On Sunday we continue to read from the Gospel of Mark. Recall that last week we heard Jesus chastise his disciples for their argument about who among them was the greatest. Jesus taught them that the greatest among them will be those who serve the least ones. In Sunday’s Gospel, the disciple John questions Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. Previously in Mark's Gospel, Jesus healed a boy whom the disciples had been unable to heal. John’s question is further evidence that the disciples have not yet grasped Jesus’ words to them. They continue to compare themselves to others who seem to have greater healing powers, and they do not want to share the power of Jesus’ name with others.

Today, the demon possession described in the Gospels might be seen as a form of mental illness, but the need for healing these syndromes was as real then as it is now. Exorcism was a common practice in first-century Palestine. Some people had the power to heal the symptoms of possession. One of the strategies used was to invoke the name of a person or figure who was believed to have the power to heal.

The disciples observed that the unknown exorcist invoked Jesus’ name and was successful in his healing efforts. This unknown healer recognized the power of Jesus’ name, yet he was not a follower of Jesus. In his reply to his disciples, Jesus acknowledges that deeds of faith can precede the words of faith. He also teaches that the disciples should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others.

Later in this Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to create obstacles for those who are just beginning to have faith but to encourage even the smallest signs of faith. The Greek word used here for sin also connotes “stumbling” or “causing scandal.” In vivid terms, Jesus teaches his disciples the consequences to those who would put obstacles before people who are on the road to faith.

As we are all settled back into school, we are seeing great things from our students once again. I wish to recognize our new Student Council team who have been running our daily assemblies and leading the biweekly school assembly. I have been impressed with the initiative that these students bring to our school community.

COVID Testing Program

As you are aware, we have been conducting student and family COVID testing at school every second Tuesday. While this is a good service to offer, we have run into some obstacles with the testing provider. The next testing date is Tuesday, October 5th, and we will be using a new company called “Virus Geeks." You will only have to register with them once and when there is testing your child just turns up for the test. You do not have to book an appointment each second Tuesday. This format will be easier for everyone. Once I receive the link for you to sign up I will pass it to everyone.

Guatemala Appeal

I wish to thank everyone for your donations to the Guatemala Appeal. The appeal will finish on Monday, October 4th. Please continue to bring supplies to your child’s class. If you would like to contribute to the shipping fees, please click the link here.

After School Activities

I am pleased to announce that we will be going ahead with the afterschool activities that families signed up for. You will receive an email today with registration information from the company, KidstoProz. You will register and pay them directly. The first classes are scheduled for October 5th.

Parish Festival

On October 8th, 9th, and 10th we will be hosting the Parish Festival. It will be a great time for our families, especially the children to have the opportunity to have fun on the rides. The festival will be different this year due to COVID. We will be following the San Mateo County Guidelines related to outdoor activities. Everyone on campus will be required to wear a mask. Traditionally, the hall is set up with games, but this year that will not be happening. The rides will be arriving on campus on Wednesday, October 6th, after school dismissal.

Please complete the sign-up for your commitment to working the festival. A separate email was sent to all families this week. Pre-sale tickets for the rides are available and it is to your advantage to purchase the pre-sale tickets prior to the festival.

There will be a separate email with instructions about drop-off and a staggered pick-up that will take place on Thursday, October 7th, and Friday, October 8th.

Halloween

We will be having a modified Halloween this year. It will take place on Friday, October 29th. Students are allowed to come to school dressed in their Halloween costumes. We will have a parade at 2:15pm starting in the upper yard and students will walk in their class groups as we have done in the past along the streets of Spruce, Miller, Maple, and Grand Ave. Students will then go back to their classes for dismissal. Room parents will be able to make goodie bags with pre-packaged items - nothing homemade and no nuts. The goodie bags must be dropped off by 1:00pm to the School Office. Students will be dismissed at 3pm.

Archdiocese Staff Development Day

On Friday, October 1st, there is no school for K-8 students as the teachers will be attending a whole Archdiocese curriculum day with other teachers from within the Archdiocese.

Tardiness In The Morning

Of late, we have noticed that a few students have been arriving to school after 8am. I wish to remind all parents that the school program is from 8am to 3pm. It becomes difficult for teachers to be interrupted by students coming late into their classrooms.

School Lunch Orders

Be clear with your student if they will be needing a prepared hot lunch for the day. If your student notifies their teacher in the morning he or she will need a hot lunch, their account will be charged whether or not the lunch is picked up.

Catechetical Sunday Mass

The Catechetical Sunday Mass will be celebrated this coming Sunday at 10:30am. At this Mass, our teachers will be recognized for their ministry in Catholic Education as catechists. I would encourage you to attend this Mass with your families.

School Sunday Mass

On Sunday, October 3rd will be our first school Mass prepared by the Grade 6 students. I encourage everyone this year to join the school community at the 10:30am Mass.

Thank you

We recognize the generosity of a school parent who donated to the cake pop fundraiser last week to ensure that our entire school staff enjoyed the cake pops. Thank you.

Photo Retakes

Photo retakes will occur on Wednesday, October 6th. Please let your student and their teacher know if they will be taking retakes on this day.

God Bless,

Vincent Riener

Principal

Dear All Souls Families,

You can now pay and add credit to your child/children's cafeteria account through SchoolSpeak. Your payment will be processed through PayPal with a 3% convenience fee for all transactions.

Sign-in to your SchoolSpeak account and select "Lunch Order" in the quick links menu on the left. The "Pay" tab will direct you to your payment options. You may pay the cafeteria balance through your existing PayPal account or as a guest using your credit or debit card. You may also add credit to your child/children's cafeteria account. If you wish, you may still make cash or check payments to the school office.

Please note, for the families that have a credit card on file I will no longer be charging your credit card for lunch payments. You are responsible for paying and adding credit to your cafeteria account.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Regards,

Ms. Escobar

1 Archdiocesan Staff Development Day - Student Holiday

3 School Family Mass - 10:30am

4 Early Dismissal - 2:30pm - Faculty Meeting

6 School Retakes (Full School Uniform)

8 12:20 Dismissal - Minimum Day

8-10 Parish Festival

11 Columbus Day - Holiday

12 School Assembly - 2:30pm

13-15 Via Zoom Parent-Teacher Conferences - 12:20pm Dismissal

18 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20pm Dismissal

19 School Board Meeting - 6:30pm - Annex Meeting Room

21 First Communion Parent Meeting - 7pm

25 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20pm Dismissal

29 Halloween Parade

30 Confirmation - 10:30am