Dear Parishioners and Friends,
It is important to read today’s Gospel and next week’s Gospel as two parts of a single story. These readings are a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. This week we hear Jesus’ name Simon Peter as the rock upon which he will build his Church. Next week we will hear Jesus call this same Simon Peter “Satan” when he reacts negatively to Jesus’ prediction about his passion and death.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples what people are saying about his identity. The disciples indicate that most people believe that Jesus is a prophet of Israel. Then Jesus asks his disciples who they believe that he is. Simon Peter answers, identifying Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.
Jesus commends Simon Peter for this profession of faith, indicating that this insight has come from God. Because of Simon Peter’s response, Jesus calls him the “rock” upon which Jesus will build the Church. This is a word play on the name Peter, which is the Greek word for “rock.” Peter is then given special authority by Jesus, a symbolic key to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter will play an important role in the early Christian community as a spokesperson and a leader.
In today’s Gospel, Peter’s recognition of Jesus’ identity is credited to a revelation by God. This will contrast sharply with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in next week’s Gospel. When Peter rejects Jesus’ prediction of his passion and death, Peter is said to no longer be thinking as God does but as humans do.
The use of the term church in today’s Gospel is one of only three such occurrences in Matthew’s Gospel. Peter in this Gospel is being credited as the foundation for the Church, a privilege granted to him because of his recognition of Jesus’ identity. The Church continues to be grounded in the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
On Monday 31st August there will be NO ADORATION only Mass at Midday due to a Funeral. All going well the funeral should be finished by 11.30am. Please note that the carpark may also be full due to the funeral. Thank You.
Please take note that there will be no Adoration on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September. There will be Mass only on those two days. All other days remain the same.
Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)
Let us join the Italian Community in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Tindari. Commencing with Triduum on Wednesday 9th September, and continuing on Thursday 10th September and Friday 11th September. Rosary at 5pm followed by Mass. The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 13th September at 9.30am and morning tea will follow after the Mass in the parish centre. All Welcome.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Saturday 12th September during the 6pm Mass. Let us join these candidates and their families in witnessing this joyous occasion. Please keep these candidates in your prayers during this time.
Basilica and Presbytery Gutter Works
There have been some delays with the works. At this stage we are still awaiting on start date from the Roofing Contractor. We will keep you informed when we have more details.
If you would like to assist with the works financially and claim tax deductibility for your donation please contact the Parish Office and we can give you the details.
Basilica Guardian Volunteers
Basilica Guardians are volunteers who assist us with keeping the Church open on certain days every week from 1pm to 3pm. This allows visitors and others a chance to come and sit quietly or tour our beautiful Church. Unfortunately, without these volunteers we are unable to keep the Church open. We are currently seeking the following:
- Two volunteers on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
St Patrick’s Basilica Choir Expressions of Interest
We are looking for singers to help rebuild the St Patrick’s Basilica Choir. Learn Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony, develop your vocal technique and deepen your faith with like-minded Catholics. Previous choral or music experience is welcomed but not essential. Rehearsals are on Mondays 7pm-9pm in the Parish Hall.
To register your interest or if you would like to learn more, email
parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Upcoming Concert
Let us support this up-and-coming organist, see concert details below and more information on the notice boards in the Church.
Kai Laird & Friends
Organ Solos, Flute & Organ Duet and Violin & Organ Duets
SATURDAY, 3RD OF OCTOBER 2:00PM TO 3:15PM
Please join us for afternoon tea after in carport
ST PATRICK’S BASILICA, FREMANTLE
47 Adelaide Street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
TICKETS: $25 for adults $15 for Under 18s Free for Under 4s
BOOKING LINK: https://events.humanitix.com/kai-laird-pipe-organ-recital
Basilica Grounds Car Park
Reminder the Basilica grounds carpark is for use for parishioners and visitors during Masses, events and attending the parish office. We unfortunately have a large Number of cars using the carpark all day and this causes problems with those coming To Masses, events or the parish office. The carpark opens at 7am and closes at 7.30pm.
If there are no events in the Basilica or Parish Office, the carpark will close earlier.
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 https://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
Wednesday 9 September to Friday 11 September
Rosary & Mass Our Lady of Tindari
Saturday12 September
Confirmation Mass Sunday
Sunday 13 September
Our Lady of Tindari Feast Day Mass