Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I wish to take this opportunity to thank and appreciate all of you as I move on to my next assignment in ministry. You are a wonderful community of family and faith, and I treasure each of you. Even as I go forth to my new assignment, I will always hold you all in my heart, especially at the altar of God.
Today through the readings we are invited to be good soil, we must be productive. The word challenges us towards this change. It is left to us, to our personal freedom and to our yearning for perfection, to make solid resolutions and follow it up with concrete actions. Most of the time, we may fail but that is not the reason for discouragement, as long as we are ready, willing and earnest about starting all over again. The gift of life that God offers us grants us innumerable opportunities to germinate, to grow and to produce fruit. All that we need to do is stay receptive, grow perceptive and live productive.
God Bless
Fr Mathew Raj
Interim Parish Priest/Rector
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel marks the beginning of the third long discourse given by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Over the next few weeks, the Gospel readings will consist of the entire 13th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, a lengthy teaching discourse.
Throughout this discourse, Jesus will offer several parables to illustrate for his listeners what he means by the kingdom of heaven. He begins with the parable of the Sower, which appears rather straightforward—of course seeds grow best in good soil. Seeds that miss the soil, are sown on rocky ground, or are sown among other plants will not grow. The surprise in the parable is the enormous yield of the seed that is sown on good soil.
Jesus then explains his use of parables. Jesus seems to suggest that he uses parables to teach because the meanings of parables are not self-evident. The hearer must engage in some degree of reflection in order to comprehend the message of a parable. In this way, the medium—the parable—models the point of the parable of the Sower. Those who are willing to engage themselves in the effort to understand will be rewarded by the discovery of the message and will bear fruit.
To bring home the point, Jesus interprets the parable of the Sower to his disciples. The different types of soil in which the seeds are sown are metaphors for the disposition with which each individual hears the teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a time but will lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the word but will then permit other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it well, and the seed will produce abundant fruit. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Seniors Morning Tea
The next Seniors Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17th July at 10am in the Parish Hall. All seniors welcome.
Fr Mathew Raj OMI
On Monday 17th July we will farewell our current Interim Parish Priest, Fr Mathew. Thank You Fr Mathew for being with us over the past three months, we have come to enjoy your homilies and your company. We wish you all the very best in your future and hopefully we can see you again in Fremantle.
Welcome Fr Slawek Plonka OMI
From Monday 17th July we will welcome our new Parish Priest, Fr Slawek. We hope that he will enjoy his new position here in Fremantle and we look forward to meeting him and working with him.
Works around the Basilica
You have probably noticed over the past few days scaffolding being erected on the right-hand side of the Basilica. The scaffolding is required so that we can do some repairs to guttering on that side of the Basilica which was damaged in the last heavy weather. Please be careful in the carpark and when walking near that side of the Basilica and be mindful of workers in that area.
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 37%.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Monday 17 July: Seniors Morning Tea.