Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is proclaimed on the Second Sunday of Easter in each of the lectionary cycles. This fact alone should alert us to the significance of the encounters with the resurrected Jesus that are described in this reading. This Gospel combines two scenes: Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection and Jesus’ dialogue with Thomas, the disciple who doubted.
Part of the mystery of Jesus’ Resurrection is that he appeared to his disciples not as a spirit, but in bodily form. We do not know, however, exactly what this form looked like. Earlier in John’s Gospel, when Mary of Magdala first encountered the risen Jesus, she did not recognize him until he spoke to her. In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples walking along the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know from readings such as today’s that in his resurrected form, Jesus was not bound by matter; he appeared to the disciples inside a home even though the door was locked. Yet the disciples could still touch the marks of his Crucifixion.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun; as Jesus was sent by God, so Jesus sends his disciples. He gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit so that they will be able to accomplish this task. Jesus’ words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share forgiveness and reconciliation with others.
Thomas, the doubting disciple in today’s reading, represents the reality of the Church that comes after this first community of witnesses to Jesus. All but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without seeing. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to his disciples. Our human nature seeks hard evidence that the Jesus who appeared to his disciples after his death is indeed the same Jesus who was crucified. Thomas is given the opportunity to be our representative in obtaining this evidence. He gives witness to us that the Jesus who was raised is the same Jesus who died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are among those who are blessed, for we have not seen and yet believe. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for 2nd Sunday of Easter /Divine Mercy Sunday, Year B.
URGENT Notice for All Parishioners
Due to some upgrading to the front and rear gates of the Basilica grounds, the Church and Car Park will be closed on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th April. Therefore, there will be no Adoration or Mass on those two days and the car park will not be open to cars or foot traffic. We apologise for any inconvenience and hopefully the Church and grounds will reopen on Wednesday 17th April.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 14th April 2024 after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport.
Senior’s Morning Tea
Due to the carpark and Church being closed on Monday 15th April, the Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 22nd April 2024 at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
St Vincent de Paul Volunteer Drive
A representative from St Vincent de Paul will speak at the 8am and 11am Masses on Sunday 14th April in the hope that they can get some volunteers to assist them. If you are interested, please speak to the coordinator on the day.
Caritas (Project Compassion) 2024
If you have any donations for this year’s Project Compassion, please return them to the office asap or on the weekend collection plate so that we can send the money over to Caritas as soon as possible.
URGENT Weekday Readers Required
We are URGENTLY seeking readers to read at the Midday Masses. If you can assist on a regular basis and would like to go onto the readers roster for weekdays, please contact the Parish Office with your details.
Holy Land Collection
Every year on Good Friday, a collection is taken up in Catholic Churches to support the work of the Franciscans working in the Holy Land. Christians there rely heavily on the help that comes to them from this worldwide collection. This year the Basilica raised $1405. Thank you for your generous support.
Frs Basti, Colbert, Giancarlo & Patrick would like to sincerely thank everyone who assisted in some way during Holy Week. They would also like to thank you for your Easter Offerings and Easter Blessings. God Bless!
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 60%.
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
Sunday 14th April
Parish Morning Tea
St Vincent de Paul Talks
Monday 15th & Tuesday 16th April
Church & Grounds Closed
Monday 22nd April
Senior’s Morning Tea
Thursday 25th April
Anzac Day