Update: In case of rain, Blessing of the Students will still be held at Grand Rapids Christian High School, but inside the Quest Center gymnasium. This is a change from previous plans to have the rain location be Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church.
Our Catholic school families are invited to a community-wide event along with families from other area schools, lifting up students in prayer ahead of the 2019-20 academic year.
The annual Blessing of the Students will be held on August 18, at 6 p.m., at Grand Rapids Christian High School's Eagles Stadium, 2300 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506. It's for students from preschool through college age.
It's the 26th year for the event, which is being planned by several Grand Rapids-area churches, schools, and community groups. Prayer will be offered by area clergy members including Father Andrew Ayers, co-chaplain of West Catholic High School and associate pastor at Our Lady of Consolation parish in Rockford.
Along with students, prayers will be offered for everyone involved in education, including parents, families, teachers, para-professionals, administrators, service staff, bus drivers, community, law enforcement and city leaders. The program will also feature some inspiring remarks, music, and more. Our superintendent, Dave Faber, will be one of the speakers.
Attendees are encouraged to wear school colors and show some school spirit. Members of school teams are welcome to wear their uniforms and come as a group.
Gates open an hour before the event starts.
For more information, contact blessingofthestudents@gmail.com or call 616-419-8100. Additionally, you can learn more about the event on Twitter, @BlessingOfTheS1.
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,550 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential. Learn more.