Saint Joseph School students have had a busy start to the 2024-2025 school year. On September 5th, the students enjoyed a back-to-school feast featuring cook-out-themed foods, including hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, and ice cream, all courtesy of the school’s parent organization, the Home and School Association. Then, on September 6th, the students gathered in front of the basilica to receive a blessing of their backpacks from Fr. Gregory. The Backpack Blessing has become an annual tradition at Saint Joseph School because backpacks signify to students that they have everything they need to learn and grow. They have their pencils, crayons, notepads, and more. By blessing their backpacks and contents, students begin the new school year with the necessary materials, tools, and, more importantly, powerful spiritual tools – our prayers. The Blessing was as follows: “Bless this backpack, Heavenly Father, and the student who uses it as they begin a new school year. Let their young mind be open to learning and to the wonders of their studies. As they carry this backpack from home to school and back again, keep this student safe and in Your loving care. Help them to discover the gifts and talents you have given them. Give them the courage to share these gifts with their fellow students and teachers. We ask Your blessing for the teachers, administrators and other staff members at their school. May these individuals become instruments of Your peace giving this student confidence, faith, and hope. Amen.” On Sunday, September 8th, students and their families attended the first Family Mass of the new school year, where Saint Joseph School teachers and staff took their Oath of Fidelity. The Mass was followed by a breakfast social organized by the Home and School Association, led by Chairperson Pamela Parslow. Finally, on Wednesday, September 11th, Saint Joseph School students gathered for a 9/11 Prayer Service, a solemn occasion organized by Mrs. Karen Lefebvre’s 7th-grade students, to reflect and remember the events of that day. During the service, Fr. Gregory reminded students that it’s good to remember moments in our history. We can build our future by remembering history. Seventh Grade students include Kalleia Agosto, Oluwatosin Akindele, Alexis Archambault, Avery Archambault, Lukas Barbosa, Hayley Benes, Kilani Chase, Tenleigh Dowd, Milah Gomes, Mychael Jones, Nelia Kuznecki, Jacob Lopez, Jacob Marcuccio, Faye Oliver, Ivonka Warnajtys, Henry Yawson.
