French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This week we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel John the Baptist’s call, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand,” reminds us that God’s presence is not distant or abstract, it is near, ready to break into our lives if we make room for it. John’s message is strong, but it comes from a place of deep hope. He invites us to clear away what is unnecessary, to straighten the paths of our hearts, and to let our lives bear the good fruit of faith, compassion, and humility. John also points us forward. He knows that his role is to prepare, not to finish the work. “The one who follows me is more powerful than I am,” he says, reminding us that Christ comes not only to cleanse but to transform, baptising us with the Holy Spirit and fire, with a love that purifies, strengthens, and renews. As we listen to his words today, we’re encouraged not just to feel sorry for our failings, but to turn towards God with fresh intention. Advent invites us to pre...

Reflections from Pope Francis Today there is need for people to be witnesses to the mercy and tenderness of God, who spurs the resigned, enlivens the disheartened, ignites the fire of hope. He ignites the fire of hope! We don’t. So many situations require our comforting witness. To be joyful comforting people. I am thinking of those who are burdened by suffering, tyranny and injustice. Those who are slaves to money, to power, to success, to worldliness. Isaiah’s message on this Second Sunday of Advent is a salve on our wounds and an impetus to prepare, with commitment, the way of the Lord. The prophet speaks to our hearts….if we entrust ourselves to Him with a humble and penitent heart God will open the way for us to encounter Him. The Holy Spirit will console us, for it is He who gives us the courage to go out of ourselves. It is He who 0pened the door to the source of every true comfort, that is the Father and this is conversion.  

Christmas Eve Wednesday, 24th December 2025 5:00 pm – Children’s Mass at SMDP, Davidson 5:30 pm – Children’s Mass at OLGC, Forestville 6:00 pm – Family Mass at St Anthony’s, Terrey Hills 10:00 pm – Midnight Mass at OLGC, Forestville Christmas Day Thursday, 25th December 2025 8:30 am – SMDP, Davidson 9:00 am – St Anthony’s, Terrey Hills 10:00 am – OLGC, Forestville

With the escalating cost of living many people are struggling to survive. The financial support you give to our Christmas appeal will help restore HOPE to those in need. Your donation can help put food on the table and may prevent a family becoming homeless. Donations can be made via the link below or on the Vinnies Christmas Appeal Poster link. Envelopes will be on the Church seats and buckets at the Church doors. Amounts $2 and over are tax deductible. Davidson link: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/fundraise-your-way-conference/davidson-st-martin-de-porres-conference-christmas-appeal-2025 Forestville link: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/fundraise-your-way-conference/forestville

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

The final LS Newsletter for 2025 is available at each of our churches. Or click here to access copy online

Calling all actors and singers/musicians, young and young at heart for our Christmas Eve pageant. ST ANTHONY’S Pageant and Choir : Calling all angels, shepherds, hoteliers, wise people, stable animals, readers and singers who would like to be involved in our upcoming pageant? All ages are most welcome. When: Xmas Vigil – Wednesday, 24th December 6PM Parts and kick off: Sunday, 7th Dec after the 9am Mass Rehearsals: Each Sunday in December (after the 9am Mass) Contact: Jo Reid via parish office

 

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...

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 ...