Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year B
When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” [Mt. 11:2-3] “Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed…'” [Mt. 11:4-5] Notice the first thing that Jesus made reference to; it was that the blind receive their sight! This was the expected sign of the arrival of the Messiah. And the people were amazed and said, “He has done all things well.”
In the first reading the Prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s eyes are constantly focussed on the helpless. God especially cares for “the frightened, the blind, the deaf, the lame, the mute,” and He encourages the powerless to “be strong and fearless.”
In the second reading the Apostle James gives us some basic and challenging principles of social justice. He exhorts Christians to show no partiality based on external appearance and to practise God’s “preferential option” for the poor.
Today’s Gospel describes how Jesus, by healing a deaf and mute man, fulfilled Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy, “The eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.”
Yes, the prophecy of Isiah comes true in the person of Jesus Christ. He has come to give us life and life in abundance (Jn 10;10). Strengthened by this assurance from Jesus let us continue to worship and honour our God through our lives. Amen.
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Children’s Mass
The Children’s Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Fathers’ Day and Parish Morning Tea
On Sunday 5th September, we honour, thank, and celebrate all our fathers who have given us life and their best for our lives. They play an important role in caring for us and working hard so that we have everything needed in our lives. It is a great day of thanksgiving for their sacrifices in our lives. On this day we also pray for those fathers who have gone to enjoy their eternal lives in heaven.
The September Parish Morning Tea will be dedicated to honour all the fathers; so kindly come along and celebrate the life they have given to us and the constant sacrifices they make for our sake.
Safeguarding Sunday: Sunday 12th September
The Parish of St. Patrick’s Basilica and the Archdiocese of Perth are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people, and people at risk in our community. May our message be that child protection and the dignity of every person is the responsibility of every adult. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area here.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello 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 please click here.
Feast of Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)
On Sunday 12th September 2021 the Italian Community will come together to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna). This year Bishop Emeritus Justin Bianchini will lead the Italian Mass at 9.30am. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions there will be no Procession or Benediction.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: A healing retreat for women and men experiencing complex grief after an abortion experience. September 24th-26th held in the Perth area. Safe, confidential, and non-judgmental. For more information, please contact 0490956745, email Rachelsvinyardperthwa@gmail.com or click here.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 5th September to 11th September 2021).
To book your Mass Intentions please contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm).
The Planned Giving Programme
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week’s giving was 61%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
Important dates for the Basilica Parish in September 2021
- Sunday 5th September – Fathers’ Day and Parish Morning Tea.
- Sunday 12th September – Our Lady of Tindari Mass. The principal celebrant will be Emeritus Bishop Bianchini.
- Sunday 12th September – Safeguarding Sunday.
- Sunday 18th September – Sacrament of Holy Communion Mass for the St. Patrick’s Primary School and the Parish Catechism Class candidates.
- Tuesday 21st September – Fr John Archbold’s 63rd Ordination Anniversary.
Have a wonderful weekend! God bless!
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest