Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Jesus’ instructions on how to be ready for the coming judgment continue in the stories and sayings found in today’s Gospel. We are not to be like the greedy rich man in last Sunday’s Gospel who planned to store his great harvest in barns rather than share it. We are, rather, to share our wealth with those in need. The antidote for the anxiety brought on by the coming judgment is to relinquish our possessions and provide for the needs of others. Our treasure will be in heaven where it will not wear out or be destroyed.
The other major way to be ready for the coming judgment is to be watchful. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about watchfulness to begin making this point. We must be like servants waiting for the master’s return from a wedding banquet, which, even now, can last for a few days in the Middle East. We must be watchful so that even if the master comes after midnight, we will be ready for him. This is what the coming of the Son of Man will be like.
Peter asks if this parable is meant for the apostles or for the large crowd that has gathered to listen to Jesus. Without answering Peter’s question, Jesus responds with another parable about servants awaiting the return of their master. It begins with a question: “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?” This parable adds to the theme of watchfulness; it explains how to wait and reminds us of the reward for the faithful follower at the heavenly banquet after the judgment. If it is addressed to the apostles, then it could also be addressed to leadership in the early Church. Either way, the parables remind us that we should be found doing our jobs when the master arrives. If we are doing our jobs, our reward will be great. But if we relax, neglect our duties, and begin to act like the greedy rich man—eating, drinking, and making merry—we will not have a place in the kingdom. Watchfulness means living in such a consistently moral and obedient way that we are always ready to give an account to God of how we have lived. (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 14th September after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Feast of the Assumption will be celebrated on Friday 15 August. This is a holy day of obligation. Please join us for midday Mass.
Confirmation Mass
On Friday 5 September the Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with 21 candidates receiving the Sacrament. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit.
SPPS Father’s Day Hot Rod Show
Please be advised that on Sunday 7 September the Primary School will have their annual Father’s Day Hot Rod Show from 8am to 3pm. Parking maybe difficult around the School and Basilica.
Oblate Retreat,Melbourne
The Oblates will be on retreat from Midday on Sunday 7 September to Evening of Friday 12 September. Fr Ughanze will be saying Masses during that time. However, there will be no Adoration Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September. Only midday Masses will be celebrated during that time. Please keep all the Oblates in your prayers during this time.
Invitation to RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Are you or anyone you know interested in exploring the Catholic Church as your church home? Have you been sitting in the pew next to your Catholic spouse for years wondering what you have to do to become Catholic? 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. RCIA Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 7 October at 6.30pm in the parish office boardroom. Please register with the parish office on 93352268 or parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
Financial assistance
Over the past few weeks, you may have heard Fr Meno Basti mention at Masses that the parish is currently seeking financial assistance to cover insurance, repair works to the Basilica and Presbytery. Many of you have asked how we can deposit the funds. Please see details below.
If you wish to assist financially, please deposit funds into the account below with the reference of either insurance, repair works church or repair works presbytery.
Account Name: Basilica Working Account
BSB: 086006
Account No: 487943085
Your assistance no matter how big or small is very much appreciated. Thank you to those who have already assisted so generously.
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.
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.
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 15 August
Feast of the Assumption
Saturday 23 August
CBC Family Mass
Friday 29 August
Pasta Night Fundraiser