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.

Sixteenth Sunday in ordinary Time ~ Year A

The readings this Sunday reveal the heart of God ~ a God who is patient, merciful and full of hope. In a world that often demands immediate results and quick judgement, God invites us to see people through the eyes of compassion.

In the first reading from the book of Wisdom, we learn that God's strength is shown through mercy. Although God has the power to judge, He chooses patience, giving people time to grow, change and return to Him. True strength is not found in punishment but in kindness and forgiveness.

The Psalm continues this message with the beautiful words: "Lord, you are good and forgiving." God never tires of welcoming us back when we seek Him with sincere hearts. His love is constant, even when we fall short.

In the second reading to the Romans, St Paul reminds us that we are never alone in our faith journey. There are moments when life feels overwhelming and we do not know how to pray. In those times, the Holy Spirit prays within us, bringing our deepest hopes, fears and needs before God. We can trust that God understands us completely, even when words fail us.

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus tells the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds. The servants want to remove the weeds immediately, but the landowner wisely tells them to wait. The wheat and weeds look very similar while they are growing, and pulling out the weeds too soon could damage the good crop. Jesus teaches that only God sees the whole picture. Rather than rushing to judge others, we are called to be patient, allowing God to continue His work in every person's life.

This message is especially important for our families and school community. None of us is perfect. We all have strengths to celebrate and weaknesses we continue to work on. Instead of focusing on each other's mistakes, we are invited to encourage one another, offer forgiveness, and recognise the goodness that God is growing within each person.

This week, may we ask God for hearts that are patient like His, words that build others up, and the wisdom to trust that God is always at work, bringing goodness from every situation.

Discussion Starters

• What does the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds teach us about judging other people?
• Why do you think God chooses patience instead of immediate punishment?
• When have you experienced someone giving you a second chance?
• How can we show patience and forgiveness at home, at school or with our friends?
• What "good seed" do you think God has planted in you? How can you help it continue to grow?
• St Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us when we do not know how to pray. Have you ever experienced a time when you simply sat quietly with God?
•  

This week, take a few moments to reflect together:

• What act of kindness did I show today?
• Who showed patience or forgiveness towards me?
• How did I help someone grow instead of judging them?

Let us pray:

"Loving God, thank You for Your patience and mercy. Help us to see the goodness in others, to forgive as You forgive, and to trust that You are always helping us grow closer to You. May our words and actions reflect Your love each day. Amen."

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

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Students will continue to be awarded points for demonstrating Community Spirit, in particular our PBL Values. These points will be added to the Community Spirit House points. The tally so far:

Well done Patrick! However, it’s only the beginning of Term 3 and the points are so close! Still two terms to go!!!

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

Parents our annual Mini Vinnies Soup & Chat Night focussing on homelessness will be on Tuesday August 18th this year from 4.30 – 7.30pm. Please save the date so that Mini Vinnies can attend. We are also asking Mini Vinnies to gather donations for the evening. They have been given a hard copy sponsor form and this form is also available attached to the permission note on nForma. We would appreciate it if each Mini Vinnie could donate at least $10 by Friday August 14th. On the Soup & Chat Night Mini Vinnies will then decide who these donations will be given to. In the past we have donated to: Soupvans, Ozanam House, Dandenong Education Program. 

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. 

Two nForma forms have been sent out. One to give permission for your Mini Vinnie to attend the Soup & Chat Night, listing any dietary requirements and the other for parent volunteers on the night, or donations such as making soup, providing disposable plates and cutlery, donating bread….

MINI VINNIES CONFERENCE TERM 3 – Wednesday September 16th 

In Week 10 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. As well as being involved in activities, Mini Vinnies who attend 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. The successful applicants have been informed and parents will receive an nForma form where they need to give permission and list any dietary requirements for their child.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au