The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community celebrated its 39th Anniversary at the Heritage, highlighted by a Family Conference theme, “The Power of Togetherness in a Hyper-connected World.” The day started with the usual preliminary activities, followed by a keynote, and four breakout topics about the importance of family and togetherness in the digital world.
INTRODUCTION
Raymund Nobleza, Pastoral Ministry Steward, enthusiastically welcomed the guests and emceed the program. The conference began with praise and worship by the Psalm Ministry led by Ronald Tapia and Daphne (father and daughter team), with the Koros Ministry. This was followed by:
- Welcome Remarks by Arch. Froilan Hong, Co-founder and Head Servant
- Video Presentation of the Lord’s Flock Community – how it started in 1987 and evolved within 39 years
- A glimpse of the Conference Program and house rules by Arch. Dinky Florentino
I. KEYNOTE
Techie Rodriguez, Elder-founder of the Lord’s Flock Community, discussed why God intentionally and lovingly created the universe and humanity in His image and likeness (Genesis 1 and 2). God instituted the first marriage, ordained the family to procreate, and to have a personal relationship with Him. He wants a home where families live in harmony with Humility (James 4:10), Obedience (Deuteronomy 28), Mutuality (Matthew 7:12), and Empathy (1 Corinthians 1:10). Thus, she exhorted everyone to reflect Christ in the way they speak, act, and interact with others (John 1).
II. TOPIC 1: MARRIAGE AND PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Speakers: Moises and Dondi Catan, Directors of Elim Community
Rapporteur: Te Florentino Moderator: Gina Duran
Power couple Moses and Dondi Catan, who shared their parental experiences/ journey, focused on their three (3) adult sons, successful in the corporate world. They underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between husband and wife, and keeping the family connected/bonded outside the digital realm. Hence, parents should promote various communication approaches among family members to ensure a positive and responsible use of digital platforms.
Sharer I: Allan Almendrala, Head Steward of Service Ministry, and Judith Almendrala, Steward of Elder’s Outreach
Allan and Judith Almendrala aim to bring their children close to God through the Lord’s Flock Community. Exposure to online platforms can be challenging, but it can be mitigated through inculcating values, initiating heart-to-heart communication, maintaining healthy relationships, befriending their children’s friends, and attending community activities.
Sharer 2: Mike and Sis. Leo Concepcion – CANA Stewards
Innovations in digital technology are inevitable, so Mike and Leo(wife) Concepcion use technology to communicate and to check on their children’s friends on social media. Moreover, digital technology provided their children with access to online music lessons.
Group discussion focused on addiction to gadgets, depression, sickness, and neglect. However, these can be avoided by asking the Lord for guidance/help and by being active in the Lord’s Flock Community.
Digital technology can be utilized to communicate, connect, evangelize, and mentor family and the church because faith knows no boundaries.
II. Topic 2: Digital Discipleship
Speaker: Ed Villacorte
Rapporteur: Chay Arevalo Moderator: Krishy Ong
Digital discipleship uses digital tools and online platforms to nurture spiritually, through training, preaching, sharing, and building mentoring relationships. Ed reminded everyone that building a digital world helps connect and foster relationships: genuine love, compassion, positivity, and respect (Romans 12:9-16). Parents must initiate meaningful engagements with their children by creating “contact points.” He stressed that children are not part of their past and the future, but both have the present to make it beautiful.
Sharer 3: Dr. Grace Pancho, Head Steward of Pastoral Ministry
Dr. Grace Pancho shared how her life experience in the Lord’s Flock Community molded her spiritually. As a pulmonologist, she utilized digital platforms to help the sick and share God’s word during the pandemic. She also created her YouTube channel “Speak with Grace” to reach out and inspire others, especially the youth.
Group discussion:
The one hundred thirty-four (134) participants were convinced that young members of the family are more digitally equipped than the elderly. Gadgets have become the children’s comfort zone, isolating themselves with digital gadgets and WIFI. On the other hand, some blind members shared that they benefited from digital technology (by transport booking to and from the Lord’s Flock Heritage). Thus, parents should be enabled to use digital technology to connect with families and friends and foster relationships.
Digital technology can break down geographical and time barriers, enabling evangelization and discipleship to reach wider audiences, to foster global connections through social media and online platforms, and to create a faith-centered digital behavior.
III. TOPIC 3: Beyond The Screen: Navigating Truth, Beauty, and Goodness In The Social World
Speaker: Nitz Javier – Missionary for Christ
Rapporteur: Carlo Marudo Moderator: Jolo Baclig
The third topic was conducted by the young and talented Sis. Nitz Javier. She expounded on social media’s influence and dangers, offered guidance on rising above its influence, and recommended activities to deepen their spiritual connection with God’s Word in this digital age.
Sharer 4: Bea Baclig – Youth Leader and Member of Psalm Ministry and Heralds
Social media, which has its highs and lows, should be used in moderation. She encouraged them to ask God for the grace to be freed from being addicted to gadgets.
IV. Topic 4: God’s WIFI: Staying Connected to Faith and Family
Speaker: Alvin Evangelista – Order of Carmelites
Rapporteur: Regine Baclig Moderator: Aileen Francisco
Alvin Evangelista defined God’s WIFI as a wireless connection that strengthens our relationship with God: praying/worshipping (Holy Eucharist), and studying the Word. Through faith and prayer, our hearts can form a strong connection with God (John 5:5). Indeed, Jesus, the mediator of God, is our God’s WIFI.
Sharer 5: John Zechariah Oclarit (11-year-old) – Small World Ministry
John Zechariah affirmed that God’s Wi-Fi is always turned “on.” He connects to God’s Wi-Fi by attending Small World activities, spending time with family, studying well, being obedient, and doing tasks that honor God. He admits he is a “work-in-progress” and still makes mistakes, but God helps him stay connected through His grace.
Sharer 6: Isabel Natalia G. Espina (6-year-old) – Small World Ministry
Isabel Talee is the miracle daughter of Gem and Emma Espina (Mission Ministry – Brethren). She eagerly looks forward to attending Praise, Pray, and Play in the Small World every Saturday. Moreover, she shares special moments of prayer with her parents and enjoys reading the Children’s Bible, watching Bible Stories, and Mickey Mouse short films. Her dedication and joyful spirit shine brightly in everything she does.
Indeed, digital platforms should be used wisely; they can strengthen communication with God, deepen faith, and share the love of Christ with family and others, anywhere and everywhere.
V. Plenary
After the group discussions and afternoon break, attendees returned to the Sanctuary for the closing ceremony. Jo Advincula (Scribes Ministry Steward) presented a concise report of what had been discussed at the four break-out sessions. An Open Forum followed; the panel of speakers and sharers answered the questions from the participants. Thereafter, Jo read the TLF Family Conference 2025 Statement:
Statement 1: God in our lives
- The Holy Spirit guides our interactions and decisions.
- Allow our family to engage in prayers, in Scripture reading(s), and in sharing their spiritual insights and reflections.
Statement 2: Technology Boundaries
- Limit the use of digital devices by emphasizing personal interactions with family/friends, and by sharing spiritual reflections and other related spiritual activities.
Statement 3: Proper use of Digital Platforms
- Use the digital platform for spiritual teachings/studies and forums to strengthen our relationship with God and one another.
Statement 4: Spiritual Conversations
- Foster open, loving, and faith-centered dialogue in our families and the people around us.
- Ensure that digital distractions do not replace genuine human connections.
The Conference Statement was available in the foyer for the participants to sign.
Plaques of Appreciation were presented to Techie Rodriguez and the other resource persons. Finally, Conference Directress, Star Florentino-Marudo addressed the audience and thanked the organizers, workers, and the participants of the conference.
VI. Eucharistic Celebration
After a successful and productive conference, the 39th Anniversary celebration of the Lord’s Flock Community was concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Hon. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.
To God be the Glory!
Scribes Ministry
Written by: Maro Anyog
Edited by: Vera I. Tuplano
Contributors:
Lorelai Grutas
Thess Sarmiento
Sofia May Barcita
Regine Baclig
Photo Credit: Jona Ramos (Comms)
