French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This weekend we begin the season of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting, but not a passive or impatient waiting. It is a time of hopeful expectation, a quiet preparation of the heart. As we journey toward Christmas, we are invited to make space for Christ, not only in our celebrations, but in our lives. This season asks us to prepare room: in our homes through simplicity, in our relationships through kindness, and in our hearts through prayer. It is a waiting filled with light, guiding us to welcome Jesus with joy. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that the coming of the Son of Man will be sudden, just as the Flood came in the days of Noah. People were busy with ordinary things, eating, working, marrying. None of these were wrong, yet they were so absorbed in daily life that they failed to recognise God’s warning. The message is not about fear, but readiness. Jesus calls us to live every moment with faith, awareness, and purpose. Staying awake does not mean losin...

The journey through Advent brings us to the Christmas celebration of God’s intimate presence in human existence. What we discover is that in our waiting for Christmas, God is with us all the way along the journey. As this season begins let us remember, as the People of God, we journey with the prophets, with Mary and Joseph and as the season ends with the Magi to Bethlehem and as they return to their own country it brings us full circle. The journey each of us is on this Advent season will be different, but all our journeys have a goal in common: life in union with God. “During these coming days let us pray asking for the joy of Christmas and to give thanks for the good things God has given us, above all our faith. This is a wonderful grace. Let us think ….where can I go to bring a little relief, a little peace to those who suffer? And like this we will arrive at the Birth of the Anointed One, the Christ, as ones anointed in grace, prayer and acts of grace and help towards others.” (Th...

Vinnies at Forestville does good work in the parish helping  those in need with meals, food hampers, food vouchers, advocacy, and rental and electricity bill assistance .  We also do fundraising which entails helping out at sausage sizzles at Bunnings and bucket collections at shopping centres.  There is an opportunity to use every skill set. Because of retirements and ill health we are now in need of new members. If you are able to help out, or initially want to ask some questions about Vinnies just call John Heike the Forestville President on 0413 487 632.

In 2026, our local Church of Broken Bay will celebrate forty years since the establishment of our Diocese. This is a moment of grace for us all. We will mark the anniversary with a diocesan Liturgical Celebration on 28 May 2026 and a 40th Anniversary Diocesan Dinner on 29 May 2026. Read the full announcement of Bishop Anthony’s letter HERE or go to the extended electronic version of the bulletin at bulletin.ffcp.org.au

With immense joy and gratitude, our parish family extends heartfelt congratulations to four of our devoted Catechists who were honoured with CCD Service Awards, presented by Bishop Anthony Randazzo on Saturday, 22 November, following the CCD Diocesan Mass for Catechists at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara. We proudly acknowledge the remarkable dedication and faithful service of: Lisa Beasly – 20 Years of Service Pauline Van den Berg – 25 Years of Service Doris Vander Straaten – 30 Years of Service Carmel Smith – 45 Years of Service Each of these women has lived out the mission of Christ through their tireless commitment to sharing the Gospel, nurturing young hearts in faith, and walking alongside so many children in their journey with God. Their years of service are a true testament to love, perseverance, and deep devotion to the Church’s ministry of catechesis. As a parish community, we thank them for their extraordinary witness and the countless lives they have touched. May ...

Reflections on Hope from the Saints · “ Hope is the key that unlocks the door of possibilities ” St Francis of Assisi  “ Whatever our state of life, we cannot live without these three dispositions of the soul, namely, to believe,to hope and to love .” St. Augustine Live in faith and hope, though it be in darkness, for in this darkness God protects the soul. Cast your care upon God for you are His and He will not forget you. Do not think that He is leaving you alone, for that would be to wrong Him. St. John of the Cross Hope is the courage to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems uncertain. St Jerome Hope is the gift that God bestows on those who seek Him with a sincere heart ”  St Bernard of Clairvaux

St Martin’s at 5pm OLGC 5:30pm Anthony’s 6.00pm This Family Mass is traditionally for the children and every year the children of the Frenchs Forest Parish present a Nativity play as part of the Children’s Christmas Mass celebration at all three of our churches. All children are invited to participate and in preparation. St Anthony’s Terrey Hills will have rehearsals: Sunday 7th December at 10am (after the 9am mass): Sunday; 14th December at 10am (after the 9am ) Sunday; 21st December at 10am (after the 9am Mass) – costumes Tuesday 24th December Christmas eve; 4pm before Mass OLGC Forestville will have rehearsals at the Church: Sunday 14th December 11:00-11:30 (after the 10am Mass) Tuesday, 23rd December 3-5pm. There are roles for Angels, shepherds, stable animals, Mary and Joseph. Readers of the Prayers of the Faithful and Gospel story have speaking parts At St Martins Davidson will have rehearsals: Saturday 20th December at 4:15pm (before the 5pm Mass) Monday 22nd December at 3pm -4p...

Pope Leo asks us to pray for peace as he visits Turkyie and Lebanon: "Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.” The Pope offered a prayer to the God of Peace that Christians surrounded by pain may feel the “gentle kindness of your presence and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith.” www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-turkiye-lebanon-prayers-history-spirituality.html