Education in Faith

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

5th Sunday in Lent - Year A

In this week’s theme: Jesus brings life, hope and freedom even in the darkest moments

On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, the readings move us closer to Easter and invite us to reflect on hope, new life, and trusting in God’s power. 

The First Reading, Psalm, and Gospel all share the same message: even when things seem hopeless, God can bring new life.

In the First Reading from the Book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:12–14), God speaks to the people of Israel who feel defeated and forgotten during their exile. They feel as though their hopes are buried, like being in a grave. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God promises to open their graves and restore them. God tells them that His Spirit will breathe new life into them. This powerful image reminds us that no matter how difficult life becomes, God does not abandon His people. God’s Spirit can bring renewal where there once seemed to be only despair.

The Book of Psalms (Psalm 130) continues this message with a prayer that cries out to God from deep suffering. The psalmist calls from “the depths,” asking God to listen and forgive. Yet the prayer is filled with hope, because it reminds us that with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Even when we make mistakes or feel lost, God’s mercy is always greater. Like someone waiting patiently for morning light after a dark night, the psalm teaches us to trust that God’s love will bring hope and healing.

This message reaches its most powerful moment in the Gospel from the Gospel of John (John 11:1–45) with the story of Lazarus. Lazarus becomes very sick and dies, leaving his sisters Martha and Mary of Bethany heartbroken. When Jesus Christ arrives, He sees their grief and is deeply moved. In one of the most touching moments in Scripture, Jesus weeps with them. This reminds us that Jesus truly understands human sorrow and suffering.

Then Jesus performs a miracle that reveals who He truly is. Standing before the tomb, He calls Lazarus by name and tells him to come out. Lazarus walks out of the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus then tells the people around him to “untie him and let him go.” Through this miracle, Jesus shows that He is the Resurrection and the Life. He has power even over death itself.

When we reflect on these readings together, we see a clear message. The people in Ezekiel’s time believed their future was dead. The psalmist cried out from deep suffering. Mary and Martha grieved the loss of their brother. Yet in each situation, God brings hope and new life.

These stories are not only about physical death. They also remind us of the things that can trap or bury us in everyday life. Fear, anger, selfishness, injustice, or feeling left out can sometimes feel like stones blocking the entrance to a tomb. Jesus calls each of us, just as He called Lazarus, to step out of those places and live in the freedom of God’s love.

The command Jesus gives at the end of the Gospel is also important: “Untie him and let him go.” This reminds us that we are called to help others experience freedom and new life too. When we forgive someone, include someone who feels left out, stand up for justice, or care for those who are suffering, we are helping to remove the “burial cloths” that hold people back.

As Lent draws closer to Holy Week, these readings prepare us for the great mystery of Easter. They remind us that God’s power is stronger than despair and that new life is always possible. Just as God promised through Ezekiel, just as the psalmist trusted, and just as Jesus showed by raising Lazarus, God is always working to bring life where there seems to be none.

This week we are invited to ask ourselves: Where might Jesus be calling us to step out of darkness and into new life? And how can we help bring hope and freedom to others?

Discussion Starters

1. Why do you think Jesus wept when He saw Mary and Martha grieving?
2. What do you think the “tombs” in our lives today might be? (e.g., fear, bullying, sadness, injustice)
3. How can we help “roll away the stone” for someone who is struggling?
4. When have you experienced hope after a difficult moment?
5. What might Jesus be calling us to come out of this Lent?

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 for each House:

Well done SFS! Already a total of $362.90.

We remind families that Project Compassion boxes that were taken home need to be returned to the office by next week. Please write your child’s House on the box so that when Mini Vinnies count the money we can put it towards your child’s House.

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

Fifth Week of Lent(Week beginning Monday 23 March)

This Lent, our school community has been supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, walking alongside our global family to ensure that when people face disaster or emergency, they don’t do so alone. 

Families in Gaza have endured catastrophic conditions. Frontline staff at Caritas Jerusalem – many of whom have been displaced themselves – have been standing alongside and serving families whose lives have been disrupted by this devastating war. 

Despite these challenges, including displacement, destruction and danger, the dedicated team continues to deliver critical emergency support. They remain committed to serving families in need in the hope that Gaza can rebuild.

Watch the story of Ahmad, one Caritas Jerusalem staff member, HERE to learn more. 

As we draw close to the end of Lent, our school community is called to stand in solidarity with communities across the world who are impacted by crisis. Will you stand with us? 

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:

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.

MINI VINNIES COMMITMENT CEREMONY

On the last day of Term, Thursday April 2nd, we will begin our Cross-Country Assembly with the Mini Vinnies Making their commitment to be part of the 2026 Mini Vinnies Social Justice Group. They will receive their badges and say their commitment pledge. Parents are welcome to attend the ceremony which will begin at approximately 12.00 pm.

I am very proud of these students who are willing to give up their time to help those less fortunate have a brighter future. Their maturity and dedication to improve other people’s lives is to be commended. Thank you, Mini Vinnies.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au