2026 SFCA National Conference: A First after 7 Years by Marc dela Cruz, SFCA Victoria

When we think of the number “7”, we usually associate it with being lucky. In the Biblical context, it is a significant number appearing in multiple scriptures. For example, when God made everything, He rested on the seventh day. For this year, the same number made its appearance as we, the Singles for Christ Australia (SFCA), held our own national conference separate from the Youth for Christ Australia (YFCA) after seven whole years. With the theme “Consecrated in the Truth, Be Christ to Others”, this event was held last 7 to 9 of August 2026 at Lady Northcote Discovery Camp, Glenmore, Victoria. Attended by 107 singles and couple coordinators across Australia, it was a weekend of respite, meditation, and fellowship.

The venue offered the space and serenity that we needed for our activities. For old and new members, it was the perfect avenue for us to get to know each other. Discussion groups enabled us to share our thoughts openly and without judgement. With the weather in our favour, participants were also able to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the tranquil breeze of the outdoors as they wrote their reflections on their booklets. For our final activity on Day 2, Tita May Dalusag led us into contemplating the truth about ourselves, on how we act toward others, and how we should see God.

A singles conference would not be complete without the talks. We had three talks spread throughout the weekend. The first was led by Kuya Tyrone Santos, one of the couple coordinators of YFCA Victoria, as he discussed what is the state of today’s world in the singles context, on the “corrosion of truth”, its implications on our Christian life, and what we should do about it. The second by Sister Mary Lawrence from the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters talked about the truth that will set us free, and that truth is that we are all beloved children of God, and that we all embody His nature and capability of loving and being loved. Then for the last talk, Father Robin, a Redemptorist priest from the Holy Eucharist Parish at St. Albans, elaborated on the essence of our theme and reminded us to be enveloped in God’s teachings, to believe in Him and be one with Him, and to extend ourselves to others by being Christ-like to our neighbors.

To spiritually charge ourselves, various segments were incorporated into the program. Mass was conducted on Friday night and Sunday morning. We also prayed the rosary, went to adoration, and attended confession by the aid of local priests. Last but not the least, music ministries from different states ushered us to multiple sessions of praise and worship. It is a testament that while glorifying God is good, it is even greater when done in unison, together with people of similar faith all while showcasing the talents that He has given us.

On Saturday night, we gathered at the main hall for our Nostalgia Night: a night where we reminisce on our childhood as fellow millennials and Gen Zs. We donned outfits of our favourite characters from movies, music videos, books, cartoons, and other media that we were fond of. We enjoyed a stress-free time filled with games, prizes, and performances. It was great to finish off the busy second day with this as we relived those moments when we were still unburdened by responsibilities and simply relishing in the good times life had to give. It was a reminder that while we are all adults, it would not hurt to be a child again once in a while.

As first timers in hosting an event as big as this, we faced difficulties before and during the conference, and I guess that there is something to take in that. Life is never easy and never was, just as Jesus led a life of hardship and self-sacrifice. But, just as Jesus had his disciples on His journey, we too were not alone. With our titos and titas from the Couples for Christ Australia, we were able to make this a success. We are one big family, worshipping one God, and upholding one truth. This gathering is already proof that we were all consecrated in His truth as we are being Christ to one another, from our elders providing us any support that they can, to our fellow singles who showed us brotherly and sisterly love. It is already weeks since it has finished, but on behalf of SFCA Victoria, we can earnestly say that it was an experience that we will look back to and that we are all excited for what next year’s conference has to offer.