Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On the second Sunday of Lent in each Lectionary cycle, the Gospel reading proclaims the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. This event is reported in each of the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This year, in Lectionary Cycle B, we hear Mark’s report of this event.
The context for Mark’s Transfiguration story is similar to that found in both Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel. The Transfiguration occurs after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus’ prediction about his passion. After this, in each of these Gospels, there is also a discussion of the cost of discipleship.
In each case, Jesus takes three of his disciples—Peter, James, and John—to a high mountain. While they are there, Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus. In Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospel, there is reference to a conversation among Jesus, Elijah, and Moses, but only Luke’s Gospel includes the detail that this conversation is about what Jesus will accomplish in Jerusalem.
Elijah and Moses are significant figures in the history of Israel. Moses led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and received from Yahweh the Ten Commandments. In appearing with Jesus at his Transfiguration, Moses represents the Law that guides the lives of the Jewish people. Elijah is remembered as one of the most important prophets of Israel who helped the Israelites stay faithful to Yahweh. Some Jews believed that Elijah’s return would signal the coming of the Messiah for the Jewish people. This belief is evidenced in the question posed by Jesus’ disciples after they have witnessed the Transfiguration. The appearance of these two important figures from Israel’s history with Jesus signifies Jesus’ continuity with the Law and with the prophets and that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was promised to the people of Israel.
On seeing Jesus with Elijah and Moses and having witnessed his Transfiguration, Peter offers to construct three tents for them. Mark reports that the disciples are terrified by what they have witnessed, and that Peter’s offer is made out of confusion. We also notice that Peter has reverted from his earlier confession that Jesus is the Messiah, calling Jesus’ rabbi instead. As if in reply to Peter’s confusion, a voice from heaven speaks, affirming Jesus as God’s Son and commanding the disciples to obey him. This voice from heaven recalls the voice that was heard at Jesus’ baptism.
In his Transfiguration, we see an anticipation of the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection. In each of the reports of the Transfiguration, Jesus instructs the disciples to keep secret what they have seen until after the Son of Man has risen from the dead. The disciples’ confusion continues as they wonder what Jesus means by rising from the dead. The disciples cannot possibly understand Jesus’ Transfiguration until they also witness his passion and death. We hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration early in Lent, but we have the benefit of hindsight. In our hearing of it, we anticipate Jesus’ Resurrection, even as we prepare to remember Jesus’ passion and death. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the ebulletins for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year B.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO ADORATION on Monday 4 March to Friday 8 March, ONLY Midday Masses during that week.
There will be NO STATIONS OF THE CROSS on Friday 8 March after the Midday Mass.
The Oblates will be away on Formation in Queensland. We ask that you keep all the Oblates from the Australian Province in your prayers.
Parish Office Opening Hours
Commencing March 2024, the Parish Office will operate from Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm only.
The office can be contacted via email at parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au or a message can be left on 9335 2268.
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
A Special Collection for Project Compassion will be taken up this weekend 24/25 February, at all Masses.
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.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 18th March at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
Planned Giving 2024/2025
Please collect your new Planned Giving Envelopes which are now available in the side foyer of the Church. If you are not a member of the Planned Giving and would like to become a member, please contact the Parish Office.
Holy Thursday – Mass of the Last Supper
We are seeking volunteers for the Washing of the Feet during the Mass of the Last Supper on Thursday 28th March at 7pm. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office.
CBC Fremantle is interviewing now for Year 7, 2026 and Year 7, 2027.
For further information, please go to www.cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au/enrol or contact Registrar, Mrs Emma Polain: enrol@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au
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.
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 1 March
Stations of the Cross – English after midday Mass
Stations of the Cross – Italian 6.30pm
Friday 1 March
World Day of Prayer – Scots Presbyterian Church
at 10am
Sunday 10 March
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 15 March
St Patrick’s Day Concert