Education in Faith

Praying the Rosary at SFS

Every Friday during the second break, some of our students pray a decade of the Rosary in Learning Space 2.

The Rosary brings us closer to Jesus.  It teaches us about the lives of Jesus and Mary through prayer and contemplation.

We encourage students to join us in praying the Rosary, it transforms our hearts and makes us a light to shine for others.

Eileen Meyn

LS2 Home Group Teacher

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Gospel Reflection

This passage continues the extended address on the Bread of Life. 

The passage shows the crowd bristling at Jesus describing himself as the ‘bread that came down from heaven’. They dismiss his claim because they know his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. 

How could he have come down from heaven if they are aware of his parents on earth?

Jesus replies to the complaints of the crowd through an extended image. He depicts the intimate relationship that exists between himself and the Father. Later, this address will be drawn on in the argument about the divinity of Jesus and that he is ‘one in being with the Father’. 

Those who are drawn to Jesus and his message are – perhaps unknowingly – drawn by the Father and by listening to the teaching of Jesus they are in fact drawing closer to the Father. It is a somewhat complicated image that Jesus paints but at its heart he emphasises the intertwined nature between Father and Son. 

Refuting the concern of the crowd, Jesus again describes himself as the living bread that has come down from heaven. Unlike the manna the people ate in the desert that sustained them physically for a short period of time, the living bread of Jesus will sustain those who believe for all time.

Scriptural context – Who is Jesus?

One of the great concerns of the Gospel of John is to convey an understanding of who Jesus is. This powerful message is conveyed through a number of significant discourses – with Nicodemus, with the Samaritan woman, with the Jews etc. The gospel contains some of the ‘great’ images that we have for Jesus: living water; living bread; light for the world; the good shepherd; the way, the truth and the life. As opposed to the more narrative synoptic gospels, this gospel can be seen as a gospel rich in imagery and theological perceptions.

Gospel Focus – Living Bread

There is an obvious connection between this week’s reading and the sacramental celebration of Eucharist. Jesus describes himself as living bread and then says whoever eats this living bread will live forever. These words capture the essence of the Church teaching about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus is present in several ways at the celebration of Eucharist, particularly present in the bread and wine that become his body and blood. Through our celebration of the Eucharist, Jesus offers us his continuing, enduring presence.

Discussion Starters

• Why were the people concerned by Jesus describing himself as coming down from heaven?
• What words/images does Jesus use to reinforce his closeness with the Father?
• In what ways is ‘bread’ both a suitable and challenging image for Jesus?
• Why is the regular reception of communion such an important element of the Catholic faith?
• Which aspects of this passage do you find difficult / challenging / confronting?
• How does the ‘living bread’ of Jesus continue to sustain us even today?
• If we are called to be like Jesus, in what ways can we be ‘bread’ for the world?

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.

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:

Well done to Teresa who is still 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 4.30 pm – 7.30 pm at SFS. 

We will be focusing on homelessness and running activities to raise awareness of this important issue that affects many people, both at a local and wider community level. The Vinnies Youth Engagement Team will be our 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.

It’s fantastic to see most Mini Vinnies are attending the night as this will be our action for Term 3.

Thank you also to all the parents who have indicated they can assist on the night by serving, providing soup, bread and butter or disposable cups, spoons and serviettes. 

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 5-10 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 has been given to Grade 6 students as this will be their last year as an SFS Mini Vinnie. Expectations of the day have been explained and Grade 6 students have nominated if they would like to be part of this event. We had more than 10 students express interest as a result students were asked to write a letter explaining why they would like to attend the event. Successful students have been notified and an Operoo notification will be posted for those students attending. Parents if you could please approve the Operoo if your child was successful.

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au