Students, faculty, staff, and families of Saint Joseph School gathered in the schoolyard on Friday, September 11, for the school’s annual Backpack Blessing.
Held near the end of the school day so parents could attend, the ceremony took place under a brilliant September sky. Students lined up with their classmates and placed their backpacks on the ground before them in preparation for the blessing.
Each backpack displayed a distinctive 2026 tag featuring an orange, green, and yellow tie-dye design and a prayer asking God to protect the students, guide them throughout the school year, and help them demonstrate kindness, understanding, and respect. The prayer also reminded students to follow the Golden Rule by treating others as they would want to be treated.
The Backpack Blessing has become a cherished annual tradition at Saint Joseph School. Backpacks hold the pencils, crayons, notebooks, assignments, and other supplies students need each day. Through the blessing, they also become a reminder that students carry something even more important: the prayers and encouragement of their teachers, classmates, families, and faith community.
The ceremony reflects Saint Joseph School’s commitment to educating the whole child by uniting academic learning with faith and character formation. As students begin another year of learning and growth, the blessing reminds them that God accompanies them throughout their educational journey and calls them to be sources of kindness, respect, and inspiration to others.
Saint Joseph School extends its best wishes to students, educators, and families throughout the community for a safe, successful, and rewarding school year.
