Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In today’s Gospel, the dialogue between Jesus and a woman from Samaria is startling in that it happens at all because Jesus was an observant Jew who was expected to avoid conversation with women in public. The animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans should have prevented the conversation as well. The woman herself alludes to the break from tradition: “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” Yet Jesus not only converses with the woman, he also asks to share her drinking vessel, an action that makes him unclean according to Jewish law.
The climate of Israel and the importance of water is fundamental to the conversation between Jesus and the woman. At first, the woman understands Jesus’ promise of “living water” in a literal sense: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” The daily trip to the well by the women of the community was of paramount importance and they would have travelled to the well in the early morning, but this woman came to the well at noon, the hottest time of the day, signifying that she is an outcast within the Samaritan community. We learn in her conversation with Jesus that she is an outcast because of her “many husbands.”
Samaritan religion included worship of Yahweh but was also influenced by the worship of other gods and like the Jews, the Samaritans believed that a Messiah would come. So, the high point of the conversation is when Jesus reveals himself to her as the Messiah. His answer to the Samaritan woman’s questions about worship is meant to predict a time when worshiping in truth and spirit will become the way to worship.
After the conversation, the Samaritan woman becomes a disciple. Even though she is an outcast and not a Jew, she returns to her town to lead others to Jesus the Messiah. The townspeople return with her to meet Jesus for themselves, and many come to believe in him.
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman has many levels. The first is personal: The woman is herself converted to belief in Jesus as Messiah because he knows her sin but speaks with her just the same. The second is social: Having come to know Jesus as the Messiah, the Samaritan woman becomes an evangelist to her own people.
The third level of the story is educational: Jesus uses his encounter with the woman to teach his disciples that God’s mercy is without limit.
The disciples return and are quite confused to find Jesus talking with a Samaritan, and a woman at that! But the conversion of the Samaritan townspeople is a foretaste of the kind of open community that will be created among those who believe that Jesus is the Messiah. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Third Sunday of Lent Year A.
Message from Fr Andrew Chen, Oblate Provincial
Fr Andrew wishes to advise the following changes to the Fremantle Oblate Community. Fr Patrick has been appointed as Administrator to Cannon Hill, Queensland. Fr Luan Ha has been appointed as Assistant Priest and Hospital Chaplain in Fremantle. Fr Patrick will say his farewell Mass on Sunday 22nd March at 11am in the Basilica.
Parish Morning Tea
The parish morning tea will be held this Sunday 8th March in the Presbytery carport after the 8am Mass. All Welcome.
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.
Reader required 8am Sunday Mass
We require a permanent reader for the Second and Fourth Sundays of each month at 8am Mass. If you can assist, please contact the parish office.
MAMI Appeal
The parish will have a leaving collection after all Masses on the weekend 14th/15th March to support the Oblates working among the poor and marginalised in Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Australia and throughout the world. Your support helps maintain sustainable projects, promote peace and justice and support the education of young people. There are Donation envelopes available on the pews which can be used on that weekend. Thank You for your assistance.
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
Sunday 8th March
Parish Morning Tea
Friday 13th March
Stations of the Cross in English/Italian
Saturday 14th /15th March
MAMI Appeal
Monday 16th/Tuesday 17th March
Oblate Superior General’s Visit to Fremantle