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.

Twenty first Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ Year A

“Who do you say that I am?”

The readings for this week, the 21stSunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, is an invitation for us to reflect on faith, responsibility, leadership and our response to God's call. 

The Gospel centres on Jesus' question to Peter: 

“Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then entrusts Peter with the responsibility of becoming a foundation for the Church. 

The First Reading gives us the image of the key being entrusted to Eliakim. He 

is given authority not simply as a privilege, but as a responsibility to serve God's people. The Psalm responds with gratitude: “Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.” 

Together, these readings remind us that God calls people, gives them gifts and entrusts them with responsibility but always for the good of others.

Peter's Moment of Faith

Jesus asks His disciples two questions:

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” and then the more personal:

“But you,” He says, “who do you say that I am?”

Peter moves beyond what other people are saying. He makes his own declaration of faith.

This is an important question for each of us. It is easy to know what the Church says about Jesus, what our family believes, or what we have learned at school. But eventually faith becomes personal.

Who is Jesus for me?

Is Jesus simply someone I learn about, or is He someone I trust, follow and allow to shape my choices?

Faith Becomes Responsibility

Jesus responds to Peter's profession of faith by giving him a significant responsibility: “Upon this rock I will build my church.” 

Peter is not chosen because he is perfect. We know that Peter will later make mistakes and even deny Jesus. Yet Jesus still calls him to lead.

This is reassuring for all of us.

God does not wait for us to be perfect before asking us to serve. He sees our potential and invites us to grow through responsibility, service and faith.

The First Reading reinforces this idea. Eliakim receives the key, representing authority and responsibility. Leadership in God's kingdom is not about power 

for oneself; it is about being a trustworthy person for others.

The Psalm: Remembering God's Faithfulness

The Psalm gives us a beautiful response:

“Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.” 

When we look back over our lives, we can often recognise moments when God has strengthened us, guided us or placed people in our path.

The Psalm reminds us that while our circumstances change, God's love remains constant.

This is particularly meaningful for students and families at times of transition. As one chapter ends and another begins, we can ask:

Where have I noticed God's presence in my journey?

Discussion Starters

Personal Reflection

• Who is Jesus to me?
• What words would I use to describe my relationship with Jesus?
• When have I experienced Jesus walking beside me during a difficult time?
• What is one gift or strength that God has given me?
• Why do you think Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?”
• What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus?
• How can our faith influence the choices we make each day?
• What can Peter's mistakes teach us about God's willingness to forgive and continue calling us?
• Why does Jesus give Peter responsibility after he professes his faith?
• What does it mean to be a “rock” for someone else?
• Who has been a person of strength and faith in your life?
• How can you use your own gifts to strengthen your family, school, parish or community?
• As you begin a new chapter, what would you like to place in God's hands?
• What is one way you can be a visible sign of Christ to someone this week?
• If Jesus asked you today, “Who do you say that I am?”, how would you answer?

Perhaps the most important question from this weekend’s Gospel is not simply “Who is Jesus?”, but: “Who is Jesus for me?”

Peter's answer changed the direction of his life. His faith led to responsibility, service and leadership.

The same invitation is given to us. We may not be called to lead a whole Church, but each of us is entrusted with people, gifts and opportunities to make a difference.

As we respond to God's call, may we be able to say with Peter:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

May our answer not remain only words, but become visible through the way we love, serve, forgive, lead and care for others.

May we recognise, trust and follow Jesus.May our lives become a reflection of His love.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT – TUESDAY AUGUST 18TH 

A big thank you to the Mini Vinnies for their dedication and commitment. Almost all were present for our Soup & Chat Night. Sarah, a member of the Youth Engagement Team, who ran our first session to raise empathy and awareness of people who are homeless, was very impressed with our Mini Vinnies maturity and involvement in the activities. 

They had questions, joined in discussions and showed great empathy.

After Sarah’s session Mini Vinnies then had a taste of what is served on the Vinnies Soupvans. We went into the staffroom and had some delicious soup made by some of our amazing parents who we thank. Students were also spoiled with some sweets made by Ange and Jo. I know many of them thanked them personally the next day. We would also like to thank all the parents who donated to the evening whether it be bread, margarine, cups, spoons or serviettes. A big thank you also to Coles, Lynbrook who provided us with a gift voucher to purchase fruit for the evening.

And we can’t forget our amazing parents and staff who set up, served and then cleaned up. Our Soup & Chat Night would not be possible without all this assistance and support. Thank you to Maddison, Nuri and Melody who after a day of work and then a staff meeting stayed behind to support myself and the Mini Vinnies. It’s obvious where the Mini Vinnies get their values from. Parents are just as dedicated to making a difference as their children who chose to give up their lunchtimes and become a Mini Vinnie

I am so proud to announce that Mini Vinnies have collected over $600 in donations. An amazing effort! Mini Vinnies have decided that they would like to donate the money they have collected to two causes. Rough sleeper packs that we can give to the Vinnies Soupvans to hand out and also to the Vinnies Program “Gift a Night off the Streets.” This program enables us to sponsor a night of accommodation for a person living on our streets. It provides a warm bed, clean clothes and a hot meal to a person struggling on our streets. We will let you know how we go with these projects.

MINI VINNIES FURTHER ACTION – THE 2ND CHANCE APPEAL

Yes, Mini Vinnies have decided to run the 2nd Chance Appeal again this year after Sarah explained to them that the Vinnies Op Shops, through what they sell, provide 60% of the funds needed to run all of their other services. So once again the House baskets will appear in the Learning Spaces. Look through your clothes, books, toys, blankets, coats  that you no longer use but are in good condition to bring in and donate to our 2nd Chance Appeal. Make sure items are placed in your house coloured basket and Mini Vinnies will give points for the donated items. Please make sure that all donated items are in good condition.

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. 

The ten Mini Vinnies attending have decided the action they would like to present is Soup & Chat Night. Now that we have had our Soup & Chat Night they are ready to put together their presentation!

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au