Subjunctive use?

Question

Why is the subjunctive used after "C'est une bonne chose qu" but  the indicative is use after "Heureusement que".....  both seem to be an expression of preference which normally has the subjunctive following??

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Rose,
That's an excellent question!
"C'est une bonne chose que" triggers Le Subjonctif in French because it expresses a judgment/subjectivity ; hence, Le Subjonctif. A similar structure, "il est [bon/important/etc] que", is also followed by Le Subjonctif too.

C'est une bonne chose que tu sois là. = It's a good thing you're here.
Il est important que tu sois là. = It's important for you to be here.
Je suis heureux que tu sois là. = I'm happy you're here.

The structure "Heureusement que" is followed by L'Indicatif because it is more of a fact ; you're acknowledging a fact. 
Heureusement que tu es là. = It's a good thing you're here / Thank goodness you're here.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Roy Smith · Answer

Bbonjour,This is probably the area that I have the most difficulty. Perhaps the real problem is the I do not test myself enough. As for the newsletters, I  find them to appear easier to read with a more friendly tone.