Saturday 3 September 2022

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings to you all!

On behalf of all the Oblate fathers I wish you all a Happy Father’s Day. Let us celebrate all that they have been to us. In particular let us think about their sacrificial love, and the untiring commitments they make for us from the day of our birth. Let us pray for our fathers every day that they continue to enjoy good health and happiness in everything they do in their lives. We also pray for our fathers who have gone to enjoy their eternal reward that they will constantly bless all of us from heaven.

It has been a constant practice in my life that I pray to my parents (standing in front of their photos) before I leave the room and the same before I go to bed at night. This way I feel their presence and guidance in my daily life. Though I did not have the luck to spend many years with my father because he was called to God when I was eight years old, I still remember his love, laughter, and the commitment he made to my family. What I am today is what I learned through my father and mother. My father made a huge commitment to my family. I remember many stories told by my mother to me. Many a time I felt that I couldn’t say to my Dad how amazing a dad he was. I am sure everyone will have their own stories to remember and share with others on this joyous day. Let us continue to pray for them and make them proud throughout our lives.

In the liturgy of the Word, especially in the gospel reading, Jesus demands commitment and dedication in living our Christian faith. In fact, they are truly needed otherwise we may not have enough strength to stand when difficulties come around in living our faith. This is a real story about an Indian Jesuit Fr. Alex Prem Kumar SJ. He was mostly working for the cause of the refugees. For three years, he was working in Afghanistan as the director for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Herat province. While working for this great cause, he was abducted by Taliban gunmen in June 2014. After 8 months 20 days he was released. After his release, he came to his native place for a thanksgiving Eucharist. While talking to the people, he said, he was asked not to come to Afghanistan again, but he said: If my superior asks me to go there, I will go. I am sure the story speaks for itself.

I would like to conclude with the words of Bonhoeffer, a German Theologian “Christianity without living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Amen.

Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest

The weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the ebulletins for the 23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Message from Fr Christian Fini OMI, Provincial

Fr Christian Fini OMI, Provincial of the Australian Province, wishes to advise that Fr Leo Mifsud OMI will be leaving Fremantle on Friday 9th August to join the Queensland Parish of St Eugene De Mazenod, Burpengary as Administrator. We wish Fr Leo all the very best in Queensland and sincerely thank him all for the wonderful work he did in Fremantle.

Safeguarding Sunday 11th August 2022

The Parish of the Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle and the Archdiocese of Perth are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people, and people at risk in our community. Mindful of the theme for National Child Protection Week, may we work together to ensure all people feel safe and supported. You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area 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 not be a procession this year. All parishioners are welcome to attend and celebrate with our Italian Community here in Fremantle.

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Join Monsignor Michael Keating on a wonderful pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan. It will run from Nov 22 to Dec 8. It is very safe and not too tiring. For itinerary e-mail info@anawimjourneys.com or send a text to Sheila or Veronica on 0433 771 979 or 0402 290 827 for more info. Do hurry as seats are now limited.

The Ursulines 70th Anniversary Celebrations

You are warmly invited to help us celebrate the gift of 70 years of Ursuline presence in Western Australia. Anniversary celebrations will commence at 6pm Mass on Saturday 22nd October 2022 and will be followed by a light supper together in the Parish Hall. Please let anyone associated with the Ursuline Missionaries of the Sacred Heart know about this special 70th celebration. All welcome. RSVP by 15th October for catering purposes – to Sr. Lynn (0403860639) or the Parish Office (93352268).

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 87%.

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

Saturday 10 September: Wine & Cheese Night Sunday.

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

Saturday 17 September: Parish First Communion Mass.

Sunday 18 September: IONA College Confirmation Mass.