Education in Faith

2026 ~ SFS  Sacramental Dates 

Fourth Sunday in Advent - Year A

“Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24)

As we light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath, our waiting reaches its final moments. The readings for this Sunday draw us into the quiet, faithful readiness that prepares the way for Christ to be born among us.

In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear the promise of Emmanuel “God is with us.” Spoken into a time of uncertainty and fear, this promise reassures God’s people that they are not alone. God does not remain distant from human struggle but chooses to be present within it. This promise finds its fulfilment in the birth of Jesus, who comes not with power and grandeur, but with humility and love.

The Gospel of Matthew places us alongside Joseph, a man of deep faith and integrity. Faced with confusion and heartbreak, Joseph listens to God’s voice in a dream and chooses trust over fear. His quiet obedience allows God’s plan to unfold. Joseph reminds us that holiness is often found in everyday decisions—to love, to forgive, and to act with compassion even when the path ahead is unclear.

The Gospel also reveals the true identity of the child to be born: Jesus, meaning “God saves,” and Emmanuel, “God with us.” In Jesus, God enters fully into human life into families, homes, joys, and struggles. This is the great mystery we prepare to celebrate at Christmas: that God chooses to dwell among us.

As Advent ends and Christmas begins, we are invited to reflect on how we welcome Christ into our own lives and families. Like Joseph, we are called to trust God’s presence, to listen attentively, and to respond with faith and love. Christ comes not only on Christmas Day, but every day through acts of kindness, moments of forgiveness, and lives shaped by hope.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may our hearts and homes be places of peace, joy, and welcome.We wish all families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with God’s blessings, love, and the enduring promise that Emmanuel God is with us always.

Discussion Starters 

~ Trust and Faith

Joseph trusted God even when he was confused and afraid.When have you had to trust God or do the right thing even when it was difficult?

~ God With Us

The name Emmanuel means “God is with us.”Where do you notice God’s presence in your life, family, or community today?

~ Listening to God

Joseph listened carefully to God’s message in a dream.What helps you slow down and listen to God, especially during busy times like Christmas?

~ Quiet Obedience

Joseph did not speak many words, but his actions showed his faith.How can our actions show our faith more than our words?

~ Preparing Our Hearts

As Advent comes to an end, we prepare to welcome Jesus.What can you do this week to make your heart and home ready for Christ?

~ Family and Love

Jesus was born into a family.How can families show love, patience, and forgiveness during the Christmas season?

~ Living Christmas Beyond the Day

Christmas reminds us that God is with us always.How can we carry the joy and peace of Christmas into the New Year?

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

And the winner of our Community Spirit Shield this year is Bosco!! Congratulations Bosco this is the first time you have won this award! Bosco was presented with the shield on Wednesday after carols.

SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL, 2026

Congratulations to our SFS Community! It was a fantastic effort! We created 18 family hampers and collected a total of 50 to 60 presents. Our donations will help families celebrate Christmas! Families that may have little to help them celebrate will now have food and presents to help make Christmas Day special.

The Hampton Park Conference collected the hampers. They had a number of cars to collect all our hampers and Mini Vinnies eagerly loaded the cars with all our donations. The Cranbourne Conference also came and collected all the donations of Christmas presents and once again Mini Vinnies were busily loading cars.

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to the SFS Mini Vinnies. They are always willing to give up their time and are committed to making a difference in the lives of people. They are compassionate, caring and empathetic young people and want to make a difference in our World. Thank you, Mini Vinnies, and continue with your passion and enthusiasm to make a difference.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy spending time celebrating with your families.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au