“Choosing the better part” Luke 10:42 resonated with parents on Thursday, August 21, as the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) hosted an online session on Building your domestic church, facilitated by Alicia Hoyte, Lead, AFLC’s Mental Health Resource team.
Tricia Syms, Episcopal Delegate, prayed and introduced the AFLC’s mission: to proclaim God’s plan for marriage and family life bringing about renewal of family, Church and nation.
Alicia explained that the concept of the domestic church, introduced during the Second Vatican Council, calls families to live their faith at home by virtue of their Baptism. “The liturgy of domestic church life,” she shared, “is about integrating faith into everyday routines so ordinary actions become opportunities for worship.”
This first session focused on Christian relationship, the first of three “rites” of the domestic church, the others being family rituals and reaching out. Alicia reminded participants that family life comes in many forms and emphasized that these practices are for everyone.
To help parents manage the emotional ups and downs of parenting, Alicia introduced grounding techniques like the Butterfly Hug, a bilateral tapping exercise that shifts the body from stress to calm. “Parenting is a roller coaster of love and worry,” she said. “These tools help us respond instead of react.” Participants appreciated these practical suggestions, noting that the session offered “helpful and relevant ways to accomplish each task” and that “the material and presentation were easy to understand.”
Discussion flowed on prioritizing family connection amid busy schedules by setting aside designated family time through simple rituals like Sunday lunch, nightly prayers, or even conversations during chores. “Quality of interaction matters more than quantity of time,” Tricia said. Participants agreed, sharing commitments such as “prioritising family time,” “spending time with my daughter,” and “using my time with my children more wisely.”
The importance of affection, affirmation, and repair after conflict was emphasized. “Aim for a 4:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions,” Alicia advised, explaining the science behind positive relationships. One participant said, “Never forget hugs,” while another shared plans to “exhibit extravagant affection and affirmation.”
Participants left inspired and equipped to make better choices to love as God loves, pledging to “give more hugs,” “practice patience,” and “be more present and attentive to family members.” Alicia concluded, “Family discipleship starts with connection, then correction. When we nurture relationships, discipline becomes easier.”
For more information on the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life, visit AFLC’s website: aflcrc.org; contact 299-1047 or 372-0478 via WhatsApp or email familylife@catholictt.org.