Published: 8/21/2022 5:51:32 PM
GREENFIELD — The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew prayed for a safe and wholesome school year for students, staff and others associated with a school district during Sunday worship.
The church’s “Blessing of the Backpacks,” delivered shortly after 10:30 a.m. by the Rev. Heather Blais, extends from a broader annual tradition that began before Blais arrived at the Episcopal Church around a decade ago, the reverend said. Along with the recitation of a prayer during Sunday’s service, those with school district connections were invited to the front of the church to share their affiliations and receive blessings from other churchgoers.
“They need our prayers this year maybe more than ever,” Blais said at the beginning of the service.
Further into the morning’s sermon, Blais prompted those in attendance to consider the role of “sacred spaces” at a time where current events have people feeling “overwhelmed,” as well as “powerless and helpless.”
“This summer I have been preoccupied with one question: What does it mean to be the church today?” she said.
Blais’ answer to this question, she revealed, is that the church aids in “bringing hope to the hopeless.” Following the service, Blais referenced school-involved individuals as relevant parties to receive such care, acknowledging recent violence in American schools and the damaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I feel like what started out as a sweet tradition … has meant more and more with each passing year because I think we are more worried about the mental and physical health of our children and teachers and staff,” she said of the “Blessing of the Backpacks.”
Toward the end of her prayer, Blais wished for schools to “be lively centers of joy-filled discovery” during the 2022 to 2023 school year. Finally, large stickers bearing the message, “You got this!” were distributed to anybody who wanted one. The feel-good event as a whole, Blais said, is a small — yet major — way of uplifting the local community.
“I think doing lots of small things to help connect with the neighborhood is important,” Blais said.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.