Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means to be prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. This week’s reading follows a series of warnings and predictions by Jesus about the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that the exact day and time cannot be predicted. He teaches the disciples that they must remain vigilant so that they will not be caught unprepared.
When thinking about the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, it is important to consider the first-century wedding traditions of Palestine. Scholars tell us that it was the custom of the day for young maidens—friends and family members of the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to her new home.
As with many of Jesus’ parables, several levels of interpretation are possible. In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus warn against following the example of the Pharisees and scribes. If read in the context of early Christianity’s struggle to define itself against Pharisaic Judaism, this parable is a continuing critique of Judaism. It suggests that the Jewish leaders were like the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Jesus, the bridegroom of Israel.
In the chapter preceding this parable, however, Jesus warns about the destruction of Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the coming of the Son of Man. When read in this context, today’s parable is a warning to the Christian community to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the Son of Man who will return at the end of time. This interpretation is supported by the reference to the delay of the bridegroom. The Christian community for whom Matthew wrote this Gospel was coming to terms with the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would not be fulfilled within their lifetimes. The question remains for us to ask ourselves, are we ready to receive Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him? (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.
Fr Vincent Joseph McGillicuddy OMI
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Fr McGillicuddy OMI in Richmond, Victoria on 2 November. Fr McGillicuddy was 96 years old and joined the Oblates in 1955. He worked throughout the many Oblate parishes and schools in the Australian Province. His funeral will be held at St Kieran’s Church, Moe, Vic on Friday 13 November. Let us keep him in our prayers and may he rest in peace.
Name Tag Sunday
Thank you to everyone who participated in Name Tag Sunday last weekend. 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!
Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for Lifelink 2026
IF YOU DID NOT PICK UP A COPY OF THE ARCHBISHOP’S LETTER LAST WEEKEND, PLEASE DO SO THIS WEEKEND, LETTERS AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH FOYERS.
Special Lifelink Collection will be taken up at all Masses THIS WEEKEND. Donation envelopes are available on the pews
November Mass Offering Mass
During November we are asked to remember our deceased family and friends by offering Masses for their souls. November Mass envelopes are now available on the pews or from the parish office. Please place your offering envelope on the collection plate during Masses. Masses will be offered privately for your deceased with the Oblates.
Masses for Holy Souls
Masses for All Souls’ Day will be held in the Basilica at Midday and 7pm in the evening. All welcome to attend.
Parish Morning Tea
The parish morning tea ministry team will retire after the last morning tea on Sunday 13 December 2026. We wish to sincerely thank them for their years of service and dedication to the parish and their wonderful morning teas after the 8am Masses, there assistance with the thank you for the Schola Choir and other events. THANK YOU for all your service!
The Parish Leadership Team will now endeavour to find another group to commence the morning teas in February 2027
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 at 6pm, each 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.
New Italian Choir Members
The Italian Choir is seeking new members to join and participate in the weekly Italian Mass celebrated at 9.30 each Sunday. Anyone interested please contact Renata Mattia on 0407 181 009 or Maria Gorman 0403 180 207.
Little Sisters of the Poor, Glendalough Appeal
On the weekend of the 28th /29th November we will welcome the Little Sisters of the Poor to the parish for their annual appeal. The sisters through their Aged Care Home look after the elderly poor with minimal income and they require extra funds to help sustain their mission. Please be generous and assist the sisters with their work in the community
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
Sunday 8 November
Parish Morning Tea
Lifelink Appeal Special Collection
Wednesday 25 November
Notre Dame University Mass
Weekend 28th/29 November
Little Sisters of the Poor Appeal in Parish
Monday 30 November
Commencement of Advent Reflection Evenings