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Easter Sunday – 9 April 2023

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Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

“If Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain, and your faith has been in vain” (1 Cor: 15:14).

Yes, today Christians around the world remember and celebrate with great joy the central truth of our faith: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

After the arrest and death of Jesus on the cross, the disciples felt that all their hopes were in vain and thus left with no further hope in their lives. But their lives became totally different after their encounter with Risen Christ in their lives.

Today’s gospel begins with the journey of the women to the tomb at dawn on the day after the Sabbath. They go to the tomb to honour the body of the Lord, but they find it open and empty. A mighty angel says to them: “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 28:5) and orders them to go and tell the disciples: “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee” (v. 7). The women quickly depart and on the way Jesus himself meets them and says: “Do not fear; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (v.10). “Do not be afraid”, “do not fear”: these are words that encourage us to open our hearts to receive the message.

The celebration of Easter renews our lives and brings more courage and hope in our everyday life and faith in Jesus Christ. Just imagine, when you are struggling alone in life for a very long time, and there comes a great encouragement and hope in life, how would you feel? I am sure, we would greatly appreciate those moments of grace in our lives, and we will begin to have courage and confidence in our lives.

The disciples experienced a similar experience of hopelessness after the death of their Master Jesus Christ. Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to tell the disciples about the great news that Jesus is Risen. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’ Yes, Galilee is the place where they were first called, where everything began! To return there, to return to the place where they were originally called. Jesus had walked along the shores of the lake as the fishermen were casting their nets.

He had called them, and they left everything and followed him (cf. Mt 4:18-22).

Pope Francis in his homily in 2014 said that to return to Galilee means to re-read everything on the basis of the cross and its victory, fearlessly: “do not be afraid”. To re-read everything – Jesus’ preaching, his miracles, the new community, the excitement, and the defections, even the betrayal – to re-read everything starting from the end, which is a new beginning, from this supreme act of love.”

Friends, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us with hope and ongoing support and presence of God and His Son Jesus in our lives. So, let us not fear anything, so go forward in life proclaiming the greatness of God in your lives.

I wish you all a joyous Easter Celebration with your families and friends. May your time together bring you grace of God and joy in your lives. Amen.

Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest

The Weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for Easter Sunday, Year A.

The Oblate Community and the Basilica Staff wish you all a Happy Easter!

Easter Offerings

Usually twice a year you are invited, as a community, to make a special effort to financially support the Priests of the Basilica.  As the special season of Easter is fast approaching, you are encouraged to support the Priests during this special season of Easter. The envelopes are in the pews, so kindly use them and support your priests generously.

Parish Senior’s Morning Tea

The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17 April at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.

Planned Giving

The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists 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 giving was 70%. 

Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office.  Thank you!

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.

Regarding Masks

Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.

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 please click here.

EVENTS IN THE PARISH

Sunday 9 April: Easter Sunday.

Monday 10th April: Easter Monday.

Monday 17th April: Senior’s Morning Tea.

Tuesday 25th April: Anzac Day.