French's Forest Catholic Parish eNEWS

Dear Parishioners, This weekend we read about Jesus feeding the 5000 with the loaves and fishes. We are called to follow the example of Jesus, his apostles, and the boy with a few loaves and fish. We should take the time to assist people in need and not retreat from the world. We must face up to the reality we find – and do what we can. May the Eucharist enable us to do on earth what is done in heaven, where the hungry are welcomed and fed, the leftovers are gathered together, and nothing is wasted. Thank you for your wonderful support with the Peter’s Pence appeal last weekend and your generosity is much appreciated. This Sunday we celebrate the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We congratulate all our elderly and grandparents and wish them a very happy Grandparents Day. Let us remember them with gratitude for sharing their wisdom with us. I encourage everyone to consider volunteering in our wonderful parish. At St. Martin’s we are in need of Church cleaners. I encourage ou

Today we are reminded of God’s providence. We live in a world that feeds us and shelters us and supplies us with everything that we need to grow and to thrive, and all of this comes to us from the hand of God. It is usually when we are in desperate straits that we become painfully conscious of our dependence on God, but this dependence is always there. God does not merely intervene when we are helpless; God's providence operates in our lives at all times. Living in a society that promotes individualism, we sometimes undervalue the communal dimension of life. God certainly cares passionately for each of us (not even a sparrow falls without God knowing it), but God's concern is for the whole people. We are first and foremost members of a people. We would never have seen the light of day, we would not endure or develop, without others. As unique as we may be, we are a unique expression of a communal reality. God created a race; God formed a people; Jesus died for the world. By the

On Friday 2 August there will be no Mass celebrated at St. Martin's Davidson . Please join the Mass at OLGC at 9.15 am for the First Friday Mass and the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pope Francis established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time on Sunday 25 July 2021. Second time on Sunday 24 July 2022. Third time on Sunday 23 July 2023. Fourth time on Sunday 28 July 2024 The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated for the fourth time in 2024 on Sunday 28 July - the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this year's celebration is: " Do not cast me off in my old age" ( cf. Psalm 71: 9 ).   Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer for Grandparents Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them!  As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals,

Sharing the Voices Dinner and Conversation Sharing the Voices Dinner and Conversation, Friday June 9th. Let us open our hearts to the wisdom and spirituality of our First Nations Peoples, recognizing the presence of Christ in their lives, stories and traditions. On World Day for Indigenous Peoples join this gathering to listen to each other and continue to support each other. Book Now as places are limited. www.trybooking.com/CSQDN

Please save the date for our annual Parish curry night on Saturday 17 August 2024 . We will celebrate Curry Night after the Vigil Mass at 5:30pm at OLGC. The Curry Night dinner is at 6.30 pm in the OLGC school hall. Invite your family and friends, all are welcome. Costs: Adults $ 15 and for children $ 10. BYO. Tickets will be available after the weekend Mass or buy the ticket from the Parish Office. Please RSVP to the office email: parishoffice@ffcp.org.au or ph: 94515097

With the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows 2024 Wyvern Music Forestville is delighted to present an extraordinary afternoon of music, featuring a fascinating blend of music from four distinct composers. This unique program promises to transport the audience across continents and genres, showcasing the exceptional talents of the 13 musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows 2024 as they explore diverse musical styles. Prokofiev’s Quintet for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola, and double bass, intertwines intricate melodies with moments of haunting beauty, conjuring the enchantment and drama of the circus world. Across the Atlantic, two American composers, Alec Wilder and George Antheil, defy convention with their innovative works. Wilder's whimsical Suite for Horn and Improvisatory Percussion dances playfully while Antheil’s Symphony for Five Instruments resonates with jazz-inspired harmonies. Finally, experience the emotional depth and intricate textures of Shostakovich’s capti

The 2024/25 Family Based Sacramental Program is due to commence with a parent information evening on Thursday 1st August 2024 . This evening is for parents only, children do not need to attend. The evening will be held in the OLGC church from 7-8pm. This program involves preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Confirmation will be held on the morning of Saturday 14th September.To be eligible for enrolment in this program your child must be baptized and at least in Year 3 at school and 8 years old. Confirmation is the first Sacrament after Baptism in Broken Bay Diocese. If you are considering enrolling your child, it is essential to attend this information evening . Details of enrolling into the program will be given. Enrolling into the program will be through Trybooking and the Link to book in will be on the parish website and open on Friday 2nd August 7pm and bookings will close on Tuesday 13th August at 7pm. Any enquir

