Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Last Sunday we heard Jesus call Peter to be his disciple. Jesus then travels with Peter and the other disciples. Luke reports acts of healing (a person with leprosy and a paralytic man) and the call of Levi, the tax collector. Jesus also replies to questions from the Pharisees regarding fasting and the observance of the Sabbath. In the verses immediately before today’s gospel reading, Jesus is reported to have chosen 12 men from among his disciples to be apostles. Apostle is a Greek word that means “one who is sent.”
Today’s gospel reading is the beginning of what is often called the Sermon on the Plain. We find a parallel to this passage in Matthew 5:1-7,11 that is often called the Sermon on the Mount. As these titles suggest, there are differences and similarities between these gospel readings.
When spoken from the mountaintop in Matthew’s Gospel, we can’t miss the impression that Jesus is speaking with the authority and voice of God. The mountaintop is a symbol of closeness to God. Those who ascend the mountain see God and speak for God; recall the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. As Luke introduces the location of Jesus’ teaching, Jesus teaches on level ground, alongside the disciples and the crowd. Luke presents Jesus’ authority in a different light. He is God among us.
Another distinction found in Luke’s version is the audience. Luke’s Sermon on the Plain is addressed to Jesus’ disciples, although in the presence of the crowd; Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount is addressed to the crowd. In keeping with this style, the Beatitudes in Luke’s Gospel sound more personal than those in Matthew’s Gospel—Luke uses the article “you” whereas Matthew uses “they” or “those.” There is also a difference in number: Matthew describes eight beatitudes; Luke presents just four, each of which has a parallel warning.
The form of the Beatitudes found in Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospel is not unique to Jesus. Beatitudes are found in the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms and in Wisdom literature. They are a way to teach about who will find favor with God. The word blessed in this context might be translated as “happy,” “fortunate,” or “favored.”
As we listen to this Gospel, the Beatitudes jar our sensibilities. Those who are poor, hungry, weeping, or persecuted are called blessed. This is, indeed, a Gospel of reversals. Those often thought to have been forgotten by God are called blessed. In the list of “woes,” those whom we might ordinarily describe as blessed by God are warned about their peril. Riches, possessions, laughter, reputation . . . these are not things that we can depend upon as sources of eternal happiness.
They not only fail to deliver on their promise; our misplaced trust in them will lead to our demise. The ultimate peril is in misidentifying the source of our eternal happiness. The Beatitudes are often described as a framework for Christian living. Our vocation as Christians is not to be first in this world, but rather to be first in the eyes of God. We are challenged to examine our present situation in the context of our ultimate horizon, the Kingdom of God. (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday 25th February
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The indulgence, a priceless gift of divine mercy, is one of the special signs of the Jubilee Year. The conditions for obtaining a Jubilee Indulgence are:
- Pilgrimage to any of the designated Churches and Shrines
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Profession of Faith
- Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father
Those unable to make a pilgrimage due to age, health, caregiving you can obtain an indulgence, under the usual conditions by reciting the Our father, making a profession of faith and offering prayers from their homes, hospitals and nursing homes while offering up their own suffering.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 16th February after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Special Mass & Welcome
On Sunday 2nd March we will combine the 9.30am Italian Mass and the 11am Mass into one Mass at 10am to welcome and introduce our newly appointed Australian Oblate Provincial Fr Andrew Chen OMI. Following Mass there will be a morning tea in the parish centre where you will have a chance to meet with him. RSVP required and all welcome.
Ash Wednesday Masses
Masses on Wednesday 5th March, Ash Wednesday, will be celebrated at Midday and 7pm. Ashes will be distributed at both Masses.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Commencing Friday 7th March and then continuing every Friday until Good Friday, Stations of the Cross in both English and Italian at 6.30pm. All Welcome
World Day of Prayer 2025
The World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer service that is interdenominational and each year it celebrates different parts of the world.
This year the Basilica of St Patrick’s will host the World Day of Prayer for the Cook Islands on Friday 7th March at 10am. We are urgently seeking assistance with morning tea prep and food. If you can assist, please contact the parish office.
Sunday 2nd March – Project Compassion Sunday
With 2025 being a Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. It is our hope that we come together to support Project Compassion and Unite Against Poverty! Donation boxes and envelopes are available in the side foyers of the Church, please pick up a donation box or donation envelope and give generously during this Lenten Season. There will be a special collection at all Masses on Sunday 9th March.
Piety Stall Volunteer
We are seeking a volunteer who can assist on Sundays 11am to Midday in the Piety Stall. The Piety Stall is the little shop we have in the front foyer of the Church. You will be required to be stationed at the Piety Stall during that time and assist with sale of items. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office.
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
Presbytery Cleaner Required
The Oblates are seeking a cleaner to work in the Presbytery, 5 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays. The position includes washing and ironing, room cleaning and general house cleaning. You will require a National Police Clearance and cleaning experience would be an advantage. If you would like more information or would like to apply, please contact the parish office.
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/.
The new St Patrick’s chamber choir are seeking talented singers to join for services, concerts and recordings. If you think you’d love to sing fantastic music with passion (or just want to improve your skills) this is the group for you. Everyone is welcome, every Monday, 6:30pm. Contact the parish office for more information.
Weekly Giving
The collections are an important part of a Parish life. Your weekly 1st collection donations support the Priests in the parish to minister to the needs of the parish community and the Fremantle boarders.
Your weekly 2nd collection donations help us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Administration Centre. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide and maintain the Parish and its community. Thank You!
Please continue to give generously via the collection plate, tap and go tablets or direct deposits into the accounts below.
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.
Coming Events
Sunday 16th February
Parish Morning Tea
Sunday 2nd March
Special Mass & Welcome Fr Andrew Chen OMI, new Australian Oblate Provincial
Wednesday 5th March
Ash Wednesday
Friday 7th March
World Day of Prayer
Stations of the Cross