Education in Faith

Third Sunday in Lent - Year A

Education in Faith - Third Sunday of Lent Year A

Theme for the week: Thirsting for What Truly Satisfies

This Sunday’s readings invite us to think about thirst ~ not just for water, but for meaning, love, and belonging.

In the first reading from Exodus, the Israelites are thirsty and frustrated. They complain, argue, and even doubt whether God is still with them. Yet God responds not with anger, but with care ~ water flows from the rock. 

This moment reminds us that even when people feel tired, annoyed, or unsure, God remains faithful and present.

The Gospel from Gospel of John deepens this message through Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus asks her for a drink, breaking social barriers of gender, religion, and reputation. Then He offers her something far greater: “living water” ~ a symbol of God’s love and life that never runs dry.

The woman arrives at the well alone, carrying her own struggles and questions. She leaves transformed - full of joy, courage, and purpose - running back to her community to share what she has discovered. An ordinary meeting becomes a life-changing encounter.

In the second reading, Saint Paul (from Letter to the Romans) reminds us that God’s love has already been poured into our hearts. We don’t have to earn it or be perfect first. God meets us exactly where we are.

In the world we live today, it is important for us to STOP, and take time to reflect on this week’ readings and ask an important question: 

What are we really thirsty for? Approval? Success? Popularity? Or deeper things like understanding, forgiveness, hope, and love?

Lent invites us to pause and listen - to recognise where our hearts feel empty and to trust that Jesus is still offering us living water today, through prayer, kindness, friendship, and service.

Discussion Starters 

1. What are some things people often think will make them happy, but don’t last?

    

2. Why do you think Jesus chose to speak to the Samaritan woman, even when others might have avoided her?

    

3. When have you felt truly listened to or accepted by someone?

    

4. What might “living water” look like in a student’s life today?

    

5. How can we be like the Samaritan woman and share hope with others in our school community?

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 after the first week and ½ of lent:

Well done SFS! Already a total of $ 243.85.

Families can also take a project compassion box home if they wish. These can be collected from the office but we ask that parents please collect them and they must be returned by Week 9. If you would like the money collected to go towards your child’s House, please write the name of the House on the box.

We hope that SFS students and families will give generously this Lenten Season as we ‘Unite against poverty.’

Third Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 9 March)

Every dollar raised by our school community in support of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion this Lent will help empower people across the world to build stronger, more resilient futures for themselves and their families. People just like Monoranjon. 

Monoranjon lives in a coastal village in southwest Bangladesh, one of the regions most affected by climate change. He and his family face extreme heat, cyclones and water scarcities, which often destroy his crops and threaten his livelihood. 

Things began to change when Monoranjon joined the Community Managed Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience Program run by Caritas Bangladesh, with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, he learnt climate-resilient farming techniques including organic vegetable cultivation and livestock vaccination, meaning he is now able to grow salt-tolerant vegetables and raise livestock. 

Today, Monoranjon’s income has improved, allowing him to send his children to school and protect their futures from poverty. He also now teaches others in his village, inspiring further change and opportunity across the community. 

Watch Monoranjon’s story HERE to learn more about how our school is changing lives around the world - ensuring that people have the tools they need to face poverty, climate change and disaster.

Will you join us and walk alongside people like Monoranjon this Lent?

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 at the end of Week 5:

Well done Patrick again! However, it’s only early days and as we continue our donations for Project Compassion, these will also be included in the weekly points.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au