Education in Faith

Gospel for the Feast of the Ascension - Year C - Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples:“Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.You are witnesses of these things.And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them.As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy,and they were continually in the temple praising God.

🌿 Reflection

The Ascension of the Lord marks a pivotal moment in the life of the Church. Jesus is no longer physically present, but His mission continues -through His followers.

In Luke’s account, Jesus blesses His disciples and is "taken up to heaven," yet instead of sorrow, they return to Jerusalem with joy. Why? Because the Ascension isn't a farewell - it's a commissioning. Jesus entrusts His mission to the Church and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will empower them to be His witnesses.

This feast reminds us that we, too, are called to be witnesses - not just observers of our faith, but active proclaimers of it. The same Spirit that filled the early disciples is available to us today.

The Ascension challenges us to look upward with hope, and outward with purpose.

💬 Discussion Starters 💬

• What does it mean to be a “witness” to Christ in today’s world? 
• How do we live that out in our families, workplaces, and communities?
• Why do you think the disciples were joyful after Jesus ascended?
• Would we have felt the same, or would we have felt abandoned?
• Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to “clothe” the disciples with power.
• How have you experienced the Holy Spirit working in your life?
• Jesus gives a mission: “Repentance and forgiveness... will be preached.”
• How can we speak about repentance and mercy in a world that often avoids talking about sin?
• The disciples praised God “continually” in the temple.
• What role does praise and worship play in your faith life?

🙏 Closing Prayer 🙏

Risen and Ascended Lord,You returned to the Father, not to leave us alone,but to send us your Spirit and call us into mission.Help us to be faithful witnesses-full of joy, courage, and hope.May our lives always point to You. Amen.

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.

Dear Parents,

As this is a Jubilee Year, our Confirmation will be held at the Cathedral, making the celebration even more special. To help cover the additional costs, we kindly ask for a $10 levy per student.

Please send the payment to the school office by Friday, 30th May in an envelope with your child’s name and Homegroup.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

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 

St Kevin's Feast – Call for Donations! 

Date: Sunday, 1st June 

As we prepare for our annual Church Feast this Sunday, 1st June, and the Social Group need your help to make it a joyful, welcoming celebration for all! 

We are expecting around 500 people attend our parish feast Mass.

There will be a fellowship after mass at the school hall.

The Social Group are seeking for generous donations of food, desserts, or cash to help make this special day a success. 

They are looking for traditional dishes from the following communities: Samoan, Filipino, Sri Lankan, Mauritian and Indian. 

You are welcome to reach out directly to our Feast Team Leaders: 

• Samoan – Telesia | 0416 272 352 

• Filipino – Gina Thomas | 0425 809 103 

• Sri Lankan – Sharon Fernando 0432 480 812 

• Mauritian – Anne Marie 0406 219 874 Judex 0451 665 855 & Marie-France 

• Indian – Anita Fernandez 0402 505 676 and Florence D'Costa 0433 851 662 

• Desserts – 

Dress Code – Since we belong to a multicultural and diverse parish community, you are invited to come dressed in your cultural attire to help us celebrate our parish feast! Thank you in advance for your generosity - every contribution makes a difference! – St. Kevin’s Parish Social Group 

Pentecost Vigil - 

Welcoming all parishioners to join young adults from across our community as we encounter the power of the Holy Spirit through: Eucharistic Adoration, Praise and Worship, Personal Testimonies, Prayer Ministry, Sacrament of Reconciliation.

God Bless  

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

The total House points for each House in Week 3 of Term 2:

Patrick has taken the lead but only by 6 points!! Well done Patrick!! Will they still be winning next week?? Don’t forget next week points will also be given for the Winter Appeal Donations students have brought in.

MINI VINNIES WINTER APPEAL

The Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal is a special charity run by the Mini Vinnies group designed to support people in need during the cold winter days, showing kindness and generosity to those who are struggling or need support.

What is the Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal?

The Winter Appeal is a yearly action that collects essential items such as non-perishable food, and toiletries. These items are then distributed by the Hampton Park St Vincent de Paul Society to individuals and families who are experiencing hardship, homelessness, or financial difficulties.

Mini Vinnies members promote the appeal in their schools and communities by creating posters, speaking at assemblies, running donation drives, and raising awareness about the needs of vulnerable people in winter.

Why Do We Do It?

We run the Winter Appeal because winter can be an especially tough time for people who are already facing challenges. When temperatures drop, the lack of warm shelter, clothing, or food becomes even less, causing people to starve and freeze. The appeal is a way to show empathy and take action, following the teachings of Jesus to care for the poor and the marginalized. It also helps young people understand social justice, develop leadership skills, and grow in compassion. Through the Winter Appeal, Mini Vinnies learn that even small actions like collecting a can of soup or donating a warm jacket can make a big difference in someone’s life.

In short, the Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal is about bringing warmth, comfort, and hope to those who need it most, while helping children become caring and responsible members of their communities.

ALL ITEMS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY THE 26 OF JUNE!

Thank you,

Zoe.T & Dominique (from Mini Vinnies)

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au