French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

My Dear Parishioners, As we celebrate the thirteenth Sunday in ordinary time, we are grateful for the time each Sunday to come together to share in the Eucharist. The common theme of this weekend’s readings is the witnessing mission given to Christ’s followers to love God and our brothers and sisters through hospitality, generosity, commitment in humble service, and the practice of corporal and spiritual works (acts) of mercy (charity). The readings also remind us of the sacrifice demanded of Jesus’ disciples and the suffering they will endure for their Faith when they bear witness to Jesus This week’s Gospel can feel challenging at first hearing. Jesus speaks strongly about following Him above all else, carrying our cross, and losing our life in order to find it. Yet beneath these difficult words is a message of deep invitation and hope. Jesus is not asking us to love our families less, rather, He is reminding us that when God is at the centre of our lives, every other relationship is...

With the escalating cost of living many people are struggling to survive. The financial support you give to our Winter Appeal will help restore HOPE to those in need. Your donation can help put food on the table and may prevent a family becoming homeless. Amounts $2 and over are tax deductible. Donations can be made: via links Forestville link and QR: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/fundraise-your-way-conference/forestville Davidson link and QR: https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/fundraise-your-way-conference/davidson-st-martin-de-porres-conference-winter-appeal-2026 Or via envelopes that are available in pews and buckets at the Church doors. Please keep us in your prayers.

We are excited to announce the commencement of the parish’s young adult’s group.  Our first event will be a BBQ and bonfire on the 19th of July after the 6pm Sunday mass at the parish center.  The young adults group will consist of anyone between the ages 18-25. Even if you are not a part of this age group but know someone who is, please invite them to join our first event.  Please RSPV by 18/07/2026 to the Parish office.  We are excited to see you there.

Thank you to all parishioners, families, and friends who helped make the celebration of First Holy Communion such a special and memorable occasion for the children of our parish. We are deeply grateful for the support, encouragement, and prayers offered by our families and parish community throughout the children’s preparation and celebration. A special thank you to our musicians and acolytes for their generosity and service in helping make the First Holy Communion Masses such a beautiful and memorable celebration. It was a joyful and faith-filled day as 140 children received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, and we continue to pray for them and their families as they continue their faith journey. More photos in extended on line bulletin or on parish eNews blog. ffcp.org.au

Please join us for Taize ‘Prayer Around the Cross’ · Friday, 7.00pm at St Martin’s Church. All are welcome.

Book Now for Singing Up Country, Northern Beaches NAIDOC Week event! It's on in ONE week. Sunday July 5th www.trybooking.com/ DMMRZ Aboriginal Art Raffle ticket - prizes valued at $3,500 in total at the event and at all 3 churches. More information can be found on extended online bulletin or Parish News or poster in our churches. (Flyer attached). Frenchs Forest Parish: Living the Gospel by joining in PLASTIC FREE JULY . Practise the 5Rs in our churches, homes, schools and work places. They are: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle plastic. Learn more by joining this local webinar on Thursday July 2nd, Online Webinar at 2pm. www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events/Everyday-ways-to-avoid-plastic-in-food-%E2%80%93-Webinar

All parishioners and visitors are warmly invited to attend our Healing Mass on Wednesday, 1 July, at 9.15 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Forestville. Come and experience the Lord’s healing presence through the celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, and blessing. Whether you are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing for yourself or for loved ones, all are welcome. We look forward to praying with you.

On Sunday 5th July we join parishes across the world in taking up the Vatican’s annual Peter’s Pence Collection. The Peter’s Pence Collection provides for the charitable works of mercy identified by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, including emergency assistance to those in need due to natural disaster, war, oppression and disease. Your generosity allows the Holy Father to respond to those suffering with love and compassion. You can make a gift using the Peter’s Pence collection envelope available in the pews. May God bless your generosity.

Thank you to the 65 wonderful senior members of our parish who joined us for our Biggest Morning Tea. It was a joyful morning of friendship, fellowship, and fun as we shared delicious food and learned about the importance of movement and exercise in supporting balance and stability. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the morning such a special and welcoming event, and to all those who generously donated. This gathering was also a wonderful opportunity to begin our Seniors Ministry Group, and we look forward to creating many more opportunities for connection, community, and enjoyment in the future. We are already looking forward to our next seniors event.