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Saturday 6 November 2021

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Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year B

The liturgy of the word makes a reference to two widows, who placed their trust in God and generously donated from their resources. Both were very poor but placed their trust in God and they were rewarded by God.

I want to narrate two stories:  this real story happened in the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Once a person who looked after his personal needs from the generosity of people from the roadside came and said to her, mother I know everyone gives donations to you, so I also want to give you some money and he gave her 10 Rupees which is very minimum in comparison to an Aussie dollar. Mother thought for a while and said to herself, if I take this money from him, he will have nothing to eat today, but at the same time if I refuse, he may be hurt, so she put out her hand and received the money from him. Mother said, it was a big sacrifice for that poor man who had sat in the sun all day long and received only ten rupees. It was beautiful. Ten rupees is such a small amount, and I can get nothing with it, but as he gave it up and I took it, it became like thousands because it was given with so much love. God looks, not at the amount of money but at the love with which it is given.

The Second story, which I witnessed in my life. When I was in the Novitiate in Sri Lanka, every Sunday evening all the novices used to go for a walk. One Sunday after receiving our pocket money for the month (which is 60 rupees), we went to get what we needed for our personal care. As we were going a poor boy approached us and Edwin, who was my co-novice (now he has gone to God), just took all which he had received for the monthly expenses and just gave it to the boy. He did not rationalise, he just did it without even thinking about his need. Later when the novice master came to know of course he appreciated him and gave him money to buy what he needed for the month.

So, the word of God powerfully reminds us that, we must be charitable towards our needy neighbour, not only when we have some superfluous goods which we can give away, but even when we have only bare essentials our ourselves.

Readings and Hymns

Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Family Mass

The Family Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.  

Important Celebrations in November 2021

Parish Morning Tea 

On Sunday 7th November after the 8am Mass, we will have our Parish Morning Tea. Please join us and meet and make friends from the Basilica Community. 

Archbishop’s LifeLink Appeal

The Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for LifeLink will be held on the weekend of 13th/14th November 2021.

Please collect your copy of Archbishop Costelloe’s personal letter at Masses on 6th and 7th November. Please read his message during the week and give generously to support the valuable work of our Archdiocesan social service agencies.

You can mail your donation directly in the reply-paid envelope provided or return your envelope and donation for a Special Collection which will be held at Masses next weekend.

You may also donate (securely) online by credit card at www.lifelink.com.au

Sunday 14th November: Remembrance Day Mass

Sunday 14th November at 11am Mass, we will hold a special Mass for members of the Armed Forces who have given their lives defending our country. 

Please join us and pray for everyone who defended our country and gave us the freedom we enjoy today. May they all rest in Peace.

Expressions of Interest Prison Biscuit Baking

The Parish has been approached by the Prison Co-ordinator of Melaleuca Prison to provide home baked biscuits for the prisoners at Christmas Time. In previous years this was an initiative by Fr David Shelton OMI, however since Fr Shelton’s passing and COVID we have not provided this service. If you would like to participate in this important ministry in the true spirit of Christmas in 2021 please leave your details with the Parish Office and we can then send you the baking information sheet and delivery date for the biscuits to the Parish Office.

Safeguarding of our children in the Parish

The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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 7th November to 14th November 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 81%.

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

Have a wonderful weekend! God bless!

Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest