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Saturday 11 September 2021

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Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year B

Life is a journey. Jesus on his journey with his disciples to Jerusalem asked two important questions: ‘Who do people say I am?’ And ‘who do you say I am?’ Jesus asked these two important questions in the region of Caesarea Philippi. “This place is known for its pagan worship, identified at one time with the Canaanite god Baal and later with the Greek nature god Pan. Herod the Great built a marble temple there in honour of Caesar Augustus, who was considered a god. Herod’s son Philip, who ruled the region at the time of Jesus, enlarged the city and renamed it Caesarea in honour of the emperor, adding his own name to distinguish it from Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast.” (Healy, Mary. p.160).

In this journey the disciples will learn that to share in Jesus’ glory is by first following him on the way of the cross. Jesus for the first time tells his disciples about his future Passion, Death and Resurrection.

When Jesus asked, ‘who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter said that you are the Son of God. It is purely an experience of Peter with Jesus. It is important to note that Peter’s confession of faith took place in a region that had been devoted to the veneration of false gods. Even though the circumstances in which he lived did not have a proper understanding of Jesus, Peter said you are the Christ. As soon as Jesus heard Peter saying, ‘you are the Christ’ Jesus as a good teacher appreciates him. But this appreciation did not last long.

When Jesus spoke about his vocation to be a suffering Messiah who will lay down his life for his people—and the disciples’ vocation to follow in his footsteps, Peter started to remonstrate with Jesus. But, turning and seeing his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and said to him, ‘Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’ (Mk 8:32-33).

A while ago Peter had a great appreciation from Christ, for his profession of faith; ‘You are the Christ.’ But the moment Peter failed to comprehend the full plan of his heavenly father Jesus said, ‘Get behind me, Satan!

Yes, we all like to follow the glorious Jesus. Jesus through his life has taught us that no one achieves glory through a shortcut; but only by daily living the gospel values, and by embracing the daily cross of one’s life. Amen.

Readings and Hymns

Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Children’s Mass

The Children’s Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.  

Safeguarding Sunday: Sunday 12th September

Safeguarding Sunday which had previously been known as Child Protection Sunday will be held this Sunday 12th September 2021. The Parish of St. Patrick’s Basilica and the Archdiocese of Perth are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people, and people at risk in our community. May our message be that child protection and the dignity of every person is the responsibility of every adult. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area here.

Safeguarding of our children in the Parish

The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The Parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more please click here.

Feast of Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)

On Sunday 12th September 2021, the Italian Community will come together to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna).  This year Bishop Emeritus Justin Bianchini will be the principal celebrant for this Italian Mass at 9.30am.  Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions there will be no Procession or Benediction.

The First Holy Communion Mass

On Saturday 18th September, at 6pm Mass, candidates from our St. Patrick’s Primary School and Parish Catechism Class will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Please keep these candidates in your prayers. May the reception of First Holy Communion help them to appreciate the wonderful gift that Jesus has given to us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. May this experience also bring them closer to Christ.

Fr John Archbold Anniversary of Ordination

On Tuesday 21st September Fr John Archbold celebrates his 63rd Ordination Anniversary. Let us continue to pray for his good health and for all the wonderful works he does as an Oblate Priest in our Basilica Parish.

Mass Intentions

Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 12th September to 18th September 2021).

To Book your Mass Intentions please contact the Parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm).

The Planned Giving Programme 

The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week.  Last week’s giving was 50%.

Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office.  Thank you!

Important dates for the Basilica Parish in September 2021

  • Sunday 12th September – Our Lady of Tindari Mass. The principal celebrant will be Emeritus Bishop Bianchini.
  • Sunday 12th September – Safeguarding Sunday.
  • Saturday 18th September – Sacrament of Holy Communion Mass for the St. Patrick’s Primary School and the Parish Catechism Class candidates.
  • Tuesday 21st September – Fr John Archbold’s 63rd Ordination Anniversary.

Have a wonderful weekend God bless!

Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest