Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Lent continues to offer lessons about God’s mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. Today we hear not a parable, but the report from John’s Gospel of an encounter among Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees, and a woman caught in adultery. They put to Jesus the question of what ought to be done in this case.
The Pharisees state clearly that according to the Law of Moses, those caught in the act of adultery were to be stoned to death. Under Roman occupation, however, the Jewish people did not have the authority to execute people; this is cited in John’s passion narrative. To answer the Pharisees’ question, Jesus must propose an action that will be either contrary to the Law of Moses or contrary to Roman law. The purpose of the question appears to be similar to the question about paying taxes found in Mark 12:13-17. Either answer, yes or no, will support the Pharisees’ case against Jesus.
Jesus avoids the trap, however, by offering an answer that was not anticipated by those who posed the question. Jesus, after writing on the ground with his finger, addresses those who stand before him and suggests that the one without sin cast the first stone. Jesus then returns to his writing. This Scripture reading, by the way, is the only evidence we have of Jesus writing. Yet there are no specific details about what he wrote.
We can easily imagine the scene as the Pharisees and the elders disperse, one by one. Jesus has eluded the trap they had prepared. We might also give credit to the elders and the Pharisees who do not, in the end, claim to be sinless and worthy of passing judgment. These Pharisees are not as self-righteous as the portrait found in the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector (See Luke 18:9-14).
Left alone with the woman, Jesus asks where the accusers have gone. With no one remaining to condemn the woman, Jesus (the one who truly is without sin) sends the woman on her way, refusing to pass judgment on her and exhorting her to avoid future sin.
Jesus’ response to those who accuse the woman is more than a caution to us about making judgment of others. It is a profound lesson in divine mercy and forgiveness. As sinners, we are all unworthy to judge the sins of others and we would stand convicted by God for our transgressions. Yet Jesus, the one without sin and thus our judge, offers us who are sinners his mercy and forgiveness. Redeemed by Jesus’ compassion, we are sent to sin no more and to live in God’s love and peace. (Source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C.
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The indulgence, a priceless gift of divine mercy, is one of the special signs of the Jubilee Year. The conditions for obtaining a Jubilee Indulgence are:
- Pilgrimage to any of the designated Churches and Shrines
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
- The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
- St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove
- Schoenstatt Shrine, Mount Richon
- Carmelite Monastery, Dalkeith
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Profession of Faith
- Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father
Those unable to make a pilgrimage due to age, health, caregiving you can obtain an indulgence, under the usual conditions by reciting the Our father, making a profession of faith and offering prayers from their homes, hospitals and nursing homes while offering up their own suffering.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Commencing Friday 7th March and then continuing every Friday until Good Friday, Stations of the Cross in both English and Italian at 6.30pm. All Welcome.
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
Holy Week and Easter Mass Times
Timetables for Holy Week and Easter available in the side foyers of the Church this weekend. Please pick up and copy and share it with your family and friends.
Holy Week Readers Required
URGETNLY seeking readers for the following Masses and Stations during Holy Week:
- Holy Thursday Mass 17th April at 7pm – 1 reader required
- Good Friday Stations 18th April at 11am – 3 readers required
- Holy Saturday Vigil Mass 19th April at 7pm – 2 readers required
If you can assist please contact the parish office asap. Roster available on the noticeboards in the foyer. Thank You.
URGENT – Presbytery Cleaner Required
The Oblates are seeking a cleaner to work in the Presbytery, 5 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays. The position includes washing and ironing, room cleaning and general house cleaning. You will require a National Police Clearance and cleaning experience would be an advantage. If you would like more information or would like to apply, please contact the parish office.
Parish Morning Tea
Please note that there will be no parish morning tea in April. The next morning tea will be in May, date to be advised.
Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick Mass will be held on Tuesday 8th April during the Midday Mass. All Welcome.
Safeguarding Requirements in the Parish
The Church Sacristy: Reminder that the Church Sacristy is only to be used by the Priests, Acolytes and Church Staff. Parishioners are not to enter the Sacristy. The toilet located in the Sacristy is for the use of the Priests only it is not a public toilet.
Palm Sunday – 13th April
Unfortunately, due to the lack of palms that the parish can access, the parish will be unable to supply palms for parishioners at Palm Sunday Masses. Please source your own palm for the weekend 12th/13th April and bring them along for the blessing at the Masses. Thank You.
St Patrick’s Community Support Centre
Are desperately needing help in the kitchen, the Community Store and Op Shop. See noticeboard in the side foyers of the Church for more information.
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/.
Weekly Giving
The collections are an important part of a Parish life. Your weekly 1st collection donations support the Priests in the parish to minister to the needs of the parish community and the Fremantle boarders.
Your weekly 2nd collection donations help us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Administration Centre. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide and maintain the Parish and its community. Thank You!
Please continue to give generously via the collection plate, tap and go tablets or direct deposits into the accounts below.
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.
Coming Events
Friday 11th March
Stations of the Cross in English and Italian
Tuesday 8th April
Anointing of the Sick Mass
Sunday 13th April
Palm Sunday