Education in Faith

Palm Sunday ~ The Passion of our Lord ~ Year A

This Sunday, we begin Holy Week, the most important week of the Church’s year. 

On this day we remember two powerful moments in Jesus’ life: 

~ His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His Passion and

~ His suffering and death on the cross. 

We wave palms with joy as we shout “Hosanna!” ~ celebrating Jesus as our King ~ but very soon we will walk with Him through suffering, betrayal, and death.

Palm Sunday invites us into a week of both joy and sorrow. We begin by celebrating Jesus coming as King, but we end by walking with Him into suffering. In doing this, the Church helps us understand that following Jesus isn’t always easy. It calls us to love, to trust, and to choose compassion over selfishness, just as Jesus did.

Jesus knows what it’s like to be misunderstood, hurt, and rejected. Yet He chose obedience and love for us. As we enter Holy Week, we reflect not just on what Jesus did then, but on what He continues to do for us today: He walks with us through difficult times, listens to us when we cry out, and gives us courage to keep going.

In the readings this week we hear:

The First Reading from Isaiah (50:4‑7) shows the Servant of the Lord  ~ someone who listens to God, speaks words of comfort, and stands firm even when mistreated. Isaiah’s image helps us see Jesus not as a distant hero, but as one who truly suffers with us.

In the Second Reading addressed to the Philippians (2:6‑11), reminds us that Jesus did not cling to power. Instead, He emptied Himself, choosing humility and service even to the point of dying on a cross so that God could lift Him up and give Him a name above all names.

The Gospel from Matthew (26:14–27:66) takes us through the Passion narrative: Jesus is betrayed, abandoned by His friends, condemned unjustly, and ultimately crucified. We see both the depth of human weakness and the height of God’s love poured out for us.

Discussion Starters

As a family discuss together some of these questions:

Palm Sunday begins with joy and ends with suffering.

• When have you felt excited about something that later became hard or painful?
• How did you get through that time?

Jesus chose to obey God even when it was difficult.

• Why do you think Jesus didn’t try to avoid His suffering?
• Can you think of a time when doing the right thing was hard? What helped you?

Jesus was betrayed by someone close to Him.

• Have you ever felt hurt by someone you trusted?
• What helps us forgive others, even when it’s really hard?

Philippians tells us Jesus humbled Himself.

• What does it mean to be humble?
• Who in our lives shows humility? How can we follow their example?

Let us prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we begin Holy Week, help us to follow You with open hearts.Give us courage when we are afraid, patience when we are hurting, and love for one another, even when it’s hard.Teach us to walk with You, just as You walked with Your friends, and lead us to the joy of Easter morning. 

Amen.

St.  Patrick’s Day ~ Mass for Schools ~ Reflection

Last Friday, 20th March, when I walked  into St Patrick’s Cathedral, I immediately felt a sense of calm and respect. The building itself made the moment feel special. The stained glass windows astonished me with down to the last detail. During the Mass, having all the schools together under one roof made everything feel special, holy and reverent. 

After the mass we took a drone photo with all the schools and their banners. Seeing almost 2000 kids there, all gathered together, made me feel part of a big, catholic, community.

Something quite surprising was having a photo taken with Auxiliary Bishop Thinh Nyugen and then… we took a photo with Archbishop Comensoli!  

After a while, we left the cathedral and began walking to the park, for a concert, lunch and games. MACS staff guided us to the green luscious park, which was absolutely stunning. We then sat there and enjoyed our lunch , played some games and listened to the music, with some of our favourite songs being sung, which I relished. 

In conclusion, I greatly enjoyed the St Patrick's Day Mass at the cathedral  and the concert at the park. I felt so special being a part of this and representing our school.

Marushka R. - Year 6

My experience going to St Patrick's cathedral was an enjoyable and significant event in both my life and journey at SFS. Going to St Patrick's cathedral was one of the most blessed moments in my life. As I entered the church I felt like I was in heaven because of the angelic choir and Holy mass led by Archbishop Peter Comensoli and the other priests. By God's beautiful grace I was given the opportunity to hold our school banner and represent our school by walking down the aisle along with the other 350 schools. My favourite part about going there, was when I walked down the aisle, I felt like the holy spirit was present and descending above me.I almost felt like crying because I could finally understand that God is with us guiding us in the right direction no matter where or when. In my seven years of journey at SFS this was truly my most admirable and favourite moment.

