Education in Faith

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

In the Gospel reflection for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Jesus observes people making offerings in the temple. He contrasts the rich who give from their excess with a poor widow who, in her poverty, gives everything she has. Jesus praises the widow for her selfless generosity, pointing out that her offering, though small in monetary value, is immense in faith and sacrifice.

Gospel Reflection

In this Gospel of Mark, Jesus reminds us that God values the heart and intentions behind our actions, not the outward appearances or amount we can give. True generosity doesn’t come from what’s left over but from a sincere willingness to sacrifice. The widow’s offering challenges us to reflect on our own acts of giving - do we give out of abundance, or do we, like her, trust in God to provide even when we feel we don’t have much?

Jesus points out the value of humility and selflessness, drawing attention away from the wealthy who seek admiration and toward the quiet acts of devotion that often go unnoticed. The widow’s faith invites us to think about how we can give in a way that shows trust and love for God and others, regardless of how small or simple our actions may seem.

Discussion Starters

• Why do you think Jesus was more impressed with the widow’s small offering than with the large amounts given by others?
• Have you ever given something or helped someone even when it was difficult for you? How did it feel?
• How can we apply the lesson of the widow’s offering in our daily lives, especially when it comes to generosity and trusting God?

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.

Advent Retreat for Children and Teens 

(ages 5 - 15)

You are all invited to participate in an – engaging, enriching, fun filled and wonderful 2 Day Retreat. 

This is an opportunity for children and teenagers to come together and participate in fun activities, games, object lessons, meaningful discussions, with moments of prayer and reflection to prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way. 

Date: Saturday, Nov 30 and Sunday, Dec 1, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Venue: St Agatha's Church, Cranbourne, VIC

Please read the details on the attached flyer and use the link www.divinekids.com.au  

to enrol children for this retreat.

Blessings!

Lavina Paul - Coordinator

Divine Kids

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

VINNIES MARKET STALL

What an amazing effort!! Mini Vinnies raised a total of $ 103.40 This along with our $311 balance from our Soup & Chat Night will go towards the COTS (Christmas on the Streets) Program supporting Grace and Rosetta’s Pastoral Action teams.

A big thank you to all the Mini Vinnies who attended and painted nails, applied temporary tattoos and Marcus who singly sold poppies for Remembrance Day all evening! The commitment these student have to making a difference to to other peoples’ lives is amazing!

Thank you also to Ursula and Kathy who spent their evening spraying hair in vibrant colours and patterns!

WEEK 7 ASSEMBLY – MINI VINNIES PRESENTATION

I would like to invite the Mini Vinnies parents to our Week 7 Assembly on Friday November 22nd where our Hampton Park Conference President, Sumith and a member Margaret will be attending our assembly to tell the SFS Community a bit about what they do. They will then launch our Christmas Appeal. They will also be presenting the SFS Mini Vinnies with their certificates for being a member this year. 

We would also like to thank Sumith and the Conference members as they have supported some of our families through challenging times during the year. Mini Vinnies are closely linked with our Hampton Park Conference and the students know Sumith and Marg well.

SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL 

Mini Vinnies are eagerly getting ready for our next major 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. Today 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