The Patron of Coffee and Other Back-to-School Saints

Photo by JasonGillman (2015) via Morguefile

Back-to-school time is just around the corner and despite your feelings about it (euphoria or dread), you’d better be ready! Below are a few heavenly friends to turn to as you prepare your family for the start of the school year.

First, and arguably most important: St. Drogo, patron of coffee and sure intercessor for your energy levels

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: patroness of Catholic schools

St. Thomas Aquinas: patron of students and schools

St. Florian: patron of firefighters and go-to man for prayers that your crew gets dressed and out the door on time

St. Anthony: patron of lost things. He’ll surely show you where your second-grader’s lunch box is hiding.

St. Christopher: patron of travelers and those fearful of the school bus

St. Martha: patroness of cooks and school-lunch assemblers. If you are feeling really inspired, try packing a scripture memory card from Catholic Icing in your child’s lunch.

St. Medard: patron of bad storms. When the hurricanes of the before-school scramble or the after-school return home hit, a prayer to St. Medard can help us remain calm and remember that Jesus is always in our boat!

St. Zita: patroness of housekeepers and friend of those who want to organize a household that gives glory to God. St. Zita is a great friend to call on when balancing school, sports, work, and extracurricular activities. Send up a prayer to her to help keep your and your family’s eyes on our ultimate goal despite busy fall schedules.

God's given us an abundance of sources of prayer in our saintly friends. Let's call on them to help us get back into the school year rhythm.