As children prepare to leave for classes in the morning for this new school year, have them gather with their backpack and other school supplies.

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Invite a child to read the following verses from Psalm 25:

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Show me the right path, O Lord; 

   point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

   for you are the God who saves me.

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A parent (or parents) then says the following blessing:

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God our teacher, I [we] thank you for the gift of [this child, these children] that you have entrusted to me [us].

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Bless [add name or names] as [he, she, they] leave[s] for school and begin[s] a new year of learning and study.

 

Help [him, her, them] to be good listeners, to show respect to their teachers, staff, and classmates.

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Protect [him, her, them] throughout the day during times of learning, study and play. 

May [he, she, they] always know that they are loved and valued by [me, us] and by you, God, as well.  Amen.

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Then, make the sign of the cross on each child’s forehead and say:

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[I, we] bless you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Go now in peace, my child[ren].