth, anchoring its mission on the vision: “Young people being and bringing Christ wherever they are.”
Guided by its mission of “building the church of the home” and “building the church of the poor,” Youth for Christ has spent decades empowering young people to live Christ-centered lives and share their faith with others. Over the years, the ministry has continued to be a witness to God’s love, strengthened by programs that move the youth toward personal conversion, active service, and social transformation.
Central to YFC’s work are its four major advocacies—initiatives that aim to form well-rounded young individuals who can create meaningful impact in society.
The 100% Free advocacy encourages the youth to rediscover their true identity rooted in human dignity, love, and truth. It teaches them to embrace authentic freedom—freedom of the mind, body, and heart—allowing them to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful.
G-Project, YFC’s environmental advocacy, calls young people to become responsible stewards of God’s creation. With the vision of building a “green generation for a greener nation,” the project inspires proactive efforts that protect and preserve the environment, grounded in Catholic teachings on stewardship.
A+, promotes excellence through education. Inspired by Romans 12:11, “Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion,” A+ encourages the youth to excel in their studies, talents, and skills, recognizing these as gifts meant to uplift society. It challenges young individuals to become models of excellence in both character and competence.
Lastly, Rev-Up (Revolution of Uplifting the Poor) is YFC’s advocacy for social justice and service to the marginalized. Rooted in the mission of Couples for Christ to be “Champions of the Poor,” Rev-Up mobilizes the youth to bring God’s transforming love to those in need. It inspires a “revolution of love,” empowering young people to support communities through acts of charity, compassion, and solidarity.
These advocacies guide the youth toward a Christ-centered lifestyle—one that fosters spiritual growth while creating relevant and lasting impact on society.
For me, joining organizations like YFC provides essential guidance on how they should grow—spiritually, socially, and personally. The community offers more than worship and inspirational talks; it also provides avenues for leadership and skills development through various committees that come together during events. These include the program committee, secretariat, band ministry, workshops, security, food, transportation, accommodation, and logistics, all run and led by the youth themselves. Through these roles, members develop talents, gain valuable experience, and build meaningful friendships with fellow young individuals.
These values were strongly highlighted during the Central Visayas Conference held in Argao, Cebu, last November 15–16, 2025. The gathering brought together 1,402 youth delegates from Siquijor, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Bohol for a weekend filled with worship, holy mass, inspiring talks, workshops, and friendly competitions. With the theme “ANCHORED”, participants were reminded to stand firm in their faith, extend help to those in need, and reflect on the immeasurable love of Christ.
From my early years in CFC–Youth for Christ (YFC), the ministry has played a significant role in shaping my character and guiding my growth. I first joined a youth camp in 2016, and today, nine years later, I continue to serve with the same passion and purpose.
After my camp, I became actively involved in various YFC activities—households, monthly worships, trainings, and conferences. I also began serving in youth camps, most often as a facilitator. Through this role, I learned how to understand and handle different kinds of people, a skill that has helped me both within and beyond the community.
In time, I was entrusted with greater responsibilities. I served as a household head for a couple of years, and I now hold the role of sister chapter head of YFC Sikatuna. Leading people is far from easy, but with the guidance of my ates, kuyas, titos, and titas in the community, leadership has become more than a task—it has become a purpose. Together, we strive to live out the 4 F’s of YFC: fun, friendship, faith, and freedom.
The people I have met in YFC have become one of my backbone, helping shape me into the leader and person I am today. My purpose is clear: to lead and guide the youth closer to Christ, and to inspire them to shepherd others in the same way.
In countless gatherings, camps, and conferences, YFC continues to shape young people into leaders grounded in faith and service. For many youth, the journey begins with a simple “yes”—a step that leads to lifelong friendships, deeper faith, and a clearer sense of purpose.
