Saint Joseph School students have had a busy start to the 2023-2024 school year. On September 6th, the students gathered in the schoolyard to receive a blessing of their backpacks from Fr. Anthony Kazarnowicz, Associate Pastor of Saint Joseph Basilica. 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 and tools and, more importantly, with powerful spiritual tools – our prayers. The Blessing was as follows: “Lord, bless this backpack and the student who carries it as they begin a new school year. As they carry this backpack from home to school, keep this student safe and in Your loving care. Help them to discover and use the gifts and talents You have given them. Let them be reminded of Your love and care surrounding them each school day. We pray, as well, for the teachers, administrators, and other staff members. Whatever their role, guide them to do their job with faithfulness in You.” Then, on Sunday, September 10th, students and their families attended Mass, 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 Monday, September 11th, Saint Joseph School students gathered for a 9/11 Prayer Service organized by Mrs. Karen Lefebvre’s 7th-grade students. During the service, Pastor and Headmaster, Fr. Grzegorz Chodkowski reminded students that we can build our future by remembering history. Seventh Grade students include Tobi Akindele, Ryan Amaral, Rosemary Basha, Jada Jackson, Lisa Kippax, Simon Kowalczyk, Jake Martin, Kyle Muchiru, Faith Muga, Jacob Parafinowicz, Zofia Pawlikowska, Gianna Pigeon, Ayla Reed, Arianna Rivers, Alan Rubin, Gabriel Rudnicki, Ethan Ryan, Luke Surowaniec, Liana Worth, and Adam Wozniak.
