Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year B
A good intention alone is not sufficient, but it must be carried out in action too. One day a young man came to Jesus with a question: ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ This request shows his zeal and his ultimate desire of life. He makes this request out of his free will. So, it is neither forced on him nor is he trying to test Jesus, rather it was a genuine request of the young man. When Jesus guided him through the commandments of the Lord, the young man said that he has kept everything right from his childhood.
Now Jesus is taking him to the next level of learning/discipleship: “Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words, and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.” Yes, Jesus invited him to go to the next level of learning and attain his desired goal (the eternal life), but the young person was not ready to let go of his wealth.
This is a story of a bird that took shelter in the withered branches of a tree that stood in the middle of a vast deserted plain. One day a whirlwind uprooted the tree forcing the poor bird to fly a hundred miles in search of shelter, till it finally came to a forest of fruit-laden trees. If the withered tree had survived, nothing would have induced the bird to give up its security and fly. And if it had not sacrificed its security, it would not have gone to a forest of fruity-laden trees.
So, when Jesus asked the rich man to go and sell everything he had and follow him, he was not condemning riches but was advising him to use his riches not just for his own pleasures, but to give a decent life to the poor and thus make himself happier and this world a better place for all to live in.
Let us always remember that whenever Jesus challenges us to move forward; he has found something that we are capable of doing more which will benefit not only us but the entire world. Jesus does not condemn rich people; but only those who are not willing to share and sacrifice for the sake of others. Let us always learn to share and be happy in our lives. Amen
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the 28th 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 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Fr. John Archbold’s Birthday and Parish Morning Tea
On 10th October after the 8am Mass, we will have our Parish Morning Tea, where we will also celebrate Fr. John Archbold’s 88th birthday. Please join us in this celebration and meet and make friends from the Basilica Community.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to embrace the faith of the Catholic Church and also a great avenue for those who wish to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
If you know anyone willing to take up this journey, please encourage them to come for the information evening on 20th October at 7pm, in the Parish centre.
For further information please contact the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm on 9335 2268.
Triduum for the Blessing of the Fleet
On Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st October Fr. Marcello will lead the Triduum Mass in Italian at 7.30pm, to pray and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday 24th October. Please join us and pray for everyone who works at sea.
Blessing of the Fleet: Mass and Procession
On Sunday 24th October at 9.30am, Bishop Emeritus Justin Bianchini, will lead the Italian Mass, for the Blessing of the Fleet.
The procession will start at 2pm, from the Basilica of St. Patrick and go to the fishing harbour through the streets of Fremantle, to bless the boats and pray for the safety of the fishermen and for a good harvest from the sea. It will be followed by benediction at the Basilica.
Please come along to celebrate this long-standing tradition of our Fremantle community. Please note that evening Mass for this Sunday will be held at 6pm. Thanks
CBC Fremantle Graduation Mass
On Friday 22nd October, 104 gentlemen from CBC Fremantle will graduate during a special Mass celebrated at the Basilica of St. Patrick. Please keep the graduating class of 2021 in your prayers that they may continue to choose the correct path in the next stage of their lives.
Iona Graduation Mass
On Monday 25th October, 123 ladies from Iona Presentation College will celebrate their graduation Mass at the Basilica of St. Patrick. Please keep the graduating class of 2021 in your prayers that they may continue to choose the correct path in the next stage of their lives.
Safeguarding Training for Church Workers
The Parish of St Patrick’s makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people. We are ensuring that everyone who works for the church (paid or unpaid) understands and recognises how the National Safeguarding Standards work in keeping children, young people, and adults at risk safe. A face-to-face Training Session will be available for All Church Workers to attend. Everyone who performs a role with the church in a paid or voluntary capacity must attend a 2-hour Church Workers Training session.
St Patrick’s Basilica Parish will host a training session for all the Church Workers on Saturday 30th October at 10am in our Parish centre. Please click here to register http://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/training-calendar-church-workers/
Thank You From Catholic Mission
We sincerely thank you for your generous donation for the Catholic Mission. The total amount donated by the Basilica of St. Patrick for the 2021 Catholic Mission Appeal was $3,355.00. Thank you!
Columban Calendars for 2022
Columban Calendar’s for 2022 are available in the piety stall of the Basilica of St. Patrick. Each calendar costs $10. Please make your purchase and support the mission.
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.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 10th October to 16th October 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 45%.
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 of St. Patrick’s Parish in November 2021
- Saturday 9th October – Fr. John Archbold’s birthday.
- Sunday 10th October – Parish Morning Tea.
- Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st October – Triduum Blessing of the Fleet.
- Sunday 24th October – Blessing of the Fleet Mass and Procession
- Wednesday 20th October – RCIA information evening.
- Friday 22nd October – CBC Graduation Mass.
- Sunday 24th October – SPPS Family Mass.
- Monday 25th October – Iona Graduation Mass.
- Saturday 30th October – Safeguarding Training for Church Workers in the Parish Centre.
Have a wonderful weekend.
God bless!
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest