Back to School, Forward in Faith
Allow God to be with your family this school year.
Allow God to be with your family this school year.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is "back to school" time once again! For many of us, this means shopping for school supplies, coordinating transportation, preparing for after-school care, sitting down to work on homework assignments, and so much more.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is "back to school" time once again! For many of us, this means shopping for school supplies, coordinating transportation, preparing for after-school care, sitting down to work on homework assignments, and so much more.
In the midst of all of this planning and activity, it might be easy to feel overwhelmed. But I want to assure you that Jesus is with you in the busyness of daily life. He is with you as you wake up a little earlier than usual. He is with you as you try to manage your hectic schedule, consisting of school and extracurricular activities. And He is with you as you sit down for a moment of rest and reflection with your family to enjoy a meal together after a long day.
As a diocese, we seek to Courageously Live the Gospel and to place God first in our lives. We recognize that the busyness of our days calls out for Someone to be with us, Someone to guide and direct us, and Someone to bring us peace. That Someone is Jesus Christ, who promises to be with us always, “until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
It might seem like a chore to find time to place God first as you face everything else you must do, but I invite you to think of how you can incorporate prayer into your day. Perhaps the best time to pray with your children is when you are driving them to or from school. Or maybe you could consider tuning in to Spirit FM as you get ready for the day.
Dinnertime is always a privileged time as a family to reflect on the ways the Lord has been present throughout the day. Even if you have to grab something quick after sports practice, just simply asking your children, “How has Jesus been with you today?” could open up new avenues of grace within your family.
And finally, praying together as a family before bed is a great way to give thanks to God for all His gifts and to pray for those situations in life that may be out of our control. You might even consider praying the following prayer together: “Lord, thank You for being with us today. Help us always to be aware of Your presence, even when life seems difficult, so that we will place You first each and every day of our lives. Give us the strength to serve You tomorrow and bless all those who need our prayers.”
As you strive to Courageously Live the Gospel at the beginning of this new school year, be assured of my prayers for you and your families, that you will place God first and know His love for you each day. May God bless you and see you at Mass!
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes
Bishop of Saint Petersburg
For more information about Catholic Schools and Centers, please visit dosp.org/schools-office.
For a back to school prayer you can pray with your children, click here.
