Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
While meditating on the last realities of our lives, the liturgy of the word gives us the assurance that God will be with us all the days of our lives. We will have the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst, who will guide, protect, and strengthen us and give us hope in our lives.
There was a woman, who was hurrying home from work. This was her Bingo night. Suddenly she spotted this fellow standing on the edge of the pavement holding aloft a placard, which read: The end of the world is near. She went up to him and said, “You say the end of the world is near.” “That’s right, missus,” he replied. “But are you sure?” “Quite sure, missus.” “And you say it’s near.” “Yes, missus.” “How near?” “Oh, very near.” “Could you be more precise?” “This very night, Missus.” She paused for a moment to reflect on this. Then in a voice full of anxiety, she asked, “tell me, son. Will it be before or after Bingo?” (Flor McCarthy in New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies).
As we think about the end of the world, there may be great anxiety in all of us, but we need not worry about it, because Jesus is with us. In the gospel reading, we see how Jesus prepares his disciples by narrating two realities that we will face before the end of the world.
In the first place, Jesus says, ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. Again, he says to us, when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen, but the end is not so soon.’
Secondly Jesus talks about our personal struggle that we will face when we want to follow him. What would be our personal struggle? He says, ‘you will be brought before the court, your own family will stand against you, some may be killed, and some may be persecuted. Why does Jesus talk to us in this way? Because Jesus does not want his disciples to follow him blindfolded rather, he prepared them to face any difficulties in their lives.
Thus, Jesus encourages us to be a persevering person, who should not give up easily on any displeasing things that come our way, because our endurance will gain us life. So, do not be alarmed when you hear about the end of the world; rather keep doing what one needs to be doing daily; that is to love God, serve God and one’s neighbours. Then one will be fully prepared to face the judgement day. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
In December there will be two parish morning teas. The first being on Sunday 4th December and the last morning tea being the Christmas and end of year morning tea on Sunday 18 December. Both morning teas are held after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea is a special parish initiative to bring our seniors together to share a cuppa and a chat. The Senior’s morning tea is held every third Monday of each month. The Next Senior’s Morning Tea, Monday 21 November, 10am in the Presbytery Carport.
Lifelink Appeal
This weekend a special collection will be taken up for Lifelink, there are also donation envelopes on the pews that you can use. Please give generously to support the valuable work of the Church’s social agencies.
Handel’s Messiah Concert
Handel’s great Christmas oratorio will be performed in Baroque style by the exclusive Perth Chamber Singers in the beautiful stone Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle. Paul Wright will expertly lead the Perth Baroque Players, and esteemed choral specialist Margaret Pride will conduct the full ensemble with elegance and brilliance. Solos will be sung by members of the chamber choir who are young and upcoming professional vocalists, as was the custom during Handel’s time. This will be Perth’s first fully professional Christmas performance of Messiah. It promises to be a musically scintillating performance as well as a moving Christmas and spiritual experience.
DATE: Friday 23 December 2022 7:30 PM
TICKETS: $15-$89
BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/CCZQQ
ENQUIRIES: mcalyn@it.net.au
Christmas Cards & 2023 Columban Calendars
The piety stall has been gifted a selection of Christmas cards which will be for sale next weekend 11/12 November. Columban Calendars for 2023 are now available at $10 a calendar. Please see Alma at the Piety Stall on Sunday mornings and she can assist you.
Advent Retreat 2022
Advent can be a time of waiting with joyful excitement and intense anticipation, knowing that in a few short weeks two thousand years ago Jesus, the Word become a human being, will be born. Not as a prince to a royal family but to poor Jewish parents in a stable among domesticated animals.
This Advent journey is best experienced over the four weeks, however if you cannot attend all four weeks you are welcome to attend when you can. We will be using some of the meditation practices based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
John Auer will be the retreat leader who has been leading retreats nearly two decades, in Australia and in England. He is also a member of a CLC group using Ignatian prayer practices, meeting fortnightly in Claremont.
The retreat starts on Mondays 28th November and thereafter on 5th, 12th, and 19th December at 6pm at St. Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle Parish Centre. There is no charge.
To register your interest: call the parish office on 9335 2268 Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm or email parishoffice2@iinet.net.au.
Christmas Biscuit Baking for Prison
We have been asked once again to bake biscuits for the women’s prison for Christmas. If you would like to assist, please leave your details with the parish office and we will send you the information sheet and delivery date of biscuits.
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.
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre Anniversary Celebrations
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre is extending an invitation to parishioners to join them to celebrate 50 years of working in the community to end chronic homelessness.
The event is being held at the Basilica Parish Hall, Fremantle, where Brother Hannick first started providing refuge and meals for people in need.
A limited number of places have been reserved for any parishioner who would like to attend and learn more about St Pat’s Community Support Centre and the important work it does in the community.
Enquiries and to RSVP please email deb.greenwood@stpats.com.au, call Deb on 6372 4800 or book online https://www.trybooking.com/CEDHR. RSVP no later than 15th November 2022.
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 52%.
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
Monday 31 October to Tuesday 30 November: CBC Exams in Parish Centre.
Weekend of 12/13 November: Lifelink Appeal and Special Collection.
Saturday 19 November: Catechism Students First Communion.
Monday 28 November: Parish Advent Program begins.