I Thought You'd Like to Know

In this episode of Synods and Synodality, Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D. discuss with Fr. Deacon Robert Klesko of EWTN, Fr. Daniel Dozier, Pastor of St. George the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Olympia, WA, Fr Michael Winn, LTh and Fr Deacon Anthony Dragani, PhD. how Synodality works within the Eastern Catholic Churches. (February 13, 2025)How does Synodality work within the Eastern Catholic Churches? How do these synods enjoy authority without compromising the authority of the Roman Pontiff? Is Eastern Catholic synodality a possible motivation for Pope Francis's desire to promote synodality in the Catholic Church today? Interview A production of En Route Books & Media and The International Catholic Jurists Forum. Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., co-moderating.

In this episode of Synods and Synodality with co-hosts Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Dr. Michael Vacca, Dr. Eduardo Echeverria, Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, addresses some important points on Synods, namely:1) Why do you think Paul VI established the Synod of Bishops on Sept. 15, 1965 (while Vatican II was still in session)?2) Which of the Synods during the time of Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI do you think were the most significant?3) What insights from these Synods would you like to discuss? 4) What role would you like to see these Synods play in the future of the Church?SYNOD OF BISHOPS PROFILE The Synod of Bishops was established by St Paul VI on 15th September 1965 with the Motu Proprio Apostolica Sollicitudo. Its formation took place in the context of the Second Vatican Council which, with the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium (21st November 1964), had largely concentrated on the doctrine of the episcopate, urging greater involvement of the Bishops cum et sub Petro in matters that concern the universal Church.The Council Decree Christus Dominus (28th October, 1965) describes the newly established body as follows: «Bishops chosen from various parts of the world, in ways and manners established or to be established by the Roman pontiff, render more effective assistance to the supreme pastor of the Church in a deliberative body which will be called by the proper name of Synod of Bishops. Since it shall be acting in the name of the entire Catholic episcopate, it will at the same time show that all the bishops in hierarchical communion partake of the solicitude for the universal Church» (n. 5).Over the years the synodal norms have undergone successive improvements, as witnessed by the various editions of the Ordo Synodi Episcoporum published in 1966, 1969, 1971 and 2006. In the meantime, the Code of Canon Law (25th January 1983), canons 342-348, and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (18th October 1990), canon 46, have integrated the Synod into the universal law of the Church, specifying its nature and functioning.Recently Pope Francis, with the Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis communio (September 15th 2018), has profoundly renewed the Synod of Bishops, inserting it within the framework of synodality as a constitutive dimension of the Church, at all levels of her existence. In particular, the Synod is understood as a process composed of three parts: the preparatory phase, in which the consultation of the People of God on the themes indicated by the Roman Pontiff takes place; the celebratory phase, characterized by the meeting of the assembly of Bishops; and the implementation phase, in which the conclusions of the Synod, once approved by the Roman Pontiff, are accepted by the local churches.The central phase, in which the work of discernment of the Pastors is carried out, is thus preceded and followed by phases that call into play the totality of the People of God, in the plurality of its components. The Synod - which avails itself of a General Secretariat composed of a General Secretary, an Under-Secretary and a number of special Councils of Bishops - meets in different types of Assembly: in an Ordinary General Assembly, for matters concerning the good of the universal Church; in an Extraordinary General Assembly, for matters of urgent consideration; in a Special Assembly, for matters which mostly concern one or more specific geographical regions. Furthermore, it is also the responsibility of The Roman Pontiff to convene a Synodal Assembly in accordance with other modalities which are established by him.References include the following:The Synod of Bishops Listshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synod_of_Bishops_in_the_Catholic_ChurchPope Paul VI's Apostolic Letter Issued Motu Proprio Apostolica Sollicitudo establishing the Synod of Bishops for the Universal Churchhttps://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19650915_apostolica-sollicitudo.htmlPope Francis' (September 15, 2018) Apostolic Constituion Episcopalis Communion on the Synod of Bishops.https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_constitutions/documents/papa-francesco_costituzione-ap_20180915_episcopalis-communio.html

