Education in Faith
The Passion of the Lord - Year B
Scriptural context – The Suffering Servant
It is appropriate that the first reading in today’s liturgy comes from one of Isaiah’s Songs of the Suffering Servant. Isaiah includes three short poems or songs about the Suffering Servant and then a much longer fourth song from which today’s reading comes. Traditionally, Jewish scholars interpreted Isaiah’s poems as referring to the Jewish people as a whole. The followers of Jesus made a specific link between the imagery of Isaiah and the life and death of Jesus. The writings of Isaiah had a significant influence on the gospel writers who borrowed heavily from his imagery throughout their gospels.
Historical Context – Jews in the fourth gospel
The gospel of John is sometimes considered ‘anti-Semitic’ because its portrayal of ‘the Jews’ is rather negative. Use of the term ‘the Jews’ is very evident in today’s Passion narrative where other writers might have used ‘the Jewish authorities’. This gospel was written at a time when the Christian community had been exiled from the Jewish faith and what had once been close bonds were dramatically broken down. The language of the gospel is indicative of the social situation at the time of its writing rather than at the time of Jesus. We must be careful to understand the context of the writer.
Have you thought? – Veneration of the Cross
A significant element of the Good Friday service is the veneration of the Cross when all are invited to process forward and touch or kiss the Cross that is the central symbol of Good Friday. Veneration of holy objects and places is an ancient practice that draws people into connection with the mystery and history of the thing they venerate. In more recent years, the veneration of the Cross has taken on a new significance as the World Youth Day Cross and Icon travel around the world and around the host country of WYD. The act of veneration invites us into a moment of deep prayer.
Sacramental Events and Dates
Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,
As we embark on a new academic year, we would like to share with you 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 on your calendar:
Event | Date/Time/Venue | Participant Group | |
Term 2 | |||
Sacrament of Eucharist Retreat Day | Thursday 30th May St. Francis de Sales | St. Kevin’s and St. Francis de Sales Year 3 and 4 | |
| Sacrament of Eucharist | Saturday 1st June St. Kevin’s Church | St. Kevin’s - Year 4 - 11am St. Kevin’s - Year 3 - 1pm | St. Francis de Sales - 3pm - Year 3&4 |
Term 3
| |||
| Sacrament of Confirmation Retreat Day | Tuesday 3rd September St. Francis de Sales (9 am- 3pm)
| St. Kevin’s and St. Francis de Sales Year 6 | |
| Sacrament of Confirmation | Saturday 7th September St. Kevin’s Church | St. Kevin’s - 12pm Year 6 | St. Francis de Sales - 2pm - Year 6 |
Term 4
| |||
| Reconciliation Commitment and Enrolment Mass | Tuesday 8th October 6.30pm - Registration 7.00pm - Mass St. Kevin’s Church
| St. Kevin’s and St. Francis de Sales Year 2 | |
| Reconciliation Information Night | Tuesday 15th October 7 pm - 8 pm St. Kevin’s School Hall
| St. Kevin’s and St. Francis de Sales Year 2 | |
| Sacrament of Reconciliation | Tuesday 19th November 7pm St. Kevin’s Church
| St. Kevin’s and St. Francis de Sales Year 2 | |
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
There is a $25 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost of stoles.
- This levy needs to be paid in full to the school in an envelope clearly indicating your child’s name, Home Group and name of Sacrament being received.
God Bless
Rozeta Ambrose
Religious Education Leader
rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
Holy Week and Easter at St Kevin's Parish Church
Holy Week (Week beginning Monday 25 March)
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This year, we shared with you the story of three inspiring women from across the globe, who overcame challenges to complete their education, access water and find secure employment. With the support of compassionate people like you, they are now forging a path to a better future for their families and their communities.
Ronita from the Philippines has now graduated high school and secured a job at a call centre. This job was only possible because of a certificate she gained from completing her studies.
Leaia and her family now have a water tank at their home in Samoa. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.
Memory completed her vocational training course in carpentry and joinery. After completing a work contract at one of the largest electrical companies in Malawi, Memory now plans to return to her village and provide carpentry services to people in her community.
It’s through the generosity of people like you that we can continue to support people like Ronita, Leaia and Memory.
There is still time to donate! Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow, for all future generations. You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. |
Our school Project Compassion appeal is now complete. We would like to say a great big thank you to the SFS Community. We managed to raise a total of $486.90, an amazing effort!
Final House Donations:
1st | Patrick | $156.35 |
2nd | MacKillop | $128.75 |
3rd | Bosco | $109.80 |
4th | Teresa | $92 |
Well done to all the Houses for their donations. I am sure the money will assist many individuals and their community.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS
Staff have been busily giving out points when they see students demonstrating community spirit, which includes our PBL Values especially our focus of Kindness in the Learning Space: encourage and support others. This tally also includes the House donations from Project Compassion and points for the Grade 6s who assisted with the Junior Cross Country. The points for the end of Term 1 for each House are:
1st | TERESA | 1 773 |
2nd | PATRICK | 1 684 |
3rd | MACKILLOP | 1 622 |
4th | BOSCO | 1 550 |
Well done to Teresa who is still leading!! But it’s only Term 1 and we still have three terms to go!
MINI VINNIES COMISSIONING CEREMONY
During our final assembly, Mini Vinnies made their commitment to be part of the Mini Vinnies group for 2024. They read out their pledge and received their badge. I am very proud of these young people and the commitment they have already demonstrated in Term 1. Well done Mini Vinnies! I look forward to working with you next term.
Giuliana