Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Welcome to our next episode of Bishop's Year of the Family. This week, we'll learn about the importance of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and even how a Michigan priest helped to inspire it. Let's jump right in.
Bishop Boyea's Year of the Family | Week Eight | Read the Catechism
Did you know that the late, great Jesuit, Father John Hardon, pictured below, who is now recognized by the church as a Servant of God, had a role in getting us an updated Catechism of the Catholic Church?
Father Hardon also taught for many years in the Ann Arbor area within our diocese and inspired many Catholics to take their faith more seriously, which is still bearing fruit throughout our diocese.
One family who came to know Father Hardon, and consequently developed a love of the Catechism, are the Bloomfields of Grand Ledge. Let's see what they're up to. Click below to watch.
I hope you enjoyed the film. Here are a few takeaways from it:
One, catechesis is a vital part of family life. Parents love their children and want them to flourish and ultimately to reach Heaven. Proper catechesis helps our til- children do just that.
Two, every family should have a copy of the Catechism in the home. It's a great resource for answering questions, whether our own or our children's, about the faith. While you can certainly read it cover to cover, also try flipping to the index at the back. The index is a great way to find answers to questions about the faith.
Three, God has revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is Christ's mystical body through which He continues to teach us today.
Now I'm going to add a challenge. If you don't have a Catechism, buy one right now. Every Catholic family should have one. Use it. In fact, here's a test:
Grab your Catechism, flip it open, and find and read paragraph 2201. Even better, hand the Catechism to one of your kids and let them find paragraph 2201 and read it out loud. Wasn't that easy?
Now try using the index. Flip to the back of the Catechism and search for the word "family." It will be in bold print. Then scan your eyes through the various subheadings under the word "family." Now, that wasn't hard, was it?
Until next week, may God bless you all.
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Please do try to invite at least one friend or family member to join us in our Year of the Family. Thank you. God bless you.