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It's hard to believe that it's time to start School!  The thought of going to school can bring great excitement.  It can bring apprehension, too.  Life will be much more structured.  There will be rules to follow and homework to do.  If learning is a bit more difficult it will mean going back to a place where it's a little harder to succeed.  But it can be very good.  I've provided some resources that I think can be helpful to kids, teens and parents alike.  I hope you find them valuable.

 

We can begin with a blessing.  In our parish we'll bless all those going back to school on the weekend before school starts.  I've provided that blessing along with another that can be prayed with our children on the first day of school, or indeed every day of school.

 

We can keep current.  Many of us remember the desperation and futility of getting way behind.  We can make a good start this year and strive to stay caught up.  Parents can be involved from the very beginning to make sure homework is done and assignments are in.  Parents and teachers can communicate.  In some school parents can get homework assignments and topics discussed via the internet.

 

We can grow on the inside, too.  It's easy for us to see growth in our children.  We can keep track of it with a tape measure.  Our children need to keep growing on the inside, too.  They can become more responsible, helpful and kind.  They can grow in their faith in God as well.  Most of us wouldn't even consider letting them miss a sports practice or game.  We can be even more conscious of making sure they pray, attend Mass and religion classes.

 

Know that your children and grandchildren are very much in my thoughts and prayers as the new school year begins.  Let's keep priests, religious, teachers, administrators and all those working in schools in our prayers as well!

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Follow these banner links for special pages for kids, teens and parents!

 

 

 

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Coulee Catholic Schools

Saint Pat's School right here in Onalaska!

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A Blessing of Children to be prayed by parents!

 

These blessings may be reproduced in Church bulletins as long as this credit remains.  They appear on the Web Site of Father Pat's Place, http://frpat.com/   ©MMVII Father Pat Umberger  Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

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You might pray the "Parent Blessing"  with your children
before they leave on the first day of School. 
You might also encourage your pastor to use this
or a similar "Church Blessing"  in your Church.

 

CHURCH BLESSING.

 

Father, we give you thanks for all you have given us.
We Bless you for creating us and filling us with good things . . .
For giving us your Son Jesus to show us the way to you.

Bless these students, teachers and support staff  +
as they begin this new school year.

Help them in all they do,
to appreciate the goodness in themselves and
to look for the good in those around them.

Help them live their faith, and love for you
by loving those around them.

Help them to see your presence always.

May they turn to you in good times and in bad
and know you are their strength.

As they grow on the outside, may they grow on the
inside too, in knowledge and love for you and others!

Let your Holy Spirit give them the gifts of
wisdom, understanding and knowledge
to help them learn the things you need them to know.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

AMEN.