The Catholic Parish of Frenchs Forest
All who love me will keep my words,
and my Father will love them and we will come to them.
Our Parish is made up of three vibrant communities:
If you’re a visitor or new to our parish, we extend a very warm welcome to you.
If you have any questions, please chat with Fr Shiju, or myself, or browse our website.
We want you to feel at home with us. - Fr Satheesh
Each of our special communities is centred on a different church and has its own story to tell.
Together, as a parish, we are united in 'Sharing One Faith in Christ’.
Here at Frenchs Forest Parish we offer many opportunities for personal growth,
spiritual enrichment and social interaction.
COVID UPDATE
NO Congregational singing a cantor or a small choir may sing, provided that they are socially distanced.
Masks are mandatory for all who are present in the church as has been our experience in the past. Priests or deacons who are presiding may remove their mask whilst engaging in presidential prayers.
Social gatherings after Mass should be limited to avoid mingling, so as to be careful not to put our most vulnerable at risk.
Physical distancing rules have not changed and it means we need to stay 1.5 meters away from people we don't live with.
Covid Registration at Mass
Please make sure that you register when coming into the Church by scanning the QR Code on your phone.
This is the PREFERRED METHOD of registration. Paper registrations should only be used if you do not have a phone.
This Sunday we celebrate Mothers day and the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
With Mary, may we rejoice in your gifts oh God,
and walk in the way of truth and love.
Beatitude for Mothers Day.
Blessed is the mother who understand her children, for she shall inherit a kingdom of memories.
Blessed is the mother who knows how to comfort, for she shall possess her children’s devotion.
Blessed is the mother who guides by the path of righteousness, for she shall be proud of her offspring.
Blessed is the mother who is never shocked, for she shall receive confidence.
Blessed is the mother who teaches respect for she shall be respected.
Blessed is the mother who emphasises the good and minimises the bad, for in like manner her children themselves make evaluations.
Blessed is the mother who treats her children as she would be treated, for her home shall be filled with happiness.
Blessed is the mother who has character strong enough to withstand the inconsiderate remarks and resentments of the growing child for again, in due time she shall be honoured.
Reflection
REFLECTION FOR FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B
We are too familiar with today's gospel. Christ is the vine and we are the branches, sometimes in need of a good pruning. But God’s purpose is not to produce a perfect vineyard. It is to produce a full-bodied wine at the end of history. There is a foretaste of this at every Mass. The wine we offer – ‘fruit of the earth and work of human hands’ – becomes the spiritual drink which best serves the purpose of our Heavenly Father.
The branches of the vine will bear fruit only if they are attached to the vine. It is from the vine that they draw the life-giving nourishment they need. Likewise we must remain attached to Jesus if we are to receive the life of God and produce the fruits of the Spirit in our world: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We could take a moment to pray that we respond to the pruning and the tending and the pressing by our Heavenly Father so as to contribute our distinctive character to the vintage at the end of history, the spiritual drink of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We Pray for India
You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’.
God of power and might we lift our brothers and sister in India to you.
We pray for your protection, We pray for your providence,
We pray for the nations of earth to have compassion.
When people are in need, you are our refuge.
When people are scared, you are our refuge.
When people are mourning, you are our refuge.
Compassionate God, draw close to those who seek your refuge today. Amen
Access to Online Masses
Diocesan Masses at Hornsby Cathedral Church -
Daily Mass is live streamed at 7.00am.
Sunday Mass is live streamed at 9.30am.
LIve Mass from other parishes in the Diocese
St Mary's Catherdral Sydney View Mass Online
Covid Update
(Current Status)
Church Limits
OLGC– 240
St Martin’s - 180
St Anthony’s - 120
The NSW Government has eased COVID restrictions, effective Monday 29 March. This has implications for our churches and liturgies, especially for Holy Week:
In respect to the numbers of people able to be welcomed, Churches remain subject to the 2 square metre principle. The number of people able to join us therefore cannot be according to seating capacity, but to the number that the 2 square metre principle allows. Remember that this calculation is based on the total size of the building, not just the space of pews.
The Archbishop of Sydney is seeking an exemption to this ruling to allow 100 per cent capacity for all Catholic Churches in NSW for the Solemn Commemoration of the Passion on Good Friday afternoon. We will relay the outcome of this with you as soon as we have news.
Congregational singing is now allowed in churches.
We pray that the unfolding situation in QLD will swiftly be contained. It is a timely reminder to remain vigilant in the COVID Safe practices and to adhere to any changes to restrictions as they may present.
If you or a loved one are admitted to Northern Beaches Hospital and would like our priests to visit, please contact one of our Priests or the Parish Office to arrange a visit.
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