23 OCT 2026

Hallowtide: Remembering the Communion of Saints

Each year, from October 31 to November 2, the Church keeps three holy days together, known as Hallowtide:

• All Hallows’ Eve (October 31) is the vigil, or “eve,” of All Saints Day. The word Halloween comes from “All Hallows’ Evening,” hallow being an old word for saint or holy one.
• All Saints Day (November 1) honors every saint in heaven: the famous ones we name, and the countless holy men and women known only to God, perhaps including our own grandparents and great-grandparents.
• All Souls Day (November 2) is a day to pray for all the faithful departed. We remember loved ones who have died and ask God to bring them into the fullness of His light.

Together, these days remind us of the Communion of Saints: the Church in heaven, the Church on earth and those being made ready for heaven, all bound together in Christ. Death does not break that bond. The saints cheer us on, and our prayers still reach those we love.

This Hallowtide, you might light a candle at dinner, share stories of family members who have gone before us, or learn about your child’s patron saint together.

A Hallowtide Prayer

Loving God,
You call each of us to holiness,
and You surround us with a great cloud of witnesses.

We thank You for all Your saints,
who came forth in faith and followed You with courage and joy.
Help us to walk in their footsteps,
at home, at school and in all we do.

We remember those we love who have died.
Grant them eternal rest,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Comfort all who grieve,
and keep us united in Your love.

Saints of God, pray for us,
that we, too, may come forth, every day,
into the life You have made us for.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

• Tuesday, October 27 - School Rosary at 7:30 AM. All are welcome!
• Wednesday, October 28 - St. Mary's Celebrates Halloween
• Bring the Halloween costume for the Costume Parade. See details below.
• NO SCHOOL OCTOBER 29 AND 30 DUE TO CONFERENCES
• Childcare is available both days - please email the office to sign up.
• CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE SCHEDULE - It's not too late to sign up!

As Halloween approaches, our students are planning their trick-or-treating costumes. Before the big night, students may wear their costumes to school on Wednesday, October 28, in the afternoon! ✨

1:05–2:35. Every student rotates through three 30-minute stations, one for each day of Hallowtide: All Hallows' Eve, All Saints and All Souls. K–3 and 4–7 rotate separately, each on their own hall of rooms. Short stories about Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day will be read aloud while students work.

🎉 COSTUME AFTERNOON 🎉

📅 Wednesday, October 28

🍎 Students change after lunch

👕 Costumes must be worn over the school uniform

⭐ ALL COSTUMES MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE ⭐

🏫 School-Ready Costumes

🎃 Worn over the school uniform; students change after lunch.

🎃 Students must not hinder their ability to carry supplies, sit at their desks, and work in class.

🎃 Students must be able to use the restroom on their own.

🎃 Must come off easily.

🎃 No weapons of any kind, real or pretend.

🎃 Must not disrupt learning. We will hold misused accessories until the end of the day.

🎃 No silly string or toy accessories.

🎭 Face & Mouth

🎃 Nothing in the mouth: no pacifiers or fake teeth.

🎃 No Make-up. Please don't send makeup, face paint, hair color spray, or fake blood to school.

🎃 No full-face masks, pullover masks, or hoods during the day. Masks are OK for the parade only if your child can see clearly.

🎃 Shoes must be safe and supportive.

🎃 No sandals, flip-flops, or slippery dress shoes.

🎃 PE that day? It will be in the morning so as not to interfere with costumes

A note from our friendly scarecrow:

We can't wait to see all the costumes! Thank you for helping make this a safe and joyful afternoon for everyone. 🎃

Questions about whether a costume is okay, or need to store a costume before the afternoon? Please reach out to your homeroom teacher or Dr. B.

St. Mary’s is bringing back a strong sports program for our students. More information about Hallissey will be shared next week, so keep an eye out!

Coming this spring: Track & Field! 🏃
We’re excited to be starting a track team for our 6th and 7th graders this spring.

Could you be our coach? We’re looking for a track coach. If you have a love of running and a heart for helping kids grow, please reach out to Dr. B. No elite experience is needed, just enthusiasm and commitment.

Is your 6th or 7th grader interested? Click the button below to let us know. It isn’t a commitment yet. It just helps us plan.

Our uniform exchange is running low! If your child has outgrown any St. Mary's uniform pieces, please pass them on to another family. Cooler weather is coming, so sweaters, cardigans and long pants are especially welcome.

To donate: Drop off clean uniform items in good condition at the front office any school day.

Thank you for helping our school families. Your hand-me-downs make a real difference!