Backpack Blessing

St. John the Evangelist in Edmonton was one of several parishes that held "Backpack Blessings" in the week before students went back to school. Families who haven't been able to visit with one another during the pandemic enjoyed an afternoon in the sun on St. John's patio doing crafts (each family had their own table to work at), hearing a short reflection on the parable of the farmer who planted a mustard seed in a field (Matthew 13:31, 32), receiving the blessing of the backpacks, and munching tasty, homemade, individually wrapped cookies.

St. John's rector, the Ven. Richard King says it was a great afternoon. "We wanted to bless the families and the children as they return to school amidst stressful circumstances. It was good to be able to use our patio in a way that allowed everyone to gather safely. And the cookies were fantastic!"

The event was so popular, St. John's plans to make it a regular occurrence.

Photos by Evelyn Just