Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading in each Lectionary cycle is about Jesus’ temptation in the desert. This event in the life of Jesus is reported in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—but it is not found in John’s Gospel. This year we read Mark’s account of this event.
Compared to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the details throughout Mark’s narrative are sparse. This is evident in Mark’s account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Mark tells us only that Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit and that for 40 days he was tempted by Satan. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke explain that Jesus fasted while in the desert, that Satan presented him with three temptations, and that Jesus refused each one, quoting Scripture. Only the Gospels of Matthew and Mark report that angels ministered to Jesus at the end of his time in the desert.
In each of the Synoptic Gospels, the temptation of Jesus follows his baptism by John the Baptist. In Mark’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus went into the desert immediately after his baptism, led by the Spirit. Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee begins after his temptation in the desert. Mark’s Gospel makes a connection between the arrest of John the Baptist and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus’ preaching about the Kingdom of God is in continuity with the preaching of John the Baptist, but it is also something new. As Jesus announces it, the Kingdom of God is beginning; the time of the fulfillment of God’s promises is here.
The fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert is significant. This recalls the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after being led from slavery in Egypt. The prophet Elijah also journeyed in the desert for 40days and nights, making his way to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he was also attended to by an angel of the Lord. Remembering the significance of these events, we also set aside 40 days for the season of Lent.
In Mark’s Gospel, the desert marks beginning of Jesus’ battle with Satan; the ultimate test will be in Jesus’ final hours on the cross. In a similar way, our Lenten observances are only a beginning, a preparation for and a reinforcement of our ongoing struggle to resist the temptations we face in our lives. During Lent, we are led by the Holy Spirit to remember the vows of Baptism in which we promised to reject sin and to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus was ministered to by the angels, God also supports us in our struggle against sin and temptation. We succeed because Jesus conquered sin once and for all in his saving death on the cross. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the First Sunday of Lent, Year B.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The Senior’s Morning Tea will recommence in February and the first Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 19th February at 10am in the Parish Hall. All senior’s welcome.
Stations of the Cross
Commencing Friday 16th February and continuing every Friday until Good Friday there will be Stations of the Cross in English after the midday Mass and Stations in Italian at 6.30pm.
Caritas Australia – Project Compassion
This weekend we commence Project Compassion. You can help better the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable communities on earth by making a donation through Project Compassion. Boxes and envelopes are now available in the foyers of the Church this weekend. Next weekend 24/25 February, we will take up a special collection at all Masses for Project Compassion 2024.
Organ and Pan Flute Concert
Friday 23 February at 7.30pm the Basilica will host a concert featuring Organ and Pan Flute. Evert van de Veen and Henrieke Doornenbal from the Netherlands will showcase a variety of religious and classical music. See notice board in Church foyers for more info.
World Day of Prayer
All welcome to attend the World Day of Prayer, Friday 1st March 2024 at 10am at Scots Presbyterian Church, Fremantle.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 10th March after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport.
St Patrick’s Day Concert
The Basilica invites all Parishioners to a St Patrick’s Day Concert on Friday 15th March at 7.30pm. Enjoy an evening of Choir, Strings & Organ. See noticeboard for more information.
Notice for Parishioners
Over the past few months, we have had to deal with some violence, bad behaviour and vandalism within the Church and grounds of the Basilica.
We ask all parishioners to please be vigilant about their own safety.
- Please ensure that you lock your vehicles and do not leave any personal items visible in your vehicles.
- Please ensure that you do not leave any personal items, handbags etc on the pews when you go to Communion.
- Please ensure that you take note of your surroundings when you are in the Church or in the grounds.
Household Items For Sale
Those interested in the household items that were advertised last weekend in the Bulletin, can view the items in the Parish Centre, during office hours. Please see the Parish Office prior.
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 48%.
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/.
Coming Events
Friday 23 February
Stations of the Cross – English after midday Mass
Stations of the Cross – Italian 5.30pm
Monday 19th February
Senior’s Morning Tea
Friday 23rd February
Organ & Pan Flute Concert
Weekend 24/25 February
Special Collection Project Compassion