Education in Faith

Second Sunday in Lent - Year A

Stepping Out, Listening In

On this Second Sunday of Lent, our readings invite us into a journey of trust, courage, and listening themes that speak beautifully to family life and to the growing hearts of our children.

In the first reading from Genesis, Abram is asked to leave behind what is familiar and step into an unknown future. God does not give him a detailed plan; only a promise. Abram’s response is simple but powerful: he goes. This reading reminds us that faith often begins with a step, even when we don’t have all the answers. For families, this can look like trusting God with big transitions, small daily decisions, or the hopes we carry for our children.

In the second reading, from Second Letter to Timothy, we are reminded that God calls us not to live in fear, but in confidence and purpose. Lent is not only about giving things up; it’s also about growing braver in love, kindness, and faith, even when that’s uncomfortable or countercultural.

The Gospel from Gospel of Matthew brings us to the Transfiguration. Jesus is revealed in glory, and the disciples catch a glimpse of who he truly is. In the midst of awe and confusion, God’s voice breaks through: “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.” Before the journey to the cross continues, the disciples are given reassurance and clarity. For our families, this moment is a reminder to pause, listen, and notice where God is present especially in the busy noise of everyday life.

Together, these readings encourage us to keep walking forward in faith, to trust when the path feels uncertain, and to listen closely to God’s voice guiding us along the way.

Discussion Starters 

• Abram trusted God without knowing exactly where he was going. When have you had to trust God or each other without having all the answers?
• What are some “small steps” of faith our family can take during Lent?
• In the Gospel, God says, “Listen to him.” What makes it hard to listen to God or to one another at home?
• How can we make more space this Lent for quiet, prayer, or meaningful family conversations?

May this season of Lent help our families grow in trust, courage, and attentiveness to God’s loving voice in our lives. 

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.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

Eucharist: baptised Catholics in Year 3 or who have celebrated their Reconciliation.

Confirmation: Year 6 Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist.

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

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

PROJECT COMPASSION

Each Learning Space has 4 Project Compassion Boxes, one for each House. Today Mini Vinnies collected and counted the money donated so far. The results after the first week and ½ of lent:

Well done SFS! Already a total of $217.60 after the first week and ½ of lent.

Families can also take a project compassion box home if they wish. These can be collected from the office but we ask that parents please collect them and they must be returned by Week 9. If you would like the money collected to go towards your child’s House, please write the name of the House on the box.

We hope that SFS students and families will give generously this Lenten Season as we ‘Unite against poverty.’

Second Week of Lent

 (Week beginning Monday 2 March)

This Lent, we are proud to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion and to stand in solidarity with school communities across the world who have their education disrupted by the daily struggle for clean, safe water.

This week, we’re introduced to Sisilia, a 13-year-old girl from Tanzania. Sisilia supported her mother by walking long distances three times a day to fetch water. The water was unsafe, causing frequent illness, and the long walks left Sisilia exhausted and struggling to focus on her studies.

Thanks to Project Compassion and the support of schools like ours, Sisilia’s school and village now have safe clean water taps. This means it takes Sisilia just two minutes to collect water, giving her more time to learn so she can fulfil her dreams of one day becoming a pilot. 

“I’d like to fly to different countries and pass through the sky.” – said Sisilia. “Also, I want to help my family live a better life. If I can study without spending so much time fetching water, I know I can achieve my dream.”

Watch Sisilia’s story HERE to learn more about how our school’s support of Project Compassion helps to create ripples of change that are felt by our fellow students, teachers and parents across the world. 

Will you stand with students like Sisilia this Lent?  

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Staff have been giving students points for demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL Values. Points also include donations for Project Compassion for each House. The points for each House at the end of Week 5:

Well done Patrick again! However, it’s only early days and as we continue our donations for Project Compassion, these will also be included in the weekly points.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au