Education in Faith

Sacramental News

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

Please take note of the important dates for our Sacramental celebrations that will take place throughout the school year. Sacraments play a significant role in the spiritual journey of our students and we need to ensure that you are well-informed and can actively participate in these meaningful events. Kindly mark the following dates in your calendar:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Sacramental Program, celebrations or preparation process, please feel free to contact the School's Religious Education leader.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the spiritual formation of our students. We look forward to celebrating these sacred moments with you and your families as a parish community. 

May God's blessings be with you and your loved ones.

Sacrament Levy

There is a $25 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost of stoles.

• This levy needs to be paid in full to the school in an envelope clearly indicating your child’s name, Home Group and name of Sacrament being received.

Confirmation Retreat Day

Dear Parents, 

We are delighted to share with you that our Confirmation Retreat held on Tuesday, September 3rd, was a resounding success! The day was filled with meaningful activities and reflections that deeply impacted our candidates.

Throughout the retreat, our students engaged in a series of enriching sessions designed to deepen their understanding of their faith and the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The day included interactive workshops, group discussions, and personal reflection time, all led by our dedicated team of facilitators and volunteers.

Highlights of the retreat included:

• Inspirational Talks: Father Fabian was our main speaker. He provided insightful talks on the themes of faith, commitment, reverence and the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The students were deeply moved and engaged in thoughtful discussions.

• Interactive Activities: The day allowed students to explore their faith through creative puzzle activities and learning about the Virtue of being a Saint.  We were privileged to work along with our Parish Group Catechist Group. These sessions were designed to foster a sense of community and strengthen our connection with one another.

• Personal Reflection: Candidates were provided with time for personal reflection as an integral part to the retreat, giving students the opportunity to contemplate their spiritual journey and the meaning of their upcoming Confirmation.

The retreat was not only an opportunity for spiritual growth but also a chance for the students to bond with their peers and deepen their sense of belonging within our faith community. We are proud of their enthusiastic participation and the mature reflections they shared throughout the day.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents who supported their children in preparing for this significant milestone. Your encouragement and support are invaluable as our confirmands continue on their spiritual journey.

As we look forward to the upcoming Confirmation ceremony, this Saturday at 12 pm, we encourage you to continue discussing the themes and experiences from the retreat with your child. This will help reinforce the lessons learned and support their ongoing spiritual growth.

Thank you for being an essential part of this important moment in your child’s faith journey.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

“He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” 

Gospel Reflection:

In this week’s Gospel, we encounter a moving miracle of healing performed by Jesus: a man who is both deaf and mute is healed, and his ability to hear and speak is restored. This miraculous act is not just a physical restoration but also a profound symbol of spiritual renewal and liberation.

1. The Power of Jesus’ Touch

Jesus' healing acts are more than displays of divine power; they are intimate encounters with the human condition. When He touches the man, He does so with profound compassion. Jesus’ touch, as He places His fingers in the man’s ears and touches his tongue, is a direct and personal connection. This intimate act underscores that Jesus is not distant or detached but deeply involved in our struggles and suffering.

Thought-Provoking Question: How can we experience and share the touch of Christ in our own lives and in the lives of those around us? In what ways can we bring healing and compassion to others, especially those who feel isolated or unheard?

2. The Transformation of Communication

The man’s healing is more than the restoration of physical senses; it symbolizes a transformation in communication. Being deaf and mute in Jesus' time was not merely a physical limitation but also a social barrier. The man’s newfound ability to hear and speak represents a reintegration into society and the breaking of silence that had once isolated him.

Thought-Provoking Question: How does our ability to communicate — or our failure to communicate effectively — affect our relationships with others? What are the barriers in our lives that prevent open and meaningful communication, and how can we work to overcome them?

3. The Significance of Jesus' Instructions

Jesus instructs the crowd to tell no one about the miracle. This “messianic secret” often appears in Mark’s Gospel, suggesting that the full understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission cannot be grasped through miracles alone. The healing is a sign pointing to a deeper reality — the coming of God’s kingdom and the transformation it brings.

Thought-Provoking Question: What does it mean for us that Jesus often asks for discretion regarding His miracles? How can we balance the sharing of our faith and personal experiences of God’s grace with the deeper, often more subtle, work of God in our lives?

4. Embracing Our Own Healing

The Gospel invites us to reflect on our own need for healing. Just as the man was liberated from his disabilities, we too have areas of our lives where we need healing — whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Jesus’ healing is not limited to physical ailments but extends to the whole person.

Thought-Provoking Question: In what areas of our lives do we need to experience healing and restoration? How can we open ourselves more fully to the healing touch of Christ, allowing Him to address our deepest wounds and transform our lives?

5. The Call to Action

Finally, Jesus' miracle prompts us to action. Just as the man’s healing was an opportunity for him to share his newfound voice, our encounters with Christ call us to act in ways that reflect His love and compassion to others. We are invited to be instruments of God’s healing in the world, advocating for justice, listening to the unheard, and speaking out for those who are voiceless.

Thought-Provoking Question: How can we be active participants in bringing healing and justice to our communities? What steps can we take to ensure that we are amplifying voices that are often marginalized or ignored?

In this reflection on the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, we are invited to consider how Jesus' miracles transcend physical healing and touch upon the deeper aspects of human existence. We are called to engage with the healing work of Christ in our own lives and extend that healing to others, embodying His love and compassion in our daily actions.

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

MINI VINNIES 2nd CHANCE APPEAL

Please look through your toys, books, clothes at home. Is there something you no longer need but is still in good condition that you would like to donate? Please bring them to school and place in your House basket in your Learning Space. Not only will your items have a second life, but they will also be helping those less fortunate. And you will get House points that go towards the Community Spirit Award. We will update points for the 2nd Chance Appeal next week.

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Giuliana & SFS Mini Vinnies

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au