A blessed back to school

Back to school isn’t just a phrase; it’s a season of life.

The image of children boarding bright yellow busses on a cool fall morning, an apple in hand is iconic. For many families, the first day of school is the beginning of a new year, a renewal and a ritual.

To celebrate this time honored tradition of heading back into the classroom, the Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie of St Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Navarre offered a Blessing of the Backpacks for children young and old who are headed back to school.

The ceremonial blessing took place during Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 21, the day before school began in Santa Rosa County.

“It’s something I picked up from some of my colleagues,” said MacWhinnie, “It’s a neat idea to do for back to school, especially to get the little kids into the swing of things.”

For more on this story, see the August 25 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.