Saint Sebastian Middle School - Mr. Ellestad

A Prayer for a Restful, Restorative, Healthy Summer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this summer season. I ask that You quiet my mind and release me from the weight of weariness. Grant me Your peace, so I may truly rest, recharge, and find joy in the stillness. [1]

Please breathe vibrant health into my body, mind, and spirit. Protect my energy, guide my days, and grant me the grace to care for myself well. Let this season be a time of deep, restorative renewal, rooted in Your love. In Your name, Amen.

Commas Can Be Pretty Important!

Check out these comma catastrophes-

The Cannibal Grandma: The placement of a comma makes a big difference between inviting Grandma to a meal and considering her the meal: "Let's eat, Grandma!" vs. "Let's eat Grandma!".
The Oxford Comma Debate: A dedication stating, "I dedicate this book to my parents, Mark Twain and God," without an Oxford comma, humorously implies the author's parents are Mark Twain and God.
The Misplaced List: A simple comma changes the meaning between liking cooking and family and pets, versus liking to cook family and pets: "I like cooking, my family, and my pets," versus "I like cooking my family and my pets".

A Prayer for the Beginning of the School Year

Blessed are you, Lord God,

Creator of body and mind and heart;

you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge

to guide your people in all their ways.

At the beginning of this new school year

we implore your mercy:

bless the students, teachers, and staff of Saint Sebastian School,

that together we may grow in faith, hope, and love

as we learn from you and each other

how to follow your Son Jesus.

Expand the horizons of our minds,

that we may grow in wisdom,

understanding, and knowledge;

deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways;

and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need.

Glory and praise to you, Lord God,

in the Church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever.

Amen!

Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition