Dear Parishioners and Friends, Today’s reading, from the Gospel of John, is proclaimed on the second Sunday of Easter in each of the three Sunday Lectionary cycles. This should alert us to the significance of the encounters with the resurrected Jesus described in this reading. This Gospel combines two scenes: Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection and Jesus’ dialogue with Thomas, the disciple who doubted.
Part of the mystery of Jesus? Resurrection is that he appeared to his disciples not as a spirit but in bodily form. We do not know exactly what this form was like. Earlier in John?s Gospel, when Mary of Magdala first encountered the risen Jesus, she did not recognize the figure standing before her until Jesus spoke her. In Luke?s Gospel, the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know from readings such as today’s that in his resurrected body, Jesus was no longer bound by space; he appeared to the disciples in spite of the locked door. And yet, on this resurrected body, the disciples could still observe the marks of his Crucifixion.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun. As Jesus was sent by God, so too does Jesus send his disciples. This continuity with Jesus’ own mission is an essential element of the Church. Jesus grants the means to accomplish this mission when he gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit binds us together as a community of faith and strengthens us to bear witness to Jesus’ Resurrection.
Jesus’ words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness and reconciliation are gifts to us from Jesus. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share these with others. This is another essential aspect of what it means to be Christ’s Church. The Church continues Jesus? ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Thomas, the disciple who doubts, represents the reality of the Church that comes after this first community of disciples. All but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without seeing. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that Jesus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to his disciples. It is part of our human nature to seek hard evidence that the Jesus who appeared to the disciples after his death is, indeed, the same Jesus who was crucified. Thomas is given the opportunity to be our representative who obtains this evidence. He gives witness to us that the Jesus who was raised is the same Jesus who had died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are among those who are blessed for we have not seen and yet have believed. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for 2nd Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday, Year C.
Easter Parish Office Opening Hours
The parish office will be closed Thursday 17th April until Monday 28th April. The office will reopen Tuesday 29th April at 9am.
The Oblate community would like to sincerely thank parishioners and friends who supported the community during Holy Week and Easter. For your prayers, gifts and Easter wishes. Thank You and God Bless.
Cook Required
The Presbytery is seeking a weekday cook to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays to prepare a midday meal. You may be required to work on a Sunday but only as a backup. Duties Include: Preparing two healthy midday meals on each day, setting up and cleaning of dining and kitchen areas, ensuring food in fridge and pantry is checked regularly. Must also be able to cook a variety of dishes and prepare a monthly meal plan and be able to cook for larger numbers when required. If you would like further information, please contact the office via email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
Our Lady of Fatima
Nine-day Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Sunday 4 May with Rosary at 4.30pm followed by Mass at 5pm.
The Novena will then continue as follows: –
Monday 5 May to Saturday 10 May: Rosary at 11.30am, Angelus and Mass
Sunday 11 May: Rosary a t4.30pm followed by Mass at 5pm
Monday 12 May: Rosary at 11.30am, Angelus and Mass
The Feast Day Mass will be held on Tuesday 13 May at 7pm followed by night procession through the Basilica and School Grounds. This years Concelebrated Mass will be led by Fr Andrew Chen OMI, Australian Oblate Provincial. All welcome to come and honour Our Lady of Fatima.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 18 May after the 8amMass in the Presbytery carport. All welcome.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sunday 4 May to Monday 12th May
Our Lady of Fatima Novena
Tuesday 13 May
Feast Day Mass for Our Lady of Fatima
Sunday 18 May
Parish Morning Tea