Education in Faith

  Sacramental Dates for 2025

Parents please check the following dates

• Grade 2 will receive First Reconciliation in Term 4 on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
• Grade 3 will receive First Eucharist in Term 2 on Saturday, 21st June 2025.
• Grade 6 will receive Confirmation – Term 3 on Saturday, 6th September 2025.

Reconciliation: baptised Catholics in Year 2.

Eucharist: baptised Catholics in Year 3 or who have celebrated their Reconciliation.

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.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

News from the Parish

 4th  Sunday in Lent - Year C

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells a story that helps us understand how much God loves us, no matter what mistakes we make. The story is called the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Jesus tells about a father who has two sons. One day, the younger son asks his father for his share of the family money, and he leaves home to go live in a faraway place. He spends all the money on things that don’t make him happy. 

When a famine comes, he has nothing left and realises that he has made a big mistake. So, he decides to go back to his father and say sorry, hoping that his father will forgive him.

But when his father sees him from far away, he is filled with love and joy! He runs to his son, hugs him, and welcomes him home. The father is so happy to have his son back, and he throws a big party to celebrate. The older son, who stayed and worked hard at home, is not happy about this. But the father explains that they should celebrate because the lost son is found.

This story shows us that God is like the father in the story. No matter what we do or how far we may stray, God always loves us and is ready to welcome us back with open arms when we say sorry and ask for His forgiveness. Just like the father in the story, God is full of mercy and love!

Discussion Starters for Families:

• Why do you think the younger son decided to leave home and spend all his money?

Have you ever made a mistake or done something you wish you hadn’t? How did you feel?

• What did the father do when he saw his son coming back home?

How do you think the son felt when he was welcomed so warmly by his father?

• The older son was upset when his brother was forgiven. Why do you think he felt that way?

Have you ever felt like the older son? How can we learn to be more loving and forgiving like the father?

• Jesus tells this story to show us how God loves us. How do you feel knowing that God always forgives us and welcomes us back, no matter what?

How can we show love and forgiveness to others, just like the father showed to his son?

• What is something you can do today to show kindness or love to someone who might need it?

How can we be like the father in the story, welcoming others with love and kindness?

• The father says, "This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." What does it mean to be "lost" and "found" in God’s eyes?

How can we help others who feel "lost" to feel loved and welcomed, like the father welcomed his son?

Reflection:

This story reminds us of how much God loves us. Even when we make mistakes or feel far away from Him, God is always ready to forgive us and welcome us back with love. Just like the father in the story, God’s love is always there for us, no matter what. Let’s remember to show love and forgiveness to others, just like God shows us!

This week’s reflection helps children and families understand the depth of God's love and mercy. It encourages families to talk about forgiveness, love, and second chances, and how to live out these values in their daily lives. What can I do this week, can I choose one thing to do from the Lenten Calendar. 

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

4th Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 31 March)

Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her 2 children alone.

Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.

Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program (YCSP), run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community. 

“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” 

Irene said.

Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Watch Irene’s story here. (For secondary students and parents)

Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene this Lent?

House Project Compassion Boxes have been placed in each Learning Space. We encourage families to donate during lent. 

Families may also collect a Project Compassion box from the office if they would like to donate at home. These will be due back to the office next week with your child’s House clearly labelled on the box.

Donations so far from each House:

Well done  but we still have 1 week to go!! These dollar amounts will be added as points to the Community Spirit House points at the end of the appeal. A grand total of $ 107        already!! Well done SFS!!!

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

Staff have been giving students points for demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL Values. The points for each House so far:

Well done Bosco!!    But the other houses are not far behind.

MINI VINNIES COMMITMENT CEREMONY

Next Friday April 4th, to begin our Cross-Country Assembly, Mini Vinnies will make their commitment to be part of the Mini Vinnies group for 2025. They will receive their badges and say their commitment pledge. Parents are welcome to attend. The ceremony will begin at approximately 11.30 am.

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator 

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au