Jan 7, 2012 at Corpus Christi - Robert Ganaden

The year 2011 has come and gone. To begin the New Year 2012 in the most fitting way, Couples For Christ Calgary celebrated their very own First Fruits and Consecration Ceremony to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

January 7, the first Saturday of the year, was a day of thanksgiving and offering our best gifts to the Lord, Jesus Christ. An almost packed Corpus Christi Church in the northwest side of Calgary was the place to be.

The ceremony was celebrated by Father Raul Ranola who since 2005 had been the parish priest. Beginning with a Holy Mass and then followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, it was a very solemn celebration. For almost thirty full minutes, I witnessed firsthand the biggest number of people on bended knees! …all in reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.

An exhortation and short teaching about First Fruits followed thereafter by Bro. Rosco Doromal, CFC Calgary Area Head. I truly admire Bro. Rosco that in spite a debilitating foot injury two weeks ago, he managed to lead the congregation in prayer that afternoon – on a wheelchair! One of the key points that stuck to my mind that he said was that for many years, Christians had offered God their best crop from their first harvest, hence the name First Fruits. The Lord blessed us all with such abundance. In return, we ought to offer our gifts generously to Him. Father Raul added in his closing statement saying, “God is NEVER outdone in generosity.”

A representative for each family lined up to the altar to give their offering. Young and old. Kids as young as 3 years old also lined up for their parents (such a nice sight).

The collection from the mass will be sent to the Philippines to be used for rebuilding the lives of those affected by the recent flash flood in Mindanao.

Immediately after, the community prayed together for the Consecration of the CFC Community to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With hands raised in glorifying God through songs, a mini praisefest led by Bro. George Fournier and the awe-inspiring musicians of the Cluster Music Ministry concluded the ceremony. A fellowship followed at the church hall just across the street.