I would like to extend my great gratitude to Rozeta and Christine for providing me with a chance to to show leadership by going there and holding the banner. Only by their acceptance by reading my letter I was able to go.After mass we had a concert with MACS led by the high school students. It was an amazing opportunity  to reunite with some of our old teachers and build friendships with the St Kevin's year 6s. Before going to the concert it was photo time and we had two aims first to get a photo with the Archbishop and when they take the group photo we had to be seen.These tasks were a bit challenging for me and samuel but we tried our very best to be right at the front  to be seen and then with the help of Peacelyne and Rozeta we made it to the very front!. Then we took a photo with the Archbishop Peter Comensoli. And guess what I was standing right next to him! This was such a memorable and delightful experience in my life!.

Hanna B

On the 20th of March I was lucky to be chosen to go to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The cathedral was unreal, the architecture, the pillars, the stained glass and the natural lighting made the place feel even more wholesome. The choir and the orchestra in the cathedral sounded amazing. It was the most peaceful and beautiful sound I've ever heard. Everything in the cathedral was mesmerizing to look at including the statue outside the cathedral. 

The concert and games were spectacular as well, the warm weather and the cool breeze made it feel more relaxing. There was always something to look at whether it was big bold statues, other people or even nature. At the concert we met Amy, I was happy to see her again after so long and she looked happy to see us too. 

Overall the whole experience was amazing from the cathedral to the concert and even the train ride.Looking back I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the cathedral. That day was a great way to start off the year and it certainly is a day I will never forget.

Shanaya D

Sacramental Dates for 2026

Parents please be aware of the following dates and note them in your calendar:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 19th November 2026.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.
•  

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

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

PROJECT COMPASSION

Each Learning Space has 4 Project Compassion Boxes, one for each House. Today Mini Vinnies collected and counted the money donated so far. 

The results for each House:

Well done SFS! Already a total of $433.45.

We remind families that Project Compassion boxes that were taken home should have already been returned to the office. If you still have a box at home please return it by Monday.

Thank you to the SFS students and families for giving so generously this Lenten Season to ‘Unite against poverty.’

Holy Week

(Week beginning Monday 30 March)

As we mark Holy Week, we reflect on another year of turning our faith and love into action through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Throughout Lent, we’ve witnessed the power that our school community can generate when we come together as one, and heard four incredible stories of resilience and strength which offer a window into the kind of transformative impact we can achieve. 

In Tanzania, Sisilia’s life was changed with access to nearby clean water. She can now spend more time studying so she can fulfil her dreams of one day becoming a pilot. 

Monoranjon, from Bangladesh, learnt climate-resilient farming techniques, helping his family survive and build a safer, more sustainable future. 

In rural Fiji, Manaini learnt food processing and gardening skills through Caritas Australia’s partner, FRIEND, creating more income opportunities to support her children’s education.  

And in Gaza, Caritas Jerusalem staff remain committed to providing lifesaving support, standing in solidarity with families enduring this conflict. 

But the work isn’t done yet, and there is still time to donate! Will you help make this our school’s most meaningful Project Compassion yet? 

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Staff have been giving students points for demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL Values. Points also include donations for Project Compassion for each House. The points for each House:

Well done Patrick again! However, MacKillop is sneaking up and there is one last week as we continue our Project Compassion donations. These will also be included in the weekly points.

MINI VINNIES COMMITMENT CEREMONY

Next Thursday April 2nd, we will begin our Cross-Country Assembly with the Mini Vinnies making their commitment to be part of the 2026 Mini Vinnies Social Justice Group. They will receive their badges and make their commitment pledge. We hope that parents can attend this special ceremony to support their child. We will begin at approximately 12.00 pm.

A big thank you to all the 2026 Mini Vinnies. I can’t wait to continue working with you.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au