Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi School and to our new Web site. You’ll find our school located in the heart of Ygnacio Valley, 25 miles east of San Francisco. Here at St. Francis of Assisi School we always strive to provide the best Catholic education available to students from kindergarten to eighth grade.

For information on everything from registration and athletics, to volunteering and hot lunches, you’ll find it here. So please, take a few minutes to explore our Web site, and find out what we have to offer. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We hope you enjoy your stay at St. Francis of Assisi School’s Internet home!

Dear Families and Friends of St. Francis,

This week, we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., a man of great character and conscience who made an impact, on not only American history, but also the history of the world. Much has been written about him, and many quote him to this day. Our second graders shared his thoughts and words in their prayer service last week, which reminded all of us of his impact. May his legacy live on in our hearts.

I thought of Dr. King on Sunday as we were reminded to pray for seminarians, the young men who have chosen to follow the call of God to become priests and ultimately serve us all. I am not sure how many of you were at St. Francis to hear the reflection our own seminarian, Alberto Perez. He did a fine job telling a bit of his own story as he referred to the first reading from the book of Samuel. Alberto stressed the fact that when Samuel received his call, he did not understand what was happening. He went to Eli, his elder, who told him that the next time he heard the call; he should say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” In other words, it is not enough to receive a call; one must also listen to it.

This was what Dr. King did - he received a call, which he could have ignored, but he answered. History tells us where that call led him. Alberto received a call, and he is answering so that at this time he is serving at St. Francis. Each of us receives a call, which determines our life choice, and we should listen to understand fully what we are being called to do. In the true sense, using Alberto as the example, this is the call to a vocation, to the married life, single life, priesthood, or religious life.

However, if we think of the call of Dr. King, it is the kind of call that each of us can answer no matter what our age or lifestyle. It is the call of God to help others, to serve those in need, to bring justice to our world. We need to listen to see how we can make a difference. We too should have a dream.

Some of you are aware that our first grade teacher, Mrs. Karen Kreider, has been out of school since our return this January. She had surgery over the break, and it depleted her energy. She is undergoing some medical tests and will return as soon as she is able. At this point, I ask that we keep her in our prayers, as well as her husband Larry. We miss her and want her back. I ask that you respect her privacy at this time. I know how much she is loved and cared for, but visits and calls take a lot of energy from a person. Thank you very much.

Sunday, January 29, is the start of Catholic Schools’ week. We will have a family liturgy at 10:00 a.m., followed by an open house until about 12:30 p.m. Please join us and invite others who might be interested in sending their children to St. Francis. We hope to see you there!

On Tuesday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m., we will celebrate our annual VIP Mass. We ask that each child have a guest with him/her that day, if possible, as we celebrate our guests in a special way. Dismissal will be at 12:30 p.m. on that day.

We are in need of a medium-sized office desk for one of our classroom assistants. If you have one you would like to donate, please call the school office.

God Bless,

Sister James Marien Dyer, CSJ
Principal