French's Forest Catholic Parish eNEWS

 We have now come to the end of the liturgical year, the point that marks the transition from one period to another. Today we see that the kingdom of God is inclusive. Its embrace is as comprehensive as is the embrace of God. Criteria for membership are not based on obedience to the commandments or on conformity to ritual obligation, but on the bonds of love and concern. What we do for others, we do for Christ, because Christ is identified with those in need. We very seldom see the face of the glorified Christ in the faces of the needy; it is more often the face of the disfigured Christ that is turned to us. We see his fear and his shame, his brokenness and sense of loss. As difficult as it may be to look into such eyes, it is precisely the needy with whom Christ is identified. Having entered into the frailty of human nature, identified himself with the needy, and handed himself over to death, in the end Christ will have conquered all. It is a curious kingdom that he has won, a kingdom

Come along and meet with some old friends and new at: St Anthony’s - 3rd Thursday  of the Month at 2 pm (afternoon tea) RSVP Pat Clark  0413 583 732   St Martins – 4th Friday  of the month Friday  27th Nov at 12 noon (BYO sandwich) Booking is essential RSVP Anne Ellis  0419 585 598   OLGC - last Wednesday of the month Wednesday 25th Nov at 12 noon (BYO Sandwich) RSVP Ann Nicey 0438 665 843 The welcome mat is out at each Church so just choose whichever date suits you! Please RSVP

Vinnies Needs your Help Vinnies shops at Forestville & Chatswood desperately need newspaper to wrap Bric a Brac They are also appealing for donations of wool as they have wonderful volunteers who are knitting for disadvantaged people

The following Catechists will receive their rewards next  Sunday 29th November at 8.30 am Mass at St Martins Congratulations to Maureen Diebold, Doris van der Straaten, Ellen Godwin, Pauline van den Berg We are so grateful to these wonderful Catechists for their dedication to this Ministry

Advent Spirituality Mornings  On  Friday 4 December 9:30am -12:30pm  RSVP to Sharon da Roza 8379 1638 or Colleen Smith 8379 1642 or ccdadmin@bbcatholic.org.au   Please register a week prior to the date you wish to attend.  A link to the Advent Spirituality Mornings will be emailed to you prior to the event.

St Anthony’s hamper program has begun. Hamper names may be taken from the wall at St Anthony’s or on the internet at  www.netsavvy.com.au/hampers   All are welcome to participate.

Parishioners are invited to join an art group on Friday mornings at the Parish Centre, O.L.G.C. Forestville For two hours each week we will forget the worries of the world around us as we paint or draw and enjoy each other's company. If you would like to join us, please call Jo Fiore on 9451 7573

If you or a loved one are admitted to Northern Beaches Hospital and would like our priests to visit. Please contact one of our Priests or the Parish Office to arrange a visit.

The Season of Advent invites and challenges us to step away, even for only a short time, so amidst our hectic days, we don’t lose sight of the joy of this season to reflect upon the Lord in adoration and thanksgiving for the gift of His Son.  Wednesday evenings  November 25, December 2, 9 & 16  St Martin’s Church foyer  7.00 pm – 8.15 pm  Due to Covid restrictions and limited numbers it is necessary to register with the parish office 9451.5097 parishoffice@ffcp.org.au

SAVE THE DATE: An Alpha Forum for the parishes of Broken Bay has been scheduled for the evening of Wednesday 25 November, presented by Tania Rimac, Alpha in a Catholic Context , and Pina Bernard.Enquiries pina.bernard@bbcatholic.org.au

Vinnies are appealing for donations of wool as they have wonderful volunteers who are knitting for disadvantaged people

We have worked out the numbers for each Church based government regulations. We are now able to accommodate the following numbers; OLGC—100 St Martin’s—95 St Anthony’s—60 Please note the following requirements; You will be required to sign in (with contact details in case contact tracing needs to be carried out). Families or people from the same household must sit together. You will no longer be required to make a booking with the Parish Office. Please use the hand sanitiser provided (particularly after signing in). Please maintain social distancing of 1.5m at all times. Please do not attend Mass if you are feeling unwell or are waiting for Covid-19 test results. Please do not attend Mass if you have visited a “hotspot” as listed on the NSW Health website in the last 14 days. Strong recommendation to wear masks As many would already be aware, on Sunday 2 August the Premier, along with the Chief medical officer announced the strong recommendation to wear masks in the following situation