We had a great Back to School Sunday, Blessing of the Backpacks, and School Open House last Sunday and our St. Margaret of Scotland students returned to school this past Wednesday.  Let us continue to pray for all students and teachers as they begin a new academic year.  For your personal prayer and reflection this week, here is the prayer offered for our students last Sunday:

Eternal God, Creator of Heaven and Earth,
You formed us in your image and gave us the ability to reason and learn.   

As we begin a new school year, bless all those who seek to learn: children, teenagers, and adults. 

Bless those who prepare the learning environment: teachers, teachers’ assistants, principals, counselors, coaches, secretaries, tutors, cooks, custodians, nurses, room parents, and crossing guards. 

Bless those who support students: parents, grandparents, families, and this parish community. 

Make each school a place that is safe, secure, and free from bullying, harassment, and violence, especially gun violence. Make our school and every school a place of compassion and mercy. 

Teacher and Redeemer, we also ask your blessing on these backpacks. They will hold our students’ schoolwork and will be carried from home to school and back again. As our students carry their backpacks, may they be reminded of the love and care of this parish that surrounds them each school day. May the Saints accompany them, protect them, and intercede for them, especially St. Margaret of Scotland, St. John Bosco, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Anna Wong, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.  

Let all our students feel the love and support of this community, and grant us all the wisdom and means to meet their needs throughout the coming year. 

Sustainer of us all, help us to grow in your wisdom and in your ways.  Remind us that your truth sets us free to learn and to love. 

Grant that during this academic year each student and each teacher may devote themselves to their studies and share what they have learned from others.  Help each one of us here at St. Margaret of Scotland to grow closer to Christ, especially by loving and serving as Missionary Disciples. 

We ask all this through Christ our Lord. Amen!