Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from a chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, which is sometimes called the “discourse on the Church” or the “church order” discourse. In this part of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks more directly about matters of Church discipline and order. In today’s reading we find one of only three instances in which Jesus uses the word church in Matthew’s Gospel. In Matthew’s record of Jesus’ teaching, we can hear echoes of the kinds of issues faced by the early Christian community.
In the first part of the “discourse on the Church” (Matthew 18:1-14), Matthew addresses the Christian community’s concerns about rank. Jesus responds to the disciples’ question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus indicates that those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven must be like children, and he cautions those leaders who might lead these “little ones” astray. He also responds with the parable of the lost sheep, indicating how God will seek out and bring back those “little ones” who have strayed.
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus addresses a common occurrence in the Christian community: a dispute between two members of the Church. Jesus outlines a procedure for settling such matters fairly. The victim should privately address the offender and attempt to resolve the dispute without outside involvement. If that fails, then the victim should bring two or three witnesses and confront the offender again. If the dispute is still unresolved, the matter should be brought to the attention of the entire community. If the offender refuses to adhere to the reparations prescribed by the community, then Jesus suggests that the offender may be expelled from the Church.
Jesus does not discourage disagreement within the community of the Church; he acknowledges the reality of conflict and error and offers his disciples a means for addressing such matters. It is in the conclusion to this teaching that the message of hope is found: Jesus is present with the community and will guide the community in its relations. If decisions are taken in prayer, then the community can be assured of God’s assistance. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the ebulletin for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
SCAM ALERT
One of our parishioners has alerted us to this scam. If you receive a message on your phone advising that Fr Slawek Plonka is in a meeting but needs your assistance as soon as possible, PLEASE DO NOT MESSAGE OR CALL back the number that appears it is a SCAM!
Safeguarding Sunday – 10th September 2023
Safeguarding Sunday provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a church of trust, safety, inclusion, and respect for all, especially our children and adults at risk.
It is a time in which we pray for those who have been harmed by abuse directly and indirectly. We acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children and adults at risk, including by priests, religious and lay people within the Catholic context.
Should you or someone you know be seeking support, there is referral pathways leaflet available at the back of the church.
Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)
The celebrations for Our Lady of Tindari will commence with a Triduum on Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th and Friday 8th September with Rosary at 7pm followed Mass. The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 10th September with 9.30am Italian Mass followed by morning tea in the Parish Centre. Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI will lead the Triduum and Mass. All Welcome.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 18th September at 10am in the Parish Centre. All senior’s welcome.
Piano Concert – Friday 27th October 2023
Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, of New Norcia Monastery, will present a solo piano recital in Fremantle’s historic St. Patrick’s Basilica, on Friday 27th October 2023 at 7.30pm. The programme will include Fr. Robert’s original compositions from his new album Celestial Void, as well as beloved works of Chopin and Liszt. Also featured will be compositions from the founder of New Norcia, Dom Rosendo Salvado, including works which he played at his legendary recital in Perth in 1846. Entry fee is donation at the door. See noticeboard for more info.
Relics of St John Bosco
The relic statue of St John Bosco, better known as Don Bosco, will be touring Australia as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the arrival of the Salesians on Australian soil. The Salesians came to the shore of Australia on 30th March 1923 in Fremantle, Western Australia.
The Basilica will host the relics of St John Bosco on Monday 18th September 2023. The relics will arrive in the Basilica just before the Midday Mass and will remain in the Basilica until 3pm. We invite all parishioners and friends to come and visit the relics while they are in the Basilica. Come and share in this wonderful experience.
I require two strong men to assist with the moving of the relics on the day, if you can assist at 11.45am to place the relics in the Church and then at 3pm to remove the relics, please contact Angie in the parish office asap.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Talks
On the weekend of 23rd/24th September we will welcome speakers from Worldwide Marriage Encounter who will talk during the homily on Saturday 6pm Vigil, Sunday 8am, 11am & 5pm Masses.
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 54%.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Sunday 10th September
Our Lady of Tindari Feast Day
Safeguarding Sunday
Monday 18th September
Seniors Morning Tea
Relics of St John Bosco
Weekend 23rd/24th September
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Talks