Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today we move ahead in our reading of Matthew’s Gospel. Last week we read about Jesus’ walking on the water and the disciples’ confession of faith that Jesus is the Son of God. If we were reading Matthew’s entire Gospel, we would have read about Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees about Jewish purity laws. Jesus argues that it is not what goes into us that makes us unclean; he is referring to the strict Jewish dietary rules. Instead, our words and our actions—what comes out of us—make us unclean because they emerge from a heart that is unclean. Knowing about Jesus’ debate with the Pharisees helps us to understand today’s Gospel.
In fact, the story heightens the surprise and shock we feel as we hear Jesus’ exchange with the Canaanite woman. The woman, who is not Jewish, approaches Jesus, requesting that he heal her demon possessed daughter. At first Jesus ignores her; he says nothing. The disciples ask Jesus to send her away, and Jesus agrees, remarking that he was sent to minister to the Jews alone. The woman persists, paying homage to Jesus, and yet Jesus denies her request again. He even insults her, using a Jewish word of derision for Gentiles, “dog. ” But the woman cleverly turns Jesus’ insult into an affirmation of faith. Only then does Jesus grant her request and heal her daughter.
Jesus’ unresponsiveness to this woman may strike us as uncharacteristic or shocking. Yet in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is directed primarily to the people of Israel. At only a very few points, such as the one found in today’s Gospel, do we find Jesus anticipating the later Christian ministry to the rest of the world. Behind Matthew’s text we can hear this early Christian community’s struggle to understand how God’s selection of Israel is consistent with two events: Israel’s rejection of Jesus and the Gentiles’ acceptance of Jesus. Just as Jesus was surprised by the faith expressed by the Canaanite woman, so too the first Christians were surprised that the Gentiles would receive the salvation God offered through Christ. In today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans, we hear the apostle Paul considering this same concern. The faith that the Canaanite woman expresses is an affirmation of and confidence in God’s abundant mercy. Yes, salvation comes through Israel, but it overflows for the benefit of all. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
This weekend we welcome Fr Andrew Chen OMI, The Australian Oblate Provincial to the parish. Please make him feel welcomed.
Basilica Guardian Volunteers
Basilica Guardians are volunteers who assist us with keeping the Church open on certain days every week from 1pm to 3pm. This allows visitors and others a chance to come and sit quietly or tour our beautiful Church. Unfortunately, without these volunteers we are unable to keep the Church open.
We are currently seeking the following:
- Two volunteers on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Reader Volunteers for Weekend Masses
We are seeking a Reader for the following Mass: Saturday Vigil Mass every 2 Saturday of the Month. If you can assist with this Mass, please contact the Parish Office asap.
Please take note that there will be no Adoration on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September. There will be Mass only on those two days. All other days remain the same.
Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)
Let us join the Italian Community in celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Tindari. A Triduum will be held on Wednesday 9 August at 5pm with Rosary and then followed by Mass. The Triduum will continue on Thursday10 and Friday 11.
The Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Sunday13 September at 9.30am and morning tea will follow after the Mass in the parish centre. All Welcome.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Saturday 12 September during the 6pm Mass. Let us join these candidates and their families in witnessing this joyous occasion. Please keep these candidates in your prayers during this time.
Basilica and Presbytery Gutter Works
We have finally been given all the approvals to commence works on the gutters to the Presbytery and Basilica.
In the next few weeks works will hopefully commence and there may be some disruption. We will try to keep everyone informed as much as possible. Please be patient during these works.
If you would like to assist with the works financially and claim tax deductibility for your donation please contact the parish office and we can give you the details.
Let us now pray for fine weather so that we can get the works done as quickly as possible.
St Patrick’s Basilica Choir Expressions of Interest
We are looking for singers to help rebuild the St Patrick’s Basilica Choir. Learn Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony, develop your vocal technique and deepen your faith with like-minded Catholics. Previous choral or music experience is welcomed but not essential. Rehearsals are on Mondays 7pm-9pm in the Parish Hall.
To register your interest or if you would like to learn more, email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Basilica Grounds Car Park
Reminder the Basilica grounds carpark is for use for parishioners and visitors during Masses, events and attending the parish office. We unfortunately have a large number of cars using the carpark all day and this causes problems with those coming to Masses, events or the parish office. The carpark opens at 7am and closes at 7.30pm. If there are no events in the Basilica or Parish Office, the carpark will close earlier.
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
Wednesday 9 August to Friday11 August
Rosary & Mass Our Lady of Tindari
Saturday12 September
Confirmation Mass Sunday
Sunday 13 September
Our Lady of Tindari Feast Day Mass