Education in Faith

Sacramental Events and Dates

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

Please take note of the 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 in 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.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus invites his disciples to retreat with him after a period of intense ministry. They seek solace in a deserted place, yet the crowds pursue them relentlessly. Rather than turn them away, Jesus is moved with compassion. He teaches them and heals their sick, demonstrating his deep care for each person.

This passage resonates deeply with our modern lives. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves busy and overwhelmed, seeking moments of rest and solace. Yet, like Jesus and his disciples, we are frequently met with demands and responsibilities that pull us away from our intentions.

Jesus’ response to the crowd teaches us profound lessons about compassion and priorities. Despite his own need for rest, he doesn’t turn away from those seeking him. Instead, he sees their needs and responds with love and generosity. This challenges us to reflect on how we prioritise our time and energy—do we respond to others with a spirit of compassion and generosity, or do we prioritise our own needs and desires above those of others?

Moreover, Jesus’ actions highlight the importance of authentic rest and renewal. He recognises the disciples’ need for retreat and takes them to a deserted place to rest. In our own lives, it is crucial to carve out moments of solitude and reflection, where we can recharge spiritually and emotionally. These moments enable us to more fully live out our calling to love and serve others, as Jesus exemplifies.

Ultimately, this Gospel passage calls us to emulate Jesus’ compassion and generosity in our interactions with others. It challenges us to seek balance between our own need for rest and the demands of our vocation to love and serve. As we reflect on Jesus’ actions and teachings, may we be inspired to live with hearts open to the needs of others, following the example of Christ who shows us the way to true compassion and love.

Have you thought? Prayer and reflection

Jesus demonstrated how important it is to engage in times of quiet prayer and reflection. When you expend a lot of time and energy in the service of others it is essential to reflect on those experiences, to learn from them and consider what you’d do differently next time. It is also important that any ministry that seeks to be based in the message of Jesus can only remain so if it is fuelled by prayer. Only through prayerful dialogue with God can we learn what God desires for us.

Historical Context – Sheep and Shepherds

This gospel passage is one of many gospel references and even more Old Testament references to sheep and shepherds. It is an enduring image from the Bible. Much of it stems from the shepherd-become-King, David. When a monarchy developed in Israel it was clear that the role of king was like that of a shepherd, caring for his flock. Jesus applied the image to himself on several occasions, reinforcing an image of servant leadership. The language continues today, with bishops referred to as shepherds of their diocese and carrying a crosier that is reminiscent of a shepherd’s crook.

Discussion Starters

Why was Jesus keen for the disciples to go away to a lonely place?

Why did Jesus abandon his plans and respond to the crowds?

What benefits can flow from taking time for reflection and prayer?

Where and when do you create time for quiet and reflection in your life?

How might you better do this?

What experiences have you had of engaging in reflection / prayer / meditation?

Where do you find it convenient / appropriate / helpful to take reflective time?

What impact can be made by taking time out of a busy life to reflect and pray?

How can you better create time for quiet and reflection?

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

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 at the beginning of Term 3:

Well done to Teresa who is leading at the moment. Let’s see who will be leading next week. 

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT

On Tuesday August 20th Mini Vinnies are invited to attend the Vinnies Soup and Chat Evening. It will take place from 4.30pm – 7.30pm at SFS. 

We will be focussing on homelessness and running activities to raise awareness of this important issue that affects many people, both at a local and wider community level. There will be guest speakers and SFS staff will be at school to supervise.

Mini Vinnies will also experience what a person who is homeless may eat for dinner, as we are organising soup and bread which is similar to what the Vinnies Soupvans serve within our community.

The evening will have a fund raising element where students will ask family and friends to sponsor them. We would greatly appreciate it, if every student who is attending could donate at least $10 to the fundraising effort. If the donations could please be handed to the office or to Giuliana by the Soup and Chat Evening which is on Tuesday August 20th. Students will then have input into which organisation we donate this money to assist with homelessness.

Parents please reply to the Operoo notification indicating whether or not your child will be able to attend. It would be great to see all Mini Vinnies attend the evening.

Shortly I will be asking Mini Vinnies’ parents for assistance on the evening. We will need a variety of different items such as soups, bread, margarine, fruit, disposable cups, spoons amongst other things. Parents please keep your eye out for the Operoo notification asking for your assistance.

SVDP SCHOOL CONFERENCE NETWORKING EVENT

Mini Vinnies have been invited to a School Conference Networking Event organised by the St Vincent de Paul Youth Engagement Team. We will join schools in our local area and students will have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their social justice efforts with other schools’ Mini Vinnies or College Conferences. 

Our school has been invited to bring 5-9 student representatives to meet with peers from sister schools and present on ONE Good Works project from this year. The event will include opportunities for students to collaborate in workshops organised by the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Engagement Team.

Preference will be given to Grade 6 students as this will be their last year as an SFS Mini Vinnie. Expectations of the day will be explained and then they will be able to nominate to be part of this event. If we have more than 9 students, they will be asked to write a letter explaining why they should be chosen to attend the event.

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au