Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year B
Jesus, as a great teacher, always kept his disciples close to him, so that they could witness everything he did and said during his public ministry. This closeness and the hands-on experience about Jesus should have enabled them to grasp the total spirit of the master. But still they have not clearly understood or experienced the total spirit of their master Jesus Christ. It is evident from the arguments they had among themselves as to who was the greatest among them all.
Jesus on his “way” to Jerusalem, told his disciples for the second time, his forthcoming Passion, Death and Resurrection. Jesus was very much aware that through his death on the cross he would fulfil the will of his heavenly father. But the disciples were busy among themselves as to who would be the greatest. This argument of the disciples clearly explains to us the “three deep-rooted tendencies of fallen human nature: the craving for power (9:33-50), pleasure (10:1-16), and possessions (10:17-31), and shows how they must be countered with the lifestyle of the gospel: humble service, lifelong fidelity in marriage and family, and detachment from earthly goods.” (Healy, Mary).
All Christians know that Christ came to love us and offered his life for our sake. Jesus, during his public ministry also invited anyone who wanted to follow him; to take up one’s daily cross and follow him more closely. The early Christian community fully understood this calling of Jesus, and they were ready to lay down their lives for the sake of Christ and his message of love, hope and faith. There were some who faced martyrdom for the sake of Jesus’ love they had personally witnessed and experienced in their lives.
When we fail to remember and express this personal love of Jesus in one’s life, then one may seek to establish one’s own little kingdom on earth as the disciples wanted to do. What makes a person great? Money, prestige, power, or possessions? Jesus did not have anything of what is mentioned above, but still he is considered to be a powerful leader and a master, who has taught us and showed us in action. So, what makes Jesus great? It is his love, compassion, humility and his total willingness to obey the will of his father.
It is not by having more that a person becomes great, but it is by being and sharing more, makes a person great. On March 3, 1976, conferring on Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta the highest honor of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, who was at that time prime minister of India, said: “I feel myself dwarfed when I stand before this holy and mighty woman who heroically showed the world how to practise Christian love in sacrificial and humble service.”
So, only by love and humble service to my brothers and sisters do I become happy and great in the eyes of God. And this is the witnessing life Christ expects of his followers. Amen
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the 25th 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 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
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 work he does as an Oblate Priest in our Basilica Parish.
Aid to the Church in Need
The weekend of 25th and 26th September, the Basilica of St. Patrick will welcome Sr Kathy Kettle who will be speaking at the end of all Masses regarding the Aid to the Church in Need. It is an International Pontifical Foundation with a mandate to support the suffering and persecuted Catholics and Catholic communities that started in 1947. It supports over 5,000 projects around the world through spiritual and pastoral charity keeping the faith alive in those places where the Church is oppressed, threatened, or simply cannot support itself. It really depends on the benefactors and sale of religious items around the world. So, kindly be generous in supporting this appeal.
Free Book: You Are God’s Marvellous Creation (Regarding Safeguarding)
Education about how to be safe and setting appropriate boundaries is important for everyone, but especially for our youngest members. This year Andrea Musulin, our Safeguarding Director has written a wonderful rhyming book for young children entitled “You are God’s Marvellous Creation”, which while recounting the story of Genesis, teaches young children about their right to feel safe and to say no, if they feel unsafe and seek the help of trusted adults. Copies of this book are now available from the Parish office and in the foyers of the Church. It is a free copy.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
On Sunday 26th September, we will celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Sunday. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office recently released the kit of resources for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Sunday. The kit includes the full text of Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, a series of reflections and stories from Australian communities celebrating the diversity of the Church and prayer resources. Please find attached a media release drawing upon Pope Francis’ message, introducing the kit and previewing the upcoming celebration. Please click here to download the kit.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to embrace the faith of the Catholic Church and also a great avenue for those who wish to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
If you know anyone willing to take up this journey, please encourage them to come for the information evening on 20th October at 7pm, in the Parish centre.
For further information please contact the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm on 9335 2268.
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.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 19th September to 25th 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 70%.
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
- 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.
- 25th and 26th September – Aid to the Church in Need appeal.
Have a wonderful weekend God bless!
Fr John Sebasatian
Rector and Parish Priest