By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Members of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist were to begin drafting proposals Oct. 13, working in small groups to come up with suggestions to present to Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia was elected Oct. 5 to moderate the discussions of "English Group A," and "English Group B" elected Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of Pittsburgh to be its recording secretary.

The more than 250 synod participants have been divided into 12 small groups. English, French and Spanish speakers have three groups each, while Italian speakers have two groups and there is one German-language group.

The recording secretaries from each group are scheduled to report on the preliminary discussions late Oct. 14.

A synod committee will spend Oct. 15-17 drafting proposals based on the reports.

Agreeing with several synod members that the bishops should not just talk about the Eucharist, but demonstrate their love for the sacrament, Pope Benedict invited the bishops to join him Oct. 17 in St. Peter's Basilica for eucharistic adoration.

The draft proposals will be presented to the synod Oct. 18, then members return to their small groups to discuss possible amendments.

They are scheduled to vote on the proposals Oct. 22, then concelebrate the closing synod Mass Oct. 23 with Pope Benedict.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops