“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” — Pope Saint John Paul II
This September, Bishop Earl Boyea and the Diocese of Lansing invite families throughout the diocese to begin a year-long journey of strengthening Catholic family life through the Year of the Family.
The family is often called the domestic church because it is within our homes that many of us first learn to pray, encounter Christ, practice forgiveness, serve one another, and discover what it means to live our Catholic faith.
But living the faith as a family isn’t always easy. How can we make prayer a more natural part of family life? How do we help our children grow in faith? How can our homes become places of greater holiness, hospitality, joy, and love?
A Year of Practical Encouragement for Catholic Families
Beginning in September 2026, the Diocese of Lansing’s Year of the Family will offer a new weekly catechetical series featuring short films with real families from throughout the diocese.
These families will share how they are striving to live the Catholic faith more fully in everyday life.
Throughout the year, families will explore practical ways to grow together through:
- Family prayer
- Catholic education and formation
- Liturgical living
- Hospitality
- Family discipline
- Works of charity
This isn’t about creating a “perfect” Catholic family. It’s an invitation to take meaningful steps together toward Christ and discover ways that Catholic faith can become an even greater part of everyday family life.
Join the Year of the Family
Families from St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church are encouraged to participate throughout the coming year.
Whether you have young children, teenagers, adult children, are newly married, or have been building a Catholic home for decades, the Year of the Family offers opportunities to strengthen your family’s relationship with Christ and with one another.
Learn more and access resources through the Diocese of Lansing:
Year of the Family – Diocese of Lansing
You can also text YOTF to 84576 to receive updates and encouragement throughout the year.
May this Year of the Family help our homes become ever more deeply rooted in prayer, faith, charity, and the love of Jesus Christ.
