Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ"
Saint Jerome (c. 347 – 420)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Welcome to our next episode our Year of the Family. This week, we'll learn about how one family with small children began reading the Bible together each day, and they're still going six years later.
Bishop’s Year of the Family: Week 2 | Family Bible Time
Now, I love the Scriptures. They've always been important to me, but I suppose my approach to it may be a little too academic. So I think it's better to listen to this family about how they handle it. Now some of you may remember my first video series, Bishop's Year of the Bible. During that year, I walked the diocese through a weekly video series on the Bible. Well, that's actually where our story starts. So let's rewind to 2020. Enjoy the film.
What a beautiful and energetic family. Here's four lessons that I took from today's film:
1. Just get started: Find a time for family prayer or family scripture and begin. It need not be perfect.
2. Think of what your family can handle: If you've got small kids, as the Vermeulens do, you may need to go slow or start with something small and manageable. Perhaps try doing a short reading, maybe from the Gospels or from the Daily Gospel at Mass. Perhaps do this immediately following grace after dinner.
3. Do it together: Yes, the Vermeulens aren't just reading Scripture, which is of course highly valuable. They are spending time together and intentionally ordering their family toward life with God.
4. Stick with it: The oldest Vermeulen boy is now 13. That means he was just seven when they started six years ago. The littlest ones weren't even born. This daily formation in the scriptures matters. Keep showing up day after day after day. God will bless your faithfulness.
Thanks for joining me this week. Now go find your Bibles!
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ 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.