French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the fifth Sunday of Easter the readings tell us how the early Church accepted the challenge of keeping Jesus’ memory alive by remaining a dynamic Christian community, bearing witness to Christ by their unity, fidelity in worship and spirit of loving, humble service. The Gospel introduces Jesus as the Way to God, the Truth to be accepted, and the Life to be shared and lived. We see in this Gospel, Jesus speaks words of comfort to hearts that are troubled. He reminds his disciples, and us, that we are never alone. Even when life feels uncertain, Jesus asks us to trust in him. He is the way who guides us, the truth who teaches us, and the life who fills us with hope. Thomas and Philip ask questions that many of us also ask: How do we know the way? Where is God? Jesus answers by pointing to himself. When we look at Jesus, his love, mercy, and compassion, we see the face of God. Today, Jesus invites us to follow him with trust and confidence. If we stay cl...

Dear Parishioners, We are blessed to honour Fr. David Taylor and pay our homage to him on Sunday 3 May. He served our Parish as Parish Priest in the year 1996-2008. Hence, I invite you all to join the Vigil liturgy for Fr David at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 9 Currie Road, Forestville at 7.30pm on Sunday 3 May 2026. The Funeral Mass (the Mass of Christian Burial) will be held on Monday 4 May 2026 at 11.30am in the Parish of Manly Freshwater, at St Mary Immaculate Church, 6 Raglan St, Manly. Fr David will be laid to rest thereafter with the Rite of Committal at the Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery, 1 Hakea Avenue, Davidson. We continue to commend Fr David’s soul to the Risen Lord. Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP

This weekend we warmly welcome Fr. Shiju Thomas OSH, who has been appointed as Assistant Priest by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo, effective from last Wednesday the 29 April 2026. Fr. Shiju is a member of the OSH Congregation and was ordained to the priesthood in 2003. He has served in various roles, including as an OSH Council member, School Administrator, and Parish Priest in India. He comes from a family of four children, being the third, with one sister and two brothers. His parents are lovingly cared for by his siblings. We give thanks for Fr. Shiju’s ministry and presence among us, and we look forward to the gifts and experience he brings to our parish community. Let us warmly welcome Fr. Shiju and wish him every blessing and success in his new pastoral journey with us. Fr. Satheesh Antony OSH, PP

Our parish will be supporting the Pastoral Works Broken Bay (PWBB) Appeal from next weekend. This important appeal supports key ministries within our Diocese that receive little or no government funding, including: The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), providing religious education to thousands of Catholic students in public schools Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care, offering spiritual support, prayer, and companionship to patients and families in times of need St Lucy’s School and St Edmund’s College, supporting students with disabilities The Ephpheta Centre, serving the deaf community Approximately 98% of all funds raised go directly to these ministries, making a real difference in the lives of many.  Our parish target for this May Appeal is $19,395, and we greatly appreciate your support in helping us reach this goal.  Donation envelopes will be available in the pews,   All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Thank you for your generous support and ...

Our next vocations Mass and dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at Sacred Heart Church 2 Richard Porter Way Pymble commencing with Mass at 6.30 pm. Father John Puliparambil Assistant Parish Priest of Terrigal Parish will be our Mass Celebrant and guest speaker. Following Mass, dinner and a short meeting Father John will be speaking to us on the topic “Devine Mercy: The Heart of my Vocation”.

Ignite 2026 is proudly hosted by the Diocese of Broken Bay. Where: Light of Christ Centre, Waitara When : Thursday 9 July – Sunday 12 July 2026 Experience God in the most extraordinary way through formation, renewal of faith, amazing people and powerful worship.  More information can be found by clicking on register now link below. Registrations are now open Register Now

With Our Lady of Fatima When: 13th May 6PM Where: See poster attached, for more information