Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The third and final section of Luke’s Sermon on the Plain begins: And he told them a parable. There are actually four parables, three of which we read today. They are all about how to be a good disciple.
The blind cannot lead the blind. And a disciple cannot be a good disciple unless he or she has learned from the teacher. Everyone who is fully trained is like the teacher who knows how to cure the blind. Before you can be a good disciple and teach others you must take care of yourself. Do not try to take a speck out of your brother’s eye until you have taken the board out of your own. Finally, only when you have purified yourself can you produce the good works that the teacher requires. Discipleship asks us to produce good deeds. But to produce them requires the integrity and purity of heart found in the teacher. When people see your good deeds, they will know that this is because you have a good heart.
The final parable, which we do not read today, is about building on the solid foundation of rock and not on sand. This is the only way to face the difficulties a disciple will encounter and survive. (Source: Loyola Press)
We warmly welcome Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Australian Oblate Provincial. We pray that God will Bless him in his works and guide him as he leads the Oblates throughout Australia.
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
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.
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
ALPHA in the Parish
Fr Basti last Wednesday launched the pilot ALPHA with a limited number of participants who will be trained and will form the ALPHA Team. The team will then launch ALPHA into the parish community for all those interested, hopefully in the month of June.
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 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