Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This week’s Gospel speaks of how Jesus’ disciples are to conduct themselves as they await the Kingdom of Heaven. In the preceding passages and in last week’s Gospel, Jesus taught that there is no way to predict the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. His disciples must, therefore, remain vigilant and ready to receive the Son of Man at any time.
Jesus’ parable talks about Christian discipleship using economic metaphors. Before he leaves on a journey, the master entrusts to his servants a different number of talents, giving to each according to their abilities. A talent is a coin of great value. Upon the master’s return, he finds that the first and second servants have doubled their money, and both are rewarded. The third servant, however, has only preserved what was given to him because he was afraid to lose the money. He has risked nothing; he did not even deposit the money in a bank to earn interest. This servant is punished by the master, and his talent is given to the one who brought the greatest return.
Read in light of last week’s parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, this parable teaches that God’s judgment will be based on the service we render to God and to one another in accordance with the gifts that God has given to us. Our gifts, or talents, are given to us for the service of others. If we fail to use these gifts, God’s judgment on us will be severe. On the other hand, if we make use of these gifts in service to the Kingdom of Heaven, we will be rewarded and entrusted with even more responsibilities.
This Gospel reminds us that Christian spirituality is not passive or inactive. Our life of prayer helps us to discern the gifts that have been given to us by God. This prayer and discernment ought to lead us to use our gifts in the service of God and our neighbour. God’s grace allows us to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.
Advent Reflection Evenings – Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
If you wish to join the Advent Reflection Evenings commencing on Monday 30th November at 6pm. please reach out to the Parish Office on 9335 2268, 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.
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.
Parish Morning Tea
The final parish morning tea for 2026 will be held on Sunday 20th December after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome!
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
Early Call for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses
We are seeking readers for the following Masses: –
- Christmas Eve (Thursday 24th December) 8.30pm and Midnight
- Christmas Day (Friday 25th December) 8am and 11am
- Normal Readers Roster for the weekend Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th December.
If you can assist, please advise the parish office so that we can prepare the roster. Thankyou.
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 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