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

Grade 2 Families: There is a $30 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost of stoles and Certificates for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

• This levy needs to be paid in full on the Parent Information night.

Sacraments - 2025

To assist us with the administration and preparation of Sacraments for 2025, please fill in the Operoo form, to indicate if your child will be receiving a Sacrament next year.

You will need to ACCEPT or DECLINE this invitation by Friday 6th December.  Dates for Sacraments are:

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 21st June 2025.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 6th September 2025.

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 do not hesitate to contact me at the school.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Gospel Reading: Mark 12:28-34

In this week’s Gospel passage, a scribe asks Jesus, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus replies with two commandments: first, to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and second, to love your neighbour as yourself. Jesus explains that these two commandments are the foundation of all others and that they cannot be separated. The scribe agrees, affirming that loving God and neighbour is greater than all offerings and sacrifices. Jesus commends the scribe, saying, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Reflection 

This Gospel passage reminds us that our faith is not just about following rules or doing good works, but about genuinely loving God and each other. Jesus emphasises that love is the heart of faith and that everything we do should be rooted in this love. Loving God fully means prioritizing our relationship with Him, while loving our neighbour means caring for others in real, practical ways.

The scribe’s question is one we might also ask ourselves: "What is most important in my life?" Jesus’ response challenges us to reflect on how deeply we love God and others. True love for God is reflected in our thoughts, choices, and actions, and love for our neighbours shows in kindness, respect, and generosity.

By calling us to love in these ways, Jesus invites us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Him. He assures us that by living with love, we move closer to the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 
• How can we express this love in our daily lives?
• Why do you think Jesus links the commandments to love God and love our neighbour?
• What are ways we can show love to our neighbours?
• The scribe says that love is greater than "all burnt offerings and sacrifices." How do you think love can be greater than these things?
• In what ways can love be more powerful than any action or ritual?
• Are there ways that you feel called to deepen your love for God or others after reflecting on this Gospel?
• What is one small way you could start to practice that kind of love this week?

Children's Catechism 

The Missionaries of the Holy Family International will be starting Children's Catechism classes from 6th October 2024. The classes will be held over five weeks - 6th October, 13th October, 20th October, 27th October and 3rd November from 12-1pm in the School Hall.

Our Parish will host a Living Rosary on Sunday, 3rd November after the 11am Mass. 

Children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite saint. 

Rosary will be followed by a bbq lunch. 

Please register your participation by scanning the QR code below.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

VINNIES MARKET STALL

Our next big event is the Vinnies Nail, Hair and Temporary Tattoo Stall at our Twilight Market. They will be doing nail polish, hair colour and temporary tattoos. And yes students will be able to wear them to school the next day!! 

Let’s support the Mini Vinnies in their commitment to support the COTS program. Together we can make a difference!!

Today Mini Vinnies practised applying nail polish and temporary tattoos in preparation for our Twilight Market Stall on Thursday November 7th. Please come and visit us. We will be located in the quiet area between LS1 and LS3.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD POINTS

Points this week include points given to students by staff.

The results so far are:

Well done Teresa who are in the lead but the other Houses are close! Remember we still have all of this term, including our Christmas Appeal, so one of the other houses may take the lead. 

SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Mini Vinnies are eagerly getting ready for our final event of the year, the SFS Christmas Appeal. This year each Home Group will be given a family that they are putting together a hamper for. Our Giving Trees will go up in each Learning Space. Toda Mini Vinnies were busily cutting out Christmas tags for the Giving Tree and labelling Christmas bags for each Home Group.

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au