French's Forest Catholic Parish eNews

Dear Parishioners, This Sunday is twentieth Sunday of ordinary time. This week’s Gospel gives us a beautiful and challenging example of faith. The Canaanite woman comes to Jesus with one simple prayer: “Lord, help me.” She is desperate for her daughter and refuses to give up. Even when Jesus seems to ignore her, even when the disciples want her to go away, and even when she is faced with what sounds like rejection, she continues to trust. What is remarkable is that she does not walk away. She keeps coming to Jesus. Her faith is stronger than her disappointment, and her love for her daughter gives her the courage to persevere. There are times in our own lives when we may feel that God is silent. We pray, but the answer does not come when we expect it. We may wonder whether God has heard us or whether our prayers are making any difference. The Gospel reminds us not to give up. The Canaanite woman teaches us that faith is not always about having all the answers. Sometimes faith simply me...

Join us at the upcoming Cuppa & Chat Group meeting for a special visit from our local Fire Fighters! As the weather head into spring, it brings fresh beginning and new seasonal fire risks. From getting garden equipment ready, to safely checking smoke alarms and clearing dry growth around the home, our local firefighters will be dropping in to share quick, essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. When: Wednesday 26 August What: Cuppa and Chat from 12 Midday then Firefighters visit and talk at 1pm Where: Parish Centre at OLGC Bring: Yourselves, lunch and any fire safety questions! Enjoy a warm cuppa, friendly chat, and practical safety advice before spring arrives.  We can’t wait to see you there!  All are welcome.

The Parish remains very grateful for the very generous donations received to help cover the costs of the OLGC car park. To date these donations, amount to approximately $20,000. You might recall that before construction could start there were a number of issues to be resolved relating to trees and some engineering matters raised by the certifier. The good news is that with the Arborist and NB Council, we have resolved the questions about trees, although this will require minor reorganisation of the car parking layout. The engineering issues are being worked on and will take a little while yet. Once these matters are completed, we expect to be in a position to proceed with the construction phase.  We will keep you informed.

WHEN: on Thursday 3 September 2026 WHERE: at 7.00pm at Our Lady of Dolours, Chatswood.  

This weekend we continue to support the Catholic Homelessness Appeal, which helps people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless across our local community. Your generous donation can provide practical support, dignity and hope to people doing it tough. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. Please give generously and help us reach out with compassion to those who are most vulnerable in our community. Envelopes can be found in the churches.

Social Justice Statement August 2026,  “Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division” August 30th is Social Justice Sunday. This week Bishop Tim Harris launched the bishops' Statement which invites us to see our current social climate of division and conflict as an opportunity to really live the Gospel. We are called to be a community where every person feels at home and all are encouraged to use their gifts to build a more just, peaceful and cohesive Australia. The bishops urge all Christians, all people of goodwill, all people of faith, and all people across this country – to reach out with friendship, listen to one another, embrace one another, appreciate the gifts of each other, show some empathy and compassion to one another. They call for a culture of encounter. Please read, pray and act on the message. See https://mediablog.catholic.org.au/bishops-seek-focus-on-social-cohesion/

We are so excited to announce that Expressions of Interest are now open for our WYD27 Broken Bay Pilgrimage: 26 July – 12 August 2027 Japan – Seoul – Incheon LEARN MORE WYD - SeoulFest Join us for SeoulFest — the official launch of our pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027! Celebrating the Feast of Saint Andrew Kim Taegŏn, Patron of World Youth Day, we’re beginning the countdown to an unforgettable pilgrimage to Japan, Seoul and Incheon in 2027. Come and experience a taste of South Korea with Korean food, music, culture, games and activities, while meeting other young people, young adults and families from across the Diocese. Whether you’re already dreaming about joining us for WYD 2027 or you’re simply curious about what it’s all about, SeoulFest is the place to start! This is intended for young people, young adults and families. Date: Sunday 20 September 2026 Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm Location: The Light of Christ Centre, 29 Yardley Avenue, Waitara Enquiries: mission@bbcatholic.org.au Regi...