Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gospel than we have for the past two weeks. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is a preparation for the beginning of the passion narrative to follow. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead—an important sign in John’s Gospel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish authorities. John’s Gospel tells us that the Sanhedrin met after this event and made plans to kill Jesus. In the 12th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed at Bethany and enters Jerusalem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John reports that the crowds also gathered to see Lazarus.
Following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. He also taught that those who would be his disciples must follow his example of sacrifice. This theme will be repeated in John’s account of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they must serve one another.
The final section of today’s Gospel might be read as John’s parallel to the agony in the garden. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John does not record Jesus’ anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Although comparable words are found in today’s reading, Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God welcomes the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him.
In today’s Gospel, we also hear Jesus speak about the cosmic framework against which we are to understand his passion, death, and Resurrection. Through his death and Resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, the ruler of this world. In this way the world is judged, but the judgment is not condemnation. Instead, through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletins for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B.
Parish Office New Opening Hours
Parish Office will operate Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm only. The office can be contacted via email: parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au or a message can be left on 9335 2268.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross continue every Friday until Good Friday. Stations in English after the Midday Mass and Stations in Italian at 6.30pm.
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.
Palm Sunday – 24th March 2024
Unfortunately, we will only have limited number of palms and olive branches available at Masses. Please bring your own palms or olive branches for blessing.
Annual Archdiocesan Chrism Mass
Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, wishes to invite all parishioners to attend the Annual Archdiocesan Chrism Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth on Tuesday 26th March at 7pm.
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.
Archdiocesan Lifelink Appeal
The Fremantle Parish raised $5010 for the 2023 Archbishop’s Lifelink Appeal. On behalf of the Archbishop, he would like to personally thank everyone in our parish who so generously supported this appeal.
URGENT Readers Required
Would you like to be more involved in the parish? We are searching for assistance with 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at the 5pm Mass. If you would like to assist, please contact the Parish Office.
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/.
Coming Events
Monday 18 March
Senior’s Morning Tea
Sunday 23 March
Palm Sunday
Tuesday 26 March
Archdiocesan Chrism Mass
Thursday 28 March – Holy Thursday
7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Friday 29 March – Good Friday
11am Stations of the Cross
3pm Liturgy of the Lords Passion