Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The Gospel reading gives us a detailed account of the encounter Zacchaeus had with Jesus. This encounter brought about a total change and transformation in the life of Zacchaeus, who was a senior tax collector, as we know from the study of scripture that they were not well accepted in society
The opening sentence of the Gospel tells us the purpose of Jesus’s travel. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, travelling through southern Palestine. This trip will culminate in his death and resurrection. As he journeys, Jesus makes the most of every opportunity to spread the message of God’s love and mercy to the people.
The life of Zacchaeus and his intention to climb the tree to see Jesus tells us that there is some deep desire in him which Jesus alone could understand. It was Passover time, which meant that tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims were coming down from Galilee, by-passing Samaria and coming to the toll booth at Jericho to pay their taxes. Bible scholars tell us that two or three million people showed up for the Passover. Jesus also made this trip, coming from Galilee in the north, to Jerusalem in the south, by way of Jericho.
Since Jesus had become very famous by that time, people passing through the customs-house at Jericho wanted to see him. Naturally, Zacchaeus was curious to see the new rabbi from Nazareth who, people said, welcomed tax-collectors and sinners as his friends. Zacchaeus might even have heard that a former tax-collector, Levi, was one of Jesus’ disciples. Therefore, despite any ridicule he might receive from the crowd, he resolved to get a look at Jesus. To escape the crowd and get a clear vision of Jesus, he climbed a sycamore tree–a tree with a short trunk and wide branches–and sat hidden in its leafy branches.
However, Jesus noticed him, and asked him to come down from the tree and take him to his house. They went off together, the sinner and the Son of God. Just as Zacchaeus had exposed himself to ridicule by climbing a tree, so Jesus exposed himself to criticism by visiting Zacchaeus’ house.
This passage of the Gospel encourages us to ask this question: do I have the desire to meet Jesus personally in my life? If I try and have that desire, then Jesus will come into my life. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 31sth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
Join us on Sunday 6 November for our Parish Morning Tea after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. 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. The Next Senior’s Morning Tea, Monday 21 November, 10am in the Presbytery Carport.
November Mass Offering Envelopes
November is the month when we remember our deceased family and friends by offering a Mass for them. Envelopes are on the pews and in the side foyers of the Church and the Parish Office. Envelopes can be placed on the collection plate or handed to the parish office.
Christmas Biscuit Baking for Prison
We have been asked once again to bake biscuits for the women’s prison for Christmas. If you would like to assist, please leave your details with the parish office and we will send you the information sheet and delivery date of biscuits.
Handel’s Messiah Concert
Handel’s great Christmas oratorio will be performed in Baroque style by the exclusive Perth Chamber Singers in the beautiful stone Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle. Paul Wright will expertly lead the Perth Baroque Players, and esteemed choral specialist Margaret Pride will conduct the full ensemble with elegance and brilliance. Solos will be sung by members of the chamber choir who are young and upcoming professional vocalists, as was the custom during Handel’s time. This will be Perth’s first fully professional Christmas performance of Messiah. It promises to be a musically scintillating performance as well as a moving Christmas and spiritual experience.
DATE: Friday 23 December 2022 7:30 PM
TICKETS: $15-$89
BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/CCZQQ
ENQUIRIES: mcalyn@it.net.au
Advent Retreat 2022
Advent can be a time of waiting with joyful excitement and intense anticipation, knowing that in a few short weeks two thousand years ago Jesus, the Word become a human being, will be born. Not as a prince to a royal family but to poor Jewish parents in a stable among domesticated animals.
This Advent journey is best experienced over the four weeks, however if you cannot attend all four weeks you are welcome to attend when you can. We will be using some of the meditation practices based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
John Auer will be the retreat leader who has been leading retreats nearly two decades, in Australia and in England. He is also a member of a CLC group using Ignatian prayer practices, meeting fortnightly in Claremont.
The retreat starts on Mondays 28th November and thereafter on 5th, 12th, and 19th December at 6pm at St. Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle Parish Centre. There is no charge.
To register your interest: call the parish office on 9335 2268 Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm or email parishoffice2@iinet.net.au.
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 58%.
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
Tuesday 1 November: All Saint’s Day; Mass at Midday only.
Wednesday 2 November: Holy Souls; Masses at 9am, Midday and 7pm.
Weekend of 12/13 November: Lifelink Appeal.
Saturday 19 November: Catechism Students First Communion.
Monday 28 November: Parish Advent Program Begins.