Preparing for synod, bishops look at role of family in evangelization

VATICAN CITY - Making final preparations for the world Synod of Bishops on new evangelization, a committee of cardinals and bishops discussed how difficult it is today to transmit the faith to others.

"There was talk about the 'current fruitlessness of evangelization,' including because of the presence of certain influences from modern culture that make the transmission of the faith particularly difficult," said a Vatican press release issued Feb. 27.

The ordinary council of the general secretariat of the Synod of Bishops met at the Vatican Feb. 16 to discuss a draft of the working document for the synod, which will be held at the Vatican Oct. 7-28. The theme of the gathering will be: "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith."

In a discussion about challenges to faith and to handing on the faith, the council members focused particularly on the role of the family, the statement said.

Within the family, it said, young people "learn both the content and the practice of the Christian faith. The irreplaceable work of the family is continued in the catechesis offered by church institutions and, especially, through the liturgy with the sacraments and the homily."

Synod council members also said growth in understanding and practicing the faith can come through parish missions, expressions of popular piety and Catholic movements and communities.