Category Archives: Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization

You can read the full synod document here. But today, we look at the longest single section (paragraphs 44 through 54) titled, “Caring for Broken Families,” which will, in turn, address “Persons who are Separated, Divorced, Divorced and Remarried and Single-Parent Families.” … Continue reading →

You can read the full synod document here. Today might be a good day to review it, as we have one of the shortest paragraphs shared by the synod bishops: 43. All these situations require a constructive response, seeking to transform them … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. This section breaks no theological or pastoral ground. It attempts to communicate what the synod bishops were told about the situation in various countries, cultures, and dioceses. 42. The synod fathers also noted in many countries … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. This paragraph barely passed the two-thirds threshold for approval. The vote in favor of the first section under “Pastoral Care for Couples Civilly Married or Living Together” was still an overwhelming majority, 125 to 54 with … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. I was heartened to see the synod bishops address the need for “Accompanying the Married Couple in the Initial Years of Marriage.” It’s not a new notion. St John Paul was all over it … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. For the rest of the document, the bishops address particular situations for couples. Only one paragraph addresses the formation of engaged couples for marriage: 39. The complex social reality and the changes affecting the family today … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. This paragraph is really springs from #37, and wraps up the first and long subsection of Part III entitled “Proclaiming the Gospel of the Family Today in Various Contexts.” 38. (The synod bishops) equally highlighted the fact that … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. A charge to a better professionalism among the Church’s ministers: 37. The synod fathers repeatedly called for a thorough renewal of the Church’s pastoral practice in light of the Gospel of the Family and replacing its … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. Catechesis is not enough, the synod bishops advise: 36. Christian marriage is a vocation which is undertaken with due preparation in a journey of faith with a proper process of discernment and is not to be considered … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. Are there values in religious experiences outside of Catholicism? Can we move beyond the obstacles of mixed marriages? 35. At the same time, many synod fathers insisted on a more positive approach to the richness of … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. The Bible is essential, say 180 out of 181 bishops: 34. The Word of God is the source of life and spirituality for the family. All pastoral work on behalf of the family must allow people … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. The bishops make two important points in paragraph 33. The language we use to communicate must be meaningful. Values trump rules. 33. Conversion also needs to be seen in the language we use, so that it … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. What do the bishops mean by missionary conversion? Aren’t we all already converted to Christ? 32. Consequently, this work calls for missionary conversion by everyone in the Church, that is, not stopping at proclaiming a message … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. Two themes here, really. First, that believers are to be open to God’s grace in the sacramental experience, including marriage. Second, even in marriage, our task is to plant seeds. Or really, work with … Continue reading →

Read the full synod document here. Remember this document’s theme is both family/marriage and evangelization. We can’t escape that mandate from the Lord to all disciples. Even today, every believer, everyone who considers themselves sisters and brothers of Jesus, are … Continue reading →