Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The readings for this Sunday liturgy invite us to reflect upon the virtue of gratitude. When I thank others, I become aware of God’s presence in my life through them. At the end of the day if one could look back into their lives, I am sure one will be able to point out how many times God walked into their lives through others. Also, it is true that when I am thankful, I become aware that what I have received that day is purely a gift from God and not something that others owe to my life.
Today’s first reading and the gospel text have extraordinary similarities. Both are stories about lepers, who were healed; in both stories there are expressions of gratitude; and both are about outsiders!
Out of the many healing miracles of Jesus mentioned in the four gospels, this is the only miracle that mentions a healed person returns to thank Jesus. Other healing miracles provide information that the healed person praised God and spread the name of Jesus. This is the only miracle which mentions the thankful attitude of a healed Samaritan leper and Naaman, who was the commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man and was in high favour with his master because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram.
Sometimes in our conversation with others we might have heard about the ingratitude of the others and how it brought pain in their lives. I believe that thanking others should be part of our Christian life, especially when I receive some help from others though the other did it as part of their work or ministry.
When I was ordained to the Priesthood, I informed my mother to welcome especially my primary school teachers along with other guests, because I wanted to thank them for the foundation they have laid in my life. Some of the teachers could make it for my ordination; among them most were Hindus, and it was their first time to witness such an event in their lives. Though I still cherish their presence for the occasion of my ordination and for their guidance in my life, I still cannot forget the telegrammed message I received from my Head Mistress, who told me; “John thanks for the invitation, I never expected it, but thank you; and I only did my job.” My Headmistress did not expect the thanks from me, but I wanted to thank her because of what I have received through her guidance in my life.
Friends, this is my little story. What is your story in life? Do you take time to thank God and others in your life? Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
Please join us this Sunday 9 October after the 8am Mass for our Parish Morning Tea. All Welcome.
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea is a special parish initiative to bring our seniors together to share a cuppa and a chat. The Senior’s morning tea is held every third Monday of each month in the Parish Hall from 10am to 11am. The Next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17 October at 10am in the Presbytery Carport.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a wonderful opportunity for those who seek to embrace the faith of the Catholic Church and a great avenue for those who wish to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
If you know anyone willing to take up this journey, please encourage them to come for the information evening on 19th October 2022 at 7pm, in the Parish centre. For further information please contact the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm on 9335 2268.
The Ursulines 70th Anniversary Celebrations
You are warmly invited to help us celebrate the gift of 70 years of Ursuline presence in Western Australia. Anniversary celebrations will commence at 6pm Mass on Saturday 22nd October 2022 and will be followed by a light supper together in the Parish Hall. Please let anyone associated with the Ursuline Missionaries of the Sacred Heart know about this special 70th celebration. All welcome. RSVP by 15th October for catering purposes – to Sr. Lynn (0403860639) or the Parish Office (93352268).
Triduum for the Blessing of the Fleet
On Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20st October Fr. Giancarlo Iollo OMI will lead the Triduum Mass in Italian at 7.30pm to pray and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday 23rd October.
Blessing of the Fleet: Mass and Procession
Mass and procession for the Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday 24th October at 9.30am, Monsignor Michael Keating, will lead the Italian Mass, for the Blessing of the Fleet.
The procession will start at 2pm, from the Basilica of St. Patrick and go to the fishing harbour through the streets of Fremantle, to bless the boats and pray for the safety of the fishermen and for a good harvest from the sea. It will be followed by benediction at the Basilica. Please come along to celebrate this long-standing tradition of our Fremantle community.
Please note that evening Mass for this Sunday will be held at 6pm.
Parish Centre Toilets
Over the past few weeks, we have had some issues with the toilets and access to the toilet area. During the week if you wish to use the toilets and they are locked, please call into the parish office, and ask for them to be opened. On the Weekends the toilets will only be opened before Masses. Thank you.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week giving was 86%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
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.
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
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 please click here.
Upcoming Events
Thursday 13 October: IONA Graduation Mass.
Sunday 16 October: SPPS Family Mass.
Monday 17 October to Thursday 20 October: Aquinas Retreats.
Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October: Blessing of the Fleet Triduum.
Friday 21 October: CBC Graduation Mass.
Saturday 22 October: Ursuline Sister’s 70th Anniversary.
Sunday 23 October: Blessing of the Fleet Mass, Procession and Benediction.