Let the School Bells Ring Again

Dave and Mercedes Rizzo reflect on the new school year and offer prayers for students, teachers, and parents. 

As the end of summer rolls around, school buses and children with new clothes and even school uniforms come out into the neighborhood once again. Returning to school for some students, teachers and parents can be met with much anticipation and excitement. Some others may be feeling a little unhappiness and perhaps dread. For years we experienced all these emotions with our own kids. As each child grew older, educational and social milestones came and went along with all imaginable emotions. We as parents tried to help them through it, and in many cases succeeded. Prayers, with and without their knowledge, always helped.

And now our kids are grown adults. We get to relive the joy and first-day jitters in the next generation. This year we have seen photos of our great-nieces and nephews holding signs saying, “Today is my first day of kindergarten.” We have one great-nephew, who has already arrived on his college campus to begin his freshmen year.   

Our daughter Shannon is a middle-school teacher. She is eagerly anticipating the school year at a brand-new school, teaching a subject she loves: French. She has been very busy preparing her lessons for weeks now. She came along with us on a trip recently to the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the patron saint of schoolteachers. She started the first free Catholic schools in the United States. Our Shannon picked up a few tokens in the gift shop for times when she needs powerful graces to deal with middle-schoolers.  

When Your Child Has Special Needs 

Things can get a little trickier, though, when your child has special needs. Our older daughter, Danielle, is non-verbal with autism. Education plays an important role in the lives of all children, especially those with special needs. Our daughter Danielle received special education services. If your child receives these services, they will most likely have a document called an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP sets forth the services the school district must provide to support the education of children who meet special education eligibility services. Since this is such an important document in the education of your special needs child, developing it can create a lot of anxiety and need for prayer. 

We found ourselves turning to prayer — not only to help Danielle overcome the educational challenges she faced but also to help us deal with what we were feeling: the sadness, the anger, the helplessness, and the isolation. We also prayed for the wisdom to make smart choices on our daughter’s behalf. 

Pray With Us as School Begins 

So, this year as the new school year begins, we are praying for all students, their parents, and those who teach them. We are especially lifting up our prayers for educators who are stepping into the classroom for the first time, to reduce any anxiety they may feel and promote successful learning in their classrooms.

For the parent whose child is experiencing a milestone such as going off to kindergarten, or high school, or college for the first time, please remember that God is with your child helping them to make the most of the school experience. For the parents of children with special needs, ask God for the staff to be trained and sensitive to your child’s unique needs and are kind and understanding and who know how to deal with your child cognitive, physical and behavioral needs.

In closing, we pray that all students learn and grow into the persons that they are meant to become. May they attain their highest potential. May we all grow and develop together as we draw near to you. We invoke the intercession of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose birthday is August 28, for a successful school year. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo
Images: copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo, all rights reserved.