Saturday 6 May 2023

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

From time to time, we all experience fears, worries, and anxieties. Because we are prone to fear, anxiety, and worry, it is no wonder that several hundred times the Bible advises us not to worry. Why does the Bible keep telling us not to worry? Because our faith is weak and instead of looking at God, too often we look at the problems. If we prayed more, I’m sure we would see God sending us help from somewhere. If we try to live without Jesus, life will not go nearly as well as when we have Jesus at the centre of our lives. We can overcome problems better with Jesus in our lives than without Jesus. If we turn our backs on Jesus, how can we expect to succeed? Focus on Jesus and not on the problems. When we have problems, turn to Jesus who is always waiting for us.

In the Gospel today, Jesus teaches His disciples, assuring them that He will prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and declaring Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. He also tells them that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He has done and promises to send them the Holy Spirit to guide them.

The first reading takes us back into the early days of the Church when a problem seems to have arisen. Back in those days the Government did not look out for widows and orphans or other needy people. It seems already some provision had been made to take care of widows, but in this case, it was only for those who were of Jewish descent. Converts from Greek speaking peoples were being neglected. This caused a problem and was brought to the attention of the Apostles. Certainly, under Divine inspiration they instituted the order of the Diaconate to help in this matter.  The Church has always referred to this passage as a Scriptural basis and proof of the establishment of the diaconate as part of Sacred Orders. Today would be a good day to thank all those who work quietly behind the scenes so that our lives are comfortable.

The second reading taken from the first Letter of Peter introduces a new metaphor – living stones. The verses invite the Christians to come to Jesus the living stone. By coming to him who is rejected by the mortals, the Christians themselves become like stones and they can let themselves be built into a spiritual household. By participating and sharing in the life of Jesus, the Church becomes a new household. In this way, the Christians also become a corporate body of priests forming a holy priesthood offering their lives of faith and love to God as spiritual sacrifices. The Christians as the chosen people using four titles of Israel from the Old Testament namely a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s own people.  These titles indicate the unique dignity of the Christians. May God give us the grace to recognise and cherish our gifts and talents and use them to reveal God in and through our lives.

God Bless

Fr. Mathew Raj OMI
Interim Rector/Parish Priest

The Weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A.

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is from the 15th -21st May 2023. This year the theme for Volunteer week is ‘The Change Makers’. The annual Volunteer Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral on Sunday 14th May 2023 at 11.00am.

Ignatian Spirituality for Busy People

Fr Tony Lusvardi, a Jesuit Priest from the United States will be with us for 6 weeks from 13th May to 23rd June. Fr Tony will be offering a First Spiritual Exercises Retreat In Daily Life and One off Ignatian Prayer Experience. Both events will be held at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont and further information including details of dates and times may be found at: Ignatian Spirituality of Western Australia, see also noticeboard in foyers of church.

Up and coming Concerts in the Basilica

See the noticeboard in the foyers of the Church for Organ Concerts which will be coming to the Basilica during May, June and July. 

Kenneth Douglas

The Funeral Mass for Kenneth Douglas will be held on Friday 12th May at 2pm in the Basilica.  Kenneth was a parishioner of St Patricks and a collector at the 6pm Vigil Mass.  May He Rest in Peace.

Farewell Stefanie

We wish to advise that due to an evaluation of the Parish, a restructure of the Parish Offices’ operations has resulted and as such, the role of Parish Secretary has been made redundant. Stefanie Boschman’s final day with the Basilica of St Patrick is Friday 12th of May, 2023.  We wish to sincerely thank Stefanie for her 12 years of loyal service to the Parish and Oblates in Fremantle, we wish her all the very best for the future and we will keep her in our prayers.

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 59%. 

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.

EVENTS IN THE PARISH

Thursday 4th May to Friday 12th May: Our Lady of Fatima Novena.

Sunday 7th May: Parish Morning Tea.

Saturday 13th May: Our Lady of Fatima Mass, Procession & Benediction.

Sunday 14th May: Mother’s Day.