Cardinal Connect
November 2nd - 6th
Principal's Message
As November begins, the Catholic Church invites us into a two-day celebration of faith, remembrance, and community: All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).
On All Saints’ Day, we celebrate not only the Saints whose names the entire Church knows—like St. Francis, St. Thérèse, or St. Thomas Aquinas—but also the "everyday" saints who may not be named, but indeed are in heaven where they are interceding for us all. Today is a day to celebrate the men and women who lived out the Gospel through patience, humility, and quiet acts of charity. Despite little fanfare, each of these "everyday" saints had immeasurable impact on the lives of those around them.
For each of us today - young and old alike - holiness and Sainthood can sometimes feel out of reach, like a standard reserved only for martyrs or cloistered mystics. But Blessed Carlo Acutis—a modern teenager who loved computers, video games, and the Eucharist—reminds us: "To always be close to Jesus, that's my life plan." - We celebrated his feast day not two weeks ago, and this young saint is one of many who reminds us that Sainthood is truly the calling of each one of us!
Saints were not people who never failed; they were people who consistently chose to get back up, seek forgiveness, and keep loving and "staying close to Jesus".
The Church, in its wisdom, designates the very next day of observance for quiet, prayerful remembrance. On All Souls’ Day, we pray for the faithful departed—our grandparents, parents, relatives, alumni, teachers, and friends who have completed their earthly journey. Each of us has the hope of Heaven - and the whole church prays that our dearly departed have that hope realized.
In the Catholic tradition, praying for the dead is an act of deep mercy and solidarity. It reminds us of the Communion of Saints: death cannot sever the bonds of love and faith that unite us in Christ. When we pray for those who have gone before us, we accompany them on their journey toward the fullness of God's presence, resting in the promise of the Resurrection.
Throughout November, our school will keep a Book of Remembrance in the chapel. We encourage students to take a prayerful moment to write down the names of loved ones they wish to hold in prayer and remember lovingly. These names will be prayed for during our school liturgies, as well as during our weekly staff prayer.
This all aligns so beautifully with our school's observation of Remembrance Day which will occur this Friday morning as we remember the brave men and women who gave up so much in service of our nation and world.
May our school community walk with prayerfulness, remembrance, kindness, and hope this November—striving for heaven while lifting each other up along the way.
God of Love,
During this month of remembrance, as we are inspired by the Saints to be close to Jesus in all that we do, we also hold close in our hearts our dearly departed loved ones who have passed away. Grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Lord, also give comfort to all who grieve - reminding them of the promise of the resurrection. Amen+
St. André Bessette, pray for us.
Blessings,
Scott Walker
Principal
Monthly Virtue, Sacred Teaching, and Catholic Social Teaching: NOVEMBER
Virtue: Courage
Sacred Teaching: Courage
Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity
St André Bessette Catholic School
Email: sab@eics.ab.ca
Website: www.sab.eics.ab.ca
Location: 8300 Southfort Drive, Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada
Phone: 587-744-0750
