Saturday 28 October 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week’s Gospel follows close behind the Gospel read last Sunday. It is the last of three questions put to Jesus by Jewish religious leaders who are trying to trick him into saying something that might get him arrested. This reminds us that the context for today’s reading is the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

The Herodians and the Pharisees asked the first question, which was about taxes. The Sadducees asked the second question, which was about the Resurrection (see Matthew 22:22-33). The third question, considered in today’s Gospel, is asked by a Pharisee who asks Jesus about the greatest of the commandments.

The question requires Jesus to interpret the Law of Moses. The Mosaic Law consists of the Ten Commandments and many additional rules, numbering over six hundred. Adherence to the Mosaic Law, for a devout Jew, is an expression of faithfulness to God’s covenant with Israel. The ranking of the Commandments was regularly debated among the teachers of the Law.

Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question with a two-fold summary. Jesus says that all the commandments can be summarized in two commandments: love God and love your neighbour. Both of these were central elements of the religious tradition Jesus learned from his Jewish community. Indeed, these continue to be central aspects of contemporary Jewish religious understanding. Jesus’ response to his questioners proposed an integral connection between these two aspects of the Jewish Law. Love of God finds its expression in our love for our neighbour. (source: Loyola Press)

The Weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.

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.

The Parish Office

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.

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.

THANK YOU From Catholic Mission

The amount donated by the Fremantle Basilica for the 2023 Appeal was $3,245. Thank you for your generous response to this year’s Catholic Mission Appeal which will go towards helping our medical missionaries in East Timor to provide life-saving healthcare to the vulnerable.

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 62%. 

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.  To read more, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.