Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel reading is the third of three parables in chapter 13 that deal with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. The other two parables are about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree and the small amount of yeast that makes a large batch of dough rise. All three are about the few and the many and the Kingdom of God.
As this parable opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. This journey, this exodus as Luke refers to it, makes up the entire middle of the Gospel. He is teaching as he goes. A question from the crowd gives Jesus the chance to make a prophetic statement. Luke uses this question device a number of times in his Gospel. A few weeks ago, the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” led to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The question about will only a few be saved uses typical Christian language about salvation but also expresses the Jewish concern about whether everyone who calls himself a Jew is actually faithful to the covenant. This was a concern of the Pharisees.
Jesus answers that they must strive in the time remaining to enter through the narrow door because many will be trying to get in but won’t be strong enough. He then moves to a parable about another door. (The translation says “gate” then “door,” but the same Greek word is used.) Once all those entering the master’s house are in and he locks the door, there will be no way for others to get in. Those left outside may knock, but the master will say he doesn’t know them. Unlike the Gospel reading from a few weeks ago where Jesus was teaching about prayer, and we were told to knock and the door would be opened, in this parable, the master will not open and say he does not know us. People from the north, south, east, and west will take our place inside. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets will take our place in the Kingdom of God. Those who do not make it through the narrow door will be cast out to where there is wailing and grinding of teeth.
The image of the door is replaced in the final verses of the parable with the image of the heavenly banquet. Two passages from the Book of Isaiah influence the conclusion. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God bringing Israel’s descendants back from the east and from the west, the north and the south. And Isaiah 25:6 speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines for all peoples on his holy mountain. The answer to the question if only a few will be saved is no. In the end, many will be saved, but many who thought they would be saved will not be saved. The parable is a prophetic warning to repentance in order to enter the kingdom. (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the twenty first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 14th September after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Confirmation Mass
On Friday 5 September the Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with 21 candidates receiving the Sacrament. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit.
SPPS Father’s Day Hot Rod Show
Please be advised that on Sunday 7 September the Primary School will have their annual Father’s Day Hot Rod Show from 8am to 3pm. Parking maybe difficult around the School and Basilica.
Oblate Retreat, Melbourne
The Oblates will be on retreat from Midday on Sunday 7 September to Evening of Friday 12 September. Fr Ughanze will be saying Masses during that time. However, there will be no Adoration Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September only midday Masses will be celebrated during that time. Please keep all the Oblates in your prayers during this time.
Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna) Feast
Please join the Italian Community in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Tindari with Triduum on Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th September. The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 14th September at 9.30am.
Invitation to RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you or anyone you know interested in exploring the Catholic Church as your church home? Have you been sitting in the pew next to your Catholic spouse for years wondering what you have to do to become Catholic? Statistics show that most people respond to a personal invitation. So, this is that personal invitation and a challenge to all of you who might know someone who fits the categories above invite that person. RCIA Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 7 October at 6.30pm in the parish office boardroom. Please register with the parish office on 93352268 or parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
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.
Financial Assistance
Over the past few weeks, you may have heard Fr Meno Basti mention at Masses that the parish is currently seeking financial assistance to cover insurance, repair works to the Basilica and Presbytery. Many of you have asked how we can deposit the funds. Please see details below.
If you wish to assist financially, please deposit funds into the account below with the reference of either insurance, repair works church or repair works presbytery.
Account Name: Basilica Working Account
BSB: 086006
Account No: 487943085
Your assistance no matter how big or small is very much appreciated. Thank you to those who have already assisted so generously.
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.
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
Friday 29 August
Pasta Night Fundraiser
Friday 5th September
Confirmation Mass
Sunday 7th September
Father’s Day
Sunday 7th to Friday 12th September
Oblate Retreat in Melbourne
Sunday 14th September
Our Lady of Tindari Feast Mass