Number 16

One of the most telling images we have of Jesus Christ from the Gospels is that of movement. From town to town, setting to setting and scene to scene, he moves fearlessly, weaving his story with those of the women and men he serves. We see him forge a dynamic relationship of peace with his people, not just in giving to them but also in being fed, housed, anointed and celebrated by them. On Palm Sunday, he humbly requests the use of a donkey, so that he can arrive as the King of Peace. Today, we are still his people, and he is still our humble teacher, coming to us on a donated donkey.

Peace means to be in right relationship with God, with each other, and with all of Creation. Jesus died to make things right with God on our behalf. He taught us how to prioritize love, mercy and compassion for all persons, regardless of their background, religion, health or wealth. This is what a reconciled relationship with God can bring to our lives. Jesus not only builds that relationship but also calls us to live in that new relationship; to feel ourselves move into this new reality with our whole being.

This Sunday, we can reflect on how we can move forward in right relationship with Jesus, with our sisters and brothers, and with all Creation. In our visits (virtual or in person), in sharing (fairly sourced, ideally) coffee or tea, in offering what we have and asking for what we need, we can share our stories, receive others’ teachings, and continue to deepen our awareness of our neighbor as we journey together. Let us choose this day to look back on all the ways our Lord has led us over these past 40 days (or 40 years!) into ever deeper relationship with Him, with His community and with the natural world. How might He be calling us to act, to speak and to witness for peace in these relationships as we move forward today? (sourced from caritas Canada – 2022)

Dear Parent/Guardians,

As we enter the holiest weeks of our Catholic tradition, we should be taking time to reflect upon our relationship with Jesus and to attend the various religious services from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. I have listed here our parish times for Holy Week.

Outdoor Education

This week, we sent our 6th and 7th graders to the CYO outdoor education program at Occidental. I had the opportunity to visit the campers yesterday, and it was great to see our students enjoying the outdoors with their friends and making new friendships. I wish to thank the 10 parents who assisted Mrs. Allen and Mr. Nicolas during the week.

Construction Update

Fourth Lane reconstruction is complete, and thanks to everyone for your patience during this time. Over the summer, the council will be applying blacktop to this section of 4th Lane to look the same as the other side of Spruce.

Window Replacement Update

We are moving forward with the window replacement project over the summer. Work will begin On Monday, June 13th, into early August. The actual project will consist of demolishing the current windows on all three floors on Miller Ave. Once this is completed, the new windows will slide into place. Once completed, it will change the look of the school drastically. With the change, the rooms will receive less noise from the road, and in winter, the rooms will be warmer. There is much preparation to take place before the end of the school year. I will outline changes to the last week of school in the following newsletter.

Bingo

The reopening of bingo took place last Friday evening, with just under 120 people attending in the cafeteria. The reason for bingo being in the cafeteria now is due to renovations in the parish hall. It is essential that all parents/guardians who have signed up as a volunteer for bingo to attend their assigned shifts. Please be aware that all profits from the bingo go towards the school maintenance and rebuilding fund. From this fund, we have been able to renovate the bathrooms, install solar on top of the building, replace the boiler with a more efficient furnace and apply blacktop to the yards. Without this money, it would have been very difficult to achieve those projects outlined. With the window project, we have just about depleted that account.

Congratulations

Congratulations to our basketball teams who had a successful season and especially to our 8th graders who took home the championship. Thanks to the Athletic Board and all the coaches who practiced with the students. We are currently in the track season, and we wish all the athletes the best during the next weeks.

Registration

A reminder to anyone who has not registered for the next school year to do so now or contact Mrs. Cierra for any registration questions.

Spirit Wear

Your child is welcome to wear All Souls spirit tops with PE uniform bottoms on his/her PE days. Please see flyer below.

Band Returns

Band will return next year and will be even better. We have secured the services of Mr. Josh Frye, who also conducts band at a couple of our local Catholic schools. Students who join band will have the opportunity to march at the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Chinese New Year parade. More information for band sign-ups will occur in August. Band classes will be on Wednesday afternoons.

School Calendar

The 2022-2023 school year calendar is now available on the school website. The first day of school will be Thursday, August 18th.

COVID Testing

Upon return from Easter break, students will need to take a COVID-19 home test (supplied by the school) on the Sunday night before returning to school. If your child tests positive, email covidtest@ssfallsoulsschool.org indicating the child’s name, grade, and has tested positive for COVID-19.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Easter and take this time to pray, be with family and friends, and be safe.

