Education in Faith

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Pentecost Sunday - Year B

Gospel Reflection

The feast of Pentecost celebrates the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples and energising them to set about their mission of continuing the ministry of Jesus. The gospel reading is one of the post-resurrection appearances by Jesus when he breathed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. 

The actual events of that first Pentecost are recorded in the book of Acts and are recalled in this week’s first reading. The use of this post-resurrection gospel account is a reminder that Jesus had already imbued the disciples with the Spirit but, as so often throughout his ministry, they were a bit slow to catch on to the significance of what he had done. It seems that they needed a more tangible experience to jolt them into action and Acts records the very physical experience of the Spirit entering their midst as a roaring wind before settling upon them as tongues of flame. Jesus had breathed the Spirit upon them but it took the roaring wind to make a real impression on the disciples. There are frequent references in the gospels to Jesus being ‘filled with the Spirit’. It is this Spirit with which he was filled that he breathed upon his disciples; it is that same Spirit that we receive sacramentally in Confirmation.

For the weeks following the death of Jesus the disciples had lived in fear and confusion, not fully understanding what had happened and not really knowing what to do. When they realised that the Spirit Jesus had breathed upon them was really present and urging them to action they finally had the courage to begin the mission that Jesus had entrusted to them: to spread the Good News of Jesus and continue to realise his message in the world.

Historical Context – Pentecost

The word Pentecost comes from the Greek for fiftieth day. Pentecost Sunday ends the season of Easter and comes as a Sabbath day after seven weeks of seven days. In Jewish tradition the 50th day after the Passover was celebrated as a blessing of the harvest and rather than the unleavened bread of Passover it was celebrated by leavening the bread. It was for this reason that the disciples were gathered together when they experienced the Holy Spirit empowering them. In Christian tradition, Pentecost is celebrated as the arrival of the Spirit, promised by Jesus, that animated the disciples to spread the gospel of Jesus and gather believers to form what would eventually become the Church.

Have you thought? The Spirit

We can sometimes regard Pentecost as the day the Holy Spirit came into the world. However, the Spirit had long been active in the world before this event. In fact, even the second verse of Genesis Chapter 1 tells us that the Spirit hovered over the waters. The Old Testament is filled with references in which ‘The Spirit of God came upon (him) with 

power’ and the Spirit was evident at Jesus’ baptism and throughout the gospels. Jesus is frequently described as being ‘filled with the Spirit’. So, from the very beginning of creation the Spirit has moved in the world and continues to energise it today.

Discussion Starters

• In what ways was the Pentecost experience, 50 days after Easter, the ‘right time’ for the disciples?
• What emotions may the disciples have felt on that day?
• How would you have reacted if you were in the disciples’ place?
• What is the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
• Where in your life could you use the guidance and strength of the Spirit?
• What was different about Jesus breathing the Spirit on the disciples and the Pentecost experience?
• What was significant about the disciples being heard to speak in many different languages?
• Why might Pentecost sometimes be regarded as the birth of the Church?
• Have you ever had an experience of being aware of the Spirit’s presence/action?
• Where in your life could you use the guidance and strength of the Spirit?

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:

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

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES            

MINI VINNIES WINTER APPEAL – FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART 

On Friday June 7th is the Feast of the Sacred Heart. To follow Jesus’ footsteps and share our love with others in need, we will be asking for food/toiletry donations.

Mini Vinnies will be collecting non-perishable food and toiletry items for the St Vincent de Paul Conference, Hampton Park which is based at St Kevin’s. 

These items will then be given to people in need within our community. 

We are asking for your help! Could each student bring in a food or toiletry item? The food item must be:

• Non-perishable
• Before the used by date or best before date. Please don’t bring items that are expired as these cannot be handed out to people.

Today during lunchtime Mini Vinnies placed House baskets in each Learning Space for students to begin bringing in their donations. We will collect and count donations each Friday and update everyone about the amount of items donated each week. 

A big thank you to our SFS school community! You always respond so well when assisting those less fortunate within our community.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Which House is leading in the Community Spirit Award points? Student are able to earn points for their House by demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL values. The points for each House so far:

Well done to Patrick who is leading at the moment. Let’s see who is leading next week. And don’t forget students will also receive points for bringing in items for our Winter Appeal next week.

Giuliana

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au