Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This fourth Sunday of the Easter season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In each cycle the reading is from the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel. This chapter sets the framework for Jesus’ teaching about himself as the Good Shepherd.
Today’s reading falls between the stories of Jesus’ healing of the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus. Both of these stories were proclaimed in the Gospels found in this year’s season of Lent. Following the controversy that ensued when Jesus healed the man born blind, Jesus directs his allegory about the sheep and the shepherd toward the Jewish religious leaders of his time, the Pharisees.
Throughout John’s Gospel the Pharisees fail to accept Jesus’ ministry and teaching. They show themselves to be “robbers and thieves” because they try to lead the sheep without entering through the gate, Jesus. Through these metaphors, Jesus is telling his listeners that those who follow him and his way will find abundant life. He identifies himself both as the shepherd and the gate. The shepherds who are faithful to him are the ones whom the sheep (Jesus’ disciples) should follow.
The relationship between the sheep and their shepherd is based on familiarity. Sheep recognize their shepherd and will not follow a stranger. At the end of the day, shepherds lead their sheep from pastures to a common gated area called a sheepfold. There, one shepherd protects all of the sheep until the next day when each shepherd returns to lead his own sheep to pasture. As shepherds move among the sheep, the sheep follow only their shepherd.
Today’s Gospel also gives us the opportunity to reflect on Christian leadership. Jesus’ words suggest to us that those who will lead the Christian community will be known by their faithfulness to Jesus. The leaders will recognize that Jesus is the gate for all of the sheep and that having a good relationship with Jesus is the primary characteristic of a Christian leader. Jesus’ allegory also suggests that faithful Christian leadership requires a good relationship with the community: the shepherd knows his sheep, and they know him. Christian leaders follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by being faithful to him and by being a good shepherd. (Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A.
Name Tag Sunday – Getting to Know each other one name at a time!
Name Tag Weekend will be held next weekend 2nd and 3rd of May. It is a time we ask our regular parishioners and anyone visiting to write your name on the stickers provided in the foyers and wear them during Mass. This is a community building exercise. Many of us see each other every week but do not necessarily know each other’s names. Please support this parish incentive.
National Mass Count of Attendance
Next weekend will be the first weekend for the National Mass Count. This will then continue for the next three weekends during May. The volunteers will do the count while everyone is seated during the Homily. Please try to remain seated during this time.
Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima
The nine-day Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Monday 4th May at 11.30am followed by Mass at Midday and continue until Tuesday 12th May. See flyers inside foyer. All Welcome.
Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 13th May at 6.30pm in the Basilica, this will be followed by a procession through the Church and School grounds and Benediction. Please join us on this beautiful day in honour of Our Lady. All Welcome.
Pilgrimage to Schoenstatt Shrine
Parishioners are warmly invited to join a pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mt Richon on Sunday 17 May 2026.
12 noon arrival and picnic BYO lunch
1pm Reflection by Sr Lisette.
2pm Rosary organised by Sr Lisette
3pm guided visit of Chapel and reflection on how Schoenstatt was founded.
Afternoon tea and coffee
Transport: Please arrange your own transport. Please let Margherita know if you need a lift.
For more information please contact Margherita – 0401 028 608
Angelica – 0491 191 833
Italian Pastoral Group & Ursuline Prayer Group.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 10th May after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
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 https://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 3rd May
National Mass Count Commences
Name Tag Sunday
Monday 4th May to Tuesday 12th May
Our Lady of Fatima Rosary
Sunday 10th May
Mother’s Day
Parish Morning Tea
Wednesday 13th May
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima