Education in Faith

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ Year A

In this week’s readings we are reminded of a God who is generous, compassionate and always present.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah invites everyone who is thirsty and hungry to come to God. God's invitation is free, no money is needed. God offers what truly satisfies: love, hope, peace and life. While the world often tells us we need more possessions, more success or more recognition to be happy, God reminds us that our hearts are only truly filled by His love.

The Responsorial psalm continues this beautiful message by praising God's goodness:            "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs." 

God knows each one of us personally. He sees our worries, our joys and our struggles, and He never stops caring for His people.

In the second reading, St Paul gives us one of the most comforting messages in Scripture. He reminds us that nothing, not fear, sadness, hardship or disappointment can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God's love remains constant, even when life feels difficult.

Then the Gospel tells us the familiar story of Jesus feeding more than five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish. The disciples looked at what they had and believed it wasn't enough. Jesus looked at the same small offering and saw an opportunity for God's abundance.

Before performing the miracle, Jesus simply said,                                    "Bring them here to me."

This is an invitation for us today. Jesus asks us to bring what we have our talents, our kindness, our time, our compassion and our willingness to help others. Even when what we offer seems small, God can multiply it to bless many people.

The miracle was not only about feeding hungry stomachs. It revealed Jesus' deep compassion. He noticed the needs of the crowd before anyone else did. He teaches us to open our eyes to the people around us who may be hungry not only for food, but also for friendship, encouragement, forgiveness and hope.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to continue His work. Like the disciples, we are challenged to "give them something to eat." Sometimes that means sharing food with someone in need. Other times it means sharing a smile, including someone who feels lonely, offering forgiveness or giving our time to help another person.

When we place our gifts into Jesus' hands, no matter how small they seem, He can do far more than we could ever imagine.

May we trust that God's love will always provide what we need and inspire us to become people who generously share His love with others.

Discussion Starters

• Why does God invite everyone to come to Him in the first reading?
• What does the Psalm teach us about God's care for us?
• Why do you think the disciples believed they didn't have enough food?
• What did Jesus do before sharing the bread and fish?
• What does this miracle teach us about Jesus?
• Have you ever felt that what you had wasn't enough to help someone?
• When have you experienced someone showing generosity towards you?
• How can small acts of kindness make a big difference?
• What gifts has God given you that you could use to help others?
• How does knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love give you hope?
• Who in our school or community might need kindness this week?
• How can we "feed" others with love, friendship or encouragement?
• What is one thing you could place into Jesus' hands this week?
• How can we trust God more when we feel worried or uncertain?
• What can our class do together to share God's generosity with others?

Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You for always caring for us and providing everything we truly need. Help us to trust in Your love, especially when we feel worried or think we do not have enough.

Like Jesus, teach us to notice the needs of others and to share generously with joyful hearts. May our small acts of kindness bring hope, peace and love to everyone we meet.

Help us to remember that nothing can ever separate us from Your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  

Amen.

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 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.
•  

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

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

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Students will continue to be awarded points for demonstrating Community Spirit, in particular our PBL Values. These points will be added to the Community Spirit House points. The tally so far:

Well done Patrick! However, it’s only the beginning of Term 3 and the points are so close! Still two terms to go!!!

HOMELESSNESS WEEK 2026

Homelessness Week (3-9 August 2026) is a national opportunity to learn, advocate and take meaningful action. The 2026 theme, Homelessness Action Now, encourages all Australians to work together to create lasting solutions to homelessness. 

Mini Vinnies have decided this is the activity they would like to run to raise awareness about homelessness within our community next week. Please join us in making origami houses representing the need for more social housing in Victoria. We encourage students to write little messages on their houses which explains why they are making them. There will be a box in each Learning Space for the houses to be placed in and Mini Vinnies will then display them in our hallway.

Instructions to make the origami houses:

How To Make Paper Home Easily For Craft Creator - Origami House Making

Please watch the video in the link below which explains about the Houses at Parliament Program and why we are making origami houses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8GR47WnL5M 

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT – TUESDAY AUGUST 18TH - SAVE THE DATE

Parents our annual Mini Vinnies Soup & Chat Night focussing on homelessness will be on Tuesday August 18th this year from 4.30 – 7.30pm. Please save the date so that Mini Vinnies can attend. 

We are also asking Mini Vinnies to collect donations for the evening. They have been given a hard copy sponsor form and this form is also available attached to the permission note on nForma. We would appreciate it if each Mini Vinnie could donate at least $10 by Friday August 14th. On the Soup & Chat Night Mini Vinnies will then decide who these donations will be given to. In the past we have donated to: Soupvans, Ozanam House, Dandenong Education Program. 

Two nForma forms have been sent out. One to give permission for your Mini Vinnie to attend the Soup & Chat Night, listing any dietary requirements and the other for parent volunteers on the night or donations such as making soup, providing disposable plates and cutlery, donating bread. 

I have now contacted any parent who volunteered to assist, provide soup or any other items. Thank you so much to all these parents. Soup & Chat Night would not be possible without your assistance.

MINI VINNIES CONFERENCE TERM 3 – Wednesday September 16th 

In Week 10 on Wednesday September 16th, Mini Vinnies have been invited to the Mini Vinnies Conference run by the Youth Engagement Team from St Vincent de Paul. As well as being involved in activities, Mini Vinnies who attend will need to present an action we have taken at SFS. 

The ten Mini Vinnies attending have now started to discuss which action they would like to showcase on the day. It seems that it will be between The Christmas Appeal, The Keep Cozy, Help Others Keep Clean or the Soup & Chat Night. We will keep you posted as we decide the action we will present.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au