French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This weekend we begin the season of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting, but not a passive or impatient waiting. It is a time of hopeful expectation, a quiet preparation of the heart. As we journey toward Christmas, we are invited to make space for Christ, not only in our celebrations, but in our lives. This season asks us to prepare room: in our homes through simplicity, in our relationships through kindness, and in our hearts through prayer. It is a waiting filled with light, guiding us to welcome Jesus with joy. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden, just as the Flood came in the days of Noah. People were busy with ordinary things, eating, working, marrying. None of these were wrong, yet they were so absorbed in daily life that they failed to recognise God’s warning. The message is not about fear, but readiness. Jesus calls us to live every moment with faith, awareness, and purpose. Staying awake does not mean losin...

The journey through Advent brings us to the Christmas celebration of God’s intimate presence in human existence. What we discover is that in our waiting for Christmas, God is with us all the way along the journey. As this season begins let us remember, as the People of God, we journey with the prophets, with Mary and Joseph and as the season ends with the Magi to Bethlehem and as they return to their own country it brings us full circle. The journey each of us is on this Advent season will be different, but all our journeys have a goal in common: life in union with God. “During these coming days let us pray asking for the joy of Christmas and to give thanks for the good things God has given us, above all our faith. This is a wonderful grace. Let us think ….where can I go to bring a little relief, a little peace to those who suffer? And like this we will arrive at the Birth of the Anointed One, the Christ, as ones anointed in grace, prayer and acts of grace and help towards others.” (Th...

Vinnies at Forestville does good work in the parish helping  those in need with meals, food hampers, food vouchers, advocacy, and rental and electricity bill assistance .  We also do fundraising which entails helping out at sausage sizzles at Bunnings and bucket collections at shopping centres.  There is an opportunity to use every skill set. Because of retirements and ill health we are now in need of new members. If you are able to help out, or initially want to ask some questions about Vinnies just call John Heike the Forestville President on 0413 487 632.

In 2026, our local Church of Broken Bay will celebrate forty years since the establishment of our Diocese. This is a moment of grace for us all. We will mark the anniversary with a diocesan Liturgical Celebration on 28 May 2026 and a 40th Anniversary Diocesan Dinner on 29 May 2026. Read the full announcement of Bishop Anthony’s letter HERE or go to the extended electronic version of the bulletin at bulletin.ffcp.org.au

With immense joy and gratitude, our parish family extends heartfelt congratulations to four of our devoted Catechists who were honoured with CCD Service Awards, presented by Bishop Anthony Randazzo on Saturday, 22 November, following the CCD Diocesan Mass for Catechists at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara. We proudly acknowledge the remarkable dedication and faithful service of: Lisa Beasly – 20 Years of Service Pauline Van den Berg – 25 Years of Service Doris Vander Straaten – 30 Years of Service Carmel Smith – 45 Years of Service Each of these women has lived out the mission of Christ through their tireless commitment to sharing the Gospel, nurturing young hearts in faith, and walking alongside so many children in their journey with God. Their years of service are a true testament to love, perseverance, and deep devotion to the Church’s ministry of catechesis. As a parish community, we thank them for their extraordinary witness and the countless lives they have touched. May ...

Reflections on Hope from the Saints · “ Hope is the key that unlocks the door of possibilities ” St Francis of Assisi  “ Whatever our state of life, we cannot live without these three dispositions of the soul, namely, to believe,to hope and to love .” St. Augustine Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him. St. John of the Cross Hope is the courage to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems uncertain. St Jerome Hope is the gift that God bestows on those who seek Him with a sincere heart ”  St Bernard of Clairvaux

St Martin’s at 5pm OLGC 5:30pm Anthony’s 6.00pm This Family Mass is traditionally for the children and every year the children of the Frenchs Forest Parish present a Nativity play as part of the Children’s Christmas Mass celebration at all three of our churches. All children are invited to participate and in preparation. St Anthony’s Terrey Hills will have rehearsals: Sunday 7th December at 10am (after the 9am mass): Sunday; 14th December at 10am (after the 9am ) Sunday; 21st December at 10am (after the 9am Mass) – costumes Tuesday 24th December Christmas eve; 4pm before Mass OLGC Forestville will have rehearsals at the Church: Sunday 14th December 11:00-11:30 (after the 10am Mass) Tuesday, 23rd December 3-5pm. There are roles for Angels, shepherds, stable animals, Mary and Joseph. Readers of the Prayers of the Faithful and Gospel story have speaking parts At St Martins Davidson will have rehearsals: Saturday 20th December at 4:15pm (before the 5pm Mass) Monday 22nd December at 3pm -4p...

