Education in Faith

 4th Sunday in Lent - Year A

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is often called Laetare Sunday, a moment of joy and hope in the middle of Lent. The readings remind us that God sees beyond appearances and brings light where there is darkness.

In the first reading from the First Book of Samuel, God chooses David to be king. Samuel initially thinks the strongest and tallest sons must be the right choice. But God reminds him: “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” This teaches us that God values kindness, faith, and love rather than status, strength, or popularity.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23) reassures us that God is like a shepherd who guides and protects us. Even when life feels confusing or difficult, God walks beside us, leading us toward goodness and peace.

In the second reading from Ephesians, St Paul reminds believers that they were once in darkness but are now called to live as children of the light. Living in the light means choosing goodness, truth, kindness, and justice in our everyday actions.

The Gospel from the Gospel of John tells the powerful story of Jesus healing the man born blind. While Jesus gives him physical sight, the deeper message is about spiritual sight. The man who was blind comes to see and believe in Jesus, while some of the religious leaders - who could physically see - remain spiritually blind because their hearts are closed.

This Gospel challenges us to ask: 

Do we truly see others the way God sees them? Sometimes we judge people by how they look, what they can do, or what others say about them. Jesus invites us instead to see people with compassion, understanding, and love.

During Lent, we are called to open our hearts to God’s light. When we choose kindness, fairness, and truth, we help bring that light into our families, schools, and communities.

A key Message:

God sees our hearts, not just our appearance.

Jesus helps us see others with love and compassion.

We are called to live as children of the light.

Discussion Starters

• In the first reading, why does God choose David instead of his older brothers? What does this teach us about how God sees people?

• In Psalm 23, God is described as a shepherd. What does a shepherd do? How might God guide us in our daily lives?
• In the Gospel story, the blind man begins to see and believe in Jesus. What does it mean to be spiritually blind or spiritually able to see?
• Have you ever judged someone too quickly and later realised you were wrong? What did you learn from that experience?
• What are some ways we can live as children of the light at school or at home this week?
• If Jesus helps us see people differently, how might we treat someone who feels left out or lonely?

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 for each House:

Well done SFS! Already a total of $324.95.

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.’

Fourth Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 16 March)

This Lent, our school community has answered the call to Unite Against Poverty as part of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. We are proud to join thousands of others across Australia to create real, lasting change for people like Manaini. 

Manaini is a mother of six and a grandmother of two living in rural Fiji. Life has always been a struggle - holding back tears, she shared: “The thing I worry about the most is my children’s education. The requirements that need to be met are hard for me to try and achieve with my daily income”. 

Thanks to the generosity of schools like ours, Manaini joined training offered by Caritas Australia’s local partner, FRIEND. Through the program, she learnt food processing skills to transform leftovers from crops into flour, improving her family’s nutrition and increasing her weekly income to support her children’s education. “The project totally changed the life of my family and even the community,” Manaini said.

Watch Manaini’s story HERE to see how the actions of our school community today can create a lasting legacy of impact and change that will be felt for generations to come. 

There is still time for you to be a part of that legacy - will you join us and stand with people like Manaini 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:

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