Pope Francis has called for an Extraordinary Synod to take place at the Vatican between 5-19 October 2014.
Around 150 Synod Fathers will take part in the meeting to discuss the "pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization" and how best to re-propose the centrality of matrimony and the transmission of faith in the home within the proclamation of the Gospel in our contemporary society.
In the link below you can read the preparatory documents for the Synod and take part in a questionnaire [consultation] to assist the Bishops in making a collective submission to Rome by the end of January 2014.
The purpose of this consultation is to help the Church develop concrete proposals for another Synod in 2015 which in turn will produce specific guidance on the pastoral care of the family for our times.
All responses in the Diocese of Westminster must be sent by the 6 December to the Director for Marriage & Family Life, Edmund Adamus, who has been appointed by Archbishop Nichols to oversee the process.Each diocese must formulate its response by the 20 December 2013, so time is short!
You can make a response in two ways:
1) An online form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FamilySynod2014
2) Or downloading the proforma here and emailing to edmundadamus@rcdow.org.uk (tel: 020-7798-9363)
It isn't necessary to respond to every question. Responses are best based on the strengths of the respondent in their study, experience or pastoral responsibility. To help make the process easier responses can either be sent via the online response system established by the Bishops’ Conference and can be accessed here. You can also find relevant information at the Catholic Bishops' website by clicking here.
And here is an inspiring video clip (2 minute) from Blessed Pope John Paul II speaking in 1988 which reminds us of the indispensable role and importance of the family in the mission of the Church. It is in Italian with English subtitles.
