In October 2014, the Holy See will hold a synod on the family and evangelization. In preparation for this, Pope Francis has asked Catholics for their input. This is an unprecedented request but is essential since the family is "the vital building block of society and the ecclesial community."

"The world’s bishops are always consulted before a synod," said Bishop Richard J. Malone, "but that this wider consultation, while an innovation, is in tune with the Second Vatican Council’s teaching on the Church as the community of all of the People of God, the lay faithful (including religious sisters and brothers) as well as the ordained (bishops, priests and deacons)."　

In the Diocese of Buffalo, the 24^th Annual National Night of Prayer will be observed Sunday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. to Monday, Dec. 9, at 1 a.m. Feast of the Immaculate Conception with the Feast of St. Juan Diego. 

On this night, Catholic parishes across the diocese and the nation are invited to hold a prayer service before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration and reparation for the sins against the lives of innocent unborn and helpless ones.

It is asked that people attending pray 20 decades of the rosary and other prayers of their choice followed by benediction. People will be asking Mary, the mother of God, under her title Our Lady of Guadalupe, to pray for all to her divine Son for a return to respect for all life in the country. Participants also will be asked to pray that parents may be conscious of their calling as they share in God’s creative power. It is also hoped that people pray for those who have acted against human life experience forgiveness.