Education in Faith

"You call us, Lord, to follow you.  Here I am, I come to do your will"

This week the first reading and the Gospel both tell us of the call to follow God. The call is not easy, nor is it something that can be done on an occasional basis. God wants nothing less than a full commitment.

Fortunately, for us, we have a loving and forgiving God, so even if we fall by the wayside, we can always start afresh and know that we are still loved. True followers are ready when Jesus calls to us!

This passage in the Gospel of Luke explains the beginning of Jesus’ journey towards Jerusalem and we are told that he purposefully takes that road. The passage begins with the turning point that there is no turning back for Jesus. Firstly, the incident of rejection in Samaria allows Jesus to make very clear that he will never resort to violence as a solution to any problem. The reaction of the disciples seems extreme as a response to an inhospitable action! Jesus’ rebuke to them reminds us that what he has offered all along is an invitation that was open to all.

Jesus and his followers are constantly on the move and have no room for comforts and cosy beds. The message of Jesus is that the work of the Kingdom is even more important than duty to family. Once he has set, his face towards Jerusalem and his own death, there is no turning back – he is absolutely committed to his mission.

Jesus tells us how hard it is to be a follower. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices and give up part of our life. Sometimes we will have no place to rest our head because our schedule is so intense or because we are not among friends.

• What do you think it means to be a follower of Jesus? 
• What hardships might it entail?
• Is anything worth these hardships? 
• Who could dedicate their life to anything so demanding?
• Do you think Jesus was exaggerating to make a point?

Discussion Starters

In this week’s Gospel Jesus asked people to come with him. How did they react?

Jesus asks all people to follow him. Who do you know who follows Jesus?

How do you know they follow Jesus?

Who here today is a follower of Jesus?

What can we do to show that we are followers of Jesus?

Have there been times in your life when you have been acutely aware of God calling you to do something in particular? 

Are there times when you're not sure what God wants?

Are there times when you try to block out God's call?

Why would Jesus want his followers to only do one thing at a time?

What did Jesus want his followers to concentrate all their efforts on? (Telling others about God's kingdom).

What are some ways that we can do that?

Jesus does not want us to be half-hearted or part-time followers. He wants a total commitment from each one of us. How can we do that?

St. Kevin’s Parish News

We need children from SFS to Altar Serve for Masses held at school.

Parents please take this opportunity and encourage your child to participate in this training program.

Sacramental News and Dates

Please note the following dates could change due to Covid -19 restrictions.

Sacrament Levy

There is a $15 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost for:

•  a guest speaker to conduct a Parent and Child Workshop for each Sacrament.
• professionally made stoles. 
• a candle for children receiving reconciliation.
• children receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation to travel to St. Kevin’s Church for Reconciliation, Eucharist practice, and reflection day by bus.

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 before or on the day of your Family Workshop Session.

First Eucharist

Please prayer for these children receiving their First Eucharist on Sunday, 17th July

God Bless 

Rozeta Ambrose

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Mini Vinnies News

The Mini Vinnies would like to thank parents and students of SFS who donated non-perishable food and toiletry items to distribute to those who are less fortunate within our community. The total number of items collected was 337. The Hampton Park St Vincent de Paul Conference will collect the items in the first week back next term.

Here are the final results for each of the Houses and the amount of items they collected:

PATRICK       111

TERESA        110

MACKILLOP  64

BOSCO          52

Congratulations to  Patrick for winning this House Competition! Well done!!! Remember this will go towards the total points for the Community Spirit Shield which will be presented to the winning House at the end of the year.

The total points so far this year for the Community Spirit Award is:

BOSCO                1432

MACKILLOP       1420

PATRICK              1400

TERESA               1294

THANK YOU!!!!

I would like to say a great big thank you to the Mini Vinnies. This group of students made a commitment to attend a meeting every second Tuesday at lunchtime and eagerly come to the meetings, giving up their play time. I have never heard a complaint! They work so hard making sure their actions are completed!!! I am so proud of them. Without them we would have not collected all the money that we did for Project Compassion or all the food and toiletries for the Hampton Park Conference. Thank you to the Mini Vinnies. I look forward to working with you again next term!!!

Giuliana