Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
We continue our reflection on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In the Sermon on the Mount, we have various sayings of Christ spoken on different occasions. Matthew in his systematic manner, has gathered these sayings into one continuous discourse, thus it makes it easier for his readers, who were Jewish converts, to grasp the new order of salvation as inaugurated by Christ.
The people knew the ten commandments, but they knew them as their rabbis had taught them. These rabbis, for the most part Pharisees, put all the stress on the letter of the law and on its external observance. But Christ’s opening statement in today’s gospel tells us that ‘I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. Thus, Jesus wants his disciples to be different and clearly states how he wants his disciples to be following the spirit of the law.
In the last Sunday Gospel, we meditated on the two images: ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’. Today’s gospel passage—with three concrete injunctions—show how one must live, to be salt of the earth and light of the world. These commands must be seen in the light of what Jesus says a little earlier: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil” (Mt 5:17).
Jesus prefaces each of the three teachings with the sentence: “You have heard that it was said You must not kill; You must not commit adultery, you must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord But I say to you ……” (Mt 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34) stressing that the ancient order has passed away and a new order is being ushered in—based not on the love of law, but on the law of love. Hence, Jesus deals with internals not just externals, the spirit of the law and not the letter. By Jesus’ standards, one can judge oneself as righteousness, godly and good not by merely stating that one has not broken some law or the other, but by what inner motive and prime purpose one has either done, or not done, some action or the other.
To live as members of God’s kingdom, we need to do more. True disciples need to cultivate the inner attitudes and dispositions that transform the heart and build up love, such as the kind of patience, meekness, purity, and mercy that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The first Senior’s Morning Tea for 2023 will be held on Monday 20th February at 10am in the parish centre. All Senior’s welcome.
Papal Approval of the Constitutions and Rules on February 17, 2021
Pope Leo XII formally approved, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Constitutions and Rules on February 17, 1826. The General Chapter of 1826 decided that “the anniversary of the confirmation of the Institute and the approval of the Constitutions and Rules by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XII, will be celebrated each year on February 17.”
You are all welcome to join the Oblates in WA and the Oblates around the World through the Concelebrated Holy Eucharist at Midday on Friday 17th February to pray for all the members of the congregation especially for our good health and for more vocation to the Priesthood and religious life.
PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)
This year the Fremantle Catholic Parish of St Patrick’s Basilica will offer the PREProgram for all Catholic children who attend non-Catholic Schools. This program incorporates Religious Education along with Sacramental Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Classes will commence in February and will continue throughout the whole year. Sacramental Enrolment Mass will be held on Sunday 12 February at 5pm and the Parent Information & Formation Evening will be held on Thursday 16 February at 6pm in the Parish Centre. For more information contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm).
Ash Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Ashes will be distributed at all Masses in the Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Masses will be held at 9am, Midday and 7pm.
Catholic Worship Hymn Books
We are looking at upgrading our congregation Catholic Worship Hymn Books (green books) with the new version and are seeking donations to assist the parish with the purchase of 150 new books at a cost of $32 per book plus freight. Direct Deposit donations can be deposited into BSB: 086 006 A/C No: 48794 3085 using your name and hymn book donation as reference. If you would like more information, please contact Angie in the Parish Office. All donations no matter how big or small will assist and be greatly appreciated.
Notre Dame Academic Commencement Mass
This year the Basilica will host the Notre Dame Academic Commencement Mass on Friday 17 February at 10.30am, Mass will be led by Monsignor Michael Keating and Concelebrated with fellow Oblates.
Project Compassion for 2023: For All Future Generations
Project Compassion Sunday will be held on Sunday 19th February. During that weekend Project Compassion donation boxes and envelopes will be available in the side foyer of the church. On the weekend of 25th/26th February we will have a Special Collection for Project Compassion at all Masses.
This year’s theme is For All Future Generations, it reminds us that what we do today can have an impact for All Future Generations. This message invites us to step up for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival and those whose needs currently are far beyond ours.
World Day of Prayer 2023
This year’s World Day of Prayer will be celebrated on Friday 3rd March and its theme is Taiwan. All Parishioners are invited to join the World Day of Prayer celebrations on Friday 3rd March at 10am at the Wesley Uniting Church, 4 Cantonment Street, Fremantle. For more info, please contact the Wesley Uniting Church on 9335 1775. All Welcome to attend.
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 49%.
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.
Lenten Retreat
Once again John Auer will host a Lenten Retreat commencing on Monday 6th March to Monday 27th March commencing at 6pm in the Parish Centre. The Retreat will journey with Jesus Christ through his life to his death and resurrection. Please register with the Parish Office on 9335 2268 or email parishoffice2@iinet.net.au.
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.
EVENTS IN THE PARISH
Sunday 12 February: SPPS Welcoming & Sacrament Enrolment Mass.
Thursday 16 February: Sacrament Enrolment & Formation Evening.
Friday 17 February: Notre Dame Academic Commencement Mass.
Sunday 19 February: Project Compassion Sunday.
Monday 20 February: Senior’s Morning Tea.