Number 11

The Scribes and Pharisees never missed an opportunity to attack and criticize Jesus. They just didn’t like the people with whom he ate, drank, and befriended; the poor, the sick, the outcast, those they considered to be sinners. But Jesus in return was never shy in challenging them for their behavior.

In Sunday’s gospel, he directly condemns them for their strict observance of the law while ignoring the heart of the Law; love, mercy and compassion. For them virtue and daily living was largely measured by what others saw them do and heard them say. They liked to show off and win the approval of others on whom they looked down self-righteously. Jesus directly said to the people; if your virtue goes no further than that of the scribes and pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ Strong and challenging words indeed!

Then Jesus explains the real heart, demands and challenges of the Law; it’s not about keeping up appearances; it’s not a matter of the head, it’s all about the heart. Following the Law then and following Jesus now are about how we treat others. Jesus says that if we are about to pray and then realize and remember that we are not peace with someone, we are to stop praying, be reconciled with them and then return to pray! He says that while the law says that adultery is wrong, Jesus goes further. He says that just looking at someone inappropriately is wrong! So Jesus has not come to do away with the law, but the every opposite; he going to take it as far it can go! He is going to put heart and soul back into the Law. For the Pharisees and the Scribes, being faithful to God was about what they could do and not to do, what they could get away with and not get away with! It was very minimalist. They kept (or broke) the Law on their own terms as long as it suited them. Jesus often called them ‘hypocrites’. This word comes from the ancient world of acting. The actor wore a mask which let them do and say things for which they were not responsible.

The danger is that we think that what Jesus is saying in the gospel does not apply to us today. As Christians and Catholics we have the ten commandments, the scripture and the teachings of the Church. We are called to live by these teachings in our daily lives. But, we also need to be aware that it isn’t just matter of ‘do’s and don’ts.’ We have to be careful that we don’t lose the heart of what we are called to believe and live by. Like the Pharisees we are not to reduce the teachings of our faith or belief to the bare minimum or just the basics.

For Jesus, genuine virtue and discipleship is a matter of the heart, not just the or even the head. Jesus calls us to have a decent, honest and authentic relationship with him and with each other. I am not to say I believe one thing and then do the very opposite; I am not be a hypocrite.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Kindergarten and Re-Enrollment

I am pleased to say that we have completed Kindergarten admissions, and we have a full class of students for the 2020 – 2021 school year. Thanks to our Admissions Coordinator, Mrs. Cierra, for working diligently in acquiring students for our Kindergarten class. The next step for the 2020 – 2021 school year will be the re-enrollment process for all other classes. This will begin on Monday, March 2nd at 10 am through March 16th. You will need to go to SchoolSpeak and complete the re-enrollment process. At this time, you will be required to submit the re-enrollment fee of $325. After March 16th the enrollment fee will be $375. If there are any concerns please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Cierra via email at info@ssfallsoulsschool.org.

Window Update

We have secured funding for the window replacement project on Miller Ave. We are currently seeking estimates from various companies for this big job. As part of the job, we will need to replace the blinds and we are seeking quotes for a new blind system. We will be seeking funding for this part of the project.

Fun Run

The Second Annual Fun Run will be held on March 27th. You will be receiving information via email about the Fun Run from the company organizing the event. Please get as many sponsors from family friends and relatives as possible so that we can raise a lot of money to support the programs for the school. Our main focus will be on the replacement of the blinds for the classrooms. Thanks in advancef or your support.

Phones

Recently some of our students have been disregarding our phone policy at school. I wish to remind everyone that phones are permitted at school but they need to remain off during school hours. Once a student enters the gates the phone is to be turned off and remain in their bag or locker. The phone may be turned back on once the student leaves the school property through the gates. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

The amended policy now reads: "If a student must bring a cell phone to school, the cell phone must be kept in his/her backpack or locker and remain off while on school grounds and in the buildings." This amendment will be published in the 2020-2021 handbook but is in effect now.

