French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

Dear Parishioners, In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to us about the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness and the care we should have for one another. When someone hurts us or does something wrong, our first reaction can often be to walk away, hold on to our hurt or speak about the person to others. Jesus offers us a different way. He encourages us to approach one another with honesty, respect and love, always seeking to heal rather than to divide. The purpose of speaking to someone who has wronged us is not to prove that we are right or to win an argument. Rather, it is to “win back” our brother or sister. Jesus reminds us that every relationship is valuable and that we should make every effort to restore what has been broken. This Gospel also reminds us that we do not live our faith alone. We are part of a community, called to support, encourage and pray for one another. Jesus promises us that whenever two or three gather in his name, he is present among them. This is a won...

Father's Day Prayer.... Heavenly Father, you entrusted your Son Jesus, the child of Mary, to the care of Joseph, an earthly father. Bless all fathers as they care for their families. Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience. Support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them, as we look to you for love and salvation, through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.  Amen.

Dear Parishioners, Each year, the OSH Fathers are permitted to take two special collections to support the missionary work of our Society. This year, mindful of the financial pressures many families are facing, we have decided to have only one appeal instead of two. The proceeds of the OSH Appeal 2026 will support the vital work of our OSH Social Service Society, especially helping poor children continue their education by providing school supplies, books, and other essential learning materials. We, your OSH priests, are deeply grateful for your generous support over the years. Your kindness has made a real difference in the lives of many children and families. Please support this year’s appeal in whatever way you are able. This Appeal will be held on the weekends of 29/30 August and 5/6 September. Appeal envelopes are available in the pews. You may take an envelope home and return it when you next come to church. You can also donate using the QR Code provided on the envelope. "Wh...

As a Parish community, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and farewell to Paola Brannan, who has given so generously of her time, leadership and dedication to our parish school community. Paola will be leaving us to take up a new role as Principal of Eileen O’Connor School within the Diocese. She will commence her new position at the beginning of next term. Paola has led with wisdom, compassion and enthusiasm, always seeking to create a school community where students are supported to grow in faith, confidence and knowledge. Her contribution to the life of our parish and school has been significant, and her presence will be greatly missed. Thank you, Paola, and may God bless you abundantly in your new ministry and all that lies ahead. New Principal Leadership Arrangements Catholic Schools Broken Bay Catholic Schools Broken Bay is introducing a one parish, one principal model for our two parish primary schools. Under this arrangement, one principal will lead both schools, sup...

The 6:00pm Mass at OLGC on Sunday 6 September will feature a Choralschola, with music centred on Gregorian chant and timeless sacred liturgical traditions.  Come and experience the beauty and richness of sacred chant as part of the celebration of the Mass  

Please join us for Taize ‘Prayer Around the Cross’ next Friday,4th September 7.00pm at St Martin’s Church.    All are welcome.

Save this date - 10th October Join us at (OLGC) on Saturday October 10 for a beautiful evening of timeless and sacred music. Following the 5:30pm Mass, there will be a BBQ until 7:00pm, followed by an inspiring concert of timeless sacred music.   More details to come 

You are invited to join us for the FESTIVAL OF CREATION IN THE FOREST   We look forward to celebrating the beauty of creation with you as we gather for a special Festival of Creation event! Together, we will rejoice in God's gift of the Earth through the celebration of Mass, followed by engaging activities that deepen our understanding of how to care for our common home. Join us in prayer, learning, and community as we respond to Pope Francis' call to ecological conversion and stewardship of creation. As part of our time together, we will also share a meal in community. We invite you to bring a plate of food with an aim to minimise waste and plastics to share as we continue our celebration in fellowship. WHEN: Saturday, 12th September 9:30am –1:30PM WHERE: St Anthony in the Fields Church

As we celebrate the Year of St Francis of Assisi parishioners are warmly invited to join us as we share the inspiration that surrounds the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, promoting the sanctity of human life from birth till natural death. This enriching day will include: Reflecting on Franciscan Spirituality. Strolling through the peaceful gardens of this Shrine modelled on the 14 Stations of the Cross and the Mysteries of the Rosary. Mass in the chapel. Tuesday October 20  BYO Lunch Cost $40. Bookings essential (Limit 40) Ring: Parish Office 9451.5097. Email: parishoffice@ffcp.org.au

Celebrating 150 Years - Of Faith, Community and Service. 1876—2026 Manly Freshwater Parish is celebrating their 150 years with a gala dinner at the Manly-Pacific hotel on Friday the 4th of September. Cost $170 includes 3 course dinner and welcome drinks. Seating is limited so book early. Scan the QR to book or go our Parish News Blog for more information.  

We are so excited to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for our WYD27 Broken Bay Pilgrimage: 26 July – 12 August 2027 Japan – Seoul – Incheon LEARN MORE WYD - SeoulFest Join us for SeoulFest — the official launch of our pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027! Celebrating the Feast of Saint Andrew Kim Taegŏn, Patron of World Youth Day, we’re beginning the countdown to an unforgettable pilgrimage to Japan, Seoul and Incheon in 2027. Come and experience a taste of South Korea with Korean food, music, culture, games and activities, while meeting other young people, young adults and families from across the Diocese. Whether you’re already dreaming about joining us for WYD 2027 or you’re simply curious about what it’s all about, SeoulFest is the place to start! This is intended for young people, young adults and families. Date: Sunday 20 September 2026 Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Location: The Light of Christ Centre, 29 Yardley Avenue, Waitara Enquiries: mission@bbcatholic.org.au Regi...

Volunteer Catholic Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit hospitals throughout the Diocese of Broken Bay providing comfort and care to Catholic patients. Our Diocese and NSW Health require that 40 hours of training is completed to perform this important role. The I.P.C.C. meets this requirement, is FREE and is open to those who might be deciding if they are suited to this ministry. The course runs for five consecutive Mondays: 31st August, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th September at Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonard’s, between 9:00am and 3:00 pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Recruitment and training of EMHC is the responsibility of the parish; those who are wanting further information may refer to poster displayed in churches; parish E News; speak with/or email Leonie Puckeridge rcia@ffcp.org.au ; contact Parish Office 9451.5097, parishoffice@ffcp.org.au at your earliest convenience.

Dear Parishioners, Please be aware of a scam currently targeting parishes. Scammers are creating fake Gmail and other free email accounts using the names of our Parish Priest and parish staff. They use these accounts to send messages asking people to make urgent payments or buy gift cards on their behalf, often giving a plausible reason for the request. Because the display name shows a familiar name, it can look genuine at first glance. However, if you examine the actual email address, you will find that it does not come from our official parish domain: ffcp.org.au . Please Keep This in Mind: ·          Verify Before You Act: If you receive an email, text, or message of any form asking for money, gift cards, or financial details, do not respond or make any payments . ·          Double-Check: Always contact the parish office directly, or speak to the person you think it is from via a known, trus...

Parish Office will be open on Tuesdays to Fridays 8:30am to 2:30pm

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 ...