We extend a heartfelt invitation to your parish community to join us in celebrating Feast Day at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney on Thursday, 8th August. Throughout the day, we will hold Mass at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm and 6 pm, providing meaningful moments of prayer and reflection. The Chapel will be open from 7.30 am to 7:30 pm for personal prayer and contemplation at the tomb of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Additionally, you and your parishioners are welcome to explore the MMP Museum, with free entry, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, immersing yourselves in the legacy of Mary MacKillop and for your convenience, the Gift Shop & Café will be open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, giving you the chance to browse and purchase Mary MacKillop inspirational items and memorabilia, and meals during the festivities. We kindly request that pilgrims enter Mary MacKillop Place via 80 William Street, North Sydney, on this special occasion. Let this Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross be an opportunity to come t

We are pleased to invite the present Readers and anyone interested to be part of this ministry to a special Formation Session designed for all our dedicated Lectors and Readers. Your role in proclaiming the Word of God is vital to our liturgy, and this session aims to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of this sacred ministry. Formation session is on Thursday 22 August 2024 at OLGC Church at 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Please confirm your attendance by Friday 16 August RSVP to  parishoffice@ffcp.org.au We look forward to your participation and to growing together in our service to the Lord.  Thank you for supporting this ministry in our Parish Kind Regards, Fr. Satheesh

Taxation Receipts are available for collection from the Parish Office between the hours of 8.30am and 2.30pm. Each year the parish makes a number of appeals for donations, some of which are tax deductible. To provide some clarity regarding receipts, we advise as follows: Non Tax Deductible Donations Our contributions to the first collection (for the support of clergy in the Diocese) and second collection (for the maintenance, upkeep and development of the parish facilities) and some other appeals are not tax deductible and receipts will not be issued by the Parish Office unless requested. Tax Deductible Donations However, where a tax-deductible donation is made through the parish to a Catholic charity (for example donations to Pastoral Works Broken Bay; Catholic Mission Australia) the Parish Office will issue a tax receipt after the close of each financial year. Please note that if the donation is made directly to the charity then the charity itself must issue the receipt as the

Cuppa and Chat will be at St Martin’s Church 2 August instead.

The Holy See Press Office has released the Instrumentum Laboris (IL) in preparation for the next gathering of the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2024. The question at the heart of the IL for the upcoming session of the Synod of Bishops is “ How to be a missionary synodal Church ”. The IL does not offer ay ‘pre-packaged answers’ but rather ‘indications and proposals’. Access the Instrumentum Laboris (IL) for the second session  https://www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/assembly2024/il/ENG-INSTRUMENTUM-LABORIS-A4.pdf?mc_cid=e2aef21275&mc_eid=e09c831a94 Further reading can be accessed  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-07/synod-second-session-instrumentum-laboris-women-transparency.html?mc_cid=e2aef21275&mc_eid=e09c831a94  

Over the past few months, our Diocesan community of the Northern Beaches has come together to contribute, listen, and engage in dialogue, all guided by the Holy Spirit. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has participated in shaping our collective path forward. We are excited to invite all members of the Diocese to the upcoming PDNB Conversation Forum on Saturday, July 27. This forum will present an opportunity to discuss emerging themes and engage in meaningful dialogue, building on insights from recent Community Consultation gatherings. Please note that registration is essential. Date: Saturday, 27th July Venue: OLGC School Hall Forestville. 11 Currie Rd, Forestville. Time: 12:00pm for light refreshments for a 12:30pm start Finish Time: 3:30pm RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/qvaBara0f2

Very Rev Dr David Ranson’s Meditation Series on Christian Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee is providing very positive feedback. The series can be found at https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/mission/year-of-prayer or on the Diocese YouTube channel .

Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God. It comes from a heart of worship that recognises everything we have and give already belongs to the Lord. Our ability to earn money is a gift from God. Returning a percentage of our treasure back to God is one way that we live our faith. Just like our family households, our parish community needs financial resources in order to operate, serve, and minister. God provides for these needs through you - you ARE the parish. We have installed two Tap N Go machines in each of our church community. Each one is labelled to let you know the purpose of the collection. The First collection is to support the priests and bishops of our Diocese. And the second collection goes towards the needs of the parish. Theses funds support our parish ministries, meet the administration costs including electricity, insurance, maintenance and development of the Parish buildings. Each machine has allocated to donate $10, $ 15 and $ 20. If anyone wishes

Are you ready to be the guiding light in our parish community? We're on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to step up and join our volunteer force! Our parish ministries are the heart and soul of our community, but we need more hands to make a bigger impact. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting out, there's a place for you here. From helping with Sunday celebrations, there are countless ways you can get involved and make a difference. No special skills required – just a willingness to lend a helping hand and a heart full of love. By volunteering with us, you'll not only be serving your community but also growing spiritually and forming meaningful connections with your fellow parishioners. Together, we can strengthen our bond as a community and spread the love of God far and wide. No matter your age or background, there's a place for you in our parish ministries. Together, let's make a positive impact and continue to spread God's

We pray that the violence between Israel and Palestine will give way to sincere dialogue, leading to peaceful and enduring solutions. Amen Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.