Education in Faith
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
This week the Catholic Church celebrates The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. This reminds us that a church is more than a building, it is a visible sign of God’s presence among His people.
The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of the Pope, the mother church of the entire Catholic world. Celebrating this feast reminds us that we are united as one Church, no matter where we live.
“The water flowing from the Temple” – Ezekiel 47
In the first reading, Ezekiel sees water flowing from God’s Temple, bringing life wherever it goes trees bloom, animals thrive, and everything touched by this water is healed. This vision points to the life-giving grace of God. It suggests that the presence of God gives life, not just to buildings, but to people, families, and communities.
“You are God’s Temple” – 1 Corinthians 3
St Paul in the second reading reminds us that God’s real dwelling place is not stone but the human heart.
“You are God’s temple… the Spirit of God dwells in you.” This calls us to treat ourselves and others with reverence, dignity, and care. We honour the church building because it houses the presence of God—but we honour one another for the same reason.
Jesus Cleansing the Temple – John 2
In the Gospel, Jesus clears out everything that distracts from true worship. He protects the sacred place because it is meant to draw people close to God. But Jesus also points to His own body as the new Temple, the place where heaven meets earth.
This challenges us:
- What needs to be “cleared out” of our hearts?
What gets in the way of being a living temple that brings God’s love to others?
Here are some Key Themes for this special Feast
- Unity of the Church (one family across the world).
- Sacredness of place—and the deeper sacredness of each person.
- God’s life flows out into the world through His people.
- The call to interior renewal and cleansing of the heart.
Discussion Starters
1. God’s Presence
- Where do you feel closest to God—in nature, in silence, in church, in acts of kindness? Why?
Ezekiel talks about water bringing life wherever it flows. What “life-giving” qualities do you bring to others?
2. The Church as Community
- What does it mean to you that the Church is more than a building?
How do you experience our school/parish as a family of faith?
3. Being God’s Temple
- St Paul says God’s Spirit lives in you. How would your daily choices change if you really believed this?
How can you show respect for the “temples” around you—your own life and the lives of others?
4. Clearing the Temple
- Jesus removes what does not belong in the Temple. What are things in your life (habits, distractions, attitudes) that you feel God might want to help you “clear out”?
What helps you keep your heart focused on what truly matters?
5. Building Up, Not Tearing Down
- Paul says “you are God’s building.” Who helps to build you up? How can you help build up others through your words or actions?
Sacramental Dates for 2025
Dear Parents,
Please check the following date:
- Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
- Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.
Event | Day / Date/Time |
TERM 4
| |
| Sacrament of Reconciliation (Yr2s) | Thursday, 20th November 6:30 pm Registration 7- 8pm - Mass at St. Kevin’s Church |
If you have any further questions regarding your child receiving these Sacraments, please feel free to contact me at the school.
SFS needs you!!!!
Altar servers Training - This Sunday, 9th November, 3 - 4.30 pm. If you have received your First Eucharist, Please join this ministry. You are invited to attend the next altar server training on Sunday, 9th November at 3pm in the Church.
God Bless
Rozeta Ambrose
Religious Education Leader
rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
MINI VINNIES TWILIGHT MARKET STALL
What an amazing effort!! Mini Vinnies raised a total of $140. The money raised will go to Sr. Rochelle, from the Salesian congregation, to support the development of young girls and women through missions in the Solomon Islands and Samoa.
A big thank you to all the Mini Vinnies who attended and painted nails, applied temporary tattoos and sold poppies for Remembrance Day! The commitment these students have to making a difference to other peoples’ lives is amazing!
Thank you also to Ursula, Andriana, Lorenza, Peacelyne and Anju who spent their evening spraying hair in vibrant colours and patterns!
MINI VINNIES PRESENTATION
At assembly today, Mini Vinnies welcomed Erin who is a Vinnies Volunteer and gives her time to assist students in the Dandenong Tutoring Program and also to support people at the South-Eastern Soupvan.
Mini Vinnies raised $600 at their Soup & Chat Night and decided that they wanted to donate the money to help the students at the Dandenong Tutoring Program. These students often come from disadvantaged homes where families maybe struggling to provide their children with educational support. The Dandenong Tutoring Program volunteers try to provide this support for the students who attend.
After contacting Karen who runs the program, I was told the students and volunteers would greatly benefit from some Literacy resources. With the money Mini Vinnies raised I was able to purchase 23 copies of Targeting Grammar Level 4 and 17 copies of Targeting Grammar Level 3. These resources will assist the students to develop their Literacy skills and help the volunteers know what to focus on when teaching the students.
Zoe and Ivy introduced Erin at assembly. After Erin spoke to the school, telling them a bit about the Dandenong Tutoring Program, Kalyani and Sienna presented Erin with the texts Mini Vinnies were able to purchase with the money they raised.
I am so proud of the Mini Vinnies. They always go above and beyond to assist those less fortunate, not only in our local community but beyond. Their sense of justice and empathy is to be commended.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Mini Vinnies will continue selling Remembrance Day items at school during eating time 1st and 2nd lunch both on Monday and Tuesday next week. There will be a number of items for sale. Please ensure your child brings the correct change if they would like to buy a Remembrance Day item.
AND NOW FROM MINI VINNIES:
Giuliana
Mini Vinnies Facilitator