Education in Faith

Education in Faith – Sixth Sunday in Easter – Year A 

The words of Jesus in this gospel passage were addressed to the disciples at the Last Supper. They had almost no inclination of what was about to befall them, nor the heart-wrenching loss that they would feel. Yet Jesus tried to prepare them and reassure them that they would not be abandoned by him. In the days after his death, the disciples struggled to remember these words and they were caught up by despair. Even once they had witnessed the Risen Lord, he told them that he would again be leaving them. They must have been so confused and afraid.

In this week’s gospel there are two strong images: the law and love. In a few verses Jesus keeps moving between the two ideas because he knows how closely related they are.

Love is a commandment given to us by God. A commandment is a rule we are to follow; it is not an option. Jesus shows his love in many ways. We are to use Jesus as an example to show others how much we love them.

This gospel is one of encouragement and reassurance. It is one of those passages which can be read as a prayer, not just as a story. 

We hear Jesus telling his disciples?

‘I will not leave you alone.’ What does Jesus mean by this?

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. 

The Holy Spirit teaches us. 

The Spirit reminds us of Jesus' Word. 

The Spirit is the source of all truth.

If we follow God's commandments we will be happy. 

Living the Gospel – Live in love

Throughout the gospel of John, we are reminded of the enduring relationship between Jesus and the Father. A number of times, Jesus announces that he and the Father are one. In the gospel passage, Jesus also says to the disciples that they can share in this relationship of love. When Jesus speaks about anyone who ‘loves’ him, he speaks about anyone who lives by his message and seeks to be like him. Anyone who does that will share in the love that exists between the Father and the Son. That invitation is open for each of us today as well.

Maybe try and use this as an example: 

If we write on paper that doesn't have lines we will probably write crooked sentences. If we use paper that has lines, we can easily follow them and write straight across the paper. God's commandments are the lines in our life. When we follow them things go smoothly. When we don't, things look messy and crooked. We are happier when things go smoothly – our lives are more peaceful.

Jesus has given us many examples of his love for us. Can you name any?

We are told to love in the way Jesus loved. How can we do that?

Jesus said, ‘There is no greater love than to give your life for your friends.’ Jesus gave of his life for others in many ways. 

In what ways can we give our lives for others? Helping, playing nicely with others, obeying, etc.

Discussion Starters

Who are the people who love you?

What do they ask of you in return for their love?

Jesus loves us and asks us to keep his commandments.

What are some of his commandments?

Jesus says the Holy Spirit will help us.

Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to help us love others.

What does the sending of the Spirit say about the relationship between God and the world?

Why might Jesus have felt the need to tell the disciples that the Spirit would come to them?

How might the disciples have reacted to Jesus’ words when they first heard them?

What are some of the ways Christians believe the Holy Spirit acts in the world today?

How can you be an agent of the Holy Spirit?

How might this passage have contributed to the teaching of God as Trinity?

In what ways did Jesus fulfil the role of a paraclete or advocate?

What are the commandments that Jesus refers to as ‘his commandments’?

What does this passage tells us about Jesus’ vision of what it is to be a disciple?

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Yesterday, Thursday, 11th of May 35 children received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation at St. Kevin’s Church. It was a very proud moment for staff, parents, children and their families to witness our children make their Reconciliation for the first time. The ceremony was a special and memorable occasion for our children and our school community.

We believe that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a significant milestone in our children’s spiritual journey and we thank you for supporting them in their preparation for this sacrament. We hope that this experience will continue to help them to develop a deeper understanding of God's love and forgiveness.

We encourage our families to continue to support your child's spiritual growth and development by attending Mass together as a family and praying together.

God Bless

Sacramental News and Dates

Sacrament Levy

There is a $25 Sacrament Levy to cover the cost for:

•  a guest speaker to conduct a Parent and Child Workshop for each Sacrament.
• professionally made stoles for ALL 3 Sacraments. 
• a candle for children receiving reconciliation.
• children receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation to travel to St. Kevin’s Church for Reconciliation, Eucharist practice 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 at the start of the year, before or on the day of your Family Workshop Session.

God Bless

Rozeta Ambrose

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

Today all Mini Vinnies met and we had guest speakers from the Hampton Park St Vincent de Paul Conference. We learnt all about the Conference and what they do. How they help people in need by providing grocery items and toiletries, vouchers for shopping, purchasing necessities or assisting in payment of bills amongst many other things. One of the most improtant things they do is visit and listen to people who may not have any other support.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD POINTS

A reminder to students that they can earn house points by demonstrating community spirit which includes our PBL values, especially this week’s focus: Responsibility – think before you act.

The results for the first 2 weeks of school are:

Well done Patrick!! But it’s only early days, so come on MacKillop, Bosco and Teresa! Let’s see if you can catch up next week!

Giuliana