Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s gospel reading is a continuation of the teaching that began in last Sunday’s gospel. We continue to hear Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Recall that in Luke’s Gospel, this teaching is addressed to Jesus’ disciples. This is in contrast to the parallel found in Matthew’s Gospel, the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus’ words are addressed to both the disciples and to the crowds.
These words from Jesus’ teaching are familiar to us. They constitute the crux and the challenge of what it means to be a disciple: Love your enemies, turn the other cheek, give to those who ask, do unto others, lend without expecting repayment, judge not lest you be judged.
There are several similarities between Luke’s and Matthew’s report of Jesus’ great teaching. Both begin with the Beatitudes. Matthew includes nearly all the content that Luke does; the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel is longer than Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. There are, however, differences in language and nuance. For example, Matthew presents this portion of the teaching as a contrast between Jesus’ teaching and the teachings of the law and the prophets. This is in keeping with Matthew’s concern to address his predominantly Jewish audience. It is likely that Luke omits this contrast because it was unnecessary for the Gentile believers for whom Luke is writing.
Another point of contrast between Matthew and Luke’s presentation is the terminology. In Luke, Jesus contrasts the behavior of his followers with the behavior of “sinners.” In Matthew, Jesus contrasts the behavior desired with the behavior of tax collectors and Gentiles. Matthew concludes the teaching about love of enemies with the admonition to be perfect as God is perfect; Luke concludes by emphasizing God’s mercy.
In both Gospels, Jesus’ words challenge those who would follow him to be more like God. God loves us beyond our expectations, beyond anything we can possibly imagine. In response to God’s love, we are to love as God loves, beyond expectations and with a depth beyond imagining. (Source: Loyola Press).
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Tuesday 25th February
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Seventh 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.
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
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