This issue contains the second and final part of our symposium on last month’s Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family.

Our page-7 essays by Father Paul Check of the worthy apostolate Courage; Father Bryce Sibley of the Diocese of Lafayette, La.; and Pope St. John Paul II-Dietrich von Hildebrand student Katie van Schaijik of the website The Personalist Project cut through the noise of distortion and provide concrete ways in which families can serve the Church and help it to flourish.

The synod’s final report, which we outline on page 5 in this issue, still has some wrinkles to be ironed out. But we are hopeful the synod fathers will rely on the wealth of Church teaching on the family for wisdom, as well as on the Holy Spirit, to bring clarity and to guide them in their important mission in helping to restore the family in the Church and in society.

Let us commend their efforts to the intercession of the “Pope of the Family,” St. John Paul II.

God bless you!