Education in Faith

1st Sunday of Advent - Year A

This weekend we begin ‘Advent’, a season of hope, quiet expectation, and deep preparation. The Gospel calls us to “stay awake,” not in a fearful way, but with hearts ready and open for Jesus, who comes to us every day in small moments, in the people we meet, and ultimately in glory.

Jesus uses the story of Noah to remind His disciples that people can get so caught up in daily life that they miss God’s presence right in front of them. Advent invites us to pause and make space for God. It reminds us that our faith isn’t just about waiting for Christmas Day, but about living each day with intention, kindness, and love.

St. Paul tells us to “throw off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.” 

This means choosing patience instead of impatience, generosity instead of selfishness, and peace instead of conflict. 

When we choose the light, we help build the world Isaiah dreams of a world where nations live in peace and people walk in the light of the Lord.

This week, we light the first Advent candle: the ‘Candle of Hope’. Hope is not wishful thinking; it is trust that God is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and working in every situation especially the difficult ones. Advent hope says: ‘God is coming. God is near. God is with us.’

Let us begin this season with open hearts, awake to God’s presence, and ready to welcome Jesus in all the ways He comes.

Discussion Starters

“Stay Awake”

• What do you think Jesus means by “stay awake”?
• How can we be more attentive to God during Advent?

Signs of God’s Presence

• Where did you notice God at work this week?
• Who in your life brings you closer to God?

Choosing the Light

• St. Paul says to “put on the armour of light.”
• What actions or attitudes are examples of living in the light?

Hope for the World

• Isaiah describes a world full of peace.
• What is one change small or big we can make to bring more peace to our home, school, or community?

Preparing Our Hearts

• What is one spiritual intention you would like to set for the Advent season?
• How can you make space for Jesus in your life this week?

Let us pray:

 "Come, Lord Jesus, help me to grow in a greater awareness that you are my Saviour. You have saved me from endlessly searching for the meaning of life. You have saved me from turning against myself by your forgiveness. You have saved me from endlessly searching for signs of your presence because you touch me through your Sacraments. You have saved me from thinking that the possessions or positions I have will save me and make me loved. Thank you for continuing to save me."

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

The total House points for each House so far:

Bosco Is still in the lead!! Well done Bosco!! But as you can see the other Houses a creeping closer. Will Bosco still be leading next week?? 

SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL COMING NEXT WEEK!

HOME GROUP CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Mini Vinnies are eagerly getting ready for our next major event of the year, the SFS Christmas Appeal. 

This year each Home Group will be given a family that they are putting together a hamper for and the Hampton Park SVDP Conference will then distribute them to families within our community. Our Christmas Giving Trees will also go up in each Learning Space.

On Monday students will come home with a small tag asking you to contribute to the Home

 Group hamper. It will list the item your child needs to bring in for the hamper. Please ensure all food is non-perishable and within the used by or best before date. If you would like to contribute an extra item you are most welcome and it would be greatly appreciated. All items will need to be returned to your Home Group teacher by Friday December 12th at the latest so it gives Mini Vinnies time to organise and wrap the hampers before the Hampton Park Conference collects them. Students will be given House points for the items they bring in which will go towards the House Community Spirit Award which will be presented on the last day of school to the winning House.

Our Giving Trees will also go up in each Learning Space on Monday. Mini Vinnies have decided that our Christmas presents will go to the South Eastern Soupvan and the Cranbourne SVDP Conference this year. If you would like to collect a tag to purchase a present, please go with your child to their Learning Space and choose a tag for the child you would like to purchase a present for. 

Please ensure the tag has your child’s house coloured ribbon on it. Once again, students will be given points for the presents they bring in, which will go towards their House for the Community Spirit Award. Please do not wrap presents but attach the tag onto the present, after you have purchased it, and return it to the Christmas tree where you took the tag from. If you are unable to come to the school to collect a tag, please write a note in your child’s diary giving them permission to collect a tag and the LSOs and Mini Vinnies in that Learning Space will assist them to collect a tag from the Christmas tree which they can then bring home.

We thank the SFS Community in advance. Our Christmas Appeal is always so successful and we help so many families. Christmas is a time for families to celebrate and with your assistance we will ensure many families are able to celebrate Christmas! Thank you for giving!

AND NOW FROM THE MINI VINNIES…

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au