Education in Faith

Sacramental Events and Dates

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

Please take note of the important dates for our Sacramental celebrations that will take place throughout the school year. Sacraments play a significant role in the spiritual journey of our students and we need to ensure that you are well-informed and can actively participate in these meaningful events. Kindly mark the following dates in your calendar:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Sacramental Program, celebrations or preparation process, please feel free to contact the School's Religious Education leader.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the spiritual formation of our students. We look forward to celebrating these sacred moments with you and your families as a parish community. 

May God's blessings be with you and your loved ones.

Sacrament Levy

Grade 2 Families: There is a $30 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost of stoles and Certificates for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

• This levy needs to be paid in full on the Parent Information night.

Children's Catechism 

The Missionaries of the Holy Family International will be starting Children's Catechism classes from 6th October 2024. The classes will be held over five weeks - 6th October, 13th October, 20th October, 27th October and 3rd November from 12-1pm in the School Hall.

Sacraments - 2025

To assist us with the administration and preparation of Sacraments for 2025, please fill in the Operoo form, to indicate if your child will be receiving a Sacrament next year.

You will need to ACCEPT or DECLINE this invitation by Friday 6th December.  Dates for Sacraments are:

• 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 do not hesitate to contact me at the school.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this week’s Gospel passage, we encounter Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sitting by the roadside as Jesus passes through Jericho. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus cries out with all his might, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus hears his cry, stops, and calls Bartimaeus to him. When asked what he wants, Bartimaeus replies, “Master, I want to see.” Moved by his faith, Jesus restores his sight, and Bartimaeus follows Him on the way.

This Gospel is rich with themes of faith, perseverance, and transformation. Bartimaeus' blindness can symbolize the spiritual blindness we all face at times—our inability to see God’s presence in our lives or to trust His plan. But what stands out most is Bartimaeus' persistence in calling out to Jesus, despite the crowd's efforts to silence him. His determination and faith bring him healing and new life.

Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" This question invites not only Bartimaeus but each of us to reflect on our deepest desires and needs. It challenges us to trust that God is willing to listen and respond to our prayers, even when we feel overlooked or discouraged. Jesus’ compassion and Bartimaeus' bold faith remind us that we are never too broken, too lost, or too insignificant to experience God’s mercy and healing.

The story ends with Bartimaeus choosing to follow Jesus. His physical sight restored, but more importantly, his spiritual sight is opened. He goes from being a passive beggar on the side of the road to an active disciple on the way with Christ. This reflects the transformative power of faith when we surrender ourselves to God and respond to His call.

Discussion Starters:

1. Perseverance in Prayer: Bartimaeus didn’t give up when the crowd told him to be quiet. Have there been times in your life when you felt discouraged in your prayers? What kept you going?
    
2. Jesus’ Question: Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” If Jesus were to ask you this question today, what would your answer be?
    
3. Spiritual Blindness: In what ways do we experience spiritual blindness in our lives? What helps us to “see” more clearly the presence of God and His will for us?
    
4. Faith in Action: Bartimaeus had great faith that Jesus could heal him. How can we grow in this kind of faith? Are there obstacles in your life that make it hard to trust in God’s plan?
    
5. Following Jesus: Once Bartimaeus received his sight, he immediately followed Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus in your daily life? How do you respond when God gives you clarity or healing?

This Gospel is a powerful reminder that no matter our circumstances, God is near, and He listens to the cries of the heart. Like Bartimaeus, may we have the faith to call out, the courage to ask for what we need, and the willingness to follow wherever Jesus leads us.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

MINI VINNIES DONATION – OZANAM HOUSE

Today at assembly Mini Vinnies presented Louise from Ozanam House, which is an accommodation and homelessness resource centre in North Melbourne, with a cheque of $800 which students donated from our Soup & Chat Night fundraiser. Ozanam House provides flexible accommodation options as well as health and wellbeing services in North Melbourne to people experiencing homelessness.

Louise spoke to the SFS students, staff and parents explaining VincentCare’s Ozanam House in North Melbourne is a world-class, modern and safe location where people experiencing homelessness are given every opportunity to access housing, health and social support services relevant to their individual needs.

I would like to thank Louise for giving up her time to attend our school. It meant a great deal to our Mini Vinnies. I am so glad we had this opportunity to recognise the Mini Vinnies at a school assembly. Their commitment is amazing and they are passionate young people who strive to make a difference in our society. They were the ones to nominate Ozanam House for their donation and it was a unanimous decision.

The balance of their fundraising money from the Soup & Chat Night and money we raise at our Twilight Stall will go towards another great cause, COTS (Christmas on the Streets). We will join forces with Rozeta’s and Grace’s Pastoral Care Action Teams to support COTS which is a project that happens throughout the year providing for homeless and less privileged people that don't have a roof over their heads or are struggling. This organisation provides food, clothes, haircuts and so much more. 

So please come and support the Mini Vinnies Nail, Hair and Temporary Tattoo stall and the Pastoral Care stall to support the COTS program.

VINNIES MARKET STALL

Our next big event is the Vinnies Nail, Hair and Temporary Tattoo Stall at our Twilight Market. They will be doing nail polish, hair colour and temporary tattoos. And yes students will be able to wear them to school the next day!! 

Let’s support the Mini Vinnies in their commitment to support the COTS program. Together we can make a difference!!

Today Mini Vinnies practised applying nail polish and temporary tattoos in preparation for our Twilight Market Stall on Thursday November 7th. Please come and visit us. We will be located in the quiet area between LS1 and LS3.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD POINTS

Points this week include points given to students by staff.

The results so far are:

Well done  Teresa who are in the lead but the other Houses are close! Remember we still have all of this term, including our Christmas Appeal, so one of the other houses may take the lead. 

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au