"Synods and Synodality: History, Purpose, and Current Controversies" Co-sponsored by En Route Books & Media (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/) and the International Catholic Jurists Forum (https://icjurist.org/). Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., M.A. will co-moderate the podcast interviews. Description: The 2023 and 2024 Synods on Synodality have generated both interest and controversy. This seven-part series explores the role of Church synods (or councils) in Catholic history; the different types of synods (e.g. local, regional, ecumenical); and why the recent synods under Pope Francis have generated so much controversy. The final two podcasts will explore possibilities for the future of the Church. The podcasts will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings from January 15, 2025 to February 26, 2025. Most begin at 7 PM EST except for the February 12, 19, and 26 podcasts (see indicated times). Episode 1: (Jan. 15, 2025): What is a Church synod or council? How does the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 serve as a prototype? What is the difference between a local diocesan synod, a regional provincial synod, a national synod, and an ecumenical synod or council? How are we to understand the Synod of Bishops begun by Paul VI after Vatican II? What were some good and not so good local synods in Church history? Interview with Dr. Robert Fastiggi.Notes: https://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/What-is-a-Church-synod-or-council-011525.pdfhttps://wcatradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Synod-and-Synodality-Podcast-Series-011525.pdf

On this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Dave Palmer of Guadalupe Radio Network with Rich May on his Addressing Moral Confusion (November 20, 2024)The goal of this workbook is to help our youth to receive catechetical instruction without getting bogged down by the mindset of the world today, thereby enabling them to be more open to the truth of the Gospel of Christ and His Church. It uniquely addresses these challenges, drawing from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as great theologians and philosophers including C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Fulton Sheen, St. John Cardinal Newman and others knowledgeable in moral psychology and human behavior.Age group: High school and young adults especially those already enrolled in institutions of higher learning. Not all of them may be practicing Christians. It should be of interest to all teachers including those that are currently working with younger age groups. Parents will also benefit from the material and convey basic themes … example, Session One: “Should you believe everything you hear?Addressing Moral Confusion | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, former priest Mike Oslance is interviewed by Mike Kish on his book Reimagine Jesus: Gospel for the 21st Century.MANY PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT JESUS AND RELIGION. DOES THIS APPLY TO YOU?Many people believe in Jesus…yet they no longer regularly attend church services.Many people believe in Jesus’ promise to forgive 70 times seven times…but cannot understand how God could condemn anyone to eternal hell.Many people believe we are created in the image and likeness of God…but are simultaneously told that some people are “disordered.”Many people believe that a newborn baby is precious and beautiful…yet are also told that all people are intrinsically sinners and unworthy of God.Many people feel that the gospels are spiritual and traditional stories…but question how these stories of Jesus are directly relevant to their own lives in the 21st century.If this sounds like you, then…THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.REIMAGINE JESUS: A Gospel "According to St. John and St. Mary Magdalen”Actually, each Gospel was attributed to (though not written by) the evangelist it was named after. This book maintains that long-established tradition. Nevertheless, the words within this gospel-book reflect the spiritof the methodology that put the original stories of Jesus into the reach of the public. With that said, perhaps we can address a few obvious questions that might arise from readers unfamiliar with this somewhat unorthodox gospel methodology.HOW IS THIS GOSPEL ADAPTATION UNIQUE OR DIFFERENT?This approach strictly adheres to the parameters of science/ physics. However, the narrative also includes a deliberative approach to including Gospel incidents and faith traditions. Thus, it is named the TheoPhysics Gospel (theology and physics.) Above all, effort has been made to simultaneously develop a comprehensive and plausible context. This is accomplished by using 2techniques:FORENSIC DEDUCTIONINVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGYThe Gospel examines the biblical events similar to a detective. It builds a theory of the case to understand the purpose and meaning of Jesus. This reimagined narrative will delve deeply into the motives/ mindsets of all participants, while also presenting the familiar Jesus-narrative.WHAT PRECISELY ARE THE BIBLICAL METHODOLOGIES BEING USED?The narrative is constructed using the same approach as the ancient evangelists---with the sayings and exploits of Jesus serving as the cornerstone. Scholars observe that each evangelist might utilize incidents and sayings differently to convey a special message for a unique community. The reimagined Gospel matches this approach but adds the needs of our contemporary world---including modern prophetic voices. The scholarship of Catholic theologian Raymond Brown and the extensive work of the Jesus Seminar experts, among other noted biblical scholars, were utilized. Over 75 various books and articles comprise the research expertise of this gospel narrative.WHY SHOULD THE GOSPEL BE ADJUSTED FOR THE 21st CENTURY?Simply put, scriptures and Church teachings were adjusted many times in the past to help better understand the message of Jesus. Examples:Gospel writers adapted Jesus’ sayings/deeds to fit the needs of local communities.Vatican Councils updated and renewed teachings to meet modern demands.Pope Francis advocating for a paradigm shift in theology (November 2023.)Christianity HAS already adapted before, due to scientific advancements such as those of Galileo (the Earth is not the center of the universe,) Darwin (evolution,) and the Big Bang.REIMAGINE JESUS IS THE NEW DRAMA FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM!A book that is relevant to everyone who seeks a meaningful life.