Education in Faith

First Eucharist Retreat Day

On Wednesday, 10th June, our First Eucharist candidates gathered at SFS for a special retreat day as part of their preparation to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist.

Throughout the day, the children participated in prayer, reflection, discussions, engaging activities and made their Reconciliation that deepened their understanding of the Eucharist as a sacred celebration of Jesus' love and presence. They explored the significance of the Mass, the gift of Holy Communion, and the importance of belonging to a faith-filled community.

The retreat provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to grow spiritually, strengthen their relationship with God, and prepare their hearts for this important milestone in their faith journey. We were delighted by the reverence, enthusiasm, and thoughtful participation shown by all the children.

We thank Fr. Fabian and Fr. Antony for their ongoing support and ask our school community to continue keeping these children in their prayers as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. 

Sacrament of First Eucharist

This week we pray with sincere and grateful hearts, as our Grade 3 students prepare to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist this weekend, we invite our school community to keep them and their families in your prayers.

This is a special milestone in the faith journey of our children as they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. 

May they experience the love and presence of Christ in a profound way and continue to grow in faith, hope and love.

We pray that the Holy Spirit guides and blesses our candidates and their families as they celebrate this sacred occasion. Thank you for supporting them through your prayers and encouragement.

SFS needs Altar Servers

SFS warmly invites Grade 3 - 6 students who have received their First Eucharist and are interested in becoming altar servers to attend the upcoming training session at St. Kevin’s Church this Sunday, 14th June at 3 pm.

All altar servers and those interested in joining the ministry are invited to attend this training session.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to deepen their faith, serve the parish community, and learn more about the Mass.

We encourage all interested students to come along and participate in this special ministry. Thank you for supporting your child in this meaningful journey of faith and service. God Bless ~ Rozeta

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 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 13th June 2026.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 29th  August 2026.

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 feel free to contact me at the school.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 

This week’s Theme: Seeing Others Through the Eyes of Jesus

The readings this Sunday remind us that God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Throughout history, God has called people to be part of His plan, and today He continues to call each one of us to share His love, compassion and hope with others.

We hear in the First Reading from the book of Exodus, after leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God gathers them at Mount Sinai. He reminds them of how He carried them through their struggles and protected them on their journey. God tells them that they are His treasured people and invites them into a special relationship with Him.

The Israelites did not always get things right. They complained, doubted and made mistakes. Yet God remained faithful to them. This reading reminds us that God does not love us because we are perfect; He loves us because we belong to Him.

As families, there are times when we experience challenges, disappointments or uncertainty. Like the Israelites, we can trust that God walks beside us through every stage of life. He continues to guide us, strengthen us and call us to be a people who reflect His love.

The Responsorial Psalm compliments this reading with the response: 

"We are his people: the sheep of his flock."

The image of a shepherd caring for sheep appears often throughout Scripture. A shepherd knows each sheep by name, protects them from danger and guides them to safety. God knows each of us personally. He knows our joys, worries, strengths and struggles. We are never forgotten or overlooked in God's eyes.

The psalm also reminds us to approach God with gratitude. In busy family life, it is easy to focus on problems and forget the blessings we have received. Taking time to thank God each day helps us recognise His presence in our lives.

As a family, it can be a time to consider sharing one thing each person is grateful for this week.

The Second Reading from the book of  St.Paul’s letter to the Romans, speaks about the incredible depth of God's love. He reminds us that Jesus gave His life for us even while humanity was still struggling with sin.

This reading reveals the heart of the Gospel: God's love is unconditional. He does not wait until we have everything figured out before loving us. His love comes first.

Families often provide our first experience of unconditional love. Parents forgive mistakes, siblings learn to reconcile after disagreements, and family members support one another through difficult times.

When we forgive, encourage and care for one another, we reflect the love that God shows us every day.

Finally in the Gospel from Saint Matthew, as Jesus looks upon the crowds, He sees people who are lost, struggling and searching for direction. This Gospel tells us that He is moved with compassion because they are "like sheep without a shepherd."

Jesus does more than feel sorry for them. He responds by calling His disciples and sending them out to bring healing, hope and the Good News to others.

One of the most beautiful qualities of Jesus is His compassion. Compassion means more than noticing someone's pain it means allowing their struggles to touch our hearts and inspire us to act.

Jesus saw beyond people's outward appearance. He noticed those who were lonely, frightened, sick, excluded or burdened. He welcomed them, listened to them and offered them hope.

Today, Jesus asks us to do the same.

In our school, workplaces, neighbourhoods and families there are people who may be carrying hidden burdens. Some may feel lonely. Others may be worried, grieving or struggling with challenges that we cannot see.

Being a disciple of Jesus means learning to notice these people and responding with kindness, patience and understanding.

A smile, an encouraging word, an invitation to join in, a phone call or an offer of help may seem small, but these simple actions can have a profound impact on someone's life.

Jesus sent His disciples out on a mission. He did not ask them to be famous, wealthy or powerful. He simply asked them to share God's love.

The same mission belongs to us today.

Families are often the first place where children learn compassion, generosity and service. Through everyday actions we teach one another how to live as disciples.

This week, challenge your family to look for opportunities to:

• Help someone without being asked.
• Include someone who feels left out.
• Offer forgiveness after a disagreement.
• Pray for someone who is struggling.
• Show gratitude for the people who care for you.
• Perform an act of kindness without expecting anything in return.

These small acts become powerful signs of God's love in the world.

Discussion Starters

• Why does Jesus care about the people in the Gospel?
• How can you show kindness to someone at school this week?
• When have you felt cared for by someone?
• What does compassion mean?
• Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary people to be His disciples?
• How can you bring hope to someone who is having a difficult time?
• When have you experienced God's compassion in your life?
• How does our family reflect God's love to others?
• What is God calling our family to do for our community?
• Choose one act of compassion to complete together this week. At the end of the week, share how it made a difference for the person you helped and for your family.

Prayer

Loving Father,

Thank You for calling us to be Your people.Help us to see others through the eyes of Jesus.

Give us hearts that are compassionate, hands that are willing to serve,and words that bring encouragement and hope.

Teach us to recognise those who are in need and to respond with kindness and generosity.

May our family be a reflection of Your love and a source of light for those around us.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

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 is well underway. Thank you to everyone who has donated. We have already collected a total of 661 items! A huge jump from a fortnight ago when there was only 270 items.

Luckily, we have two more weeks before the Hampton Park SVDP Conference picks up our donations. So, if you haven’t had a chance to donate you still have time. The Conference will be here on the last day of school to collect the items which they will then distribute to families in need within our community.

The results of our Winter Appeal so far:

AND NOW FROM MINI VINNIES…..

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Students will continue to be given points for demonstrating Community Spirit, in particular our PBL Values. Students are also being given points for the items they donate 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.

Well done Patrick! However, it’s only Term 2 and the points are so close!

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au