Daily Star photo/KATIE ROHMAN St. Mary's School first-graders, from left, Gwen Humphreys, Abby Snyder and David Ehlert enjoy the community garden at the Niles Community Schools Administration Buildling. They participated in a blessing of the garden Friday.

Students at St. Mary’s School in Niles blessed the community garden at Niles Community Schools Administration Building Friday.
Principal Sharon Gregorski presided over the ceremony, which included the Lord’s Prayer. Niles Supt. Richard Weigel also participated in the blessing.
Gregorski explained that the blessing is part of the Catholic elementary school’s recognition of Rogation days.
“They do this all the time in farm communities,” she said. “It’s just saying thank you for the blessings.
“I think the world is hungry for getting back to some normalcy,” Gregorski said.
During Rogation days in the spring, students will sprinkle holy water on the garden.
The garden organizers also donated a bouquet of zinnias to be displayed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.