Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The context for today’s Gospel is the mounting tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus has entered Jerusalem and overturned the money changers’ tables in the Temple. Jesus has caught the attention of the religious authorities, the chief priests, and elders question Jesus about the source of his authority. Jesus refuses to name for these religious leaders the source of his authority. Instead, he questions the priests and elders through the parable we hear in today’s Gospel. The answer given by the religious leaders is correct, but it convicts them for their failure to heed the call of John the Baptist and for their inability to recognize the Kingdom of God.
The situation Jesus poses is rather straightforward. Given the same task by their father, one son asserts his disobedience in words, but then obeys in his actions; the second son obeys with his words but disobeys in his actions. The question that Jesus poses is pointed and direct: Which son did what the father wanted? All would agree that “actions speak louder than words” and that even if his words were disobedient, the son who did the work as ordered did the father’s will.
Jesus’ conclusion is also direct. The chief priests and elders, the ones who speak most often about God, did not act accordingly. They did not respond to the message of repentance announced by John the Baptist with a change of heart. Instead, John’s message was heeded by those one would not expect to repent—tax collectors, prostitutes, and other sinners. Because of their actions, these sinners will enter the Kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders.
Jesus could ask us the same question. Do our words indicate our obedience to God? If not our words, do our actions? God desires a full conversion of heart, that our actions (and our words as well) will give evidence of our love for God. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
PLEASE NOTE: THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY 2 OCTOBER 2023.
Calling All Students! – The Fishing Fleet Festival – 75th Anniversary
Sunday 22nd October 2023 will mark the 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet. The Fishing Fleet Festival are seeking all students from the neighbouring Catholic Schools to participate in this long-standing community event. Students from all ages can dress in Italian costumes, provided by the Association or dress in their Communion dresses. Students can also come along and represent their school in school uniform and carry school banners. Procession leaves St Patrick’s Basilica at 2pm.
If you would like to participate, please email Maria on anna.minutillo@cewa.edu.au for further information and to borrow costumes.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be celebrated on Sunday 8th October after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Piano Concert – Friday 27th October 2023
Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, of New Norcia Monastery, will present a solo piano recital in Fremantle’s historic St. Patrick’s Basilica, on Friday 27th October 2023 at 7.30pm. The programme will include Fr. Robert’s original compositions from his new album Celestial Void, as well as beloved works of Chopin and Liszt. Also featured will be compositions from the founder of New Norcia, Dom Rosendo Salvado, including works which he played at his legendary recital in Perth in 1846. Entry fee is donation at the door. See noticeboard for more info.
Seniors Morning Tea
The next Seniors Morning Tea will be held on Monday 23rd October 2023 at 10am in the Parish Centre. All seniors welcome.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet
Celebration for this year’s 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet will commence with a Triduum on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th with Rosary at 7.30pm and Mass at 8pm led by Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI. The Feast Day will be celebrated with Mass at 9.30am, followed by Procession leaving the Basilica at 2pm, Blessing of the Boats and Benediction. All Welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO 5PM EVENING MASS ON SUNDAY 22ND OCTOBER.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to embrace the faith of the Catholic Church and a great avenue for those who wish to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ. If you know anyone willing to take up this journey, please encourage them to come for the information evening on Tuesday 17th October 2023 at 6.30pm, in the Parish Office Boardroom. For further information please contact the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm on 9335 2268.
CBC Exams
Please note that the Parish Centre will host CBC ATAR Exams from Monday 30th October to Friday 17th November 2023. We ask that you please keep the boys in your prayers during this time and please be mindful when using the toilets in the Parish Centre.
Weekday Volunteer Readers
We are URGENTLY seeking readers to read at the midday Masses, if you can assist can you please see Joan Swindells or call into the Parish Office.
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth – Employment Opportunity
Head, Mission Enhancement and Outreach – Archdiocesan Agencies
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is recruiting for the newly established role of Head, Mission Enhancement and Outreach – Archdiocesan Agencies. This role is a Permanent, Full-Time position. For more information click here.
Applications close Tuesday, 17 October 2023. We reserve the right to begin shortlisting and interviews prior to the closing date.
Long Term Volunteer Opportunities in the Australia-Pacific Region – The Cagliero Project, Salesians of Don Bosco
We are seeking long term (6-12 month) volunteers for departure in January 2024 to work with young people in our Salesian communities in Samoa, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and Australia. Applications close October 31st, 2023. Send us an enquiry – www.cagliero.org.au or lhichaaba@salesians.org.au.
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 60%.
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
Wednesday 4 October
Notre Dame University Graduation Mass
Sunday 8 October
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 13 October
Iona Graduation Mass
Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 October
Triduum Blessing of the Fleet
Friday 20 October
CBC Graduation Mass