Founders of the Liturgy of Domestic Church Life shared a story. “One busy mother of four young children asked her spiritual director how she could possibly maintain a prayer life amid the chaos of diapers, dishes, and constant demands. His advice was surprisingly simple: Whatever is going through your mind, just put the word “Lord” in front of it. This transforms ordinary thoughts—even complaints and worries—into prayer:
• “Lord, the dishes never end. Help me do this.”
• “Lord, I’m so excited—my baby learned to walk today!”
• “Lord, I don’t think I can be the best parent I want to be right now. Please help me.”
The session focused on strengthening family bonds through intentional rituals that nurture intimacy and help families live out their baptismal call as prophets within the domestic church. Building on the previous session’s discussion of Christian Relationships, Tricia revisited practical ways families can grow in love through dedicated family time, affection and affirmation, attentive care, and gentle discipline.
Participants then explored four types of family rituals: work, play, talk, and prayer. Through shared activities such as cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning, families can encourage teamwork and responsibility. Play, including game nights, gardening, and movie nights, creates opportunities for joy and connection, while intentional conversations allow family members to move beyond everyday exchanges and develop deeper relationships.
Prayer was also highlighted as an essential part of family life. Participants were encouraged to incorporate God into their daily experiences, even through simple conversations with Him throughout the day.
Participants shared examples of putting these practices into action. One reflected on leaving a love booster card for her daughter and making pancakes together, while another shared the practice of praying in the car on the way to school. These simple gestures demonstrate how ordinary moments can become meaningful opportunities to strengthen family relationships and grow in faith.
The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) continued its Doing Small Things with Great Love series on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with its third session, exploring the question: How can we connect more meaningfully with each other in the family? led by Tricia Syms, AFLC’s Episcopal Delegate.
The AFLC invites families to its next session on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, titled “How Can We Care More Deeply for Each Other?”
Register at aflcrc.org or through the AFLC’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Previous sessions are available on the AFLC YouTube channel.