Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter. The Second Sunday of Easter is also called Divine Mercy Sunday.
On 30th April 2000, when Pope St. John Paul II canonised his countrywoman, Faustina, he said:
“It is important then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from the word of God on this Second Sunday of Easter, which from now on throughout the Church, will be called ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’.”
In brief, this Sunday invites us to contemplate the mercy of God.
One could tangibly experience the mercy and forgiveness of God through the sacrament of reconciliation. This happens when we have the courage to accept it and make a strong determination not to do it again, then we could see how the grace and peace, guidance and support of Christ come into our lives.
Friends, in the parable of the two men who went up to the Temple to pray, “the tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Lk 18:10-14). The man went home justified.
Our heavenly Father is a merciful and compassionate Father. May this celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday bring in us the qualities of the Merciful Father, so that as we enjoy the mercy and compassion of our Heavenly Father, we will have the ability to give back to our brothers and sisters who have wronged us.
The first reading taken from the Acts of the Apostles, clearly characterises the qualities of the early Christian community. It says:
- They were all united, heart and soul.
- No one claimed for his/her own.
- Everything they owned was held in common.
- They continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power.
- They were all given great respect.
- None of their members were ever in want.
These qualities of the early Christian community clearly picture to us how we all should be the people of resurrection. People of resurrection can never be quiet, rather they always want to share the joy with others.
Let our words and actions reveal to the world that we truly reflect the nature of the Early Christian communities in the world and the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection in our lives.
May we also make every effort to share the forgiveness from God, with everyone around us. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 2nd Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday, Year A.
Fr Matthew Raj OMI
Next week we will welcome Fr Matthew Raj OMI who will be acting Parish Priest over the next three months. Please make Fr Matthew feel welcome and please introduce yourself to him.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17th April at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 7th May after the 8am Mass. All welcome to attend.
Our Lady of Fatima
The nine-day Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Thursday 4th May until Friday 12th May. See noticeboards and leaflets which are available in the side foyer of the Church this weekend. This year Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 13th May at 6pm with candlelight procession through the Basilica and School Grounds followed by Benediction in the Basilica. Please join us as we honour Our Lady.
Project Compassion Donations
Please return your Project Compassion donations either via the Parish Office or via the collection plate at the weekend Masses. Donations need to be in before the end of April.
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 53%.
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.
EVENTS IN THE PARISH
Monday 17th April: Senior’s Morning Tea.
Tuesday 25th April: Anzac Day.