How the Synod Changed the Church

Kris Dmytrenko

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Bible used during the Second Vatican Council, on display during the Synod.

This past weekend I enjoyed a visit by some campus lay missionary friends from Kingston, Ontario. As we reconnected over all-you-can-eat sushi, they inquired about my recent stay in Rome. It was clear from their questions that they, like most Catholics, hadn't followed the Synod of Bishops too closely.

In their defense, not everyone has the time to closely follow Catholic news. Even if they had, the Synod was inadequately emphasized in most media outlets. Still, having followed the daily developments in Paul VI Hall, I'm certain that this was one of the most significant ecclesial assemblies in recent years.

Participants of the 12th Ordinary General Synod of Bishops, held this past October.

From homilies to lectio divina, ecumenism to social communications, lectors to the lectionary, the Bishops' decisions will soon affect the Church on every level and will be noticed by the regular parishioner. If you tuned out in October, you need to watch tonight's new Catholic Focus. Included are interviews with all the major synod participants: Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, plus many others.

How the Synod Changed the Church" airs tonight at 7 and 10:30 PM (EST).