SFC UNSTOPPABLE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER

EXHORTATIONS AND HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS

Guide on how to use these materials:

The purpose of these supplementary ICON pastoral formation materials is to deepen ones
gained knowledge and encounter of Christ in the recently concluded SFC ICON held in
Singapore.
All topics are connected to the theme UNSTOPPABLE inspired by the verse in Philippians
4:4-7.
A few pointers:
Chapter Exhortations
1. There are 4 chapter exhortations related to this years theme.
2. These chapter exhortations may serve as a guide to the Chapter Heads exhortation in
the chapter assembly should his prayers lead him to the same topic.

Household Topics
1. There are 12 topics available for use.
2. These are suggested household topics to be discussed in household as discerned by the
household head.
3. The topics are generally common and universal in nature so attendance in the
conference is not a requirement for this to be implemented.

SFC Chapter Prayer Assembly Theme: Rejoice in the Lord Always

Exhortation
The life of a Christian is a happy one. This is especially true when we feel the love of the Lord in
our lives (Worship leader can enumerate blessings and life events that make it easy to be happy). But
can we say the same during times of trials and difficulties? Can we still say that 'God is good all
the time?' during these trying moments? Yes we can! It might not be easy, but the truth is that
God has given us the very thing we need to be happy and that is His love by the virtue of His
only Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Suggested Songs:
1. Nothing Can Stop
2. (I am) Blessed
3. From Within
Sharers Profile:
An SFC member or leader who has experienced a trial or difficulty, but still came out rejoicing
regardless of the outcome, because of his/her personal relationship with the Lord; or who is
currently experiencing a great joy and acknowledges that this happiness can only come from the
Lord who is the source of all their joy.

SFC Chapter Prayer Assembly Theme: Gratitude Way of Living the BEST Life
Exhortation
Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also
possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share in Christs suffering, we will also
share in His glory (Romans 8:17)
(Worship Leader starts off with BRIEFLY sharing something that he is grateful for in the past few
days/weeks since the last chapter prayer assembly.)

For sure, if we take the time to think about our life for the past days and weeks, all of us would
have many things to be grateful to God about. We are sure of this because our God is a very
generous God. He desires to make us feel and know His love. As we come into worship, let us
remember all the blessings that God has bestowed on us and thank Him and worship Him for
being such a great and loving God.
Dear brothers and sisters, tonight we will praise and thank our Great God. He has blessed us
immensely as a community. And surely, He has also blessed all of us personally. Let us recall all
these blessings. And together, let us thank Him for giving His BEST in our lives:
1. Boundless Blessings God desires to bless us just as a Father desires to bless His children.
Let us look back and recount how the Lord has been blessing us throughout our lives.
2. Eternal Promise We do not belong to this world and God is constantly reminding us that
we belong to Him. We are made for Him. We are His children. Our Utmost desire can only
be fulfilled in Him alone. Let us always give thanks to our ever faithful Father.
3. Shared Glory We have Jesus Christ who accompanies us and journeys with us in our joy
and sorrow. We are never alone. Christ has always been and will always be with us.
4. Trust in His Promise His promise allows us to see beyond what is happening now. This
promise gives us hope that one day we will be with our Father and share in His glory.
Suggested Songs:
1. Praiseworthy
2. Grateful
3. Make my Heart your Dwelling Place
Sharers Profile:
1. An SFC who received a blessing from God in the past few weeks since the last chapter
prayer assembly.
2. An SFC who, despite unfortunate circumstances in his/her life, continues to be grateful to
God for His goodness and is still very hopeful for Gods promise of a future full of hope.
3. An SFC whose passion for serving others stems from his/her gratefulness to God. (SFC
should share at least one major reason why he/she is grateful to God leading to the sharing about
his/her passion for service.)

SFC Chapter Prayer Assembly Theme: The Cliffs Edge

Exhortation
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (New American Bible)
Brothers and sisters, have you ever found yourself standing on the cliffs edge of a very
important decision? For some of us the edge before us is the inescapable bad times of our life.
We are trapped and find no comfort in the darkness before us. There are times that we want to
escape pain and suffering. Remember these times: death of a dear one, failure from work
promotion, heartaches, breakups, broken friendships, betrayal? These are the things that kept
us apart in realizing that there is still joy and peace in our daily life... As Pope Francis says Do
not get upset. Remain calm. Find a way to get over it. There is no need to be afraid with
difficulties. We are capable of overcoming everything. Think of the cross, look beyond the cross,
victory is certain. God has made a great vision for your life. There is joy and peace when we
surrender everything to God.
Suggested Songs:
1. I am blessed
2. Follow you
3. Hallelujah
Sharers Profile:
1. A SFC brother/sister who experienced great sorrow and pain in the past situations in life
(e.g. death of a family member, seriously ill, abused) and has now found joy and peace
through Gods grace.
2. A SFC/Couple Coordinator who managed to find time to share their joy in service.
3. A New SFC Leader who doubted Gods call but has now experienced change when
he/she started to answer YES to the call to service.
4. A SFC/ Couple Coordinator who is struggling before in following Christ because they
were blinded by worldly things, work promotions... But has now was found balance in
everything and finally discovered true joy in serving the Lord and peace through Gods
Love.

