Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Feast of Saint Paul of the Cross
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Welcome to Week Seven in our Year of the Family. Today, we explore one of the greatest partnerships you can strike up as you attempt to raise your children or grandchildren to be the happy, holy people that God desires them to be. Who is that partner? The Catholic school.
Bishop Boyea's Year of the Family | Week Seven | Catholic Schools as Partner
Here's a photograph, below, of me upon my installation as bishop in Lansing back in 2008. With me are Mom and Dad, Helen and Earl Sr. May they rest in peace.
I have much to thank my parents for. They gave me life, love, and most importantly, my Catholic faith. The Church makes quite clear that parents are in the cockpit when it comes to raising their kids.
This is the way the Catechism of the Catholic Church presents it: "parents hold primary educational responsibility, demonstrated by building a home centered on tenderness, forgiveness, respect, and service, making it ideal for instilling virtue." (CCC #2223)
But parents can't do it alone. Why? Because as human beings, we are intrinsically spiritual, physical, and social.
To raise children, we need the help of a good community. To raise saints, we need the help of a holy Church. And one of the most profound partnerships families can strike up with the Church is a Catholic school. My mom and dad partnered with local Catholic schools. In my case, that was Our Lady of the Lakes Parish School in Waterford, Michigan, and then Sacred Heart Seminary High School in Detroit. For good or ill, hopefully good, both institutions helped shape the man I am today.
The Diocese of Lansing is presently blessed with 36 Catholic schools, serving more than 8,400 students from preschool through 12th grade. In recent years, that number has been growing and growing. So why are ever more parents choosing Catholic schools?
Let's find out from Sister Mary David. She is the principal of Spiritus Sanctus Academy in Ann Arbor. Enjoy the film!
Thank you, Sister Mary David. If you like what you just heard and want to know more about a Catholic education for your child or grandchild, go to the Diocese of Lansing Schools website.
If you think you can't afford a Catholic education, talk to us. In recent years, your generosity has raised over $64 million through our Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign to help with tuition assistance. So we can help you. And we want to help you raise your beloved child or grandchild to become, in the words of Sister Mary David, "the person God made them to be".
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.