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 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

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.

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

The readings this Sunday challenges us to consider what it truly means to follow Jesus. 

The Gospel contains some difficult words: "Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me." At first glance, these words may seem harsh, but Jesus is not asking us to love our families less. Rather, He is asking us to place God at the centre of our lives so that every other relationship is shaped by His love.

The Shunammite woman in the First Reading recognised God's presence in the prophet Elisha and welcomed him into her home. Her generosity and hospitality were expressions of faith. She did not know what she would receive in return, yet God blessed her abundantly. Her example reminds us that welcoming others can be a way of welcoming God Himself.

In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds us that through Baptism we share in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We are called to leave behind old ways of selfishness and live a new life centred on Jesus. Following Christ is not simply believing in Him; it is allowing Him to transform how we think, speak, and act.

Finally, the Gospel concludes with a powerful message about small acts of kindness. Jesus tells us that even offering a cup of cold water to someone in need will not go unnoticed. This reminds us that discipleship is lived out in everyday actions through hospitality, generosity, service, and love.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to welcome others, put Christ first in our decisions, and recognise that even the smallest acts of kindness can help build God's Kingdom. Every choice we make can be an opportunity to reflect God's love to those around us.

Discussion Starters

• How did the woman in the First Reading show kindness?
• What are some ways we can welcome people at school?
• What does it mean to put Jesus first?
• What small act of kindness can you do this week?
• Why do you think Jesus talks about putting Him first?
• How can we show hospitality to others today?
• What does a "cup of cold water" represent in our lives?
• When has someone shown you kindness when you needed it?
• What challenges can make it difficult to put Jesus' teachings first?
• How does Baptism call us to live differently?
• Why do small acts of kindness matter so much in God's Kingdom?
• How can we recognise Christ in the people we meet each day?

As we come to the end of Term 2, we give thanks for the many opportunities to learn, grow, and share God's love within our school community.

May God bless our children and your families during the holiday break.May He fill your homes with peace, joy, and laughter.May He keep you safe in your travels and refresh you with rest and time together.May you continue to experience God's presence in the simple moments of each day and return next term with renewed energy and hope.

May the love of Christ guide your hearts, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit inspire your actions, and the blessing of God be with you always.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART – SFS WINTER APPEAL

Our Winter Appeal has now ended and the SVDP Hampton Park Conference today collected all the donations to hand out to people they visit within our community. Thank you to everyone who donated items. We collected a total of 718 items! 

The final results of our Winter Appeal:

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

During the term students were given points for demonstrating Community Spirit, in particular our PBL Values. Students were also given points for the items they donated to our Winter Appeal which will assist those in our community who are struggling this winter. These points have been added to the Community Spirit House points. 

The final point tally for Term 2:

Well done Patrick! However, it’s only the end of Term 2 and the points are so close! Still two terms to go!!!

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT – TUESDSY AUGUST 18TH - SAVE THE DATE

Parents our annual Mini Vinnies Soup & Chat Night will be on Tuesday August 18th this year from 4.30 – 7.30pm. please save the date so that Mini Vinnies can attend. We will also be asking parents for assistance with donations such as: soup, disposable bowls, utensils, bread, fruit and assistance with preparing and serving on the night. I will send out an nForma early next term for you to give permission for your Mini Vinnie to attend and also for you to help either through donations or serving on the night.

MINI VINNIES CONFERENCE TERM 3 – Wednesday September 16th 

In Week 10 of next term on Wednesday September 16th, Mini Vinnies have been invited to the Mini Vinnies Conference run by the Youth Engagement Team from St Vincent de Paul. All Grade 6 Mini Vinnies were invited to apply if they were interested. As well as being involved in activities, they will need to present an action we have taken at SFS. Unfortunately, I am only able to take 10 Grade 6 Mini Vinnies so students were asked to write an application. For those that have been successful, parents will be informed through nForma early next term. I would like to thank all the Grade 6 Mini Vinnies who showed initiative and applied.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au