by Jeff Clark, Staff Writer

LONG BEACH (GG) — Starting a new school year can be stressful for students. But St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach wants to help ensure that school starts on a righteous note.

On Sunday, August 10, the parish will host a special Back-to-School Mass at 9 a.m. Local students are encouraged to bring their school backpacks and wear their school uniforms or colors to the service. A special prayer and blessing will be given for the backpacks.

“The annual Back-to-School Mass and Blessing of the Backpacks is a beloved tradition that helps students begin the new school year with faith, hope, and community support,” said Back-to-School Committee member Christy Elias. “The purpose of this special Mass is to celebrate the gift of education and to seek God’s blessings for students, teachers, and school staff from our local community. It serves as a meaningful reminder that learning is not only an intellectual pursuit but also a spiritual journey, guided by faith and values.”

Elias said the blessing of the backpacks takes place at the end of the Mass.

“As students bring forward their backpacks, symbolizing their tools for learning, priest and parish leaders offer prayers for wisdom, patience, and perseverance,” she said. “The blessing also includes prayers for educators and school administrators, recognizing their essential role in shaping young minds and hearts.”

Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas Father Braxton Necaise said the special Mass is a reminder of the gifts we have to offer.

“As our students, faculty, and staff return to a new year of school,” he said. “It’s important to remember that God has given every one of us certain gifts to use. As we learn more about ourselves, we learn how to use those gifts that God has entrusted to us and how to share them with others. We ask God’s blessing and protection upon each of our students, faculty members, and staff.”
Students attending the Mass will also receive a special treat.
“Each child will receive a special pencil prayer to inspire them throughout the year,” said Back-to-School Committee member Maggie Gaddy. “We will also have free donuts after Mass, generously provided by the Donut Moms of St. Thomas. Let’s kick off the school year with faith, fun and fellowship.”
(Front Photo:  St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette.  Inside Photo:  St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School students Solomon Molsbee and Charlie Clark participate in the recent tTeachers Mass held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church submitted by Christy Elias.