Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In Lectionary Cycle C, our Sunday Gospels are usually taken from the Gospel of Luke. The Gospels for the Easter Season, however, are taken from the Gospel of John. Today’s Gospel is one of the post-Resurrection appearances reported by John. Recall that in John’s Gospel, Jesus appears first to Mary of Magdala, second to all of the disciples except Thomas, and finally to Thomas and the disciples (which we heard last Sunday). After those appearances, John’s Gospel seems to conclude with a reference to other signs that Jesus gave after his Resurrection, which have not been recorded.
Because it follows this apparent conclusion, most scholars believe today’s Gospel passage (and all of John 21) to have been an addition to John’s original text. Because there are significant differences between this report and the other appearances described in John’s Gospel, it is quite likely that this story is from a different source. There are details in the story that recall Jesus’ call to Simon Peter and the other fishermen as well as the miraculous catch of fish (found in the Gospel of Luke, with parallels in the other Synoptic Gospels). The end of the chapter, where Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him, most likely is meant to represent the reconciliation that occurred between the community represented by John’s Gospel with the larger Christian community represented by Peter. This Gospel reading is a rich and textured story that speaks of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist and our commission to serve others as Jesus did.
Last week we heard that Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples in a locked room, probably in Jerusalem. In today’s Gospel, the disciples are no longer in Jerusalem; they are in Galilee, returning to their work of fishing. Simon Peter is still presented in the role of leader: when he announces that he is going fishing, the other disciples follow. They spend the night fishing but are unsuccessful.
Jesus calls to them from the shore, but just as when Jesus first appeared to Mary of Magdala, the disciples do not recognize him immediately. Still, they follow the stranger’s instructions and bring in a large haul of fish. It is at this point that one of the disciples (the “disciple whom Jesus loved”) realizes that Jesus is appearing to them. Upon hearing this news, Simon Peter leads the way again, jumping from the boat and swimming to shore. The other disciples follow in the boat, dragging the fish.
The disciples have brought to shore a tremendous catch of fish that Jesus has directed them to find. But once on the shore, they see that Jesus has already prepared fish and bread on a charcoal fire. Jesus directs the disciples to bring their catch of fish as well. Jesus is host at the meal that follows, feeding the disciples the bread and fish. In this detail we see allusions to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes told in John 6.
There are also allusions in the Gospel to our gathering for the celebration of the Mass. In the Eucharist, we too are fed by Jesus in the bread and wine that have become his very Body and Blood. We also find in this story insight about the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass. The gifts we bring to the altar, bread and wine, are made from gifts that God gave first to us: grain and grapes, the fruit of the earth. God has no need of anything further. Yet God accepts the offering we bring—bread and wine, “the work of human hands”—and transforms our offering into the gift of his very presence.
After the meal, Jesus directs himself to Simon Peter. The community of John’s Gospel probably looked down on Peter because of his denial of Jesus. This dialogue with Simon Peter is a reversal of Peter’s three denials. Peter is forgiven. Having been restored to friendship with Jesus, Simon Peter is sent on a mission. “Feed my lambs . . . Tend my sheep . . . Feed my sheep.” These commands indicate that Peter is to be as Jesus, even unto sacrificing for the flock. As Jesus has fed Peter in this meal and as Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist, so he also sends us to follow him, asking that we offer our lives in service and sacrifice. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for 3rd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday, Year C.
Cook Required
The Presbytery is seeking a weekday cook to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays to prepare a midday meal. You may be required to work on a Sunday but only as a backup. Duties Include: Preparing two healthy midday meals on each day, setting up and cleaning of dining and kitchen areas, ensuring food in fridge and pantry is checked regularly. Must also be able to cook a variety of dishes and prepare a monthly meal plan and be able to cook for larger numbers when required. If you would like further information, please contact the office via email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
Our Lady of Fatima
Nine-day Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Sunday 4 May with Rosary at 4.30pm followed by Mass at 5pm.
The Novena will then continue as follows: –
Monday 5 May to Saturday 10 May: Rosary at 11.30am, Angelus and Mass.
Sunday 11 May: Rosary a t4.30pm followed by Mass at 5pm.
Monday 12 May: Rosary at 11.30am, Angelus and Mass.
The Feast Day Mass will be held on Tuesday 13 May at 6pm followed by night procession through the Basilica and School Grounds. This years Concelebrated Mass will be led by Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Australian Oblate Provincial. All welcome to come and honour Our Lady of Fatima.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 18 May after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
The Parish Alpha Program
Will be launched in the parish on Wednesday 18 June at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre and continue for10 weeks. More information on the noticeboards.
Over the next few weekends, a member from the Alpha Team will speak at Masses. The Alpha Team consists of Shereen Banner, Terence Pestana, Maria Gorman, Sonia La Macchia, Maria Mattarocchia, Marietta Damos, Trevanna Cooper and Yulia Burns. Please register your interest with either one of the team members or the parishoffice.
Parish MAMI Appeal
Fr Eric Alleaume OMI, MAMI Coordinator will speak at the following Masses 6pm Vigil, 8am, 11am and 5pm on the weekend of 17/18 May 2025. Please support the Oblates in their missionary work.
Project Compassion Donations
Please return your Project Compassion Donations asap via the collection plate at Masses or the Parish Office. Thank You.
We would like to sincerely thank Daniel Masmanian and the members of the Basilica Chorale who have provided us with beautiful music and singing during the weekend Masses and especially during Christmas and Easter. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. Thank You and God Bless.
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
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
- The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
- St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove
- Schoenstatt Shrine, Mount Richon
- Carmelite Monastery, Dalkeith
- 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.
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.
Safeguarding Requirements in the Parish
The Church Sacristy: Reminder that the Church Sacristy is only to be used by the Priests, Acolytes and Church Staff. Parishioners are not to enter the Sacristy. The toilet located in the Sacristy is for the use of the Priests only it is not a public toilet.
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/.
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 4 May to Monday 12th May
Our Lady of Fatima Novena
Sunday 11 May
Mother’s Day
Tuesday 13 May
Feast Day Mass for Our Lady of Fatima
Sunday 18 May
Parish Morning Tea
MAMI Appeal