Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means to be prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. This week’s reading follows a series of warnings and predictions by Jesus about the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that the exact day and time cannot be predicted. He teaches the disciples that they must remain vigilant so that they will not be caught unprepared.
When thinking about the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, it is important to consider the first-century wedding traditions of Palestine. Scholars tell us that it was the custom of the day for young maidens— friends and family members of the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to her new home.
As with many of Jesus’ parables, several levels of interpretation are possible. In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus warn against following the example of the Pharisees and scribes. If read in the context of early Christianity’s struggle to define itself against Pharisaic Judaism, this parable is a continuing critique of Judaism. It suggests that the Jewish leaders were like the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Jesus, thebridegroom of Israel.
In the chapter preceding this parable, however, Jesus warns about the destruction of Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man. When read in this context, today’s parable is a warning to the Christian community to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the Son of Man who will return at the end of time. This interpretation is supported by the reference to the delay of thebridegroom. The Christian community for whom Matthew wrote this Gospel was coming to terms with the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would not be fulfilled within their lifetimes. The question remains for us to ask ourselves, are we ready to receive Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him? (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the ebulletins for the Thirty SecondSunday 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.
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.
Fr John Archbold OMI Deceased Anniversary Mass
Please join us as we celebrate the First Anniversary of Fr John Archbold OMI death on Friday 17th November 2023 at the Midday Mass. Fr Archbold was part of the Fremantle Parish for some 26 years and was well known for his Paddy jokes.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be celebrated on Monday 20th November 2023 at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
The Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for Lifelink will be held next weekend on 11/12 November 2023.
Please collect your copy of the Archbishop’s Appeal Letter after Mass this weekend, read his message and please give generously to support the valuable work of the Church’s social service agencies.
You may mail your gift in the reply-paid envelope provided or return your envelope and donation for a Special Collection which will be held at all Masses next weekend.
You may also donate (securely) online by credit card at www.lifelink.com.au.
Advent Retreat
Advent can be a time of waiting with joyful excitement and intense anticipation, when we are reminded that two thousand years ago Jesus, God’s Son, the Word of God, was born.
You are invited as part of your preparation for Christmas to come together for a series of four one-hour prayerful evenings using some of the meditation practices based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
John Auer will once again lead us in four Monday sessions commencing on Monday 27th November and thereafter on the 4th, 11th and 18th December at 6.00 pm at St. Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle Parish Centre. Register your details with the Parish Office on 9335 2268 or via email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au. All welcome to this free event.
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 67%.
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/.
Upcoming Events
Weekend 11th/12th November
Lifelink Appeal
Friday 17th November
Mass for Fr John Archbold OMI
Monday 20th November
Senior’s Morning Tea
Monday 27th November
Commencement of Advent Retreat