Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from a chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, which is sometimes called the “discourse on the Church” or the “church order” discourse. In this part of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks more directly about matters of Church discipline and order. In today’s reading we find one of only three instances in which Jesus uses the word church in Matthew’s Gospel. In Matthew’s record of Jesus’ teaching, we can hear echoes of the kinds of issues faced by the early Christian community.
In the first part of the “discourse on the Church” (Matthew 18:1-14), Matthew addresses the Christian community’s concerns about rank. Jesus responds to the disciples’ question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus indicates that those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven must be like children, and he cautions those leaders who might lead these “little ones” astray. He also responds with the parable of the lost sheep, indicating how God will seek out and bring back those “little ones” who have strayed.
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus addresses a common occurrence in the Christian community: a dispute between two members of the Church. Jesus outlines a procedure for settling such matters fairly. The victim should privately address the offender and attempt to resolve the dispute without outside involvement. If that fails, then the victim should bring two or three witnesses and confront the offender again. If the dispute is still unresolved, the matter should be brought to the attention of the entire community. If the offender refuses to adhere to the reparations prescribed by the community, then Jesus suggests that the offender may be expelled from the Church.
Jesus does not discourage disagreement within the community of the Church; he acknowledges the reality of conflict and error and offers his disciples a means for addressing such matters. It is in the conclusion to this teaching that the message of hope is found Jesus is present with the community and will guide the community in its relations. If decisions are taken in prayer, then the community can be assured of God’s assistance. (source Loyola Press)
Wishing all the father’s a very Happy and Blessed Father’s Day
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Thank You from Catholic Mission
The amount donated by the Fremantle Basilica for the 2026 Catholic Mission appeal was $1,480.00.Thank you for your generous response. The amount raised will go towards helping our missionaries in Malawi to support families who are rebuilding after devastating floods, and to help children access education close to home. Please visit https://www.catholicmission.org.au/thank-you-from-conor to watch a message of thanks on behalf of Catholic Mission and the communities with whom we are partnering in recent times.
Name Tag Sunday
Today is Name Tag Sunday — your monthly excuse to learn the name of that lovely person you’ve been smiling at for the last month!
Pop on your name tag with pride, take a peek at the names around you, and don’t be shy — say hello, start a conversation, and maybe even make a new friend or two. Our parish feels a lot more like home when we know each other by name. Share a smile and enjoy the feeling of being connected. Happy Name Tag Sunday!
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.
Please take note that there will be no Adoration on Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Friday 11th September. There will be Mass only on those two days. All other days remain the same.
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.
Safeguarding Sunday
Sunday 13th September marks Safeguarding Sunday. On Safeguarding Sunday, we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by anyone in Church settings and acknowledge the vulnerability of some within our parishes and communities. We recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. Rebuilding trust and confidence in the Church requires constant work and vigilance.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIA is the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church. It is not a class or a test. It is a journey of faith, accompanied by the community of the Church, that leads to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. It is the Church’s process for welcoming unbaptized adults and baptized non-Catholics into full communion. It also allows adult Catholics who have been baptised but not received their Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation to be prepared to receive them.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining this year’s group, then you are welcome to attend the RCIA Information Evening which will be held on Tuesday 6th October at 6.30pm in the parish office. Please register your interest with the parish office on 9335 2268 or via parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
St Patrick’s Basilica Choir
On Saturday 12th September at the 6pm Vigil Mass the newly formed Basilica Choir with Conductor David Pham and Organist Xavier Jarvis will enhance the Mass with their singing. As a parish community we should support and encourage them.
If you would like to join the choir they rehearse every Monday in the parish centre at 7pm to 9pm. Previous choral or music experience is welcomed but not essential. 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 9th to Friday 11th September
Our Lady of Tindari Triduum
Saturday 12th September
Confirmation Mass
Sunday 13th September
Parish Morning Tea
Our Lady of Tindari Feast Day Mass
Safeguarding Sunday