Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Sunday is the second to last Sunday of our liturgical year. As we approach the end of the Church year, our Gospel invites us to consider Jesus’ predictions and teaching about the end of the world. In the context of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ words about this are spoken to his disciples as he prepares them for his passion and death.
Before we consider Jesus’ words, it is important to note the political backdrop against which many think Mark’s Gospel was written. Most scholars concur that Mark wrote his Gospel for Christians living in or near Rome about 30 to 40 years after the death of Jesus. This was a time of political turmoil in Rome. Some Christians experienced persecution by the Romans during the reign of the emperor Nero (about 64 A.D.). Jewish revolutionaries rebelled against the Romans, which led the Romans to destroy the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. In this time of political turmoil and persecution, many in Mark’s community might have wondered if the end times predicted by Jesus were in fact quite near.
Last Sunday we heard Jesus’ observation about the contributions being made to the temple treasury and the example of sacrificial giving that he saw in the poor widow’s offering. If we had been reading Mark’s Gospel continuously, we would have heard Jesus predict the destruction of the Temple, his teaching about the costs of discipleship, and the woes that will accompany the end times. Finally, we would have heard Jesus instruct his disciples about the need for watchfulness so that they will not be caught unprepared for this final day of judgment.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus continues this teaching by offering his disciples signs to look for that will indicate that the coming of the Son of Man is near. His words and images draw upon Old Testament imagery, especially images found in the Book of Daniel. Next, Jesus offers the lesson of the fig tree, a parable that teaches that if one knows how to read the signs, one can be prepared for the end times. Jesus also teaches, however, that no one knows when the end time will come, except the Father. In the verses that follow this reading in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus continues to warn his disciples to be on watch for this end time.
Jesus’ words are not spoken to frighten his disciples, nor should they frighten us. Rather, they are offered to prepare us for the changes we will experience during our lifetimes and at the end times. Our consolation and hope is found in the lasting nature of Jesus’ words and God’s never-ending love for us. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
November Mass Offering Envelopes
November is the month that we remember family and friends that have passed away by offering a Mass for their souls. November Mass Offering Envelopes are available on the pews or the parish office. Please place envelopes on the collection plate with your offering or return to the parish office.
Archbishop’s Lifelink Appeal
This weekend a special collection will be taken up for the Archbishop’s LifelinkAppeal. Donation envelopes also available on the pews.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The senior’s morning tea for November has been cancelled. The next senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 16th December at 10am in the Parish Centre. All senior’s welcome.
Safeguarding Induction for all Church workers
As the Fremantle parish has a large number of church workers (volunteers and paid workers) who are due for a renewal or who have yet to do a session of the Safeguarding procedures, we have organised a Safeguarding session in the parish. Many of you would have done the first induction in 2021 which means you are now due in 2024.
Please register with the parish office for the upcoming session
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
6-7pm
Basilica of St Patrick Parish Centre
Mass of Thanksgiving for all Volunteers and Parishioners
On Sunday 24th November at 10am a Mass of Thanksgiving will be held for all those Parish Volunteers who give their time and talents in any way possible to the Parish. This Mass will be a combination of Italian and English with both the Italian and English Choirs (please note that for this Sunday there will be no 9.30am Italian, 11am & 5pm English Masses). Following the Mass a BBQ lunch will be provided. Please RSVP the parish office for catering purposes ASAP. All Welcome!
Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick Mass will be held on Tuesday 3rd December at the Midday Mass.
Pilgrimage to Shrines of Italy 2025
Rome, Assisi, Loreto, Padre Pio, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily. 14 days 11 nights. 16th May 2025 to 29th May 2025. Spiritual Director: Mgr. Michael Keating. More information on noticeboards in foyers.
Please Note: The Sacristy is to be used by Priests, Acolytes, Altar Servers, Sacristans and Office Staff only. The toilet located inside the Sacristy is not for public use. For Safeguarding reasons please avoid entering the Sacristy.
If you wish to speak to a Priest, please ask the Sacristan or wait for the Priestbefore or after Masses outside of the Sacristy.
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 60%.
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.
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 http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
Coming Events
Weekend 16/17
Special Collection for Lifelink
Tuesday 19 November
Safeguarding Induction Session
Sunday 24 November
Mass of Thanksgiving and BBQ
(RSVP required by 13/11)