French's Forest Catholic Parish Notices and News

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray this letter finds you in good health and peace. As members of the Parish of Frenchs Forest, we are blessed to come together in faith to experience God’s love through the Mass and through one another as a community of faith. I am continually encouraged by your meaningful participation and engagement in the life of our parish. As we continue to journey together as the People of God, I invite you to deepen this engagement, through prayerful consideration of becoming a Planned Giver. Planned Giving is a prayerful commitment to dedicate a portion of your financial income to God and His Church in gratitude for His many blessings. It helps ensure the mission and ministries of our parish continue to thrive for our present community and future generations. Your contributions remain within our local parish and support: Evangelisation and mission outreach Liturgical expenses (vestments, bread, wine) Ongoing ministries (youth, senior, RCIA) Special mi...

The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is traditionally celebrated as Catechist Sunday and this year will be held on Sunday 15 February 2026. Catechist Sunday originated in 1935 when the Vatican published a document ‘On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education’, which acknowledged the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry. As catechists begin another year of ministry, let us remember the dedicated work of these volunteers. Catechist Sunday acknowledges the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry. Congratulations to all our wonderful Catechists. Catechists Service Awards will be given at the OLGC morning Mass on that day.

National Marriage Week February 7th -14th During National Marriage week we are encouraged to support and celebrate the Vocation of Marriage. At Masses this weekend, 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.

Frenchs Forest Reconciliation Preparation Classes 2026 Family Based Sacramental Program 2025/2026 We warmly welcome eligible families back to the program for 2026. To be eligible for enrolment in this program your child must be baptised and had their Confirmation. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist follow after the Sacrament of Confirmation. The 2026 Family Based Sacramental Program is due to commence with the sacrament of Reconciliation. It is important that Reconciliation is completed before the Sacrament of First Eucharist (First Communion). If you are considering enrolling your child, it is essential to enroll by using the trybooking link found on the Parish website and complete the form. The link will be live from 7PM Monday Feb 16 until 7PM Monday 2nd March.

Support for the Fire Affected Community of Harcourt There will be a card at each of the 3 parish churches over the next 2 weekends for people who wish to express prayer and emotional support for the healing for the people and the land of the Harcourt community after the disastrous fires which destroyed their town. They will be collated into one card which will be sent to the President of Vinnies in nearby Castlemaine who are the ones who know best which people are most in need of other support as they are locals on the ground. For more information about ways of helping, please contact please contact Anne Lanyon (St Anthonys) or John Heike (OLGC) Kierans Creek Youth Landcare begins this Sunday 8th Feb.