Number 9

This Sunday we read the story of the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus. This story is found only in Luke's Gospel. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the liturgy shifts our attention from John the Baptist to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both John and Mary serve as important figures for our reflection during the season of Advent; they both played instrumental roles in preparing the way for Jesus. Last week we reflected on John the Baptist's announcement that the Savior was among us, although not yet recognized. This week we reflect upon Mary's example of faith and obedience to God, traits which permitted her to receive the angel's message that God's Son would be born as a human person, as one of us.

We are familiar with the story of the Annunciation, and it is fitting that we recall how God announced the birth of Jesus as we make our final preparations for our celebration of the Incarnation. The angel Gabriel visited Mary, a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph. Mary greeted the angel's news with awe and wonder and asked how it could be possible that she could give birth to a child. In his reply, the angel Gabriel announced the seemingly impossible reality: the child to be born would be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and would be God's own Son. The angel reported to Mary another miracle; her relative Elizabeth was also pregnant despite having been thought to be unable to have a child. Mary's response to the angel, which is called her fiat, is an example of complete faith and obedience to God.

The story of the Annunciation calls to our attention God's wondrous action in human history. God chose a human person to give birth to his Son so that all humanity would know God's salvation. Mary, already full of God's grace, was able to cooperate in this great plan for our salvation. Thus Jesus was born as one of us, fully human and also fully divine. This is the mystery we prepare to celebrate at Christmas, the mystery of the Incarnation. In the model of Mary, we pray that we will be people of faith who recognize God's saving plan for us and are able respond with obedience.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Tonight we celebrate our Christmas Program at 7.30pm in the Church. We ask that the children are at the Church by 7.15pm so that we can begin on time. Students have assigned seating and parents may sit behind their classes. I need to remind everyone about appropriate behavior in the Church. There is never any hooting or hollowing in the Church. This type of behavior is very disrespectful. There are no balloons of any sort permitted in the Church. We look forward to a wonderful celebration of Christmas cheer.

School Bingo Status:

At the School Board meeting On Tuesday Night we were informed that the attendance of Bingo has slightly risen, but not to the state where profits are being made for the school. We need all support from families to encourage family and friends to attend Bingo when they can. It is important that all assigned parents for Bingo turn up for their scheduled nights of work and stay for the whole time. Bingo Team leaders need to supervise the workers and to stay from the beginning of Bingo till the end of Bingo.

We had our first class Bingo night last Friday and a couple of parents attended along with the two teachers. I thank those people who made the effort in attending and spreading the word.

MakersSpace Room:

An email was sent out during the week regarding the MakersSpace project for the children. For this project to be successful we do need substantial funds to purchase Lego equipment, 3 D printers and robotic equipment and CAD computer software and some upgraded computers. Therefore we have established a Go Fund Me page for you to spread the word to family and friends to support this project. You can go to the following link to complete your donation. . Please click HERE to show your support!

Happy Christmas

On behalf of the school administration, teachers and staff I wish each and everyone a Holy and Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

God Bless,

Vincent Riener

Principal

"The best of all the gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hills
As we complete our last minute preparations for the holiday, let us remember that we are celebrating the birth of jesus and the love He brought to the world. I wish you all the most blessed and loving of holidays as you celebrate with family and friends. Merry Christmas!
All the best,
Miss J

Due to a lack of response the 2017 Talent Show has been cancelled. We will try again in 2018.

Thank you.

If you have not turned in your monies, please do so at this time. Please remember we can not award any prizes until all money is turned in!!

Thank you!!

Mrs. Reidy

15- Christmas Program - 7pm - (Full School Uniform)

16 - Christmas Celebrations - Minimum Day - 12:20pm Dismissal

- NO EXTENDED CARE AFTER SCHOOL

21 - Jan. 2 - Christmas Vacation

25 - Christmas Day

1 - New Year's Day 2016

2 - New Year's Holiday

3 - Classes Resume

9 - Confirmation Sponsor Meeting - 7pm

11 - Athletic Board Meeting - 6:30pm

16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Holiday

17 - School Board Mtg. - 6:30pm - Annex Meeting Room

19 - First Communion Parent Meeting - 7pm

20 - 8th Grade Graduation Photos

27 - Staff Development Mtg. - 12:20pm Dismissal

27 - School Board Raffle ends

29 - Feb. 4- Catholic Schools Week

29 - Catholic School Celebration - 9am Mass & Open House/Science Fair

30 - Faculty Meeting - 12:20 Dismissal - Athl. Board Hot Dog Sale

The school calendar has been updated to reflect changes in January through June 2017. Please replace old copies you may have.

PRINTABLE ATTACHMENT

As you are looking for a perfect birthday or special occasion gift, don't forget your shopping options that will benefit All Souls Catholic School!

Our in-house Scrip program is back in business after the summer break, and you can always shop online at the eScrip Online Mall, which has many of your favorite online shopping sites.

Amazon shoppers please remember to use the handy Amazon link at the bottom of our web page. This link will take you directly to your personal Amazon page, shop as you normally would, and the school will earn a percentage of your purchase. There is no cost to you!

Email: info@ssfallsoulsschool.org
Website: www.ssfallsoulsschool.org
Location: 479 Miller Ave, South San Francisco, CA, United States
Phone: (650) 583 3562