French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Parishioners, In this week’s Gospel the Beatitudes, turn our usual ideas of happiness upside down. Jesus looks at the crowds and names as “blessed” those the world often overlooks: the poor in spirit, the gentle, the mourning, the persecuted. Happiness here is not about comfort or success, but about living in deep trust in God. To be poor in spirit is to know our need for God; to hunger and thirst for what is right is to desire God’s justice more than our own advantage. The Beatitudes also reveal the heart of Jesus himself. He is gentle, merciful, pure of heart, a peacemaker who suffers for what is right. In calling us “happy” when we live this way, Jesus invites us into his own life and promises that God’s kingdom is already at work in such lives. He assures us that God is close to those who mourn, that mercy is never wasted, and that those who work quietly for peace are truly God’s children. The promise that runs through every Beatitude is the kingdom of heaven. It is not only a...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a sacred time of repentance, reflection, and renewal. We invite you to join us for Mass and the distribution of ashes as we open our hearts to God’s mercy. Ash Wednesday Masses:  Wednesday 18 February 2026 OLGC Forestville-9.15am and 7pm St. Martin's- Davidson-9.15am St. Anthony's Terrey Hills-10.15am The Church encourages us to observe Fasting and Abstinence on this day as a sign of our commitment to spiritual renewal. Let us begin this Lenten season with prayerful hearts , seeking God’s grace and strength. All are welcome.

All Parish Men Welcome! We invite all the FFCP men to join us for an uplifting evening of faith, friendship and fellowship at the Frenchs Forest Parish Men’s Group. Friday 13 February 6:30pm Parish Centre, Forestville. A relaxed and supportive gathering with prayer, meaningful conversation and faith sharing. Come connect, grow, and journey together as brothers in Christ. Enquiries: Please contact Fr. Boby – frboby@ffcp.org.au

During National Marriage week we are encouraged to support and celebrate the Vocation of Marriage. At Masses on the weekend of 7th /8th February our Parish will celebrate the love shared by couples and the love of Jesus reflected in their love. Couples will receive a Blessing as we pray for all who have ever received the Sacrament of Marriage. All couples will be encouraged to take a Prayer bookmark. Couples celebrating a significant Anniversary this year are invited to contact the Parish Office so their special anniversary can be acknowledged.

All are welcome to join us for an hour of prayer and reflection in the style of Taize. Friday 6 February, 7.00pm at St Martin’s Church.

All are welcome to join us as we journey with Jesus towards the Cross. Our guide will be the booklet Compassio (to suffer with) offering us the invitation to stand with Christ and with one another. Through daily reflections, Sunday gospel readings, art reflections and prayer we will be invited to listen, contemplate and share our faith with one another. Our gatherings will be on Tuesdays, 10am -12pm at St Martin’s  on February 17 & 24, March 3, 10, 17 & 24. Booklets will be available at our first gathering @$5 each. Booklets are also available at back of churches. Please place money in boxes provided.

Pope Francis designated 8th February, the feast of St Josephine Bakhita, as the World Day of Prayer, Reflection and Action Against Human Trafficking. On this day Catholics are encouraged to pray for all those affected by the crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking, and the people who volunteer and work to eradicate this crime. Check out more information at Australian Catholic AntiSlavery Network www.acan.org.au ; Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) www.acrath.org.au . If you are interested in this social justice issue, please join the first FFCP Social Justice Group meeting of 2026 by Zoom on Monday 9th Feb, 7.15pm - 8.30pm . Contact the parish office for the phone number of one of the members.

Everyone is warmly invited to join our Cuppa & Chat gatherings: OLGC – Last wednesdays of month (25 February at 12:00 noon) SMDP – Last Fridays of month (27 February at 12:30 pm) All are welcome. Please bring a sandwich to share, and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, and friendly conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, FORESTVILLE