French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. In this week’s Gospel, we find ourselves standing among the crowds at the foot of the Cross, surrounded by voices of disbelief, ridicule, and hardened hearts. The leaders mock, the soldiers jeer, and even one of the criminals joins in the scorn. Yet from this sea of rejection emerges a single, humble voice: the voice of the repentant thief. With clarity that only grace can give, he sees what others fail to recognise, that Jesus is truly King, even as He hangs on the Cross. His simple plea, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” becomes a profound act of faith spoken at the very edge of death. In that moment, Jesus reveals the heart of His kingship. He does not rule by force or fear, but by mercy. He responds not with condemnation, but with an astonishing promise: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The Cross becomes a throne of compassion, and paradise opens to a sinner who dares to trust in ...

On this very special feast of Christ The King, our RCIA candidates Michael, Greg, Brooke & Benny will participate in the Rite of Welcome this week-end at OLGC. The blessing of the senses together with receiving a bible mark this special ritual. This rite is twofold as they continue in their journey in faith and the parish community offers their ongoing assurance of prayer and personal witness of their faith.

is now available! Bishop Anthony has prayerfully reflected on the voices and hopes shared throughout the recent local listening and dialogue consultation forums of the Northern Beaches Pastoral Discernment Project and, in his Pastoral Letter to the People of God on the Northern Beaches, outlines our way forward. The Letter invites us to continue engaging in prayer, communion, participation, and mission as we continue to journey forward together. Please collect your copy of the Northern Beaches Pastoral Letter from the foyer this weekend.

THANK YOU to those who signed the Caritas Turn Debt Into Hope Petition.    A new Caritas report ( www.caritas.org.au/media/ku0bufxm/caritas_rising-tides_rising-debt-web.pdf ) has revealed how in the Pacific, economic losses from a single cyclone can reach 30–50 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). By contrast, Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2020 cost an estimated $100 billion, or 4.92 per cent of GDP that year. That means a single cyclone in the Pacific can represent the economic equivalent of weathering six Black Summer bushfires, a staggering burden for small island economies.

a celebration of creativity, friendship and inclusion! Boonah is an art studio run by CatholicCare, has been creating a community of creativity, friendship, and inclusion for over 30 years. This year’s exhibition celebrates that journey with a vibrant collection of artworks by our talented artists living with disability. Date : Friday 28 November 2025 Time: 1.00 pm – 8.00 pm Location: Shop 27, The Philips Mall, West Pymble Can't make it in person? Our 2025 collection is also available online through our Shopify store. We can’t wait to share this special occasion with you!  https://boonah-creative-arts.myshopify.com/?mc_cid=e893fb651c&mc_eid=e09c831a94

Celebrate The Jubilee of Choirs in the Diocese of Broken Bay at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. To commemorate the Jubilee of Choirs, a Festival of Song will be held on Saturday 22 November (the Feast of Saint Cecilia), following the 5pm Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Anthony Randazzo, and a light supper in the Cathedral courtyard will follow. The Festival of Song will begin at 6:30pm . All are welcome to attend this special Jubilee occasion. Link to  flyer

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...

We welcome all Seniors to come and share a Christmas lunch together with our Cuppa & Chat Group Where: OLGC PARISH CENTRE When: WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 12:00 midday Cost: $20 If you are wanting to attend please enclose $20 in an envelope with your name write  "Cuppa & Chat lunch " on the envelope and place on the collection plate or leave at the Parish Office . Ann Nicey 0438 665 843

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...

Hope is:  The power by which we firmly and constantly long for what we were placed on earth to do.  Fill our hearts with hope Trusting in what God has promised us. Fill our hearts with hope Encouraging us and sustaining us on our journey of faith. Fill our hearts with hope Energising us with the power of love. Fill our hearts with hope Sure and steadfast, anchoring us in God. Fill our hearts with hope Joy even in times of trial. Fill our hearts with hope Jesus Christ and his promises. Fill our hearts with hope Faithful God you are with us,  help us to hold fast to hope without wavering. Lord Jesus Christ through you,  the Holy Spirit is poured out on us, help us to hope in eternal life. Holy Spirit you are in us and hope dwells in us,  help us to patiently hope for the Truth

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.

A message from Bishop Anthony Randazzo to the clergy, Religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Broken BayFollowing the recent release of the document by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith entitled Mater Populi Fidelis: Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation, some have wondered whether this teaching might diminish our love for the Mother of God. Please click here to read the message from Bishop Anthony, Walking with Mary in the Mission of Christ, who writes that the document actually helps us to understand Mary’s true greatness and to honour her as she most desires, to draw nearer to her Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord. Bishop Anthony’s message can also be found at https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/about/bishop/messages/walking-with-mary-in-the-mission-of-christ

With heartfelt gratitude for all that you do, we warmly invite all our parish volunteers to our V olunteers Appreciation Dinner — an evening to celebrate you and your wonderful service to our parish community. Date: Friday, 21 November 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Venue: OLGC School Hall Join us for a relaxed evening of good food, laughter, and appreciation as we give thanks for the many ways you share your time, gifts, and hearts with our parish. Please RSVP by 14 November to the Parish . Call 9451 5097 or email parishoffice@ffcp.org.au (Kindly advise of any food allergies.) We look forward to celebrating with you!

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 ...