God Bless and Stay Safe,

Vincent Riener

Principal

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

09 & 10 April PALM Saturday/Sunday Mass 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm Spanish 7:30 am; 9 am Spanish; 10:30 am; 12 pm Spanish & 5:15 pm

11 April Holy Monday 8 am in English and 6 pm Bilingual Mass

12 April Holy Tuesday 8 am in English and 6 pm Bilingual Mass

13 April Holy Wednesday 8 am English & 6 pm Bilingual Mass

14 April Holy Thursday 7:00 pm Mass of the Lord's Supper Bilingual, Washing of the feet, Institution of the Eucharist, Adoration

15 April Good Friday Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord 2:30 pm: Station of the Cross in English 3:00 pm: Passion of our Lord in English 6:30 pm Via Crucis in Spanish 7:00 pm: Pasión de Jesucristo in Spanish

16 April Holy Saturday 8:00 pm Easter Vigil Bilingual Mass

17 April EASTER Sunday 7:30 am; 9 am Spanish; 10:30 am; and 12 pm in Spanish

There will not be a mass at 5:15 pm

What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the final week of Lent. It begins on Palm Sunday and leads up to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. There are many important Masses or services for Catholics during this week, including the Chrism Mass, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, and Good Friday services.

When is Holy Week 2022?

This year, Holy Week begins on Sunday, April 10, 2022.

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is celebrated the week before Easter. Catholics carry blessed palm branches into church with them - this is in remembrance of when Jesus entered Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11). The story of Jesus’ death and his Passion, are read as the Gospel.

What is the Chrism Mass?

Many dioceses celebrate the Chrism Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday or possibly on another day during Holy Week. “Chrism” refers to one of the oils used during different Sacraments. During the Chrism Mass, the Oil of the Sick (used during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick), the Oil of Catechumens (used during the Sacrament of Baptism), and the Chrism oil are consecrated by the Bishop. Large vessels of oils are carried to the altar for the blessings and consecration of Chrism, which is a mixture of oil and balsam. After Mass, the oils are distributed to representatives of each parish. The oils are taken back to the parishes and used for the Sacraments.

There is also a renewal of priestly promises during the Chrism Mass. Traditionally every priest within a diocese attends this Mass. The Bishop also requests that the laity of the diocese pray for him and the priests of the diocese.

What is Holy Thursday?

Holy Thursday is the first day of the Easter Triduum, the most sacred days of the Catholic faith. It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which commemorates the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus and his disciples on the Jewish holiday of Passover. It’s not a Holy Day of Obligation, but many Catholics attend Mass. During this Mass, the priest washes the feet of some members of the parish in memory of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It was during the Last Supper that Jesus taught his disciples that the Eucharist is truly His Body and Blood. Jesus’ disciples were the first Catholic priests. So during the Last Supper, he taught them the importance of the Eucharist, and why priests celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice during every Mass. Because of this, the Last Supper is also significant because it was the beginning of the priesthood.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

What is Easter Sunday?

Easter is one of the principal holidays, or feasts, of Christianity. It marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion. For many Christian churches, Easter is the joyful end to the Lenten season of fasting and penitence.

The All Souls Catholic School Grand Opening Sale has begun! Save 25% sitewide through May 1st! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments, all with fast home delivery. Plus, we have added new product lines including performance wear! Shop Now!

To view the Activities Description, CLICK HERE.

All Souls Catholic School offers financial assistance to families in two ways. BASIC Fund and the Archdiocese of San Francisco Scholarship Fund, referred to as TADS, are the two primary sources of financial assistance.

The Basic Fund deadline is March 31, 2023, and TADS is April 15, 2023.

Parents must follow the guidelines from these groups regarding deadlines for submissions of applications.

Please feel free to contact me if you encounter any issues or concerns.

Ms. Claudia Escobar

cescobar@ssfallsoulsschool.org

The school mitigation plan has been updated to reflect new guidance from the county health department. Refer to the mitigation plan for information on close contact exposure or isolation. Please email covidtest@ssfallsoulsschool.org for questions.

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

4-8 Grade 6 and 7 Outdoor Ed

14 9am Prayer Service (Full School Uniform)

14 Holy Thursday - 12:20 Dismissal

15 Good Friday - Holiday

17 Easter Sunday

18-22 Easter Vacation

25 School Resumes

25 Staff Development Meeting - 12:20pm Dismissal

26 School Assembly - 2:30pm

26 School Board Meeting - 6:30pm

28 Agape - 2pm

30 First Holy Eucharist - 10:30am

Our Summer Programs is now open. Please feel free to share this information with your school community.

We have various offerings for all grade levels. More information on our programs and registration can be found here.