Education in Faith

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

Gospel Focus – Binding the strong man

The incarnation of Jesus in the world – God becoming fully human and physically present in the world – was an act of supreme love for the world. The image of binding the strong man echoes this act of love. The image is reminiscent of a bully or tyrant who is wreaking havoc and terrorising a community. Before justice can be restored and the victims/survivors lifted up, the ‘strong man’ must be restrained and subdued. To bring about the loving act of God in the world, the power of evil must be resisted and bound up.

Living the Gospel – Who is my mother or brother?

At the end of the today’s gospel passage, Jesus states, ‘Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’ Family bonds were critically important. Jesus does not deny his family kinship, but expands it to include anyone who does the will of God. All those who work to bring about the Kingdom or Reign of God share a bond with Jesus, they share a familial link with him. Whenever we act to bring about God’s dream for this world, we join our efforts with those of our brother, Jesus.

Discussion starters

• Why might it have been an ‘unforgivable’ blasphemy to associate Jesus’ healing with evil rather than the Holy Spirit?
• Why do you think Jesus’ family thought he’d gone ‘out of his mind’?
• What does Jesus mean by describing those who do the will of God as his brother and sister and mother?
• In what way can you bring about the will of God today and act as a brother or sister of Jesus?
• How does the image of Jesus’ family seeking to keep him in his place speak to your own experience?
• Who are the unrelated but kindred spirits in your life who are your ‘mother and brothers’ gathered around you?
• When have your actions been misunderstood and misrepresented?
• Who or what is the ‘strong man’ in your life that needs to be ‘bound’ so that fullness of life can flourish?

Sacramental Events and Dates

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

As we embark on a new academic year, we would like to share with you 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 on 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

Today was the Feast of the Sacred Heart. To follow in Jesus’ footsteps and share our love with others in need, we have been asking for food/toiletry donations.

Mini Vinnies collected and counted all the donations:

A big thanks to the SFS Community and those families who have donated so far. We have a total of 276 items that have been donated. We will be extending the donation period until the end of next week in the hope that more items will be donated. This will enable the Hampton Park SVDP Conference to create more hampers for those people within our community who are struggling currently.

If each student brings in a food or toiletry item we would have 350 items in total. Remember food item must be:

• Non-perishable
• Before the used by date or best before date. Please don’t bring items that are expired as these cannot be handed out to people.

We will collect and count donations again next Friday and update everyone about the amount of items donated. 

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 Winter Appeal donations also go towards the Community Spirit points. The points for each House so far:

Well done to Patrick who is leading at the moment. Let’s see who is leading next week. And don’t forget students will also receive points for bringing in items for our Winter Appeal.

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au