Education in Faith

Fr. Antony’s Farewell 

Dear SFS family, You are invited to participate in a special liturgy to farewell Fr. Antony on Friday, 30th October at 2:15 pm at our school Multipurpose Hall.

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.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

If you have any further questions regarding your child receiving these Sacraments, please feel free to contact me at the school.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Theme: Love God, Love Your Neighbour – The Heart of Christian Living

The readings for this Sunday remind us that the heart of our Christian faith is to love God wholeheartedly and show that love through the way we treat others.

In the First Reading from the Book of Exodus, God calls us to care for the vulnerable, including strangers, widows, orphans and the poor. We are reminded that genuine faith requires compassion, justice and respect for the dignity of every person.

The Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “I love you, Lord, my strength.” God is our refuge and source of strength, helping us to persevere through challenges and extend patience, forgiveness and encouragement to others.

In the Second Reading to his followers in Thessaloniki, St Paul praises the Thessalonians for their faithfulness and their example to others. Their lives demonstrate how the Gospel can transform us. We, too, are called to be living witnesses of Christ through our 

words, actions and relationships.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches us the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. These commandments belong together. Our love for God must be reflected in our compassion, kindness, forgiveness and care for others, especially those who feel vulnerable or excluded.

Together, the readings challenge us to move beyond simply speaking about love and to put it into practice in our everyday lives. Whether through listening without judgement, welcoming someone who feels alone or offering help to someone in need, small acts of love can make Christ's presence tangible.

Discussion Starters

• Who are the vulnerable or overlooked people in our community, and how can we support them?
• How does God give us strength when we face difficulties?
• What can others learn about Jesus by observing our words and actions?
• Why does Jesus connect love of God with love of neighbour?
• What is one practical way we can live the Great Commandment this week?

Our challenge for this weekend: 

Love begins when we notice another person's needs and choose to respond with compassion. Our faith becomes visible when others experience Christ's love through us.

Prayer: Loving Father,

Help us to love you with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. 

Open our eyes to those who are lonely, vulnerable or in need. Give us generous hearts to serve, patient spirits to forgive and the courage to stand up for justice and dignity.

When we are weary, be our strength. When we are tempted to judge, teach us compassion. May our words bring encouragement, our actions reveal kindness and our lives become a living witness to your Gospel.

Help us to make love not merely a commandment we remember, but the way we live each day. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Total House points so far:

But remember we have our Christmas Appeal later this term. Another opportunity to earn house points for your houses!

CELEBRATING SFS MINI VINNIES

Today we had guest speakers from St Vincent de Paul come and accept the rough sleeper packs Mini Vinnies created from their Soup & Chat Night donations and a large cheque that represents the money Mini Vinnies donated to Gift a Night off the Street, once again from the Soup & Chat Night Donations. 

Our guest speakers spoke to all the Senior students in the Hall from 2.30-3.00pm. There was Sarah and Tayla from the St Vincent de Paul Youth Engagement Team and Richie and Rebecca from the Soupvans Team. Mini Vinnies hosted the session, introducing, thanking and presenting. Some of our Conference Mini Vinnies were even interviewed by Sarah and Tayla. We celebrated the good works of the SFS Mini Vinnies!!! 

Mini Vinnies then had an opportunity to speak to the SVDP Team on their own and even got to see a Vinnies Soupvan when they loaded the rough sleeper packs we donated. These will be distributed on the Berwick and Southeast Soupvans.

REMEMBRNCE DAY – Wednesday November 11th

‘Lest We Forget’

Mini Vinnies will begin to sell Remembrance Day items next week during 1st lunch and 2nd lunch eating time. The will go to the Learning Spaces to give students the opportunity to purchase items. We have poppies for $2, wristbands for $3 and pens for $5. It would be great if students purchasing have the correct change. Remember all money raised will go to the RSL to support those who fought in the war and their families. 

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au