Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last Sunday our Gospel told how Jesus was tested by the Pharisees about the requirements for divorce.
In today’s Gospel, an unnamed man approaches Jesus and inquiries about what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus replies that one must follow the commandments of the Law of Moses. The man acknowledges that he has observed all of these since his childhood. Jesus then says that only one thing is lacking: he must give his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. The man leaves in sadness, and Mark tells us that this is because he had many possessions.
Jesus makes two requirements of the wealthy man who approaches him. First, he must give up his possessions. Throughout history, some Christians have taken this literally.
Their example witnesses to us a radical commitment to the Gospel of Jesus. Some have read this as a particular requirement directed to this specific individual. Still others have sought to explain the meaning intended by the word possessions as those things that prevent one from following Jesus. Christians have generally understood that at the least, following Jesus requires that believers hold material possessions loosely and remain vigilant against seeking security in accumulating possessions.
The second requirement Jesus makes of this man is the invitation that Jesus extends to all would-be disciples: “follow me.” Jesus very much wants this man to be his disciple. We believe that the Christian faith is one in which each believer is in a personal relationship with Jesus. Just as this Gospel tells us that Jesus loves the man and is sad when he departs, so too, Jesus loves us and is saddened when we are unable to follow him.
We see in this Gospel reading another example of Mark’s pattern, which shows Jesus offering further elaboration about his message and meaning to his disciples. To his disciples, Jesus laments the challenges faced by those who are rich in following him and entering the Kingdom of God. In reply to the disciples’ astonishment at the strictness of the standard that Jesus speaks about today, Jesus reminds his disciples that nothing is impossible with God. Salvation is determined by our ability to rely completely upon God.
Peter replies to Jesus by boasting that the disciples have already given up everything. Jesus acknowledges that those who have given up everything for the sake of the Gospel will be rewarded. This reward begins now, in the new community that one will gain in this life and will continue in the eternal age to come. Our personal relationship with Jesus is also an invitation to the community of faith, the Church. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Please Note: No entry or exit via front doors on Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th October as the doors will be painted. Thankyou.
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.
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.
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
Mass of Thanksgiving for all Volunteers and Parishioners
On Sunday 24th November at 10am a Mass of Thanksgiving will be held for all those Parish Volunteers who give their time and talents in any way possible to the Parish. This Mass will be a combination of Italian and English with both the Italian and English Choirs (please note that for this Sunday there will be no 9.30am Italian, 11am & 5pm English Masses). Following the Mass a BBQ lunch will be provided. Please RSVP the parish office for catering purposes before the Wednesday 13th November.
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 inside 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 %.
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
Sunday 13 October
Parish Morning Tea
Tuesday 15 October
CBC Graduation Mass
Wednesday 16 October
Frist Reconciliation for Primary School & Catechism Class