Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we continue to read from the Gospel of Mark. Recall that last week we heard Jesus chastise his disciples for their argument about who among them was the greatest. Jesus taught them that the greatest among them will be those who serve the least ones. In today’s Gospel, the disciple John questions Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. Previously in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus healed a boy whom the disciples had been unable to heal. John’s question is further evidence that the disciples have not yet grasped Jesus’ words to them. They continue to compare themselves to others who seem to have greater healing powers, and they do not want to share the power of Jesus’ name with others.
Today the demon possession described in the Gospels might be seen as a form of mental illness, but the need for healing these syndromes was as real then as it is now. Exorcism was a common practice in first-century Palestine. Some people had the power to heal the symptoms of possession. One of the strategies used was to invoke the name of a person or figure who was believed to have the power to heal.
The disciples observed that the unknown exorcist invoked Jesus’ name and was successful in his healing efforts. This unknown healer recognized the power of Jesus’ name, yet he was not a follower of Jesus. In his reply to his disciples, Jesus acknowledges that deeds of faith can precede the words of faith. He also teaches that the disciples should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others.
Later in this Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to create obstacles for those who are just beginning to have faith but to encourage even the smallest signs of faith. The Greek word used here for sin also connotes “stumbling” or “causing scandal.” In vivid terms Jesus teaches his disciples the consequences to those who would put obstacles before people who are on the road to faith. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
New Australian Provincial Appointed
Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, O.M.I, Superior General of the Oblates wishes to advise the appointment of Fr Andrew Chen OMI as the new Australian Oblate Provincial. Fr Andrew will take up his position in February 2025. We wish him God’s Blessings and prayers on his new appointment.
We would also like to sincerely thank Fr Christian Fini OMI for his dedication, care and guidance of the province over the past 6 years.
Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick will be held on Tuesday 1st October during the Midday Mass.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 13th October after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Adoration in the Basilica
Adoration is held in the Basilica Monday to Saturday. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed at 11am with silent prayer until 11.20am, Rosary will then be held from 11.20am to 11.35am, following the Rosary there will be a time for silent prayer until 11.50am when Benediction will commence followed by Midday Mass. All Welcome to attend.
URGENT – Volunteer Readers Required
We are urgently seeking readers who can take up a permanent position on any of the weekday midday Masses and weekend Masses. At present we have gaps in the weekend readers roster that we need to fill. If you can assist at any of the Masses below or any weekday midday Masses, please advise the parish office on 9335 2268 (Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm). Thank You.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) Parish Program
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Are you or anyone you know interested in exploring the Catholic Church as your church home? Statistics show that most people respond to a personal invitation. So, this is that personal invitation and a challenge to all of you who might know someone who fits the categories above, invite that person to the Welcoming and Information
Evening of the RCIA Program on Tuesday 1st October, 2024 at 6.30pm in the Basilica Parish Office Boardroom.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 21st October at 10am in the parish centre. All senior’s welcome.
Graduations in October
The Basilica will host the Notre Dame Graduation on Thursday 10 October, IONA Graduation on Friday 11 October and CBC Graduation on Tuesday 15 October. We ask that you keep all the Graduates in your prayers.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet Celebrations
Blessing of the Fleet will commence with Triduum on Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October commencing at 7.30pm.
The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 27th October at 9.30am and will be led by the Bishop of Capo D’Orlando and Concelebrated by visiting Priest and the Oblates. Procession will leave the Basilica at 2pm and will be followed by Benediction. Please Note: There will be no 5pm evening Mass on Sunday 27th October due to the Annual Blessing of the Fleet.
Safeguarding Induction for all Church workers
As the Fremantle parish has a large number of church workers (volunteers and paid workers) who are due for a renewal or who have yet to do a session of the Safeguarding procedures, we have organised a Safeguarding session in the parish. Many of you would have done the first induction in 2021 which means you are now due in 2024.
Please register with the parish office for the upcoming session
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
6-7pm
Basilica of St Patrick Parish Centre
National Oblate Youth Encounter
Oblate Youth Australia are excited to announce that the National Oblate Youth Encounter is back again this January, Fri 3rd – Mon 6th January, 2025, Mazenod College, Mulgrave, Victoria and registration is now open!
See Noticeboard in side foyers for more information of contact Emma Rice erice@omi.com.au or 0422705230.
Please Note: The Sacristy is to be used by Priests, Acolytes, Altar Servers, Sacristans and Office Staff only. The toilet located inside the Sacristy is not for public use. For Safeguarding reasons please avoid entering the Sacristy.
If you wish to speak to a Priest, please ask the Sacristan or wait for the Priest before or after Masses outside of the Sacristy.
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 79%.
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.
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, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
Coming Events
Tuesday 1 October
Anointing of the Sick Mass
RCIA Welcome and Information Evening
Thursday 10 October
Notre Dame University Graduation Mass
Friday 11 October
IONA Graduation Mass
Sunday 13 October
Parish Morning Tea
Tuesday 15 October
CBC Graduation Mass
Wednesday 16 October
First Reconciliation for Primary School
Catechism Class