WILKES-BARRE, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, three parishes in the Wilkes-Barre Deanery, All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge, PA, and St. Michael’s Church in Jermyn, PA, marked the beginning of the academic year with a special blessing in their respective churches.

Prayers were said for the students and teachers, and backpacks were blessed in light of the academic year.

"O Lord, our God and Creator, Thou hast honored us men with Thine own image, and didst teach Thy chosen disciples that the fear of Thee is the beginning of true wisdom; Thou hast revealed Thy wisdom to children and didst teach Thy law to Solomon and to all those who have sought Thee in purity of heart. Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these students, that they may perceive the power of Thy law, and successfully comprehend the useful things which will be taught them, so that they will understand Thy perfect will and contribute to the building up of Thy Holy Church. Deliver them from every snare of the enemy, preserve them in the true faith and in righteousness and purity all the days of their lives, that they may grow in wisdom and in the observance of Thy commandments, and may be revealed as worshipers of Thy Name and heirs of Thy Kingdom. Bless also their teachers, O Lord; grant that their words may be free from every worldly deceit and vanity, and may always clearly proclaim the word of Thy truth.

For Thou art God, the Author of truth and the Fountain of wisdom, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen."

May God Grant all students and teachers many years for the start of the new school year!

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office