Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week’s Gospel speaks of how Jesus’ disciples are to conduct themselves as they await the Kingdom of Heaven. In the preceding passages and in last week’s Gospel, Jesus taught that there is no way to predict the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. His disciples must, therefore, remain vigilant and ready to receive the Son of Man at any time.
Jesus’ parable talks about Christian discipleship using economic metaphors. Before he leaves on a journey, the master entrusts to his servants a different number of talents, giving to each according to their abilities. A talent is a coin of great value. Upon the master’s return, he finds that the first and second servants have doubled their money, and both are rewarded. The third servant, however, has only preserved what was given to him because he was afraid to lose the money. He has risked nothing; he did not even deposit the money in a bank to earn interest. This servant is punished by the master, and his talent is given to the one who brought the greatest return.
Read in light of last week’s parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, this parable teaches that God’s judgment will be based on the service we render to God and to one another in accordance with the gifts that God has given to us. Our gifts, or talents, are given to us for the service of others. If we fail to use these gifts, God’s judgment on us will be severe. On the other hand, if we make use of these gifts in service to the Kingdom of Heaven, we will be rewarded and entrusted with even more responsibilities.
This Gospel reminds us that Christian spirituality is not passive or inactive. Our life of prayer helps us to discern the gifts that have been given to us by God. This prayer and discernment ought to lead us to use our gifts in the service of God and our neighbor. God’s grace allows us to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven. (Source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletins for the Thirty Third 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.
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.
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.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 3rd December after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Message from the Morning Tea Ministry
The end of year Parish Morning Tea will be celebrated on Sunday 17th December after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
The Morning Tea Ministry will be holding a Christmas Raffle with tickets available at the Morning Tea on Sunday 3rd and then at all Masses on the weekend 9th/10th December. Raffle will be drawn on Sunday 17th December Morning Tea.
Please support this raffle by purchasing tickets to win some great prizes.
MAMI Christmas Cards
Give a gift of hope this Christmas by purchasing a MAMI Christmas Card, available from the Parish Office or online at www.oblates.com.au/christmas-cards. You can purchase: – Chickens $10, Development $15, Toolboxes $20, Education $25, and Goats $30. By purchasing one of these Christmas Cards, it supports the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in their Missions.
Calling All Biscuit Bakers!
Once again, we are seeking assistance with baking biscuits for the Women’s Prison at Christmas. If you would like to help, there is a baking information sheet available that gives you all the information you need, and we can supply you the bags and ribbon to package the biscuits.
If you can assist, please email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au or call 9335 2268. This is a wonderful way to share the Christmas message. Biscuits will need to be delivered to the Parish Office on Monday 18th December 2023.
Concert Friday 8th December at 7:30pm.
Join violinists Mathew Daly and Steven Daly on the evening of the Friday 8th of December at St. Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle as they perform Bach’s Double Violin Concerto amongst other much-loved favourites from the violin repertoire. The brother-duo is joined by renowned organist Andrew Brown. Entry by donation. Families and children are welcome.
Service of Solidarity with Gaza and the Holy Land
In a time of deep sorrow and anguish for us all, we look for hope and healing. Let us come together in love, prayer and support. Let us acknowledge the reality that impacts us all as we share messages of hope. The Australian Catholic Bishops have said: ‘Peace can come only from justice. We call people of faith to pray with us for a lasting peace and the triumph of human dignity.’
Please join us: Monday 27 November, 4:30 to 5:00 pm AEDT
Everyone is welcome. Please register in advance for this webinar:
https://caritas.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DWj-zzzhRoGN8QOifg61Zg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Prayer for Peace in the Middle East Prayer Cards available in the foyers this weekend.
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 57%.
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
Monday 20 November
Senior’s Morning Tea
Monday 27 November
Advent Retreat Begins
Sunday 3 December
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 8 December
Concert