French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepares a great wedding feast for his son. The invitation is generous and the feast is ready, yet many of those invited choose not to come. They are too busy with their own lives and responsibilities to accept the king’s invitation. Eventually, the invitation is extended to everyone, and the wedding hall is filled with guests. This parable reminds us that God’s invitation is offered to each one of us. He invites us to share in the joy of His Kingdom and to live in a relationship with Him. His invitation is not reserved for a select few; God’s love reaches out to everyone, regardless of their past or circumstances. However, accepting God’s invitation requires more than simply receiving it. The wedding garment reminds us that we are called to allow God’s love to transform our lives. Our faith should be reflected in the way we treat others, with kindness, forgiveness, compassion and generosity. For us as a parish c...

Dear Parishioners, Our Parish Catholic Men’s Group has been going well for the past six months, with monthly gatherings held for one hour on the third Friday evening of each month at 6:45 pm in the Parish Centre. The mission of our group is to build a fraternity of men and to support one another in living out our Catholic faith. Due to the ongoing renovation of the Parish Centre, and the Group Rosary taking place in the church at 7:00 pm on Friday 16th, there will be no Men’s Group gathering this month. From next month onwards, our regular gatherings will resume on the third Friday of each month at 6:45 pm in the Parish Centre. We look forward to continuing this journey of faith and fellowship together. Fr. Boby

This week, we warmly welcome Cathy Gualtieri as the new Principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) Primary School. Cathy is already well known to our parish community through her role as Principal of St Martin’s Davidson. We are delighted that she will now serve as Principal of both of our Parish schools. We warmly welcome Cathy to her new role and assure her of our prayerful support as she begins this new chapter. We wish her every blessing and success as she continues to lead and nurture our school communities.  

All Souls day – Blessing of the Graves – Sunday 1st November We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday 1st November for All Souls Day and our annual blessing of the graves and Remembrance Mass. · 2pm at St Martin’s Davidson Church. We will gather at the church first and then head to the Frenchs Forest Cemetery for Blessing of the graves to honour our oved ones who have passed away. Remembrance Mass - Monday 2nd November · 7pm at OLGC Church, Forestville All are welcome to this special mass for those who have died. If you would like your loved one, whose funeral was not held in our Parish during this year, remembered, please contact the parish office. November Mass envelopes are in the Church, if you wish to celebrate a Mass for your loved ones please use the envelopes and hand them to the priests or to the Parish office or place them in the Sunday Collection bag.

Our next gathering will take place this Sunday 11 October as we continue to come together to discuss the Catholic Faith. Please keep the candidates in your prayers as their journey in faith is nurtured and strengthened as they journey towards being received into full communion next Easter.

The Frenchs Forest Parish community wishes all our HSC students every blessing and success as they begin their exams. May God grant you wisdom, strength, peace and confidence during this important time. Know that your parish community is keeping you in their prayers. Trust in the gifts and abilities God has given you.

Next Sunday 18th of October marks the  100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday,  established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. "One in Christ, united in mission" This World Mission Month, you are invited to share in this mission, standing with families as they rebuild their lives and create a brighter future for their children.

10 Days of Prayer at Frenchs Forest Parish. October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary in the Catholic Church, and Frenchs Forest Parish warmly invites you to join us for a special 10-day devotion. We will gather to pray the Rosary together each evening at 7:00 PM, running from Monday, October 12 through Wednesday, October 21 at Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) Church. Whether you can commit to all 10 nights or simply join us whenever you are available, all are welcome.  

BBQ 6:30 to 7PM ($5) - 10th October Concert:7pm-8:30pm  

SAVE THE DATE Sat 24th October: Annual David's Place Community of Inner Sydney City visit to Frenchs Forest Parish at St Anthony in the Fields with mass at 4.30pm.

What a year it’s been! We have had some wonderful new catechists join our ministry (there will be more about them in upcoming bulletins), and we said farewell to two of our valued stalwarts, both of whom completed 25 years as catechists- Pauline Van den Berg and Aileen Boyle. When asked to reflect on their experiences, Aileen shared, “My most touching experience was a reminder of how the families have changed. While giving out a Christmas religious tree decoration and message, a dear little girl came and asked for 2, as she has trees at mummy’s house as well as Daddy’s. I have gone from blackboards and chalk to whiteboards and USBs.” A true reflection of an ever-changing tapestry in the lives of the children and families we serve!

From 1-7 October, Aid to the Church in Need invites you to join with Pope Leo XIV and Catholics worldwide for the One Million Children Praying the Rosary prayer campaign, for peace and unity in the world. Families, parishioners, prayer groups, and schools are all encouraged to register to take part!  For free Rosary resources and to register, scan QR or visit: www.acninternational.org/millionchildrenpraying “ When one million children pray the Rosary, the world will change.” - Saint Padre Pio

Join us for a great day of golf and giving! Get your team together and join us for The Cathedral Precinct Charity Classic -Teeing Off for the Future, on Friday 16 October 2026 at Newgreens Chatswood Golf Club. Enjoy 12 holes of golf in a four-person Ambrose format, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch, while helping support the Cathedral Precinct Project and its vision for a lasting place of faith, community and service for future generations. Whether you’re a regular golfer or simply looking for a fun day out with friends, colleagues or your parish community, we would love you to join us. There will also be great prizes, silent auction and special guest appearance making it a day not to be missed! Places are limited, so don’t miss out. Book your team today and share the invitation with your friends, family and parish community. · $130 per golfer, including golf and BBQ lunch · $70 BBQ lunch only Book today - https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/cathedralprecinct-charity-teeing-off-for...

Connect. Be inspired. Help shape the future. You’re invited to the inaugural Women of Broken Bay Lunch. A special afternoon bringing women from across the Diocese together for connection, conversation and inspiration. Join us for a delicious two-course lunch, wonderful company and an inspiring keynote address from Mrs Kelly Paget, as we explore the theme “Called to Lead: A Journey of Faith, Family and Community.” Come along with friends, colleagues or fellow parishioners and enjoy an opportunity to meet other women from across Broken Bay Diocese and beyond, share stories and build new connections. Invite the women in your parish, workplace, family and friendship circles to join you. Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026 Time: 11:30am arrival, 12:00pm start – 2:00pm Seats are limited – book today: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/women-of-broken-bay-lunch2026-1630835

We offer our prayers and support for the people of Nepal as the nation responds to the tragic glacial floods and landslides of August 2026.   To donate to Caritas Australia go to www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/nepal-floods/    Together with partner agencies, they are now providing: Ready-to-eat meals for affected families Emergency shelter materials and household essentials Hygiene and WASH kits Solar lighting for displaced households Emergency medical support Cash assistance for highly affected families Essential medicines for damaged health facilities

In this August edition, we continue to share stories and reflections from across our Diocese, including hearing from the Parish of Frenchs Forest and their synodal approach to implementing a new Seniors Ministry within the Parish, and across the Deanery. We are also delighted to introduce a new feature of Journeying as One. As we move forward, each monthly edition will include a theological reflection from Rev Dr Biju Jose OSH , offering an opportunity to deepen our understanding of synodality and to reflect on what it means to journey together as a synodal Church. We are grateful to Fr Biju for his generosity in sharing his theological insights and reflections with us. Click here to read online  

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

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...

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 ...