Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In each of the three Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke), after Jesus’ baptism by John, Jesus is reported to have gone to the desert to fast and pray for 40 days. In each case, while in the desert, Jesus is tempted by the devil.
Matthew and Luke give more detail than Mark does, but each one tells how the devil tempts Jesus in the desert. In Matthew, as in Luke, the devil presents three temptations to Jesus. The devil tempts Jesus to use his power to appease his hunger; he tempts Jesus to put God’s promise of protection to the test; and he offers Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will worship the devil. In each case, Jesus resists the temptation, rebuking the devil with words from Scripture.
The account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert is filled with allusions and parallels to the Old Testament, including the story of the people of Israel. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert in Exodus, for example, and Jesus spends 40 days in the desert. As the Israelites were tempted during the Exodus, so too is Jesus tempted.
Each temptation offers insight into both God and the human condition. Jesus’ rejection of the temptations shows that he will not put God to the test. Grounding himself on the word and authority of Scripture, Jesus rebukes the devil, confident in God’s protection and faithfulness.
As we start our journey through Lent, our Sunday readings call us to adopt the same confidence that Jesus had in the face of temptation: God’s word alone will suffice; God’s promise of protection can be trusted; God alone is God. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the First Sunday of Lent Year A.
Project Compassion 2026
This Sunday we will have a third collection for Project Compassion. There are some Project Compassion donation boxes still available in the foyers of the Church. Please take one.
Planned Giving Envelopes 2026/2027
Your new Planned Giving envelopes for 2026/2027 are now available in the side foyer of the Church. Please collect them as the new envelopes commence on Sunday 1 March. Any queries please contact the parishoffice.
Urgently required Wednesday Weekday Reader
We are urgently seeking a reader who can commit to Wednesday Midday Masses. We are also seeking a reader who can be used as relief any day of the week. If you can assist with either of these positions, please advise the parish office.
Transform Fremantle Prayer Group
Transforming Fremantle Ecumenical Prayer Group will commence praying/singing in the Basilica on Thursdays 9.30am to 10.30am. They warmly invite all to join them in prayer to pray for a peaceful city where multitudes encounter Jesus, experience real life change and go on to serve Christ. More information on noticeboards in the side foyers. All Welcome.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Stations of the Cross in English/Italian during Lent are held every Friday at 6.30pm in the Basilica. All Welcome.
World Day of Prayer
This year the Scots Church, 90 South Terrace, Fremantle will host the World Day of Prayer focusing on Nigeria on Friday 6th March at 10am. Let us support this event as a parish. RSVP J Parnell 0414 521 227. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 8th March in the Presbytery carport after the 8am Mass. All Welcome.
Oblate Superior General Visits Fremantle
We will be honoured with a visit from the Oblate Superior General, Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso OMI from Italy in March and he will be celebrating the midday Mass on Tuesday 17th March (St Patrick’s Day) with us in Fremantle. I invite all parishioners to join us on this very special day not only to celebrate our Patron Saint but also to welcome Father Superior to Fremantle.
Early Notices of Coming Events in the Parish
Palm Sunday 29th March, reminder bring your own palms.
Holy Thursday 2nd April, timetables out shortly.
Good Friday 3rd April, timetables out shortly.
Holy Saturday 4th April, timetables out shortly.
Easter Sunday 5th April, timetables out shortly.
Oblate Retreat and Congress 12th April to 19th April, more information to come.
Jubilee Migrant Cross Saturday 25th April, more information to come.
Financial Assistance
If you wish to assist financially for insurance or repair works you can deposit funds into the account below with the reference of either insurance, repair works church or repair works presbytery.
Account Name: Basilica Working Account
BSB: 086 006
Account No: 48794 3085
Your assistance no matter how big or small is very much appreciated. Thank you to those who have already assisted so generously it is very much appreciated. Thank You and God Bless!
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
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 http://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
Saturday 21/Sunday 22 February
Project Compassion Special Collection
Friday 27th February
Stations of the Cross in English/Italian
Friday 6th March
World Day of Prayer
Sunday 8th March
Parish Morning Tea