French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Easter, we read the passage in that presents a powerful image of trust, guidance, and true security. When Jesus describes himself as “the gate,” he is offering more than a metaphor, he is pointing to himself as the way to safety, belonging, and fullness of life. The sheep recognise the shepherd’s voice because there is a relationship built on familiarity and trust. It suggests that faith is not just about rules or obligation, but about learning to recognise and respond to a voice that calls with care and purpose. This invites reflection on the “voices” we listen to in our own lives, whether they lead us toward growth, peace, and truth, or toward confusion and emptiness. The idea of entering through the gate also speaks of choice. It suggests that fullness of life is offered, but we must actively choose to walk through that path. There is freedom in “going in and out,” yet also a sense of being grounded in something secure and nour...

The Parish of Frenchs Forest warmly welcomes Fr. Shiju Thomas OSH, who has been appointed as Assistant Priest by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo, effective 29 April 2026. Fr. Shiju is a member of the OSH Congregation and was ordained to the priesthood in 2003. He has served in various roles, including as an OSH Council member, School Administrator, and Parish Priest in India. He comes from a family of four children, being the third, with one sister and two brothers. His parents are lovingly cared for by his siblings. We give thanks for Fr. Shiju’s ministry and presence among us, and we look forward to the gifts and experience he brings to our parish community. Let us warmly welcome Fr. Shiju and wish him every blessing and success in his new pastoral journey with us. Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP  

Please note the following - Mass Time Changes: On Thursday 30 April , Mass will be celebrated at 8am in both Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) and St. Martin’s, Davidson. Thank you for your understanding.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP your attendance using the QR code, seating is limited.

Let us all pray Pope Leo's Prayer for Peace. Lord Jesus, you conquered death without weapons or violence: you shattered its power with the strength of peace. Grant us your peace, as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning, as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear. Send forth your Spirit, the breath that gives life and reconciles, that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters. Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother, who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart, firm in the faith that you would rise again. May the madness of war cease and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still know how to bring forth, protect and love life. Hear us, Lord of life!

Join a powerful weekend of faith, community, and encounter with God in the beauty of creation! Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th June 2026 St Anthony’s in the Field, Terrey Hills For students aged 14–18yrs See flyer in extended online bulletin or on parish enews blog. For more details.

Manly-Freshwater parish will host a Youth Ignite night for age group 11-35 , on Sunday 3rd May. For more details see extended bulletin on our website, or parish eNews blog .

First Eucharist Parent Information Evening We warmly invite parents of children preparing for their First Holy Communion to attend an information evening on Wednesday 29 April at 7:00pm in the OLGC Church.  

It's time to celebrate our wonderful school and parish O.L.G.C. FORESTVILLE -  Let Your Light Shine Our School and Parish community are warmly invited to gather in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel. This is a beautiful opportunity for us to unite together for this special Feast Day. We are delighted that the school choir will be leading the music for the Mass. Event Date: Sunday 26th April Event Time: 10am Mass followed by food and fun Come along and join in the celebrations. RSVP: Scan the QR code for catering or put names on the list at the back of the church. We would love as many volunteers to make this day special for all. Looking forward to seeing you then.

You are warmly invited to a special Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Tan Nguyen. Date:  Sunday, 3 May Time:  10:00 AM @ OLGC Church. Please join us as we give thanks to God for the gift of Fr. Tan’s priesthood. This is a wonderful opportunity for our parish community to come together in prayer and celebration. Morning tea will follow after the Mass. Please bring a plate to share. As you know, Frenchs Forest is Fr. Tan’s home parish, so let us come together to celebrate this joyful occasion beautifully as one community. All are welcome! Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP

A Journey of Faith Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish and Ku-ring-gai Chase Catholic Parish warmly invite you to join us on a 14-day Pilgrimage through some of the most beautiful and spiritually significant places in Central and Eastern Europe. The pilgrimage will be accompanied by Fr Satheesh Antony OSH and Fr Biju Jose OSH. Dates: 8 – 22 September 2026 Destinations: Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes, Split, Medjugorje, Mostar, the Island of Korčula, Dubrovnik and Montenegro (Kotor & Perast). This pilgrimage offers a wonderful opportunity to visit sacred places, deepen your faith, experience rich Catholic heritage, and enjoy fellowship with fellow parishioners. Cost: Twin Share (Air & Land): $9,650 AUD Single Room Supplement: $1,850 AUD Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. T o secure your place, a deposit of $3000 per person will be required. For more information or to register your interest, please contact the Parish Office: parishoffice@ffcp.org.au or 02 94...

St Martins Catholic Primary School Playgroup

 OLGC Forestville Playgroup

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 ...