New Catholic equation: Change + family + diversity x family Catholic values= The Synod.

When a person thinks of something that is important or something that stands out in life, what usually comes to mind? Possibly things like family, friends, or even electronics, but what about The Synod?

The most important question pertaining to the synod is: Why should the public pay attention and listen to what the leaders are discussing?

“Because these church leaders are putting a lot of effort towards meeting the needs of the people,” answered Michele Gelaude, campus minister. “We need to be more open for change,” Gelaude continued.

There has been recent talk about this special meeting, but what exactly is it? According to usccb.org, the synod is an assembly of Bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing counsel on important questions that face the church. There are always new questions and ideas that spring up, so these individuals come together to preserve church teaching. They also work to strengthen the church’s discipline at the same time.

The theme discussed from Oct. 5th through the 19th was on family and the challenges it faces in the context of evangelization. Leaders at the synod discussed concerns, such as same sex marriage, single parent families, divorce, and cohabitation.

Some of these concerns were unheard of until a short time ago, so the church’s leaders are coming together to try to address these issues.

In fact, the leaders of the church began with two weeks for the Extraordinary General Assembly and will continue in October of 2015. So, the Bishops do put a lot of work into these meetings.

For Father Alan Dietzenbach, the reason to pay attention is obvious.

“We should pay attention to the synod, because we are all a part of families. It is very practical,” said Fr. Alan.

Since every individual is a part of a family, the information discussed during the synod can relate to the lives of the young and even the old. The theme of family has no age limit.

As for some students, the synod is just as important as it is to adult figures.

“We are the future of the Catholic Church,” Greta Becker, ‘15, said.

“Amen to that!” Rachel Muir, ‘15, willingly replied to Becker.

Young people in the Catholic Church are the next generation to take charge, so the synod is a vital source in which the opinions of the young can be heard.

For Luke Kelly, ‘15, it’s the changes that the church is considering that make the synod worth listening to.

“I think we should be paying attention to the synod because the Catholic Church is making very important decisions that could change what the tradition has been for the past hundred years. Also just the topics that they are discussing and are open to discussing make the synod extremely important,” said Kelly.

These changes that the church is conversing about could not only strengthen doctrine, but also help the church grow with modern ideas.

So, when the next synod meeting of 2015 comes around, listen up!