Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This week’s Gospel follows close behind the Gospel read last Sunday. It is the last of three questions put to Jesus by Jewish religious leaders who are trying to trick him into saying something that might get him arrested. This reminds us that the context for today’s reading is the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
The Herodians and the Pharisees asked the first question, which was about taxes. The Sadducees asked the second question, which was about the Resurrection (see Matthew 22:22-33). The third question, considered in today’s Gospel, is asked by a Pharisee who asks Jesus about the greatest of the commandments.
The question requires Jesus to interpret the Law of Moses. The Mosaic Law consists of the Ten Commandments and many additional rules, numbering over six hundred. Adherence to the Mosaic Law, for a devout Jew, is an expression of faithfulness to God’s covenant with Israel. The ranking of the Commandments was regularly debated among the teachers of the Law.
Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question with a two-fold summary. Jesus says that all of the commandments can be summarized in two commandments: love God and love your neighbour. Both of these were central elements of the religious tradition Jesus learned from his Jewish community. Indeed, these continue to be central aspects of contemporary Jewish religious understanding. Jesus’ response to his questioners proposed an integral connection between these two aspects of the Jewish Law. Love of God finds its expression in our love for our neighbour. (source Loyola Press).
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Please Note: that due to a very large funeral Mass on Wednesday 28 October, the carpark will be very busy from 9.30am to 11.30am. So please be patient when arriving for Adoration and Mass.
November Mass Offering Mass
During November we are asked to remember our deceased family and friends by offering Masses for their souls. November Mass envelopes are now available on the pews or from the parish office. Please place your offering envelope on the collection plate during Masses. Masses will be offered privately for your deceased with the Oblates.
Masses for Holy Souls
Masses for All Souls’ Day will be held in the Basilica at Midday and 7pm in the evening. All welcome to attend.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 8 November after the 8am Mass in the presbytery carport. All Welcome.
The parish morning tea ministry team will retire after the last morning tea on Sunday 13 December 2026. We wish to sincerely thank them for their years of service and dedication to the parish and their wonderful morning teas after the 8am Masses, there assistance with the thank you for the Schola Choir and other events. THANK YOU for all your service!
The Parish Leadership Team will now endeavour to find another group to commence the morning teas in February 2027
Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for Lifelink 2026
Lifelink will be launched in all parishes on the weekend of 31 October/1 November.
Archbishop’s Appeal Letter will be distributed to all parishioners on 31 October/1 November.
Special Lifelink Collection to be taken up at all Masses weekend 7th/8 November. Donation envelopes will be available on the pews from 31st October.
Advent Reflection Evenings – Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
This Advent season, we invite you to join us for a weekly evening of prayer, reflection, and fellowship as we journey together toward Christmas.
Each Monday evening session will be one hour and will include a guided Advent reflection and time for personal prayer and sharing. Sessions will run weekly from 30th November through to Christmas.
We will be using a reflection book throughout the season. To help us order enough copies, please register your interest in attending.
Interested in joining us?
Please reach out to the Parish Office, or email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Everyone is welcome. Come and take some quiet time each week to pause, reflect, pray, and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
New Italian Choir Members
The Italian Choir is seeking new members to join and participate in the weekly Italian Mass celebrated at 9.30 each Sunday. Anyone interested please contact Renata Mattia on 0407 181 009 or Maria Gorman 0403 180 207
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
Friday 30 October
SPPS Mass
Saturday 31 October
Fremantle Chamber Orchestra Concert
Sunday 1 November
All Saints Day
Monday 2 November
Holy Souls’ Day
Sunday 8 November
Parish Morning Tea