Education in Faith

Celebrating 10 Years of Fr. Antony’s Ordination Anniversary 

Today, our school community gathered for a special assembly to celebrate and give thanks for 10 years of priestly ministry of Fr Antony Santhiyagu. It was a joyful opportunity to honour this significant milestone and express our sincere gratitude for Fr Antony’s faith, dedication and generous service to our school and parish community.

We pray that God continues to bless Fr Antony with strength, wisdom and joy as he continues his ministry, and we give thanks for the gift of his priestly presence within our Catholic community.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Take up your cross and follow me.”

The readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to consider what it truly means to follow God. They challenge us to move beyond a 

comfortable or convenient faith and to allow God to transform the way we think, live and respond to the world around us.

In the First Reading, Jeremiah speaks honestly about the difficulty of being faithful to God. He has proclaimed God's message, yet instead of receiving acceptance, he experiences rejection, ridicule and suffering. At one point, Jeremiah wants to stop speaking God's word altogether.

Yet he cannot.

God's word is described as “a fire burning in my heart.” Even when discipleship becomes difficult, Jeremiah knows that God's call within him is stronger than his fear or discouragement.

This reminds us that faith does not mean that everything will always be easy. 

There may be times when doing what is right means standing 

alone, speaking up or persevering when others do not understand. Jeremiah teaches us that authentic faith requires courage and trust.

The Responsorial Psalm ~ 63, “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”

gives voice to a deep human longing for God. Just as our bodies thirst for water, our hearts thirst for meaning, love, belonging and purpose.

The Psalmist recognises that nothing else can completely satisfy this longing. God is the source of strength and security: “My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.”

The Psalm invites us to ask: 

• What am I really thirsting for? 
• Where do I turn when I feel empty, uncertain or overwhelmed?

In the Second Reading, St Paul calls Christians to offer themselves to God as a “living sacrifice.” He challenges us not simply to follow the values and expectations of the world but to allow our minds and hearts to be transformed.

Christian discipleship is therefore not just about what we say we believe. It is about allowing our faith to shape our choices, relationships, attitudes and actions.

Paul reminds us that transformation begins within. When our thinking is transformed by God, we become better able to recognise what is good, loving and pleasing to God.

The Gospel from Matthew 16:21–27 reveals to us Peter recognising Jesus as the Christ, but he struggles to understand what Jesus' mission will involve. When Jesus speaks about suffering and death, Peter objects.

Jesus responds strongly because Peter is thinking according to human expectations rather than God's ways.

Jesus then gives one of the central teachings of Christian discipleship:

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

Jesus is not glorifying suffering for its own sake. Rather, he is teaching that following him requires self-giving love. To “take up our cross” means being prepared to put love before comfort, service before self-interest and faithfulness before popularity.

Jesus asks us to consider what is truly valuable. We can achieve success, recognition, possessions or influence, but none of these can replace a life rooted in God.

This week, there is a powerful connection between all four readings:

• Jeremiah shows us the courage to remain faithful when discipleship is difficult.
• The Psalmist reminds us that our deepest thirst is for God.
• Paul calls us to allow God to transform our minds and hearts.
• Jesus challenges us to take up our cross and follow him.

Together, they ask us to consider whether our faith is simply something we believe or something that genuinely changes the way we live.

Following Jesus does not promise an easy path. It promises a meaningful one.

The question is not simply, “What do I want from God?” but also, “What is God asking of me?”

Perhaps today Jesus invites each of us to identify one “cross” we are being called to carry: a difficult relationship that requires forgiveness, a responsibility we have been avoiding, the courage to speak up for someone, the willingness to serve, or simply the commitment to remain faithful when things are difficult.

And like Jeremiah, we can trust that we do not carry it alone. God's presence becomes the strength that enables us to continue.

Discussion Starters

• What does the phrase “take up your cross” mean to you?
• Have you ever had to do what was right even though it was difficult or unpopular?
• What are you currently “thirsting” for in your life?
• What helps you recognise God's presence when life becomes difficult?
• Why do you think Jeremiah wanted to stop speaking God's word?
• What might Paul's invitation to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” look like in everyday life?
• What is the difference between simply believing in Jesus and following Jesus?
• What might it mean to put God's ways before our own plans or expectations?
• What “crosses” might students, teachers or families carry today?
• How can we make someone else's cross easier to carry?
• Where do we see people choosing service over self-interest in our school community?
• What is one practical way we can “take up our cross and follow Jesus” this week?

A Question to Carry Through the Week

• What is God inviting me to let go of, take up, or change so that I can follow Jesus more faithfully?

Prayer

Compassionate God, when our journey of faith is difficult, give us courage like Jeremiah.When our hearts are restless, help us thirst for you.Transform our minds and hearts so that we may recognise what is good and true.Teach us to take up our crosses with love, to serve others generously,and to follow Jesus with courage and faith.May our lives become a reflection of your love.

Amen.

Confirmation Retreat Day – Wednesday, 26 August

On Wednesday, 26 August, our Grade 6 Confirmation candidates from St Francis de Sales and St Kevin’s Parish came together for a meaningful Confirmation Retreat Day. The day began with preparation for Reconciliation, followed by Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

A special highlight was the visit from the AHFI Missionaries, who brought with them a First-Class Relic of St Carlo Acutis. All Grade 5/6 students had the opportunity to participate in this special session, learning about St Carlo’s life, faith and witness, and reflecting on his call to live each day close to Jesus through Holy Eucharist.

It was a prayerful and enriching day, providing our students with opportunities for reflection, reconciliation and a deeper understanding of their faith journey towards Confirmation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fr Fabian and the AHFI Missionary Sisters, Sr. Rochelle, Sr. Michelle and Sr. Natalie for creating such a meaningful and memorable experience for our staff and students. We are deeply grateful for their generosity, guidance and willingness to share their faith and the inspiring witness of St Carlo Acutis with our students. 

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.

Taking Your Prayers with Me on Pilgrimage

Please feel free to write your prayer and place it in a sealed envelope at the Front Office.

Please submit your intentions by Thursday, 17 September 2026. 

It would be a privilege to carry the prayers of our students, families and staff with me and remember them in prayer as we visit sacred places connected with the early Church, the Apostles and the journeys of St Paul.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose ~ Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Thanks to the School Advisory Council family members can contribute to House Points also for assisting with school events!!! What a great initiative!! If parents come in to assist with: selling icy poles, uniforms, fun lunches, Father’s Day Breakfast or stall please ensure you fill out the form near the iPad where you sign in and points will be allocated to your child’s house. If you assist with an out of school hours event, the person in charge will have the form for you to fill in. 

As we are approaching the end of August, the total points so far for parent assistance contributing to Community Spirit House points is:

Parent contribution to House points will be reported each month and then added to the House totals. Thank you, parents,!!!

So total House points so far:

MINI VINNIES SOUP & CHAT NIGHT

Half of the money donated on Soup & Chat Night will be used to purchase items to make Rough Sleeper Packs. Mini Vinnies were busy today writing little notes to put inside their packs. 

Next week Mini Vinnies will actually make the Rough Sleeper Packs. We will then have a member from the Vinnies Soupvan attend one of our assemblies next term to present the Rough Sleeper packs and then they will be distributed on one of their runs.

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 are in the Learning Spaces. Look through your clothes, books, toys 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.

Today we collected the first lot of items from the Learning Spaces. Our total for each of the Houses:

These points have also been added to our Community Spirit totals.

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!

Conference Mini Vinnies

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au