Religious Education

Hello!

We began Term 3 by gathering as a whole school community to celebrate Mass with Fr Trac in our parish church. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together in prayer, give thanks for the holiday break, and ask God to guide us throughout the term ahead.

During his homily, Fr Trac spoke about the importance of love. He encouraged us to share this language of love through our words and actions each day, in our classrooms, with our friends and families, throughout our school community, and even in the wider nation and world. As we begin a new term, may we continue to be living examples of Christ's love by showing kindness, compassion, forgiveness and respect to everyone we meet.

Grandparents Day Mass

We are looking forward to warmly welcoming our Grandparents and Special Friends to St Finbar's on Thursday 23 July for one of the most anticipated events on our school calendar. This special celebration begins with Mass in the Church with Fr Trac, where we gather to give thanks for the love, wisdom and support that grandparents and special friends bring to the lives of our students and families.

Each year, we celebrate Grandparents and Special Friends Day at this time as it coincides with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, which is celebrated on 26 July. The Church will be open from 9:00am. We kindly ask guests to arrive early to ensure they are seated before students arrive at 9:20am, with Mass commencing promptly at 9:30am.

Fr Stephan Wang Family PD

Message from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). MACS is pleased to share an invitation for parents and carers to attend a special online workshop presented by Fr Stephen Wang on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 7:00pm. The session, Accompaniment and Conversion: Walking with our Children Toward Christ, will explore practical ways families can support and nurture their children’s faith journey. Fr Stephen, a priest from the Diocese of Westminster (UK) and creator of the internationally recognised Sycamore programme, is known for his engaging and accessible approach to sharing the Catholic faith. Whether your children are just beginning their faith journey or asking deeper questions, this enriching session may provide inspiration, encouragement, and practical tools for parents. Families can join online using the following link: https://shorturl.at/02j66 or follow the qr code on the brochure attached. 

Gospel Reflection - Sunday 19th of July

Matthew 13:24-43 (shorter form: Matthew 13:24-30)

Jesus offers parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and explains them to his disciples.

Family Connection

Taken together, the parables found in today’s Gospel offer both a sobering reminder about the Kingdom of God and words of encouragement. As the wheat and the weeds must grow together until the harvest, so we may not know whether our actions contribute to God’s Kingdom until God’s final judgment. With this word of caution in mind, we act always in prayer that our actions will be consistent with God’s plans. 

In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we hear words of encouragement. God can bring the Kingdom of Heaven from even the smallest of beginnings. 

Thus, we ask God to work through us for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Family Activity 

Set aside some time this week to make bread with your family. Show the amount of yeast that is required to raise an entire batch of bread. Observe that little things can go a long way. After the bread has been baked, gather together as a family. 

Read together today’s Gospel, Matthew 13:24-43. 

Reflect together on what Jesus means when he teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed and like yeast. In these parables, Jesus is teaching us that God can work wonders from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of God. This means that even the little things that we do can make a big difference in the lives of others. 

Family Discussion 

• What are some of the little things that we can do in our family that help to make things better for others? Decide on one action to take together. Pray that God will use your action to make a difference in the world.

Family Prayer 

Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.

May God bless, 

Laura Zeeng

Deputy Principal & Relgious Education Leader (REL)