Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The Word of God invites us all to answer this question: what do I consider as the most important thing in life? At times, it is good to ask some basic questions which will place us on the right track in our journey of life. This in turn will give us the motivation to lead our life which will bear fruit in the world.
About two hundred and twenty years before the birth of Christ, there seems to have been a Sage in the Jewish tradition. He was simply called, Qoheleth or Ecclesiastes – which could mean, “the preacher”, literally, the man of the assembly. He lived at a time when the people of Israel experienced an economic boom. People focused too much on money. They considered material wealth as the highest value – much like at times the people of our own times. The preacher challenges this attitude by pointing out that our earthly race for wealth only seems futile. In this short book, the preacher keeps repeating –at least 24 times – words like “vain”, “futile”, “empty”, “meaningless”, “temporary”, “transitory”, “fleeting,” or “mere breath.” The author of the book of Ecclesiastes raises too many questions and offers no answers. The answer is to be found in the Gospels, in the words of Jesus. The core of Jesus’ invitation is to focus on the Kingdom of God (Lk 12:31) and to desire the true treasures of heaven (Lk 12:33).
The invitation of Jesus is a reminder to observe where my heart’s desire is. If a person is not aware of where his or her heart’s desire is, then one may tend to focus on the material world, forgetting about the true treasures of life and the generous giver, which one should constantly seek in life. Instead, if a person keeps God in mind all the time, they will never go wrong, because they will understand that the life that they enjoy is a gift from God. This realisation will bring about much of joy and will always be on the right track in life. So, may we constantly view this life either positively or negatively from the perspective of eternity. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The weekend’s eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Parish Morning Tea
Please join us on the First Sunday of every month after the 8am Mass for our Parish Morning Tea. The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 7 August, 2022. All Welcome.
Basilica Guardians
We are urgently seeking volunteers who can assist with the Basilica Guardians. The Basilica Guardians allow us to keep the Church open on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from after midday Mass until 3pm. If you would like to volunteer please call the Parish Office. Thank you to those who have already volunteered. As soon as we have enough volunteers we will commence a roster.
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea
Monthly Senior’s Morning Tea is a special parish initiative to bring our seniors together to share a cuppa and a chat. The Seniors morning tea is held every third Monday of each month in the Parish Hall from 10am to 11am. The Next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 15 August at 10am in the Parish hall.
Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI
On 3 August we will welcome Fr Giancarlo to the Fremantle Community. He will be staying with us until January 2023. Fr Giancarlo has been in Melbourne for a few years in the Mazenod School and parishes. Please make him feel welcome.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Monday 15th August, our Holy Mother the Church celebrates the Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For us Christians this is a great feast of hope. Mary entering triumphantly into heaven gives all of us hope in our eventual entry as well. What took place in her will happen to us also at the end times. On 15th August we have 9am, 12pm and 7pm masses to celebrate this important Holy Day of Obligation in our Parish.
Oblate Priests on annual retreat
The Oblates in Australian Province will commence their annual retreat from August 21st to 26th in Melbourne. Please keep us in your prayers as we will remember you all specially during our annual retreat time.
Parish Confirmation Mass
We ask that you keep the candidates for Confirmation in your prayers as they journey towards receiving the Sacrament on Sunday 7 August, 2022 at 2.30pm.
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 63%.
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: 066 107
A/c No: 0080 0216
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 and 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
Sunday 7 August: Parish Morning Tea; Parish Confirmation Mass.
Sunday 14 August: Iona Family Mass.
Monday 15 August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Senior’s Morning Tea.
Saturday 20 August: CBC Family Mass.