Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
PENTECOST
It has often been said, that Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. I have seen examples where this idea has dominated the liturgy, with a church festooned with ‘Happy Birthday’ banners and balloons. There is deeper and more profound meaning on which to reflect. The readings chosen for the Feast of Pentecost guide us to see the event not only as the establishment of the church but also as a completion of the Father’s plan for all creation.
In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we find similar imagery used in account of the creation in the Book of Genesis, and that of Pentecost. The difference being that the first Creation ends with the subsequent failure of man to remain faith to God, whereas at Pentecost that failure is turned to triumph brought about by Christ’s dead and resurrection.
CREATION
In the Creation story we read that when God fashioned humanity he ‘breathed’ into humanity his own breath and thus gave humanity a part of himself. A gift he did not share with any other creature. The Hebrew word used here is ‘ruah’. It mean ‘breath’ or ‘spirit’ as in ‘soul’ or ‘essence’. It can also mean ‘wind’.
In the account of Pentecost, we also read of the presence of this ‘breath’ or ‘wind’.
In the Acts of the Apostles 2:1ff we read:
… when suddenly they heard a powerful wind from heaven… and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
In John 20:22 we read:
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.
SIN & REDEMPTION
What follows creation in the Tower of Babel, (in Genesis 11:1-9). Here we read how humanity, in its arrogance attempted to ‘reach the heavens’ without God’s aid. Resulting not only in the destruction of their tower but also, in the process scattering humanity; each going their separate ways and destroying their ability to communicate with each other.
Isn’t this a classic definition of the effects ‘sin’ i.e., a separation from God and from others?
In the account of Pentecost day, we read that when the apostles received the Holy Spirit they were empowered to communicate their message with people from all over the world. Each could understand the message according to their own language. In a sense, the apostles were not only recipients of the gift of the Holy Spirit but through Him they were recreated.
The gift of the Holy Spirit restores what was lost by humanity’s disobedience through the obedience of Jesus, who through his incarnation response to the Father on our behalf.
MISSION
Pentecost is the beginning of the great missionary thrust that would eventually reach the ends of the earth and the mission continues. Like those who have laboured before us, we must keep in mind that this is not of our doing. The Church unlike the tower of Babel is a living reality . As St Paul reminds us, ‘we the Church, are the Body of Christ. (1 Cor:12:27). Christ is the only means by which to reach our promised inheritance. Moreover, Christ commands us to do this together, as his Body and for the whole world.
The message is Gospel i.e., Good News for all humanity. In the words of the Second Reading from St Paul to the Romans (8:8-17).
… the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…. (and he) will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you… heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his suffering so as to share his glory.
Come Holy Spirit; enkindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth you Spirit and we shall be recreated and your will renew the face of the earth.
The weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for Pentecost Sunday Year C.
June: Parish Morning Tea
Parish Morning Tea for the month of June will be held on Sunday 5th June after the 8am Mass. Please come along and meet friends over a cuppa.
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea is a special parish initiative to bring our wise people from our community for a special morning tea every third Monday of the Month from 10 am to 11am, to enjoy a cuppa with them and to listen to their wisdom and acknowledge their contribution to our community. It will be a regular event in the Parish each month, kindly place this event in your diary. Please do come and enjoy this social event. Our first morning tea with the seniors will be on 20th June at 10am in the Parish Hall.
Basilica Guardians
We are looking to have the Church open more to the public after weekday Masses commencing in July 2022. We would like to keep the Church open until 3pm each weekday and would require two or three volunteers for each day.
If you were part of the Basilica Guardian team prior to COVID and would like to return to the team, please contact the parish office so that we can recommence the roster. If you are a new volunteer and would like to join the team, then please contact the parish office, and leave your details and availability.
Prayer for Peace and Justice in Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
who change the hardened heart and break the power of violence,
we entrust the people of Ukraine to you.Protect them in this time of peril;
let them know not death but life, not slavery but freedom.You are Father of all;
we are brothers and sisters.Give us the strength to live that truth in love,
choosing peace not war.Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists 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 giving was 70%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
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: 086 006
A/c No: 48797 3085
Reference: 2nd Collection and your name
Second Collection supports the Parish.
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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 please click here.
Upcoming Events
5 June: Parish Morning Tea
13 June to 17 June: CBC Exams in Parish Centre
26th June: IONA First Holy Communion Mass at 2.30pm
29th June: Oblates’ First Arrived in Australia 1894
God bless!
Fr. Leo Mifsud OMI
Acting Parish Priest