SFC Chapter Prayer Assembly Theme: Pax Christi

Exhortation
I had been thus endeavoring to pray, though as I thought, very stupid and senseless, for near
half an hour; then, as I was walking in a dark thick grove, unspeakable glory seemed to open to
the view and apprehension of my soul.
I do not mean any external brightness, for I saw no such thing. Nor do I intend any
imagination of a body of light somewhere in the third heavens, or anything of that nature; but it
was a new inward apprehension or view that I had of God, such as I never had before, nor
anything which had the least resemblance of it.
I stood still, wondered, and admired! I knew that I never had seen before anything
comparable to it for excellency and beauty; it was widely different from all the conceptions that
ever I had of God, or things divine
My soul rejoiced with joy unspeakable to see such a God, such a glorious Divine Being; and I
was inwardly pleased and satisfied that He should be God over all for ever and ever.
My soul was so captivated and delighted with the excellency, loveliness, greatness, and other
conceptions of God, that I was even swallowed up in Him
Thus God, I trust, brought me to a hearty disposition to exalt Him and set Him on the throne,
and principally and ultimately to aim at His honor and glory, as King of the universe.
I continued in this state of inward joy, peace, and astonishment, till near dark, without any
sensible abatement.
(from The Journal of David Brainerd, pp.69-70)
David Brainerd was a missionary to the American Indians in the 1700s.
He died from tuberculosis in his late 20s. After he died people found a private journal in which he described his
spiritual life.

Suggested Songs:
1. God is Enough
2. Adonai
3. Oh, I love you
Sharers Profile:
1. An SFC who is extremely pre-occupied and busy with life (work, studies, service in the
community, personal routines) but still finds time to pray and spend time with the Lord.
Thus, finding the balance and eventually the peace of God.
2. An SFC who has difficulty with spiritual peace but is continually striving to find it through
the sacraments, spiritual nourishment in retreats and formation programs, and in
building relationship among the faithful. Someone who has a deep desire to follow Jesus
Christ despite the difficulties and struggles experienced (especially related to striving for
Holiness).

SFC Household Discussion #1 (Personal Sharing)

Discussion Starters:
1. What events or things in my life have given me great joy? How do I see these events
or things in the light of my relationship with the Lord?
2. How is the Lord revealing Himself to me during moments when it is difficult to rejoice?

SFC Household Discussion #2 (Bible Sharing)

Bible Verse: I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be
complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater
love than this, to lay down ones life for ones friends. (John 15:11-13)
Reflect:
Jesus says that what gives us complete joy, is His own brand of joy. This joy will always
suffice if it resides within us. To attain this, the Lord commands us to 'love one another'.
But then how are we to love? Jesus further shows the way by giving an example of a selfsacrificial love. What does it mean for us to lay down our lives for the ones we call our
friends?
Pray:
Lord Jesus, you died on the cross and gave your life for us. You have raised us up and saw
us not as slaves but as your friends. Grant us the grace to do the same and follow your
example of loving selflessly. Inspire us to love one another in the way that you have loved
us, so that our joy may be made full. Amen.
Act:
Make others smile today by being a source of joy to them.

SFC Household Discussion #3 (Topic)

Topic Title: Seeking True Joy.
Introduction
As single people, we are always in a quest to satisfy our longings. We persevere at work,
we search for our vocations, we travel, we spend our days looking for our passion. But we
are never truly satisfied until we discover that which will give us lasting joy.
Counterfeit joy vs. True joy
Counterfeit Joy. This world seems to keep us on our toes, in search of happiness. Even
social media has us comparing: what food we eat, what things we have or what places we
have traveled to. The constant pressure to attain these, sometimes dictate where our joy
should come from. The reality is, worldly things can never offer us true and lasting joy.
True Joy. True and lasting joy comes by the grace of knowing Jesus and being rooted in
Him. Everything we do, even if it makes us feel happy for a time, will be meaningless if it
does not stem from and lead to a relation with Christ. The Lord says, if we seek Him
earnestly, we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13).
Conclusion
God alone is enough. Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me
will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although
you have seen [me], you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to
me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me... (John 6:35-37)
Discussion Question:
1. In what areas of my life have I been seeking counterfeit joy?
2. How is the Lord asking me to surrender these to Him?

