Saturday 2 September 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today’s Gospel continues the story that began in last week’s Gospel. Simon Peter was called the “rock” upon which Jesus would build his Church, and yet Peter continues to show the limitations of his understanding of Jesus’ identity. Now that the disciples have acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus confides in them the outcome of his ministry: he must suffer and die in Jerusalem to be raised on the third day. Peter rejects this prediction, and Jesus rebukes him severely, calling him “Satan.” In opposing this aspect of Jesus’ mission, Peter shows that he is no longer speaking based on the revelation from God but as a human being. Jesus then teaches all the disciples about the difficult path of discipleship: to be Christ’s disciple is to follow in his way of the cross.

Peter could not yet understand what it meant to call Jesus the Messiah. It is unlikely that the other disciples understood any better. Messianic expectations were a common aspect of first-century Judaism. Under Roman occupation, many in Israel hoped and prayed that God would send a Messiah to free the Jews from Roman oppression. The common view was that the Messiah would be a political figure, a king that would free Israel from Roman rule. This is perhaps what Peter envisioned when he was led to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In this passage, however, Jesus is beginning to teach his disciples that he would be the Messiah in a different way.

Jesus would be more like the suffering servant described by the prophet Isaiah than the political liberator. Those who would be Jesus’ disciples would be called to a similar life of service. Perhaps this is what Peter feared most in Jesus’ prediction of his Passion. He whom Jesus had called “rock” would also be called upon to offer himself in sacrifice and service to others. Christian leaders today are still called to sacrifice and serve others as Jesus did. (Source Loyola Press)

We wish all father’s a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

The Weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.

Fr Patrick John Mary OMI

Fr Patrick will be on leave during September, he is going home to Sri Lanka to visit his family.  We wish him a safe journey and we will keep him in our prayers during this time.

Annual Father’s Day Hot Rod Show

Every year the St Patrick’s Primary School hold their Father’s Day Hot Rod Show. This year it will be held on Sunday 3rd September 2023, from 8am to 3pm. Please plan as there will be excess cars around the Basilica and parking maybe a problem.

Safeguarding Sunday – 10th September 2023

Safeguarding Sunday provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a church of trust, safety, inclusion, and respect for all, especially our children and adults at risk.

It is a time in which we pray for those who have been harmed by abuse directly and indirectly. We acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children and adults at risk, including by priests, religious and lay people within the Catholic context.

Should you or someone you know be seeking support, there is referral pathways leaflet available at the back of the church.

Relics of St John Bosco

The relic statue of St John Bosco, better known as Don Bosco, will be touring Australia as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the arrival of the Salesians on Australian soil. The Salesians came to the shore of Australia on 30th March 1923 in Fremantle, Western Australia.

The Basilica will host the relics of St John Bosco on Monday 18th September 2023.  The relics will arrive in the Basilica just before the Midday Mass and will remain in the Basilica until 3pm.  We invite all parishioners and friends to come and visit the relics while they are in the Basilica.  Come and share in this wonderful experience.

We require two strong men to assist with the moving of the relics on the day. If you can assist at 11.45am to place the relics in the Church and then at 3pm to remove the relics, please contact Angie in the parish office ASAP.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Talks

On the weekend of 23rd/24th September we will welcome speakers from Worldwide Marriage Encounter who will talk during the homily on Saturday 6pm Vigil, Sunday 8am, 11am & 5pm Masses. 

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 87%. 

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.

COMING EVENTS

Sunday 3rd September

Father’s Day

Parish Morning Tea

SPPS Hot Rod Show

Sunday 10th September

Our Lady of Tindari Feast Day

Safeguarding Sunday

Monday 18^th September

Seniors Morning Tea

Relics of St John Bosco

Weekend 23^rd/24^th September

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Talks