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.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus uses simple images from everyday life to reveal something profound about the Kingdom of God. He compares God’s Kingdom to a hidden treasure buried in a field and a valuable pearl discovered by a merchant searching for something precious. In both stories, the people who discover the treasure recognise its great value and are willing to change their lives to possess it.

Jesus reminds us that God’s Kingdom is the greatest treasure we can discover. It is not something we can measure by money, possessions, achievements, or popularity. Instead, it is found in God’s love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, and the relationships we build with one another.

The first reading introduces us to Solomon, who becomes king after David. When God offers Solomon anything he desires, Solomon does not ask for wealth, power, or a long life. Instead, he asks for wisdom ~ the ability to listen to God and make choices that serve others. Solomon understands that true greatness comes from having a heart open to God’s guidance.

The Responsorial Psalm celebrates the beauty of God’s wisdom:                            

“Lord, I love your commands!”

The psalm reminds us that God’s Word is not a burden but a gift. It helps us recognise what truly matters and guides us towards living lives of kindness, compassion, and love.

In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that God is always working for good. 

Even when we experience challenges, uncertainty, or moments when things do not go according to our plans, God remains present and continues to guide us. When we place our trust in God, we discover hope and strength.

Then the Gospel challenges us to ask ourselves:  “What is the treasure I am seeking?”

Sometimes we spend our time searching for things that do not truly satisfy us: attention, possessions, success, or approval from others. Jesus invites us to look deeper and discover the treasure that lasts forever: a life centred on God’s love.

Like the person who found the hidden treasure and the merchant who found the pearl, we are invited to recognise God’s presence in our everyday lives:

• in acts of kindness,
• in forgiving others,
• in caring for creation,
• in standing up for what is right,
• and in loving those around us.

When we discover the treasure of God’s Kingdom, we are called to share it with others. Our lives become a reflection of God’s love in the world.

Discussion Starters

• What do you think Jesus means when he says God’s Kingdom is like a “hidden treasure”?
• What are some treasures that cannot be bought with money?
• Why do you think the people in the parables were willing to give up everything to gain the treasure?
• What are some things that can distract us from noticing God’s presence in our lives?
• Solomon could have asked God for anything. Why do you think he chose wisdom?
• What does a wise person look like in our family?
• When have you needed God’s wisdom to make a good choice?
• Where do we see God’s Kingdom in our home?
• What are some ways our family can show kindness, forgiveness, and love this week?
• What is one “treasure” we already have in our family that we are grateful for?
• Jesus teaches us that God’s Kingdom is worth searching for. What is one action we can take this week to grow closer to God?
• How can we share the treasure of God’s love with someone who may need encouragement or support?

This week find time to pray with your family

Loving God,

Thank you for the greatest treasure of your love that is always with us.

Help us to seek what truly matters and to grow in wisdom like Solomon.

Open our hearts to recognise your presence in our family, our community, and the world around us.

May we share the treasure of your Kingdom through our words, our kindness, and our actions.    

Amen.

A Family Action for this Week

“Treasure Hunt for Kindness”

As a family, look for opportunities to show kindness each day. At the end of the week, share the moments when you discovered God’s love through your 

actions and the actions of others.

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!!!

HOMELESSNESS WEEK 2026

Homelessness Week (3-9 August 2026) is a national opportunity to learn, advocate and take meaningful action. The 2026 theme, Homelessness Action Now, encourages all Australians to work together to create lasting solutions to homelessness. 

Keep your eye on the newsletter to see how Mini Vinnies have decided to take action about homelessness!

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 collect 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 have received 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