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Saturday 22 January 2022

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Saturday, 22nd January 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C

The gospel passage for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, is specially edited to suit the purpose of this Sunday. This Sunday is also known as: Sunday of the Word of God. The gospel begins with the prologue of the Gospel addressing Theophilus and states the purpose of his writing: “So that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received” (Lk 1:4). After that the focus of today’s gospel is moved to the public ministry of Jesus, where Jesus clearly sets the whole purpose of his public ministry and how it is going to be. He finished his proclamation saying: “This text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening” (Lk 4:21). 

The first four verses from the gospel of Luke, clearly outline “how he began his gospel account in the style of classical Greek authors of the time. His introductory sentences about Jesus followed the norms of the classical writers. This implies that he is about to write a work of literary importance and he does indeed succeed in doing so” says Fr. Kevin O’Sullivan, O.F.M.

After the prologue the evangelist makes the mention of Jesus’ birth: his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the consequences of these-the settling-up of his church. The evangelist Luke says, these things happened amongst us. Luke was a Greek and so these things had not happened for the Jews only but for the gentiles too. “His purpose is to assure his readers, schooled in the Old Testament and the Christian faith, of the truth of these words and deeds” says Rev. Pablo T. Gadenz, an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies.

We all are familiar with this saying: ‘A person without a vision perishes.’ Jesus at the start of the ministry clearly outlines his aim and vision for the future and how his mission will be. He quotes from the Prophet Isaiah who says, “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.” Inspired with this manifesto of Jesus, St. Eugene De Mazenod too framed the motto of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate: “To proclaim the Good News to the poor.”

As Jesus constantly had a special love for the poor and vulnerable of his time, we too through our own Christian vocation, look after the needs of others and build up God’s kingdom on earth. Amen.

Readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C

Click here for readings for The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

On Sunday 6th February: Monthly Parish Morning Tea

On 6th February after the 8am Mass we will have the Parish Morning Tea. This is the First Morning Tea for the year 2022. Please come along to meet friends and to make friends from our Basilica community.  

Safeguarding of our children in the Parish

The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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 23rd  January to 29th  January 2022).

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 79%.

Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office.  Thank you!

God bless.

Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest