Education in Faith

Sacramental Dates for 2025

Parents please check the following dates

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 21st June 2025.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 6th September 2025.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

Eucharist: baptised Catholics in Year 3 or who have celebrated their Reconciliation.

Confirmation: Year 6 Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist.

If you have any further questions regarding your child receiving these Sacraments, please feel free to contact me at the school.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

News from the Parish

 Third Sunday in Lent - Year C

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9 (The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree)

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus is asked about two tragic events - Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices, and the eighteen people killed when a tower in Siloam fell on them. Rather than offering simple explanations, Jesus uses these events to call us to repentance. 

He stresses that we should not assume that such tragedies happen because others are more sinful than we are. Instead, he urges everyone to reflect on their own lives, because unless we repent, we too may face judgment.

Jesus then tells us the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner of the tree is frustrated because it has not borne fruit for three years. The gardener, however, pleads for more time to care for it, saying that if it does not bear fruit in the coming year, it should be cut down. The parable challenges us to reflect on how we are using the time God has given us and whether we are bearing the fruits of repentance, justice, and love.

Reflection:

This Gospel invites us to reflect on the urgency of repentance and the need for conversion in our lives. Just as the fig tree had time to produce fruit, we too are given time to bear fruit - spiritual fruit - in our lives. The message is clear: we are not to take God's patience for granted. While God is merciful and gives us time to turn our hearts back to Him, there is a call for action. How are we responding to God’s invitation to live justly and bear good fruit?

The gardener's intercession for the fig tree is a symbol of Christ's role as our advocate. He pleads on our behalf, offering us the time and space to change. This reflection reminds us that we are called not just to live, but to live in a way that reflects the love and justice of God.

Discussion Starters: 

Personal Reflection: How do you respond when you encounter suffering or tragedy? Do you sometimes think that bad things happen because of someone’s sin, or do you take it as an invitation to examine your own life?

Bearing Fruit: The parable of the fig tree calls us to examine how we are using the time God has given us. What are some fruits of repentance you see in your life? In what areas do you feel called to grow?

God’s Mercy and Justice: The gardener in the parable advocates for the fig tree. How does this  relate to Jesus’ role in our lives? How does God show mercy while still calling us to repentance?

Call to Action: In this season of Lent, what specific actions can you take to bear more fruit in your spiritual life? How can you contribute to justice and love in your community?

This reflection and discussion aim to help us focus on the call to repentance, the importance of bearing good fruit, and the ongoing mercy of God during this season of Lent.

God Bless

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

Third Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 24 March)

Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Growing up, Lam often felt isolated due to limited job opportunities and difficulty moving around his community. While his friends started jobs after high school, Lam stayed home with his parents, unsure if he could ever achieve his dream of becoming a graphic designer.

Everything changed when Lam joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia. Through this initiative, Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. Along the way, he built confidence, made friends and gained a sense of connection.

Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income. Lam hopes his story will encourage other young people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Lam’s journey shows how your support of Project Compassion empowers individuals to break barriers and transform their lives. 

Watch Lam’s story here 

Will you walk alongside people like Lam this Lent?

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent. 

House Project Compassion Boxes have been placed in each Learning Space. We encourage families to donate during lent. Families may also collect a Project Compassion box from the office if they would like to donate at home. 

These will be due back to school by the last week of Term 1 with your child’s House clearly labelled on the box.

Donations so far from each House:

Well done MacKillop but we still have 2 weeks to go!! These dollar amounts will be added as points to the Community Spirit House points at the end of the appeal. 

A grand total of $ 135.80  already!!   Well done SFS!!!

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Staff have been giving students points for demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL Values. The points for each House so far:

Well done Bosco!! But the other houses are not far behind.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au