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.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 

"Do Not Be Afraid"

Fear is something we all experience. Children can be afraid of making mistakes, trying something new, or being left out. Adults can fear uncertainty, failure, illness, or what others might think. In this Sunday's readings, God speaks directly into our fears with a simple but powerful message: "Do not be afraid."

Jeremiah's Courage

In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah is feeling overwhelmed. People are against him, speaking badly about him and waiting for him to fail. Yet, even in his fear, Jeremiah trusts that God is with him:

"The Lord is at my side, a mighty hero."

Jeremiah reminds us that courage does not mean we are never afraid. Courage means trusting that God walks beside us, especially during difficult times.

God's Gift of Grace

In the Second Reading, St Paul reminds us that although sin and suffering entered the world through human weakness, God's grace is far greater. Jesus came to bring hope, forgiveness, and new life.

When we feel discouraged by our mistakes or the brokenness we see around us, God offers us a new beginning. His love is always bigger than our failures.

"You Are Worth More Than Many Sparrows"

In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples three times:

"Do not be afraid."

He uses the image of sparrows, tiny birds that seem insignificant. Yet God knows and cares for every one of them. Then Jesus says something even more beautiful:

"Every hair on your head has been counted."

This means that God knows us completely. He knows our joys, our worries, our struggles, and our dreams. Nothing about us is too small or unimportant for Him.

Jesus is reminding us that we are deeply loved and precious in God's eyes.

Living the Gospel This Week

This week’s Gospel invites us to live with confidence and trust.

• When we are worried, God says: Do not be afraid.

• When we feel alone, God says: I am with you.
• When we make mistakes, God says: My grace is enough for you.
• When we wonder if we matter, God says: You are precious to me.

As disciples of Jesus, we are also called to encourage others who may be carrying fears or worries. A kind word, a listening ear, or an act of compassion can remind someone that they are not alone.

Let us pray, Loving God,

Sometimes we feel afraid of things we cannot control.Help us to trust that You are always beside us.

When we are worried, give us peace.When we are discouraged, give us hope.When we are uncertain, give us courage.

Help us to remember that we are precious in Your eyes and that nothing can separate us from Your love.

May we also become people who bring comfort and courage to others.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Discussion Starters

• What are some things that make you feel afraid or worried?
• How does it make you feel to know that God knows and loves you completely?
• How can you help a friend who is feeling scared or lonely?
• Why do you think Jesus repeats, "Do not be afraid"?
• When have you experienced God's presence during a difficult time?
• What fears are you carrying at the moment, and how can you place them in God's hands?
• How can your family become a source of hope and encouragement for others?
• What does it mean to trust that we are precious in God's eyes?

A Family Challenge for the Week

Whenever someone in your family feels worried or anxious this week, pause together and pray:

"Jesus, I trust in You. Help me not to be afraid because you are always with me."

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

Fortunately, we now have until the end of term to collect donations. So, if you have not donated yet, you still have time. The SVDP Hampton Park Conference will be at school on the last day of term to collect all the donations.

 I am sure families within our community will be very grateful for your donations. Thank you to the SFS Community! We have already collected a total of 661 items! And I am sure there will be more donations next week when Mini Vinnies do their last collection.

Staff have also been busily donating in hampers placed in the staffroom. Many thanks to all the staff who have donated. These items will be donated to the Lynbrook Community Centre for their pantry where families struggling can go and take food items they need.

AND NOW FROM MINI VINNIES…..

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au