Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel reading directly follows last week’s Gospel in which Jesus taught the disciples how to handle disputes and conflict within the Christian community. In today’s reading Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Peter proposes a reasonable number of times, perhaps seven. Jesus replies by extending Peter’s proposal by an enormous amount; not just seven times should one forgive, but 77 times. The parable of the unforgiving servant is Jesus’ elaboration of his initial reply to Peter. Through the parable we come to understand the depths of God’s mercy toward us and the results of our acceptance of God’s forgiveness.
The king in the parable decides to settle accounts with his servants. We are told that one servant in particular owes the king an enormous sum of money. Despite the promise of the servant, it is unlikely that he would ever be able to repay the debt that he owes. The king is moved by the humility of the pleading servant and mercifully forgives the debt. Rather than displaying gratitude for this forgiveness, the servant confronts a fellow servant who owes him a small debt—a pittance when compared with the amount that was owed to the king. The unmerciful servant refuses the pleas of his fellow servant and sends the servant to prison.
A few other servants tell the merciful king about the actions of the unforgiving servant. The king punishes the servant because he refused to show the kind of mercy he had himself received from the king. Jesus concludes by indicating that this is how it will be with God and those who refuse to forgive one another. There is a temptation to quantify forgiveness as Peter tried to do, but Jesus’ point is that forgiveness is not about quantity—the number of times we extend forgiveness to another.
In the parable the king’s forgiveness is like God’s forgiveness, and it transforms us, helping us to be as forgiving as God. The lesson is clear: If we hoard God’s mercy while showing no mercy to others, we risk forfeiting the effects of God’s mercy in our lives. (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Name Tag Sunday
Thank you to everyone who participated in Name Tag Sunday. This is a parish initiative to better know our fellow parishioners and visitors to our parish. Name Tag Weekend will be held on the first weekend of each month, so watch this space for the next date. Thank You!
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.
Anointing of the Sick
The next Anointing of the Sick will be held during the Midday Mass on Tuesday 6 October. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 11 October after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
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
Thursday 1st October
Notre Dame Graduation Mass
Saturday 3rd October
Organ Concert
Tuesday 6th October
Anointing of the Sick
RCIA Information Evening
Sunday 11th October
Parish Morning Tea