French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the fifth Sunday in Lent, the story of the raising of Lazarus in the Gospel of John reveals both the deep humanity and divine power of Jesus Christ. When Martha meets Jesus in her grief, she expresses both sorrow and faith. Jesus responds with one of the most powerful declarations in the Gospel: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This is not only a promise for the future resurrection but a truth for the present. In Jesus, life conquers death even now. We also see Jesus moved deeply by the suffering of his friends. He shares in their sorrow before performing the miracle. This reminds us that God is not distant from our grief; He enters it with compassion. The raising of Lazarus is a sign pointing to the greater victory that Jesus himself will accomplish. It invites each of us to hear his question personally: “Do you believe this?” Our faith in him brings freedom, hope, and new life, even amid loss and darkness. As we enter the week before Holy week ...

Palm Sunday – 29th March 5:00 PM Vigil & 8:30 AM St Martin’s, Davidson 9:00 AM – St. Anthony’s, Terrey Hills 5:30 PM Vigil, 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM – OLGC, Forestville Chrism Mass Tuesday, 31st March 7:30 PM at Waitara Cathedral Holy Thursday The Lord’s Supper 2nd April 7:30 PM – The Lord’s Supper at OLGC & St. Martin’s Good Friday 3rd April 10:00 AM – Stations of the Cross at OLGC, St. Anthony’s & St Martin’s 3:00 PM – Passion of the Lord at OLGC, St. Anthony’s & St Martin’s 7:00 PM Taizé Prayer around the Cross, St Martin’s Holy Saturday – 4th April 7:30 PM – Easter Vigil at OLGC, Forestville Easter Sunday – 5th April 8:30 AM – St Martin’s, Davidson 9:00 AM – St. Anthony’s, Terrey Hills 10:00 AM – OLGC, Forestville Please note: There will be no evening Mass on Easter Sunday. We invite you to join us in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord during this holy season

A special Mass being celebrated at Manly Freshwater Parish for parents who have experienced the loss of a child through stillbirth, miscarriage, or at early infancy—especially those who have carried this weight in silence and never had the space to truly mourn. 

Since October 2023, Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza have endured displacement, personal loss, and danger alongside the communities they serve. Despite unimaginable challenges, they remain committed to providing lifesaving support, standing in solidarity with families enduring this conflict.  Please donate today. You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code. Or online at: www.projectcompassion.org.au/donate Or by calling: 1800 024 413 Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.  

Breaking Open Dilexi Te : Discover the powerful teachings of Pope Leo XIV and how they can inspire your leadership today. Date: Saturday 28 March 2026 Time: 10:30am – 4pm Venue: Ambrose Centre, 12 Ashton Ave, The Entrance Join parish leaders from across the Diocese for a practical and accessible day of formation in social justice ministry. Build your confidence, connect with others, and gain useful tools to support your parish work. All parish social justice ministers, volunteers and leaders are warmly invited.  Follow the link to register today: Breaking Open Dilexi Te “For peace in places of conflict and for healing and unity within our own community.”   Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.

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...

 Parishioners are warmly invited to attend Adoration and Lenten Reconciliation at OLGC Church on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. During this Lenten season, the Church encourages everyone to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once. This will be a special time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity to receive God’s mercy through Confession. All are welcome.

Dinner and Trivia Night Everyone is warmly invited to join us for our annual St Patrick’s Dinner and Trivia Night! It promises to be a wonderful evening filled with fun, delicious food and great friendship. Come dressed in your best St Patrick’s attire – prizes will be awarded for the best dressed! When: Saturday 21st March, from 6:30pm Where: OLGC Hall Cost: $30 per person | Children under 12: $10 Tickets can be purchased by online at:  https://www.catholicparish.app/donate?id=001Ol00000B2r0MIAR You may also pay by cash at the Parish Office. RSVP Essential for catering purposes by 16th March 2026. Please contact the Parish Office on 9451 5097. We look forward to celebrating with you! Bring your own drinks and glasses.

We are currently seeking additional Acolytes to assist at Holy Mass at St. Martin’s Davidson. Men and women aged 18 years and above who feel called to serve in this important ministry are warmly invited to come forward. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office at parishoffice@ffcp.org.au for more information. We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful service to our parish community.

On first, second and third Thursdays at OLGC at 4.30 pm to 6 pm  

Stations of the Cross This Lent, take time to reflect on Christ’s journey to Calvary and deepen your faith through the Stations of the Cross. Join us as we walk with the Lord in prayer and contemplation: St. Anthony’s, Terrey Hills Outdoor Stations (inside if wet) – Thursdays at 5:00 PM Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville – Fridays at 7:30 PM Come, pause from the busyness of life, and enter into the mystery of Christ’s love and sacrifice.  All are welcome!

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 ...