Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The context for today’s Gospel continues to be mounting tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. Mark reports some of Jesus’ teaching in the Temple area in today’s reading and in the preceding verses not included in our Lectionary sequence. In the first part of today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus warn the crowds not to follow the example of the scribes in seeking honor and attention from others. It is important to recall that Mark indicates that Jesus taught these things while in the vicinity of the Temple in Jerusalem. Mark is setting the stage for Jesus’passion.
Jesus then observes how Jewish pilgrims are making their contributions to the temple treasury. The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship in the time of Jesus. It was expected that observant Jews would make pilgrimages to the Temple to offer prayer and sacrifices. Pilgrims were also expected to make a financial contribution to the temple treasury.
As we would expect to be the case, Jesus observes that those who were rich contributed large sums to the treasury. Those with less means made smaller contributions. A similar situation exists in most of our parishes as well. Jesus calls attention, however, to a poor widow who makes the smallest of contributions—two coins of little value. Jesus upholds the poor widow’s offering for his disciples’ consideration, commending her because her small offering was an act of profound generosity, giving from her livelihood rather than her surplus.
To give from our livelihood is not only an act of generosity, it is also an act of trust in God. We can only give from our need if we trust that God will provide for us. Jesus himself demonstrates the ultimate act ofgenerosity and trust in God as he gives his life for us on the cross. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Archbishop’s Lifelink Appeal
This weekend we launch the Archbishops’ LifelinkAppeal in the parish. Please pick up the Archbishop’s Lifelink letter which is available on the pews this weekend. Next weekend 16/17 November the parish will take up a special collection for Lifelink at all Masses,donation envelopes will also be available that weekend on the pews.
Catholic schools have been a part of the West Australian community for more than 150 years. Parents choose a Catholic education for their child because these schools are affordable, easy to access and provide qualityeducation in a caring and supportive environment. Regardless of which Catholic school you choose for your child you will find a welcoming community with excellent teachers and a Christ-centred and child focusedlearning environment. The schools are an important part of the life of our parish and students are support in their faith journey by the committed teachers at each school. On the weekend of 9/10 November, Mrs Sarah Potts and Mrs Celeste Cooks, from St Patrick’s Primary School will speak at the Saturday 6pm Vigil Mass and the Sunday 11am.
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 theSafeguarding 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, MazenodCollege, Mulgrave, Victoria and registration is now open!
See Noticeboard inside foyers for more information of contact Emma Rice erice@omi.com.au or 0422705230.
The parish centre will host CBC Year 12 exams, Monday to Friday from 28th October to 22ndNovember. During this time the door to the toilet area will be locked. If you require the use of the toilets,please call into the parish office during office hours.
November Mass Offering Envelopes
November is the month that we remember family and friends that have passed away by offering a Mass for their souls. November Mass Offering Envelopes are available on the pews. Please place envelopes on the collection plate with your offering or return to the parish office.
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 56%.
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
Weekend 9/10
Lifelink Appeal Launch in Parish
Parish Morning Tea
Weekend 16/17
Special Collection for Lifelink
Tuesday 19 November
Safeguarding Induction Session
Sunday 24 November
Mass of Thanksgiving and BBQ
(RSVP required by 13/11)