Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

to discuss the Pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization (i.e., the Synod on the Family that began in Rome on October 5, and which ended Sunday October 19)

What is this Synod?  I didn't know.  Funny how you don't know something that is important to your culture.  Could it be because there's something wrong with our information and educational system?  A Synod is

a council held to discuss (not to decide, as Wikipedia states), relevant and important issues and Church matters. This particular Synod was held, according to Pope Francis, to discuss the "challenges of marriage, of family life, of the education of children, and the role of the family in the life of the church."

This must have been important.  It does appear that the media is interested in it, but what the heck is it and why didn't I know what it was?  I don't think I'm uninformed or stupid.