In Sunday’s readings we continue to read from Mark’s Gospel. In this Gospel, we find evidence of Jesus’ fame in the sizable crowd that accompanies him as he journeys to Jerusalem. Jesus’ reputation as a healer has preceded him. When the blind man, Bartimaeus, hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, he calls out to him, asking for his pity.

When Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, the crowd around him tries to silence him. Yet Bartimaeus persists, calling out more loudly and with greater urgency. He will not be silenced or deterred from getting Jesus’ attention. We notice how quickly the crowd’s reaction changes when Jesus calls for Bartimaeus. Those who sought to quiet him now encourage him.

When Jesus restores Bartimaeus’s sight, no elaborate action is required. (In other healing stories in Mark’s Gospel, actions accompany Jesus’ words). In this instance, Jesus simply says that Bartimaeus’s faith has saved him. Throughout Mark’s Gospel, the success of Jesus’ healing power has often been correlated with the faith of the person requesting Jesus’ help. For example, it is because of her faith that the woman with the hemorrhage is healed. When faith is absent, Jesus is unable to heal; we see this after his rejection in Nazareth.

Once his sight has been restored, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. In Mark’s Gospel, Bartimaeus is the last disciple called by Jesus before he enters Jerusalem. Bartimaeus hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, but he calls out to Jesus using words of faith—“Son of David.” Many in Jesus’ time believed that the anticipated Jewish Messiah would be a descendent of King David. Bartimaeus’s words prepare us for the final episodes of Mark’s Gospel, which begin with Jesus’ preparation for the Passover and his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As Mark has shown us in our readings over the past few Sundays, however, Jesus will be the Messiah in a way that will be difficult for many to accept. Jesus will show himself to be the Messiah through his suffering and death.

It was great to see so many families, students, and alums at the recent parish festival. Thanks to all parents who participated in the set-up, breakdown, and attending the stalls over the weekend. Your assistance was appreciated very much.

SSF Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners

Congratulations to Alexandra Gutierrez (Grade 2) and to Derly Condor (Grade 1) for taking first place in the South San Francisco Fire Prevention Poster completion this year. Thanks to all students who participated this year. Please see picture attached below.

Confirmation

On Saturday, October 30th, our 8th graders will be confirmed with the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thank you to Mr. Ceja for preparing the students for the reception of the sacrament.

Sunday School Family Mass

Our next Sunday Family Mass will be on Sunday November 7th at 10:30am. Our third graders will be preparing the readings for this Mass. We look forward to seeing as many of our families at the Mass. Thanks to our sixth graders who prepared the October Mass. They performed wonderfully with the readings and the collection of the offerings.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Thanks to everyone for attending the recent Parent/Teacher conferences and especially to the teachers for their preparation for the meetings. It is important that there is open communication between teachers and parents about the education of the children.

Mass Change - Next Week Only

Please note that students will be attending the 8am Mass on Thursday, October 28th. Students will need to be dropped off at the church between 7:45am-8:00am on this day. On Friday, October 29th, students will be dropped off at the school building.

God Bless,

Vincent Riener

Principal

This year See's Candies Fundraiser will be ONLINE ONLY. No monies will need to be sent to school.

All funds of this event will be allocated to the automatic new blinds for our classrooms. All orders may be placed online through the link below, starting today!!

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/allscs_all_souls_catholic_school69/candy?h=ClaEsc5440

Orders must be submitted no later than November, 30 2021 and will be delivered directly to your address of choice.

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

21 First Communion Parent Meeting - 7pm

25 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20pm Dismissal

29 Halloween Parade

30 Confirmation - 10:30am

1 All Saints Day - 8am Mass
1 Early Dismissal - 2:30pm - Faculty Meeting

1-12 Star Testing
2 All Souls Day - 8am Mass
7 School Family Mass - 10:30am
10 School Assembly - 2:30 (UPDATED)
11 Veterans Day

15 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20pm Dismissal

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

22-26 Thanksgiving Holiday - Thanksgiving Day 11/25

30 School Assembly - 2:30