Saturday 27 August 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

Jesus invites us to imitate him saying, “learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29). This invitation of Jesus reminds us how one should conduct one’s life in living the Christian vocation. Fr. Kevin O’Sullivan, O.F.M says, “Humility is the foundation on which all the other Christian virtues are built; if we have it, others will grow from it as the tree comes from the root.”

Humility is a simple and an honest realisation that all that I am and have is a gift from God. I do not take pride in my achievements rather I acknowledge the blessings and guidance of God in my life. If one could live one’s life this way, then there would be no place for pride in life. The Scriptures reveal to us that pride was the root cause for sin, where the human person wanted to be equal with God.

St. Eugene, the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was very keen to remind his sons who were out in the missions that they should always be humble and ardent followers of Jesus Christ. Once he wrote to Fr. Louis Toussaint Dassy, who was only 33 years old, making sure that he relied on God and not on his talents. Fr. Louis Toussaint Dassy was an intelligent and highly talented Oblate who excelled at everything he did, both as a missionary preacher and the author of books as well as studying archaeology as a hobby. St. Eugene wrote to him saying, “I never cease thanking God for the good accomplished through your ministry. As for you, my child, and your companions, ever keep in your heart and on your lips these beautiful words of the Apostle: “We are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!” [ed. Luke 17:10]. St. Eugene continued saying, “Let us humble ourselves in our own eyes, and be careful not to ask anything from the people. We do not want their praises, admiration, etc… you need to be on your guard.”

Friends, a true humility can lead a person to attain one’s potential in life; provided that a person could learn to say that we are worthless servants; we have done only what we ought to have done!” [ Luke 17:10]. Let us always acknowledge the blessings and guidance of God in all the achievements of our lives. Amen.

Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest

The weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Social Justice Sunday – 28 August 2022

Copies of this year’s Social Justice Statement (summary) is available in the Church foyers.  The full version can be accessed here.

Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)

On Sunday 11 September the Italian Community of Fremantle will come together to celebrate and honour the Madonna Del Tindari (Black Madonna) in the Basilica.

There will be a concelebrated Mass at 9.30am led by Monsignor Michael Keating.  This will be followed by Tea and Coffee in the parish centre. There will be no procession. All parishioners are welcome to attend and celebrate with our Italian Community here in Fremantle.

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.

Parish Centre Toilets

Over the past few weeks, we have had some issues with the toilets and access to the toilet area. During the week if you wish to use the toilets and they are locked, please call into the parish office and ask for them to be opened. On the Weekends the toilets will only be opened before Masses. Thank you.

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 47%.

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 & 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 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 please click here.

Upcoming Events

Sunday 28 August: Social Justice Sunday.

Sunday 4 September: Parish Morning Tea; Celebration for Fr Angelo’s 30th Anniversary of Ordination.

Saturday 10 September: Father’s Day Wine & Cheese Night.

Sunday 11 September: Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna) Mass.

Saturday 17 September: Parish First Communion Mass.

Sunday 18 September: IONA College Confirmation Mass.