Episcopal churches celebrate new school year with backpack and other blessings
Blessing of the Backpacks at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie, Pennsylvania. Photo: The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul
[Episcopal News Service] As schools nationwide commence for the 2024-2025 academic year, many Episcopal congregations are celebrating with special backpack blessing events for students.
The following is a list of some parishes hosting backpack blessing events in September. Check online for additional events in your area. All events listed are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified. All times are local.
Jackson, Wyoming – St. John’s Episcopal Church invites all children and youth to participate in the Blessing of the Backpacks during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sept. 1.
North East, Maryland – On Sept. 1, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, will host its annual Blessing of the Backpacks ceremony during the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services. Participants may stay for ice cream sundaes after the morning services.
Erie, Pennsylvania – The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, the seat of the Erie-based Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, will ring in the new school year during its 10 a.m. worship service on Sept. 8 with a backpack blessing ceremony. Children will receive special gifts and treats will be offered for the entire congregation.
East Haddam, Connecticut – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will dedicate its 10 a.m. worship service on Sept. 8 with to children and teachers. The service will include a backpack blessing and a story sermon, followed by a special post-worship activity.
Farmington Hills, Michigan – Everyone at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sept. 8 at Trinity in the Woods Episcopal Church is welcome to bring in their backpacks, briefcases, portfolios “or whatever you use to carry all and sundry to school or work” for a blessing.
Mt. Kisco, New York – St. Mark’s Episcopal Church invites students of all ages to bring in their backpacks, briefcases, satchels or work bags for a Blessing of the Backpacks ceremony during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. “Join us to celebrate the start of the fall season and a new school year! All are welcome!”
Newark, Delaware – Students, teachers and education professors are invited to bring their backpacks, work bags and laptops to St. Thomas’s Episcopal Parish on Sept. 8 during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, for a special back-to-school blessing.
Freehold, New Jersey – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will kick off the new school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks ceremony during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sept. 8. Anyone who brings in their backpacks, briefcases, laptops “or whatever the tools of your trade” will receive a special backpack tag. The service also marks the new “program year” at St. Peter’s with music and formation ministries resuming.
Jamestown, New York – Sept. 8 is Welcome Back Sunday at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. After the 9 a.m. Sunday school assembly, children and families are invited to the 10 a.m. worship service for the annual back-to-school backpack blessing.
Dunn Loring, Virginia – Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross will host its annual Holy Cross Day homecoming picnic on Sept. 15. Backpacks will be blessed during the 10 a.m. worship service. A celebratory picnic on the church’s lawn will take place following the service.
Manheim, Pennsylvania – On Sept. 15, Hope Episcopal Church will ring in the new academic year with a backpack blessing ceremony during the 10 a.m. worship service.
-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service based in northern Indiana. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.
