Maundy Thursday – 6 April 2023

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

Today is Holy Thursday. Holy Thursday marks the end of the Lenten season and beginning of the Easter Triduum. These three days draw our attention into the mystery of our Salvation; that is the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was during this night; Jesus had his farewell meal with his disciples. Among those who were at the table some of whom will betray him, desert him, or deny him before the sun rose again.  But still his heart is filled with love for them. So, having known what he is going to soon face, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and gave himself as a permanent gift to nourish all our lives, with his Body and Blood.

Jesus after washing the feet of his disciples, instructed them with these words saying, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so, I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.” It is a final and powerful reminder to his disciples. All these years, the disciples had seen Jesus’ preaching, and curing people from various diseases. Jesus finally showed them in action too. So, today we are all invited to imitate him in our lives too. St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians says, “though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness” (Phi 2:6-7). Am I able to take this challenge of Jesus in my life today?

It was during this night he instituted the Priesthood too. St. John Vianney says, “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.” On this day, please pray for your priests and stand with your priests at every moment of their lives and pray that they remain faithful to their commitment to the Lord and to his people. 

To continue this gift of Jesus let us not forget to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. I always believe that praying for vocations is the duty of every baptised Christian, so that we shall help those people who are discerning in their lives, especially towards the Priesthood and religious life. May God bless you all!

Fr John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest

The Holy Thursday eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Year A.

Easter Offerings

Usually twice a year you are invited, as a community, to make a special effort to financially support the Priests of the Basilica.  As the special season of Easter is fast approaching, you are encouraged to support the Priests during this special season of Easter. The envelopes are in the pews, so kindly use them and support your priests generously.

Parish Senior’s Morning Tea

The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17 April at 10am in the Parish Centre.  All Senior’s Welcome.

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.

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.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER CEREMONIES 2023

EVENTS IN THE PARISH

Thursday 6 April: Holy Thursday.

Friday 7 April: Good Friday.

Saturday 8 April: Holy Saturday.

Sunday 9 April: Easter Sunday.