Saturday 15 October 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

The Liturgy of the Word today encourages us to ask these following questions: When I pray, do I persevere in my prayer? When I pray, do I trust in God?

Both Moses and the widow in today’s Gospel story teach us how we should pray with trusting Faith and perseverance. The historical background to the liturgy of the word will help us to understand how one should persevere in the journey of our prayer life.

The context of the first reading is Joshua was fighting the battle against the Amalekites. At that time, Israel’s resources were inadequate, and their morale was at a low ebb. The Amalekites waged war on Israel, and Israel had no choice but to fight back.  Staff in hand, Moses stood on top of the mountain overlooking the battleground. He was praying fervently for Israel with raised, outstretched arms. As he grew weary, his two assistants, Aaron and Hur, seated him on a rock and propped up his arms. “As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.”  When we join the army with Jesus, who prayed for us with outstretched arms on the cross, we will surely win the battle with our own Amalekites: the temptations and evil tendencies in our lives.

Let us now look at the background to the Gospel. When Luke wrote this Gospel, the Parousia or Second Coming of Jesus had been delayed beyond what the early Church had expected. In addition, the Church was experiencing persecution from both the Jews and the Romans.  The persecuted early Christians were finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their Faith.

Hence, today’s Gospel lesson addresses the issues of Faith in difficult times. The word of God reassures the disciples that God is listening to our persistent prayers and will grant them justice and vindicate their Faith in the end. When we persevere in our prayers the blessing will surely follow. We are invited to always pray to our heavenly father and not to lose our hearts.

Even though there seems to be lots of uncertainties in our lives, I am sure perseverance in prayer and trust in God will help us to go ahead in our lives. This is the real story of my eldest brother Arockiasamy. He was a civil engineer. He started to work for the state government, soon after his graduation. He did very well. But his luck did not continue for a long time. Due to job reduction in the government 300 engineers lost their jobs. My brother was one among them. All the engineers felt that it is not fair, so they filed a case, but most of them did not persevere in this legal procedure. My brother continued in this and after 22 years of perseverance he won the case and went to the job he loved. I could see how he did not give up on this. There were difficulties but he carried it through trusting in God. He always began his day with praying the scripture. I am sure you will have your own stories to share. I think some sharing of our daily faith experience will bring others back to faith or will inspire them to embrace the faith. So let us always remember that our perseverance in prayer will bring fruits and blessings in our lives. 

Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest

The weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

November Mass Offering Envelopes

November is the month when we remember our deceased family and friends by offering a Mass for them. Envelopes are on the pews and in the side foyers of the Church and the Parish Office. Envelopes can be placed on the collection plate or handed to the Parish Office.

All Saints and All Souls Day Masses in The Basilica

All Saints Day Tuesday 1 November: Mass Midday

All Souls Day Wednesday 2 November: Masses 9am, Midday and 7pm

Parish Centre Toilets

Over the past few weeks, we have had some issues with the toilets and access to the toilet area. During the week if you wish to use the toilets and they are locked, please call into the parish office, and ask for them to be opened. On the Weekends the toilets will only be opened before Masses. Thank you.

Planned Giving

The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists 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 giving was 46%.

Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!

EFT First Collection Details

BSB: 086 006

A/c No: 56187 5405

Reference: 1st Collection and your name

First Collection supports the Priests.

EFT Second Collection Details

BSB: 066 107

A/c No:  0080 0216

Reference: 2nd Collection and your name

Second Collection supports the Parish.

Regarding Masks

Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.

Safeguarding of our children in the Parish

The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB 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.

Upcoming Events

Sunday 16 October: SPPS Family Mass.

Monday 17 October to Thursday 20 October: Aquinas Retreats.

Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October: Blessing of the Fleet Triduum.

Friday 21 October: CBC Graduation Mass.

Saturday 22 October: Ursuline Sister’s 70th Anniversary.

Sunday 23 October: Blessing of the Fleet Mass, Procession and Benediction.

Tuesday 25 October: First Reconciliation Parish Candidates.

Wednesday 26 October: Frist Reconciliation Iona Candidates.