Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel follows directly after last Sunday’s Gospel in which Jesus was questioned by Jewish religious leaders about the source of his teaching authority. After refusing to answer their questions, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons and then criticizes the priests and elders for their lack of belief in John the Baptist.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to the priests and elders with a parable. In this parable, the landowner leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe to him. Several times the servants are sent to collect payment, and each time they are beaten and killed by the tenants. Finally, the landowner sends his son to collect his rent. The tenants, believing that they will inherit the vineyard if the landowner dies without an heir, plot together and kill the landowner’s son.
After telling the parable, Jesus questions the chief priests and elders about what the landowner will do to the wicked tenants. They all agree that the landowner will kill the wicked tenants and give the land to new tenants who will pay the rent.
In telling the parable, Jesus is clearly drawing upon Isaiah 5:1-7, which is today’s first reading and one that the priests and elders would have known well. Jesus doesn’t, therefore, have to explain the symbolism of the parable; the Pharisees would have understood that the vineyard represented Israel, the landowner represented God, the servants represented the prophets, and the bad tenants represented the religious leaders. Yet Jesus nonetheless explains the meaning of the parable for his audience: the Kingdom of God will be taken from the unbelieving and given to the faithful. The chief priests and elders have condemned themselves with their answer to Jesus’ question.
Today’s Gospel has a parallel in Mark 12:1-12. There are some notable differences, however. In Matthew’s version, the religious leaders condemn themselves; in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus answers his own question. Matthew names the religious leaders as Pharisees and chief priests. Clearly this Gospel shows the tension that was mounting between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders who thought that his message was dangerous. Matthew’s Gospel was written about 70 years after Jesus’ death and reflects the conflicts and tensions found in the Christian community for whom Matthew was writing. Many biblical scholars believe that the tension between Matthew’s community and their Jewish neighbors can also be heard in today’s reading.
This Gospel reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s word. God speaks to us in many ways—through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church’s teaching, and through modern-day prophets. Are we attentive and receptive to God’s word to us through these messengers? (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
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!
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 8amMass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Annual Blessing of the Fleet
This us come together as a parish to celebrate the annual Blessing of the Fleet which will commence with a Triduum on Tuesday 20th October, and continue on Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October at 7.30pm.
The Feast Day Mass will be held on Sunday 25 October at 9.30am (Italian Mass), Procession leaving Basilica at 2pm through the streets of Fremantle, then returning to the Basilica for Benediction.
Please Note: There will be no 5pm evening Mass on that Sunday.
There are more organ concerts in the Basilica in October please see the noticeboards for more information.
Advent Reflection Evenings – Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
This Advent season, we invite you to join us for a weekly evening of prayer, reflection, and fellowship as we journey together toward Christmas.
Each Monday evening session will be one hour and will include a guided Advent reflection and time for personal prayer and sharing. Sessions will run weekly from 30th November through to Christmas.
We will be using a reflection book throughout the season. To help us order enough copies, please register your interest in attending.
Interested in joining us?
Please reach out to the Parish Office, or email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Everyone is welcome. Come and take some quiet time each week to pause, reflect, pray, and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
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
Tuesday 6th October
Anointing of the Sick during Midday Mass
RCIA Information Evening
Sunday 11th October
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 16th October
Iona Graduation Mass
Saturday 17th October
Organ Concert
Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd October
Blessing of the Fleet Triduum