SFC Household Discussion #4 (Personal Sharing)

Discussion Starters:
1. Share 3 things from the past 2 weeks that you are most grateful for to the Lord.
2. Share 3 things that you will commit to do to show God that you are grateful for all of
these.

SFC Household Discussion #5 (Bible Sharing)

Bible Verse: The Cleansing of Ten Lepers.
As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was
entering a village, ten lepers met [him]. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice,
saying, Jesus, Master! Have pity on us! And when he saw them, he said, Go show yourselves
to the priests. As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been
healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other
nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God? Then he said to him, Stand
up and go; your faith has saved you. Luke 17:11-19

Reflect: Our God is a very generous God. He blesses us abundantly in all aspects of our
life. Just like the 10 lepers, God does not choose who is worthy or unworthy to be healed.
He just heals us. A personal relationship with Him will make us realize that, even though
life seems to be hard sometimes, His love always pulls us through. He desires to bless us,
heal us and make His love known to us so that we can be joyful in this life and experience
eternal life with Him. It is good to ask ourselves, What are Gods blessings to me? Among
the 10 lepers, which one am I? Am I one of the 9 who did not return to give thanks? Or
am I so grateful to God for being in my life that in humility I will go back and acknowledge
that everything is because of Him? How will I express this gratitude?
Pray: Lord open our hearts that we may be thankful to you in all circumstances, in
blessings great and small. In defeats and in victories may we come to know your unfailing
love. Father, we thank you for your unconditional love. For blessing us abundantly, for
being with us through our joys and most especially our pains. Thank you for forgiving our
sins and continually drawing us near to you. May we realize your presence in our life at
all times and remember always that everything is because of you. May we be so grateful
to you that it moves us to also be an instrument of your love to others. May everything
in our life be for your greater glory. This we ask in Jesus name, through the intercession
of Mother Mary, Amen!
Act: Practice the Daily Examen as practiced by St. Ignatius:
1. Become aware of Gods presence. Ask God for light.
I want to look at my day with Gods eyes, not merely my own.
What circumstances today made me feel that God was present in my life?
2. Review the day with gratitude. Give Thanks.
The day I have just lived is a gift from God. Be grateful for it.
What am I grateful for today?
3. Pay attention to your emotions. Review the Day.
I carefully look back on the day just completed, being guided by the Holy
Spirit. What emotions did I had today that helped me and what emotions
did I had that did not helped me accomplish todays tasks.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Face your short comings.
I face up to what is wrongin my life and in me.
Today, I regret doing and being ___________.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
I ask where I need God in the day to come.
How can I cooperate more with the Holy Spirit to work in my life?

SFC Household Discussion #6 (Topic)

Topic Title: Gratitude Restores Hope
Introduction
Why cry for the missing sun when there are brighter stars to guide our path? After winter
comes spring. There is sunrise for every sunset. Peace follows war. Every ending is a new
beginning. By giving something of ourselves, we bring with us shared memories of many
joyful summers. Alejo Villanueva, Jr.
Anything that brings one closer to God is a blessing: a simple giving of time and talent,
comforting a grieving friend, caring for the sickall of these is a way of being a blessing
and being blessed. 1A person who radiates the presence of God with his simplicity,
humility, and generosity of spirit is a blessing indeed.
1. There is no greater blessing than to be loved by God. God blesses us in every
aspect of our life, in every situation and in every season. Being grateful should be
inevitable. And because of that, one should also remain hopeful in everything,
knowing that he/she is loved by God.
2. However, sometimes, we find it difficult to be thankful when things are not going
our way. Our complaining heart blocks off the grace that is coming from God and
overshadows Gods goodness. Instead of remembering what we have already
have, we think of what do not have. We are too busy counting other peoples
blessings instead of counting our own. But when we start to recall our life and
everything that has happened to us, we will realize that God has been and is
continually being extremely abundant in His love for us.
3. A life of gratitude is a life fully surrendered to God, knowing that in every gain and
every loss, the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of
the Lord (Job 1:21), we bless His Name in all circumstances.
Conclusion
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will
of God for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
To live a life of gratitude is to live a life full of hope. One should remain hopeful that even
in the sunsets of our lives, we have it in our hearts the certainty of the sunrise on the
next day. To be grateful is to be in a state of joy rooted in a deep, personal relationship
with God strengthened through unceasing prayer.
Discussion Question:
1) What circumstances makes it easy for you to say Thank you Lord! and what
circumstances makes it difficult for you to thank the Lord?
2.) What do you do every time you find it difficult to be grateful?