Pope Leo asks us to pray for peace as he visits Turkyie and Lebanon: "Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.” The Pope offered a prayer to the God of Peace that Christians surrounded by pain may feel the “gentle kindness of your presence and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith.” www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-turkiye-lebanon-prayers-history-spirituality.html

Catechists of Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish serve our children who attend State Schools in the Frenchs Forest catchment. We teach them about God’s love for us and the beauty of our Catholic Faith using the “Walking with Jesus” Curriculum as our guide. Frenchs Forest Catechists/Special Religious Educators (SRE) teach classes across seven primary schools and two high schools within our Parish. Do we have enough volunteers? No, we need more teachers What’s the commitment per class? Between 30-40 mins at the school (depending on the school) once per week, plus preparation time over school terms. Perhaps you would like to assist as a helper for a term or so to gain more experience. Can you take time off during the term if needed? Yes – holidays and time off are both part of SRE. Which schools do we serve , and what days are the lessons? Killarney Heights PS. (Thursday @12.30pm- 1pm, K-Y2, and Friday @ 12.30pm-1pm, Y3-Y6); Forestville PS. (Thursday @1.40-2.10pm, and Friday @1.40pm-2.10pm...

Together, we bring hope and healing across our Diocese - Pastoral Works Broken Bay (PWBB) November Appeal The Pastoral Works Broken Bay (PWBB) November Appeal will begin this weekend, 8–9 November 2025. and our Parish Target is $ 37065. Through your generous support, PWBB helps fund vital ministries and programs across our Diocese — including hospital chaplaincy, CatholicCare assistance, faith education for children in public schools. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of people who turn to the Church in times of need — and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. How you can help: Give at Mass through your parish’s PWBB envelopes or collection. Donate online using your parish’s PWBB QR code or website Parish Payment Gateway Pray for those whose lives are touched by the work of PWBB. For assistance, please contact the Clergy and Parish Broken Bay Team at parish. admin@bbcatholic.org.au or call (02) 8379 1676 . Let us continue to work together — in faith and generosity — to bring ...

RECEIVING ON THE HAND As you approach the priest or minister bow in reverence. Hold out both hands, palms up, one hand under the other. Hold your hands still and steady, not open fingers or from a distance. Most importantly, do not take or grab the host from the minister. When the minister says “Body of Christ” respond with a spoken “Amen” After receiving the host, step to one side and consume the whole host immediately and with devotion. RECEIVING ON THE TONGUE If you choose to receive on the tongue please: open your mouth fully tilt your head back slightly extend your tongue beyond your lips. In Frenchs Forest parish those who wish to receive Communion on the tongue are encouraged to please wait until all communicants who wish to receive the host on the hand and then come forward to receive Communion. RECEIVING FROM THE CHALICE If you choose to receive from the chalice, approach the minister with the chalice. When the minister says “The Blood of Christ” respond “Amen”. Take the chali...

Daily Reflections for Advent Advent comes to us each year to beckon us into a season of quiet anticipation and deep longing for God’s presence among us, the birth of God-with -us. In this spirit of anticipation and prayer parishioners are warmly welcome to our Advent Reflections Where: St Martin’s Church When: Tuesday mornings 10 am -12 pm November 25, December 2 and December 9. Advent Booklets will be available at our first gathering ($5). Those who would like a booklet and are unable to attend our gatherings, they will be available at the back of the churches.  Please place money in the provided tins.

As we joyfully continue to grow as a faith community at Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish, we warmly invite parishioners to take part in our parish ministries. Your time, faith, and willingness to serve help make our parish a place of welcome and love. In particular, we are looking for more Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, especially as we return to sharing Holy Communion from the Chalice during Mass from Sunday 23 November 2025. If you feel called to serve in this sacred ministry—or in any other parish ministry—please contact the Parish Office on 02 9451 5097 or speak to one of the priests after Mass. Your participation is a beautiful way to live out your faith and contribute to the life of our parish community. Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP

Dear Parishioners, We, your parish priests, are always happy to visit your homes—whether it is to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the housebound, to visit the sick, to bless your home, or simply to have a friendly chat and spend time together. If you or a loved one would like a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office at parishoffice@ffcp.org.au or call us on 02 9451 5097. We look forward to being with you and sharing God’s love and presence in your home. Fr. Satheesh, Fr. Biju and Fr. Boby.

Dear Parish Family, Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and ongoing support! Because of you, our parish continues to thrive and serve the community. As you know, this vibrancy relies on your generosity for which there are now many different ways of giving using modern technology. In recent times we have introduced Tap’n’go machines in our churches. We have now added a new, easy, and secure way to make a contribution to support our parish—through a simple scan of a QR code. This small code allows you to give a single gift directly from your phone at any time, wherever you may be. All you need to do is open your camera, scan the code and you'll be taken directly to our secure giving page. It’s fast, easy, and helps the parish to continue the great work we’re doing together. Of course, like Tap’n’go, contributions by QR code are a once only gift. If you would like your donation to be regular and automatic, please join our Planned Giving program which is easily arranged ...