Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
Fourth Sunday in Advent: Year C
The prophet Micah names the birthplace of Jesus, as Bethlehem. All the other prophets make a reference to the birth of the Messiah, but it is only the Prophet Micah mentions the town where our saviour will be born. He also makes a further reference to how his reign would be; he will be the shepherd and king of not only of Israel but also for all the peoples.
In the gospel, we read that when Mary heard the great news that her cousin Elizabeth too is going to give birth to a baby, she goes with haste and joy to the mountain country where Elizabeth lived. The trip from Nazareth in Galilee where Mary lived to a village in Judea where Elizabeth lived would take four days. But the distance didn’t matter to her, but she went with haste to congratulate her cousin and share the joy and be of help to her.
As Christmas is fast approaching, besides the gifts that we have planned for our loved ones, did you ever think that Christmas is not just giving gifts to others but also how I leave a permanent memory of happiness, joy, and sense of worth in the lives of the others as well? This is the story of Bradley James, who was a composer and performer. Bradley James has set Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s teachings and prayers to music in the internationally acclaimed recording, Gift of Love: Music to the Words and Prayers of Mother Teresa. Bradley remembers her teaching: when she said that “we don’t have to go to Calcutta to help the poor; rather, we must help them right in front of us.”
Bradley James applied this lesson when he encountered a homeless beggar on the streets of San Francisco. Bradley placed some money in his metal cup, then reached out and shook the man’s hand. The recipient gave him a big smile, and the two exchanged names and small talk. Bradley recalls: “Then he pulled me a little closer and said, ‘Thanks for the money, but what I really needed was a handshake’”
Indeed, what was remarkable in this incident was not the coin, but the gift of human dignity and the love of Christ that Bradley James brought to the beggar through the handshake and his fraternal presence. In effect, Bradley replicated in his life and experiences the joyful mystery of the Lord’s Visitation (cf. Lk 1:39-45), which is described in today’s Gospel. [Cf. Susan Conroy, Our Sunday Visitor (Oct. 19, 2003), p. 17.]
As we are moving closer to the joy of the celebration, please remember and pray for those whom you feel may be lonely and need some joy in their lives and reach out to them in every way possible. Amen.
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Year C.
Family Mass
The Family Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Year C.
On Sunday 19th December: Special Parish Christmas Morning Tea
This weekend on Sunday 19th December we will hold a special Christmas Morning Tea after the 8am Mass. On this day we will draw the prizes for the raffle tickets. All the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go towards the New Sound System in our Basilica, as it needs an upgrade. There are some amazing raffle prizes, so kindly buy as many tickets as possible and support the upgrade of our Basilica sound system. The tickets will be on sale at every Mass and in the Parish office, leading up to the event.
On this day we also will celebrate the Diamond Ordination anniversary of Fr. Colbert, who has faithfully served the Church and his people. There are many celebrations planned on this day, so kindly place this date in your diary and come along to celebrate this great day with the Basilica community and Fr. Colbert.
On Wednesday 22nd December: Second Rite of Reconciliation
In order to celebrate the joy of Christmas, spiritual preparation is also essential. On Wednesday 22ndDecember at 7pm, there will be the Second Rite of Reconciliation in our Basilica. Please make use of this spiritual opportunity to prepare ourselves well and to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
Mary’s Dream
This weekend you will find copies of Mary’s Dream in the side foyers of the Church, please pick up a copy and take the time to read through it and perhaps action some of the items mentioned. Please click here to download the PDF of Mary’s Dream.
Christmas Offerings
Usually twice a year you are invited, as a community, to make a special effort to financially support the Priests of the Basilica. Envelopes are available in your planned giving boxes or in the pews of the Church. Your generosity is very much appreciated along with your prayers, encouragement, and blessings.
Basilica Parish Office Opening Hours during Christmas and New Year
Dear Parishioners, the Basilica Parish office will be closed from Friday 24th December to Tuesday 4thJanuary 2022. You can leave a message via the phone or email parishoffice@oblates.com.au. Christmas and New Year Mass times are available on the recorded message on the phone, the website fremantlestpatricks.org.au and on our Facebook page St Patrick’s Basilica Fremantle. Thanks for your understanding.
Friday 31st December: New Year’s Eve Mass at 6pm
On Friday 31st December 2021, we will say goodbye to 2021 and will welcome the New Year 2022. It is always a wonderful spiritual experience to say thanks to God for all that we were able to achieve as individuals and Family and to welcome the New Year 2022. The New Year’s Eve Mass will be celebrated at 6pm in our Basilica.
MAMI Christmas Gift Cards
Christmas gift Cards are available from the Parish Office, Mon to Fri 9am to 3pm. Give someone a Gift of Hope this Christmas. MAMI Christmas Gift Cards: a gift that keeps on giving for the entire year and beyond. Chickens $10; Development $15; Toolbox $20; Goat $35. Thanks for your generous support of the Missionary Works of the Oblates.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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 please click here.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 19th December to 25th December 2021).
To book your Mass Intentions please contact the Parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm).
The Planned Giving Programme
The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week’s giving was 50%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
God bless,
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest