Somehow, summer went from “We have all the time in the world!” to “Wait… school starts when?!” Now it’s time to convince everyone that bedtime is actually before midnight, discover that approximately 84% of last year’s clothes no longer fit, and hunt down the school-supply list that was emailed at some point in the last month. Add lunches, backpacks, carpool schedules, sports, homework, and the inevitable “I’m not ready for school!” and it’s enough to make you feel like you’re playing catch-up before you’ve even begun. Before the school year kicks off, pause for something more important than logistics: refocus on Jesus!

Five Ways to Spiritually Prepare for the School Year

1. Get back to a Sunday routine.

Make Sunday Mass the anchor of your family’s week. As schedules get busier, it’s easy for Mass to become one more thing to squeeze in. Instead, let it be the one thing around which everything else is organized. Here’s a great resource from the Archdiocese to reclaim Sundays as a day for the Lord and Family.

2. Reestablish a family prayer time.

It doesn’t have to be long. Five or ten minutes together in the morning, at dinner, or before bed can make a tremendous difference. Start small and make it consistent.

3. Remember that your home is the first classroom of faith.

Your children will learn about God not only from what you teach them, but from what they see you do. Let them see you pray, forgive, serve, go to Mass, read your Bible, and turn to God when life is difficult. The most important lesson of the school year may be the one they learn simply by watching you live your faith.

4. Go to Confession as a family before school starts (and then make it a tradition to go once a month).

Here are handy Confession guides for Catholics of all ages.

5. Bless your children every morning before they leave for school.

Make the Sign of the Cross on their forehead and say a simple prayer such as, “May God bless you today and help you to know and love Him.”