Mid-day Lecture Series Resumes at St. John Cathedral
Resuming his popular twice-monthly, mid-day lecture series at St. John Cathedral, Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon continued his reflection on 50 years since the Second Vatican Council and discussed the concept of the Synod of Bishops, as well as the focus on formation of priests.
The concept of the synod rose from the Council as a means for the Bishops across the world to meet every 3 years to focus on a timely issue related to our Catholic Faith. Representative Bishops from each country attend the month-long sessions which began in 1965.
Bishop Lennon pointed out that the next synod, later this year, breaks precedent based on the serious nature of the topic?the family.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJkv6Jl9c6w[/youtube]
Moving to the subject of priestly formation, a major concern of Vatican II and the Church today; the Bishop noted that a young man faces a long process, 9 years, until ordination.
However, Bishop Lennon also said there is more and more evidence, a new phenomenon of men choosing the priesthood after having established a first career. In the case where a young man has a four year college degree, but not from a seminary, the study time is reduced to six years?.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE4SWOV_Tgw[/youtube]
The Bishop noted that one of the years close to ordination is spent in a parish internship where the candidate learns first-hand about parish life and priestly responsibilities.
The Bishop?s next lecture will follow the Noon Mass on Wednesday, April 30th.