President's Weekend Holiday

This Friday and Monday there will be no school. Enjoy the holiday!

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 26th is Ash Wednesday. We will be attending Mass at 8.00am. Students will need to be in full school uniform for Ash Wednesday.

2020 – 2021 School Calendar

We have a draft school calendar for the next school year. Here are some important dates for families:

Start of School: Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Thanksgiving Week Holiday: Monday, November 23-Friday, November 27, 2020

Christmas Vacation: Monday, December 21, 2020-Friday, January 1, 2021

Easter Vacation: Friday, April 3-Friday, April 9, 2021

Last Day of School: Friday, June 11, 2021

If there are any amendments we will notify you, but at this stage I do not foresee any changes.

God Bless

Vincent Riener

Principal

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

On St. Valentine’s Day I always think of family first, not about flowers or candy or silly little cards. St. Valentine’s Day was my mother’s birthday and the following day, February 15th, was my grandmother’s birthday. So the day was always one of family celebration. I will definitely think of them both with love this weekend, as I do everyday anyway, as they celebrate their heavenly birthdays.

You may not be aware that All Souls Catholic School is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year year. During those years there have been many changes – in staff, in student demographics, in curriculum and teaching trends to name a few – but one constant has remained. The feeling of family and community here at All Souls has always been strong.

For me, that feeling makes All Souls a home away from home and my second family. It is truly a beautiful feeling that touches my heart. So I wish you too, my All Souls family, a wonderful St. Valentine’s Day and long holiday weekend to enjoy with your loved ones. May we cherish our families and appreciate them as the valuable gifts from God that they are.

All the best,

Miss J

Dear All Souls Families,

As of Wednesday, November 6 you can 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.

Please sign into 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 into 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 will be charging your credit card for lunch payments. You are now responsible for paying and adding credit to your cafeteria account.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Regards,

Ms. Escobar

Please note certain dates and times have changed. Please make sure to disregard old copies and update to the new copy as of January, 29 2020

14-17 - Presidents' Day - Holiday Weekend

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

19 - Spring Pictures

24 - WCEA Mtg. - 12:20 Dismissal

25 - School Assembly - 2:30pm

26 - Ash Wednesday - 8am Mass (Full School Uniform)

27 - First Communion Parent Mtg. - 7pm

1 -School Family Mass - 9am

2 -Early Dismissal - 2:30pm - Faculty Meeting

3 -End of Second Trimester

5 -Family Fun Night

11 -Athletic Board Meeting - 6:30pm

12 -Talent Show - CANCELLED

13 -Spring Holiday

16 -Arch.Staff Dev. Mtg. - 12:20 Dismissal

17 -School Assembly - 2:30pm

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

23 -Principal's Awards Ceremony - 9am

21 -First Reconciliation - 9am

25 -Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Assembly

26 -Basketball Awards - 6:30pm - Church Hall

27 -Fun Run

30 -WCEA Mtg. - 12:20 Dismissal

31 -Cesar Chavez Day

Dear Families,

Below please find the free and reduced lunch application for the 2019-2020 school year.

Box Tops for Education was started by General Mills in California back in 1996, after the company decided they wanted to create a program to help support education and benefit America’s schools. All Souls has benefitted from this program over the years, receiving sports equipment, microscopes, and a variety of other educational items.

You can help by clipping the Box Tops off approved products you already have in your pantry. You don't need to clip the actual product UPC — just the Box Tops logo will do. From frozen foods to produce and household cleaning products, there are literally hundreds of opportunities to help, and each Box Top is worth 10 cents. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it adds up fast.

There are so many participating companies! Participating companies and product lines include General Mills, Green Giant, Totino's, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Ziploc, Hefty, Juicy Juice, Betty Crocker and many more. For a full list of eligible items check the Box Tops for Education website at https://www.boxtops4education.com/earn .

Please see the flyer below for more details about new additions to the Box Tops program.