French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, This weekend we celebrate the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week’s Gospel marks a quiet but decisive turning point in Jesus’ ministry. In the wake of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus does not retreat or remain in the familiar safety of Nazareth. Instead, he moves to Capernaum, a border town, a crossroads, a place shaped by diversity, hardship, and uncertainty. It is there, on the margins, that the light of God’s promise begins to shine. Matthew reminds us that this move fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy: those who lived in darkness have seen a great light. Jesus’ presence brings hope where people felt forgotten and overlooked. God’s saving work does not begin in centres of power or comfort, but among ordinary people longing for meaning and renewal. Jesus’ first words of preaching are simple yet challenging: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” Repentance is not about fear or guilt, but about turning our hearts toward the light that has already dawned. It...

Please note that on Australia Day, Monday 26 January, t here will be an additional Mass at St Martin’s at 9:15am.  

Come and discover the richness of God’s Word as we journey together through the Book of Beginnings. Whether you are new to the Bible or wishing to deepen your faith, you are most welcome. Join us for this 15-session Scripture journey , led by Rev Dr Biju Jose OSH, Parish Priest of Ku-ring-gai Chase Catholic Parish. Venue: OLGC Forestville Church Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm First five sessions: · February 12 & 19 · March 5, 12 & 19 Beginning with the Book of Genesis, these sessions offer a welcoming space to listen, reflect, and grow in faith together. All are welcome — come and be part of this shared journey. If you are interested to join could you please inform the Parish office on parishoffice@ffcp.org.au or call 02 94515097.

As we enter the new year, let us prayerfully consider God’s blessings in our lives, and how He may be calling us to respond with thanksgiving and discipleship, through our financial offerings.  The First Fruits initiative is an invitation to enter more deeply into the life of your parish through regular, meaningful contributions to the First and Second Collections.  During the first three weeks of February, you will find special materials available throughout the parish, as your priests guide you to prayerfully reflect on your offering.  

Reflect..Enjoy..Strengthen..Trust Come Rest with God Enjoy Contemplative music, Reflections and Meditations. When: Feb 3rd, May 5th, June 2nd, Aug 4th, Sept 1st, Oct 6th, Nov 3rd Where: at St Martin’s Church anytime between 10 am – 12 pm.  

Australia Day 26th January, is a complex day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In 2025, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry published an Australia Day Statement and Reflection and Discernment Guide, www.natsicc.org.au/assets/australia-day-reflection-and-discernment-guide-v2.pdf, helpful for all to read and pray at this time. Also read and reflect on the ULURU Statement from the Heart https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/

How prepared are you for marriage? Engaged Encounter provides you with deeper insights into each other and into married life. We give you a chance to spend time together to strengthen and enrich your relationship. For further information visit our web site: www.engagedencounter.org.au Choose any of the coming Weekends: Feb 21-22, May 23-24, Aug 8-9

The new year is here and so is our program of 2026 retreats at Carmel House! We've hit refresh on our most popular retreats of 2025: our Pentecost intensive, silent retreat, creative healing retreat, day retreat, and we’re adding a family Holy Spirit retreat day into the mix, as well as our annual Sydney Consecrated Life Weekend. Registrations to all retreats are now open. Please click here for the links to book and lap up God’s goodness amidst the quiet and beauty of Carmel House.