The ministry of the Word is a fundamental element of evangelization through all its stages, because it involves the proclamation of Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God

"The word of God nourishes both evangelizers and those who are being evangelized so that each one may continue to grow in his or her Christian life" (National Directory for Catechesis [NDC] [Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005], no. 17).

Why do we celebrate Catechetical Sunday?

In 1935, the Vatican published On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education, a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. For the first few years after Catechetical Sunday was established, national catechetical congresses were held in conjunction with the celebration. Beginning in 1971, the USCCB’s Department of Education began producing materials to help parishes celebrate the event at the local level. When the Committee on Catechesis, now named the Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis, was named by the Conference as a standing Committee, it continued to publish Catechetical Sunday materials each year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday.

Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.

What Does the Word “Catechetical” Mean?

The word might be more familiar than you think. Many Catholics have used the word "catechism" for years, and they know it has something to do with the compendium of the Church's teachings. The root word, "catechesis," is from a Greek word meaning "to echo, or resound." Catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church's teachings to the world. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church.

Catechetical Sunday

Catechetical Sunday will be this coming Sunday at the 10:30 am Mass. At this Mass our teachers and the Religion teachers from the parish will be recognized for their ministry in Catholic religious formation and education. It would be nice to see as many families at this mass to support our teachers.

Sidewalk Update

We have had a whirlwind of weather in South San Francisco recently and thankfully with our new windows we were able to open all our windows. Unfortunately, the sidewalk is taking longer than we expected due to the city engineer’s department. It is hoped that movement on the completion will be very shortly.

New Window Blinds

We have started to install the new blinds in the classrooms, and I can say what a big difference it makes. We have installed electric blinds which make it easier to maintain and operate. At the end of the day, we have the blinds programed to close and in the morning to open. What great advancements in technology we are seeing these days.

Faith Formation

Last Friday, our staff joined other Archdiocesan staff for our Region Faith Day. The day was held at OLM. It was a very good Professional Development Day for all, it concluded with Mass.

School Dance

Last Saturday night our 7th and 8th graders ventured down south to St. Robert’s school for a dance. The first dance in over two years. From all the reports it sounds the students had a wonderful time. We will host the school dance in February for our local Catholic School students from 7th and 8th grades.

School Council

Our new student council is doing a wonderful job leading the community in prayer after recess each day and making general announcements, birthday announcements, SLE recognition, sports reports etc. It is great to see our young students take the lead.

Athletics

The sports program has begun and thanks to Mr. Matt Ayon, the athletic director for organizing the teams and coaches this year. We are still in need of helpers for the athletic board.

Parent Teacher Conference

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be occurring October 12th – 14th. The form in SchoolSpeak will become live on Wednesday, September 21st at 10am. Please sign up promptly.

STAR Testing

On Monday September 19th, our teachers will be reviewing the STAR test results and creating goals for our students. The STAR tests are diagnostic tests to assist teachers in their planning for optimal learning experiences. Parents will receive the STAR results for their child/children at the Parent/Teacher Conference. Therefore, that day is a minimum day with classes being dismissed at 12:20pm. If you need extended care for your child, they may go to extended care. Be sure to have them registered in the program.

Parish Festival Sign-Up

A reminder to sign up for the Parish festival which will be between Friday, October 7th thru to the 9th. You can purchase ride tickets now. We will send the flyer home with students tomorrow.

God Bless and Stay Safe,

Vincent Riener

Principal

Traditionally our students serve at Mass on Sundays and also during the week for special occasions and for our Friday Mass. At this time of year we invite students from Grade 3 upwards to join the Altar Servers group for the Parish. If your son/daughter wishes to be part of this ministry please complete the Intention form. Mrs. Navarro, an alum from the school will be in contact with you regarding Altar Server training and to add your child to the roster to serve on Sundays.

By being part of the altar serves, this fulfills the required confirmation hours when your child reaches 8th grade.

Click Here to complete the form.

19 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20 Dismissal

20 School Board Meeting - 6:30pm

2 School Family Mass - 10:30am

3 Early Dismissal - 2:30pm - Faculty Meeting

4 School Assembly - 2:30pm

7 Archdiocesan Educators Conference - Student Holiday

7-9 Parish Festival

10 Indigenous People's Day - Holiday

12 School Picture Retakes (Full School Uniform)

12-14 Parent-Teacher Conferences - 12:20pm Dismissal

17 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20 Dismissal

18 School Board Meeting - 6:30pm

20 First Communion Parent Meeting - 7pm

22 Confirmation - 11:00am

24 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20 Dismissal

25 School Assembly - 2:30pm

31 Halloween Parade & Classroom Parties

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