French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This week the Gospel passage we see Jesus challenged by the authorities. Jesus’s response transcended their expectations. Instead of engaging in their test, He quietly bent down and wrote on the ground, a symbolic gesture that has sparked much contemplation. His words, “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” are a timeless call to self-examination and humility. By turning the accusers’ attention inward, Jesus shifted the narrative from judgment to introspection. This passage challenges us to move beyond harsh judgments and to approach others with mercy, understanding, and a recognition of our shared humanity. It encourages us to embrace forgiveness—not only for others but also for ourselves—and to seek paths of renewal and growth. What resonates most with you from this story? I encourage you and invite you to attend the Adoration and Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrated at OLGC on Thursday 10 April at 7.30 – 8.30 p...

Lent ends on a note of wonder. In the face of all the mighty works that God has already performed for the people, God promises something even more magnificent. Throughout this season we have reflected on the marvels that God accomplished in the lives of the people, cutting a covenant with Abraham, leading the people out of bondage, revealing God's own personal name, bring them into a land that is bursting with life. Now God says: You haven't seen anything yet. The first reading proclaims that something new is about to appear. In the gospel, this new thing unfolds before our eyes. Here we see Jesus neither rejecting the law nor changing it. Instead, he shows that the law, as good as it might be, serves something higher. He shows that the mercy and compassion of God exceed the authority of the law. Once again we see that the readings of Lent are less concerned with mortification and penance than they are with divine graciousness and our response of joy and thanksgiving. Paul...

This week we witnessed the Oaths of Fidelity and Professions of Faith for the newest members of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Broken Bay. The three newest members are Fr Chima Ofor, Parish Priest of Manly Freshwater, Fr Brendan Lee, Moderator of the Cathedral and Fr Satheesh Ramachanatt, Parish Priest of Frenchs Forest and Dean of the Northern Beaches. Their appointment is for a term of five years, where they provide me with counsel as Bishop in support of my governance of the Diocese. Please pray for these three wonderful priests as they begin as members of the College of Consultors.

As we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter, we warmly invite all parishioners to a special evening of Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When: Thursday, April 10 Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Where: Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Forestville Come and spend some quiet time with the Lord in prayer and reflection. Experience God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and draw closer to Him this Lent. All are welcome.

  Palm Sunday – 12/13th April         5:00pm Vigil & 8:30am – SMDP         9:00am – St. Anthony’s         5:30pm Vigil, 10:00am & 6:00pm– OLGC Chrism Mass - Tuesday, 15th April         7:30 PM at Waitara Cathedral Holy Thursday – 17th April   The Lord’s Supper          7:30pm – OLGC         7:30pm – St. Anthony’s Good Friday – 18th April        Stations of the Cross         10:00am – OLGC        10:00am – St. Anthony’s        10:00am – St Martins        Passion of the Lord  - 18th April        3:00pm – OLGC  ...

Our next PRIME youth group gathering will be on Friday 11th April 5:30 – 7pm at the Parish Centre at OLGC Forestville. All students in years 5 -8 at school are welcome to join in the fun with games and Pizza. We also invite these wonderful youth to participate in the enactment of the stations of the cross at St Martin’s on Friday Morning. We would love as many youth to be involved as possible. Please see more details and RSVP using the link https://forms.office.com/r/6CrLctTdrZ or QR code. We look forward to seeing our youth soon.

Did you like the Introduction to the new parish "God's Creation: Our Home" Laudato Si' newsletter distributed at the beginning of March?  We are preparing the next issue and would like you to send us your responses to include in the Let's Connect section. Adults and Kids, please email ffplaudatosi@gmail.com with ways you currently care for the natural world and those in need.

The life-changing work of Caritas Australia is only made possible by the unwavering generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our local partners on the ground. Our partners are the true heroes, working tirelessly on the frontlines every day to transform lives and build brighter, more hopeful futures for their communities. Please donate today.  You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code,  or online at:  caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling: 1800 024 413

We look forward to you joining us at our PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS   on Good Friday April 18th at 7pm at St Martin’s.

Due to circumstances beyond our control there will be NO TAIZE PRAYER at St Martin’s on Friday April 4th. Our usual Taize prayer will be held on Friday 2nd May at 7pm.

Open day 15 May 2025 9am-1pm - For more information or to rgister for open-day, go to brigidine.nsw.edu.au

You are invited to journey with Christ this Lent by attending the Stations of the Cross, a time of prayer and reflection on His Passion and love for us. St. Anthony’s, Terrey Hills – Thursdays at 5:00 PM Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville – Fridays at 7:30 PM Let us walk with the Lord, drawing closer to Him through this beautiful Lenten devotion.  All are welcome!

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Bishop David Walker has spent a lifetime reflecting on the Gospels, studying Scripture, and exploring how they guide Christian discipleship. Now, he invites you to join him in a series of enriching discussion on the Gospels. What to Expect: Weekly Gospel Video Access – FREE Live Online Discussions Every Saturday (4:00 – 5:00 PM AEDT) Ask Questions, Share Reflections, Seek Clarification Connect with Like-Minded Catholics Ideal for Parish Bible Study Groups or anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture. Sign Up & Stay Notified! Get weekly reminders and video access before each session. More Info & Register Here! https://lectiodivina.com.au/?p=27610

As we journey through Lent parishioners are warmly invited to come together on Tuesday mornings at St Martin’s. Each week will include Breaking Open the Word, questions for discussion, reflecting on some classical and modern paintings to stimulate our imaginations and see what God may be saying to each of us as we walk with Jesus on his mission leading in his last week to his death & resurrection. Each week we will be contemplating the SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS. DATES: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 & 8. VENUE: St Martin’s TIME: 10am – 12.00pm.

Set Aside some Time to Rest with God Feb 4th, March 4th, May 6th, June 3rd, July 1st, Aug 5th, Sept 2nd, Oct 7th, Nov 4th  between 10am – 12pm at St Martin’s Church. Enjoy Contemplative music, Reflections and Meditations  

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 which is the “SCAN ME” symbol in our parish bulletin . 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 joi...