Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In today’s Gospel Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At this point the disciples of the Pharisees, together with the Herodians, try to entrap Jesus by their question about the payment of taxes.
Matthew sets up an unusual partnership between the Pharisees and the Herodians. The Herodians were supporters of Herod Antipas, a Jewish political leader who collaborated with the Romans. Such collaboration would have required a compromised observance of the Mosaic Law. The Pharisees, on the other hand, taught scrupulous observance of the Mosaic Law and opposed Roman occupation. Herodians favoured the payment of taxes; the Pharisees opposed it. The Herodians and the Pharisees approach Jesus, asking that he take sides in their dispute. If Jesus answers with the Pharisees, he shows himself to be an enemy of Rome. If he answers with the Herodians, he offends popular Jewish religious sensibilities.
Jesus’ response to this attempt to trap him exposes the guile of his questioners. From his first words to them, Jesus shows that he is very much aware of what they are trying to do. He asks to see a Roman coin, which is readily provided to him. It may have come from the hand of a Herodian, but the Pharisees show themselves to be quite willing to accept this compromise. Jesus has already exposed the Pharisees as hypocrites.
Jesus takes his response one step further. He asks that his questioners examine the coin. Agreeing that it is Caesar’s image on the coin, Jesus tells them that it must belong to Caesar. Avoiding the question of lawfulness altogether, Jesus answers their question with simple logic. Then, going further still, Jesus tells them that their obligation is to pay to God that which belongs to God.
Jesus’ response to the Herodians and Pharisees suggests the ethic that Christians ought to adopt. It reminds us of the importance of keeping things in their proper perspective. Do we attach ourselves to worldly things at the expense of the love and honour that we owe to God? (source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet
This weekend marks the 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet. 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.
Aquinas Schola Choir
This weekend we welcome back the Aquinas Choir from school break, and they will be singing at the 9.30am Italian Mass in honour of the 75th Anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet.
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 senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 23rd October 2023 at 10am in the Parish Centre. All seniors welcome. Please Note change in date due to Aquinas Retreats in Parish Centre.
November Mass Offerings
During the month of November each year, we pray for those who have departed this world. November Mass Offering envelopes are now available on the pews and from the parish office and can be returned with your offering to the parish office or via the collections on the weekends.
Masses on Holy Souls, Thursday 2 November will be celebrated at Midday and 7pm in the Basilica.
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th November 2023. Should you require anything urgent during this time please email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
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.
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.
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 65%.
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.
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 22 October
Blessing of the Fleet
NO 5pm Evening Mass
Monday 23 October
Senior’s Morning Tea