French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This Sunday, December 14, the Church celebrates Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is Latin for "rejoice", a reference to Saint Paul's words in the Letter to the Philippians where it says: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice... The Lord is at hand" (Phil 4:4-5). Pope Benedict XVI said this joy at God's closeness was not only about a nearness to Christ's return or to Christmas, but rather a closeness of His love. In this week’s Gospel, we meet John the Baptist in a moment of deep uncertainty. From his prison cell he sends a question to Jesus that echoes the longing of every human heart: “Are you the one who is to come?” Even the great prophet, so sure in his mission, now seeks reassurance. Jesus does not answer with theories or arguments. He points instead to what is happening: the blind sees, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the poor receive good news. In other words, God’s kingdom is already breaking ...

Today is Guadete (Rejoice) Sunday when we are called to reflect on the Joy of the Gospel.  It isn’t just any joy, it consists in knowing one is welcomed and loved by God. He gives us strength and courage to go forward to begin again.  Isaiah exhorts those who have lost their way and has lost heart to   entrust themselves to the faithfulness of the Lord. All those who encounter Jesus along the way, experience a joy and serenity which no one can take away. His faithful love is inexhaustible! In Him it is possible to find interior peace and the strength to face different situations every day, even the most difficult. The Christian’s heart is filled with peace even during the most difficult of ties. To have faith does not mean to never have difficult moments, but to have the strength to face those moments knowing that we are not alone. And this is the peace that God gives to all his children. The Joy of Advent - Daily Reflections from Pope Francis

During the Season of Advent we are encouraged to take the time to seek forgiveness for the times we have turned away from God. The Second Form of Reconciliation enables us to express our sorrow in a meaningful way and reconcile ourselves with God and those we have hurt in the Church Community. Parishioners are welcome to come to our Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Martin’s on Thursday December 18 at 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm.  

Bishop Anthony extends a very warm invitation to the clergy and people of God in Broken Bay to join him for Mass and Closing of the Jubilee Year.   The Relics from our three Shrines of Hope will also journey to the Cathedral to be present for this Mass. Date: Sunday 28 December 2025 Time: 9.30am Location: Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara

Please note that the Parish Office will be closed   from midday on 24 December 2025 and will reopen on 19 January 2026. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a wonderful, restful break!