St. Benilde School students learn that blessings are part of daily life

by Kim Roberts

By Kim Roberts
Clarion Herald, Kid's Clarion

Nothing helps steady back-to-school jitters more than a blessing from a parish priest or deacon during the first week of classes.

For the past several years, students, teachers and faculty at St. Benilde School in Metairie have received a blessing from either Father Matthew Johnston, pastor, or Deacon Stephen Gordon to help prepare them for the year ahead.

“A classroom blessing is a prayer that asks God to be present and protective of their classroom,” Father Johnston said. “It helps us to acknowledge him in all aspects of our lives, even in our learning environments. Blessings can also be used to create a culture of blessing in the classroom, where children learn that blessings are part of everyday life. Hopefully, as a result of this, our young men and women receive the grace of these blessings and then offer it to those around them.”

The tradition started after the pandemic in 2020. This year, Deacon Gordon blessed every classroom and teacher, in addition to more than 20 offices and all faculty and administrators and nearly 300 students. The blessing ritual took a little more than an hour to complete.

“The annual blessing of our classrooms the first week of the school year is important to me because I want our students to know that we are placing God first by asking for his guidance and protection over us,” said St. Benilde principal Thomas Huck. “It is essential that we call upon our heavenly Father to bless our school year so that each student knows that they are loved and safe.”