SFC Household Discussion #7 (Bible sharing)

BE-ATTITUDE
Bible Verse: Matthew 5:3-10 (New American Bible)
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the land
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will satisfied
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs the kingdom of
heaven.
Reflect
The eight beatitudes help as to see where the kingdom is already present and where it will be
soon, what touched you or pleased you most in this verse. As SFCs, How will you start to
embrace the attitude of the Beatitudes?
Pray
In silence, pray what was the Lord telling you about the beatitudes.
Act
As a Household share how blessed you are, let us practice the beatitudes in our daily life.

SFC Household Discussion #8 (personal sharing)

FINDING PEACE
John 14: 27
Peace, I leave you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let
your hearts be troubled or afraid. (New American Bible)
Most of the time, we find ourselves distracted by our noisy and busy world in our everyday lives.
Even if we are SFCs, there are times that we tend to forget the most important things around us.
To remember is an action; allowing us to look back and have a better appreciation of what has
been and fill us with hope with what the future holds for us.
Let us always remember our experience of Jesus in our lives. Let us always remember His great
sacrifice for us that we may have fullness of life. We will possess peace when we learn to trust in
Gods plan for us, what God desires for our lives.
Let us keep in mind that nothing can be better than Gods will.
Discussion starters:
1. If today is your last day on earth, what would you do?
2. Identify the things that stop you in finding peace in your daily life.

SFC Household Discussion #9 (Bible sharing)

ADDITION
Bible Verse: Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never
hunger, and who believes in me will never thirst. John 6:35 (New American Bible)
Reflect
Taken, Blessed, Broken, Shared -The bread of life, Jesus invites us to receive him through the
Eucharist. May this always be a reminder of how God has been calling us closer to Him by being
drawn nearer to others. Just like how the Eucharist is taken, blessed, broken and shared, may
we also let this happen to us.
Pray
Loving Father, lead and guide me as I invite others to experience you through the Eucharist,
allow the spirit of joy and peace radiate in me. Amen
Act

As SFCs, bring your family to go and attend the Holy Mass with you.
Invite and bring someone who rarely attends the holy mass.
Make an effort to hear and receive Jesus daily through the Eucharist.

SFC Household Discussion #10 (Personal sharing)

Discussion Starters:
1. How do you enhance your happiness?
2. How to deal with your own envy?
3. How are you preparing yourself to fulfill Gods plan in your life?
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with
all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NABRE)

SFC Household Discussion #11 (Bible Sharing)

Bible Verse: Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed
day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory
beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are
unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Reflect
In the busyness of our daily life, how do we keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ? We should
avoid being overburdened by the obligations, the routines, and struggles in life. Let us heed the
call of God to rest in Him and to seek Him at all times.
Pray
O, God, may we seek you constantly and fervently. May we not lose sight of the most valuable
desire of our heart that is to be one with you in heaven forever!
Act
Be an answer to someone elses prayer! Hear out the longing and aspirations of your family
members, friends, and co-SFCs. Allow them to experience the love of Jesus Christ through you.

SFC Household Discussion #12 (Topic)

Topic Title: The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
Introduction
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how
we should treat others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are charitable actions by which
we help our neighbors in their bodily needs". They respond to the basic needs of humanity as
we journey together through this life.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the
works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the
spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help
our neighbor in their spiritual needs"
The 7 Corporal Works of Mercy

The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy

(1) Feed the hungry.

(2) Give drink to the thirsty.
(3) Clothe the naked.
(4) Shelter the homeless.
(5) Visit those in prison.
(6) Comfort the sick.
(7) Bury the dead.

(1) Admonish sinners.

(2) Instruct the uninformed.
(3) Counsel the doubtful.
(4) Comfort the sorrowful.
(5) Be patient with those in error.
(6) Forgive offenses.
(7) Pray for the living and the dead.

Conclusion
An Exhortation of St. Theresa of Avila Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but
yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look
out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the
hands with which He is to bless His people.
Reflection Song: Refiners fire
Discussion Questions
1. Why is "admonishing sinners" so difficult today? Have you ever been effectively
"admonished" by someone else?
2. What new way could you find to "instruct the uninformed" in the truth of the Catholic
faith?
3. What new way could you find to "forgive offenses," praying for those who mistreat you
rather than "cursing the darkness?"

References:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCA)
www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-ofmercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy.cfm

Dr. Robert Stackpole, STD

John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy - Parish Renewal Program
http://www.thedivinemercy.org/library/article.php?NID=3479
http://www.thedivinemercy.org/library/article.php?NID=3482
From a Grateful Heart, Alejo Villanueva, Jr.

http://livingbyfaithblog.com/2012/01/09/why-keep-praying-when-were-feeling-dull/