Education in Faith

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke it might sound a bit difficult. Jesus talks about putting Him first, even before our family. This does not mean we should actually stop loving our parents, siblings, or children! Instead, Jesus is teaching us about priorities. 

He is saying that our love for God should be the most important thing in our lives. When we put God at the very top, all our other relationships become even stronger and more loving. Following Jesus means making some choices that are hard like being kind to someone who isn't nice to us, or sharing what we have even when we want to keep it. This is our way of carrying our own "cross."

The First Reading from the Book of Wisdom helps us understand this. It reminds us that we cannot truly understand God's plan on our own. We need to pray and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance to know how to live our lives.

The Second Reading from Philemon gives us a great example of what happens when we do this. St. Paul asks Philemon to forgive and welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother. This shows us the beautiful love and forgiveness that comes from putting God first. When we follow Jesus, we are called to build a family that is full of this kind of love. Our Catholic family is for everyone, no matter who they are.

Ultimately, these readings invite us to think about what is most important in our lives. When God is our first priority, we have the wisdom to make good choices and the love to build a true family, a true community.

A Prayer for Our Family

God, our Father,

Thank you for calling our family to follow Jesus.

Give us the wisdom to always put you first in our lives.

Help us to be a family of love and forgiveness, just as you are.

Amen.

Discussion Starters

Priorities: What does it mean to put God first in our family?

• What are some things we can do this week to show that God is our number one priority?

Counting the Cost: In the Gospel, Jesus talks about a man who builds a tower and a king who goes to war. He says we need to "count the cost" of being his follower. 

• What are some of the sacrifices or challenges that come with following Jesus?

Welcoming Others: The reading from Philemon is about welcoming someone back into the family. 

• How can we make sure our family, school, or parish is a welcoming place for everyone?

Growing in Wisdom: The First Reading reminds us to ask God for wisdom. 

• How can we ask for wisdom in our daily prayers? 

• What are some things we can pray for wisdom about?

Sacramental Dates for 2025

Parents please check the following dates:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

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

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

The total House points for each House:

 Bosco Is still in the lead!! Well done Bosco!! Will they still be winning next week?? 

BUILDING HOUSES FOR THE HOMELESS

“As part of Homelessness Week (4-10 August 2025), dozens of Victoria’s leading community organisations came together to raise awareness about the urgent need for more social and public housing in Victoria. This year the focus is on awareness raising in our local communities: encouraging displays within schools, libraries, local business, local government, housing services and people’s homes. We need your help to fold 60,000 origami houses, representing the 60,000 additional social homes needed to meet current need in Victoria, and display them. Help us raise awareness and ensure there are enough appropriate houses for everyone in our community to live in, so together we can prevent people from becoming homeless.”

Mini Vinnies are asking SFS families to join us in folding origami houses for this great cause. Let’s support the statement being made to provide enough affordable houses for everyone in Victoria. 

There will be boxes in each Learning Space for students to place the origami houses they have folded. Mini Vinnies will then add the houses to our display on the window in the hallway facing the Yarning Circle. The number of houses we fold will be added to the total number of houses folded in Victoria. 

Let’s try to assist in reaching the State goal of 60 000 houses!

Here’s how to fold your origami houses. Watch it together as a family and then help build houses for the homeless.

https://youtu.be/xghC-JgLZdY

SOUP & CHAT NIGHT ACTION

During Soup & Chat Night, Anna from the Lynbrook Community Centre mentioned to Mini Vinnies that they have people who are homeless coming to the Community Centre to have showers and therefore are in need of toiletries to give to these people. 

Zoe and Danae met with Christine and Ange today and our action has been decided! 'Keep cosy to help others keep clean'.  On Thursday, 18th September, we are inviting all staff and students to come to school in their cosy pyjamas.  In exchange we are asking students and staff to bring in a toiletry item, which we will donate to the Lynbrook Community Centre and the Berwick Soup Van who will then distribute them to the people who are homeless or struggling in our community.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au