What does this line tell us? It reveals that we cannot enter Heaven by our own will or through our own effort. Furthermore, it tells us that though some will try to get to Heaven through their own effort, this approach will not work. Upon meeting our Lord, after death, they will be surprised that they are not a member of His Kingdom.

This clear and somewhat shocking statement from our Lord should have the effect of causing you to step back and look at your life so as to sincerely and humbly examine the path you are on. Jesus’ directness and clarity on this real experience that some will have should help to open your eyes so as to honestly examine if He is speaking about you.

It takes true humility to face the truth, at times, and to admit if we are trying to rely more upon ourselves than upon Christ. The “narrow gate” is that gate through which the humble enter. Pride and self-sufficiency lead us to attempt to make our own path to Heaven. But this path is never the correct one.

Entering the “narrow gate” also means that we listen to God. He, as the divine Shepherd, is always calling to us in a gentle way. Only when we are attentive to His voice will we know where He is leading us. Only then will we discover the way through the one and only narrow gate.

Reflect, today, upon that moment when you meet our Lord face to face. What will that encounter be like? Will it be one where He greets you with open arms saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into your reward.” Or will it be one in which He says, “I do not know you.” Now is the time to face your life of faith with honesty, striving to rely only upon the strength of our divine Lord.

Lord, I do desire to enter the narrow gate. I choose to follow Your gentle voice, leading me to Heaven. Help me to remain humble in life, shedding all that leads me to rely upon myself. May I rely only upon You, dear Lord, and trust You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

Please find below our Before-School and After-school Program Drop-in rates:

Early Morning: $10.00

3:00 pm Dismissal: $20.00

2:30 pm Dismissal: $25.00

12:30 pm Minimum Day: $40.00

We ask that students get picked up on time. Students not picked up after the carline will be sent to Clubhouse. Parents will be charged the following:

Up to 30 minutes: $10

More than 30 minutes: full charge as stated above.

On wearing masks:

"Masks, particularly high-quality and well-fitting masks, remain highly effective, inexpensive, and dynamic tools to protect oneself and mitigate transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens." (San Mateo COVID-19 Safety Plan)

CDPH continues to strongly recommend individuals to mask in indoor settings.

At OLM, wearing masks on-campus is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Please note that masking may be required during the following:

• Ten days since last day of contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case

• As mandated or recommended by the County.

• As determined necessary by the school administration.

On COVID-19 testing:

COVID-19 testing may be required:

• After an extended break: All students and staff may be required (or strongly recommended) to have a COVID-19 test after an extended break (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter). Students / Staff testing positive must follow isolation / quarantine requirements.

  Students / staff members determined NOT having completed the test (and obtaining a negative result) may be asked to leave the campus until a negative test result is obtained.

• To all employees and students with COVID-19 symptoms. Employees and students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be sent home and will only be allowed to return to school with a proof of negative COVID-19 test result. See COVID-19 Safety Plan for requirements for those testing positive for COVID-19.

• When there is a known exposure to a positive case. All staff members and students, regardless of vaccination status, are required to test three to five days after the last point of contact with a positive case.

Note: Those who tested positive within 90 days ARE NO LONGER EXEMPT from the testing requirement.

• Unvaccinated staff members and volunteers are required to test weekly. See p. 11 of the San Mateo Safe Schools Framework.

• As determined by school administration: Testing will be required should there be a significant rise in cases on campus.

Though the school will no longer be collecting the test results as we did in the past, we ask for everybody's compliance to protect the health and safety of everyone on campus. We will only ask that positive cases be reported and dealt with accordingly.

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Note: Guidelines may change during the school year. We will be reviewing our guidelines as a staff and make changes as needed while adhering to recommendations and guidelines from CDC, CDPH, and the County, including the County Office of Education.

All students are expected to:

• Bring two face masks (even those choosing not to wear masks on non-masking required days) for use and as needed.

• Bring their personal hand sanitizer and wipes for use during the day

• Use hand sanitizer or wash their hands thoroughly during the day, especially after returning from their morning and lunch recesses.

• Bring a reusable water bottle for use during the day.

Our Lady of Mercy School, mindful of its mission to be witness to the love of Christ for all, admits student of any race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at this school.

Our Lady of Mercy School does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color,

national and/or ethnic origin, age, gender or disability in administration of educational

policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.