Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
Tomorrow, the very first day of the year we honour Mary by venerating her as the Mother of God. Her son Jesus is Son of God. So, she is the Mother of God. The second reading of today tells us that at the fullness of time, God sent his Son to be born of a woman to redeem us. This redemption meant that we can call God Abba, Father along with Jesus. It enabled us to become children of God and the adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus. So much so, Mary is our Mother too. With great delight, let us honour Mary and sing her praises.
To be called the Mother of God is a great honour for Mary. We know that she clinched this honour the very moment she said yes to God’s invitation to be the mother of his Son. It was an act of faith, an act of obedience to the will of God. While saying yes to God’s call she did not expect any special honours and privileges to come her way. Even after accepting the Motherhood of the Son of God her life remained very simple, filled with struggles and problems of everyday life. We are seekers of titles and honours for us. We think that by holding top posts and receiving honours from others we become famous, influential, and privileged. But it was not Mary’s concern when she responded positively to God’s call. We honour Mary with the great title of Mother of God for her faithfulness and obedience to God. It is this disposition of her that enabled her to be a humble servant of God’s Son all through her life. She stood with Jesus as a loving, caring and concerned mother. From Bethlehem to Calvary, she travelled with Jesus. She was a mother who loved her son to the end. The joys and sorrows of Jesus were hers as well. This irreversible attachment and loyalty to Jesus made her motherhood glorious. Today as we honour the Motherhood of Mary, let us personalize these Marian qualities in our life. That would be a nice tribute to Mary on her feast day.
I also wish to sincerely express my prayers to you all on the first day of a New Year. May this year be filled with many blessings in your lives. May you all enjoy good health and be safe from all dangers in life. May God bless you all!
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
eBulletin
Click here to download the ebulletins for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Year A.
Parish Morning Tea and Senior’s Morning Tea
There is no Parish Morning Tea or Senior’s Morning Tea in January. February dates will be advised soon.
National Oblate Youth Encounter
It’s been a long time coming, but we are very excited to announce that the National Oblate Youth Encounter will be back in January 2023!
The National Oblate Youth Encounter is an event that brings together young people from around Australia who wish to share their Catholic faith in tandem with the Charism of St Eugene de Mazenod. It will be a great chance to grow in faith and reflect, as well as sharing plenty of fun with other young people. NOYE provides a balance of prayer, workshops, open-forums, liturgy, and community time.
The theme for this year’s camp will be “Created in the Image and Likeness of God…” We invite young people (year 12 – 30 years old) to come and explore this theme whilst sharing the charism of the Oblates.
WHEN: Thurs 5th – Sun 8th January 2023
WHERE: Mazenod College, Victoria
COST: Free
Registration is now open via our website: https://bit.ly/NOYE2023
For more info contact: Emma Rice erice@oblates.com.au 0422705230
World Youth Day 2023
From 20th July to 10th August 2023 Oblate Youth Australia will be travelling to Lisbon, Portugal for the World Youth Day Pilgrimage. We are planning to join with Bishop Mark Edwards and the Wagga Diocese on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Lisbon for WYD before finishing our trip in Aix-En-Provence – the birthplace of our founder St Eugene de Mazenod.
The indicative cost for WYD has been quoted at $9930 and this includes airfares, accommodation, registration for WYD, tours and most meals. Please note that this is only an indicative quote.
We are now taking expressions of interest for the pilgrimage, and you can find more information & a detailed itinerary by visiting: https://bit.ly/OYAWYD23
If you have questions or need more info please contact: Emma Rice erice@oblates.com.au 0422705230.
Parish Office Opening Hours Christmas & New Year
Monday 26 December to Monday 2 January 2023: CLOSED
Tuesday 3 January to Thursday 12 January: OPEN
Friday 13 January to Friday 20 January: CLOSED
Please email parishoffice1@iinet.net.au if anything urgent.
We wish all our Parishioners and their families a very Joyous and Holy Christmas and Safe & Healthy New Year!
New Year Timetable
Music Festival on Fremantle Park
Please be aware that on the weekend of 7/8 January 2023 Fremantle Park will host a music festival. Ord Street will be closed between Ellen and Finnerty Streets. Expect delays in traffic and parking restrictions.
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 32%.
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.