Special to the Herald

Coordinators of this weekend’s national Singles for Christ conference in Honolulu hope the event will not only empower attendees, but also increase awareness of the organization among young Catholic adults in Hawaii.

SFC is a branch of the Couples for Christ family ministry, which began in the Philippines in 1981. Originally aimed at married couples, CFC has expanded with programs for all age groups, from children to youth to single, older men and women. Its goal, according to the CFC-USA website, is to renew and strengthen Christian family life through a supportive environment and evangelization.

SFC was added to the CFC roster of ministries in 1993 to support unmarried individuals in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ and carry their faith through everyday life. It established roots in Hawaii a decade later with a small contingent of members, known as sisters and brothers, and now has about 100 members in groups on Oahu and the Big Island.

“Hosting the conference is a blessing to the area,” said the co-coordinator of SFC-Hawaii, who along with other organizers asked not to be named out of respect for everyone involved in the planning.

More than 400 people from across the United States as well as the Philippines, Canada and Singapore have signed up for the 16th annual conference, which will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center. A coordinator of the conference said the weekend would include workshops, daily Masses, friendly competitions, production numbers and other activities.

The three-day event, the SFC-Hawaii co-coordinator said, is designed to provide a place of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for SFC members nationwide. She also hopes it will result in “massive evangelization” and an increase in membership in Hawaii.

Lisa Gomes, director of the diocese’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, said having the national SFC conference in Hawaii is “a great opportunity” for young Catholic adults here.