Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we continue to read from Mark’s Gospel, learning more about the ministry of Jesus. Jesus cured Simon’s mother-in-law, and she immediately began to serve Jesus and his disciples. Jesus also cured many others who were brought to him, healing their illnesses and driving out demons. As we will see throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus did not permit the demons to speak because they knew his identity and would have revealed it to those who were present.
On the morning after this busy day, Jesus retreated in prayer, but was pursued by Simon and others who brought news that many people were looking for him. At this point in Mark’s Gospel, we begin to see a distinct role for the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples—they act as intermediaries between Jesus and the people. Jesus reports to his disciples that they need to leave Capernaum to preach in other places.
Today’s Gospel completes a picture of Jesus’ ministry: preaching, curing the sick, driving out demons, and then moving on to continue this work in another place. Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus did this throughout Galilee.
Jesus’ compassion and healing of the sick is a sign of the Kingdom of God. The Church continues to extend Christ’s healing presence to others in its ministry to the sick. In the
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church prays for spiritual and physical healing, forgiveness of sins, and comfort for those who are suffering from illness.
In today’s Gospel we also notice the importance of prayer in Jesus’ daily life. Jesus rose early in the morning, removed himself from the crowds, and went to a deserted place to pray. When the disciples found him, he told them that it was time to move on. We believe that in his prayers Jesus found guidance and direction from God. We also bring our decision-making to God in prayer, asking for his guidance and direction in our lives. (source Loyola Press)
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday 5th February and there will be NO Adoration on Tuesday 6 February due to a Funeral.
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Fremantle’s new Parish Priest
On Wednesday 31st January Fr Meno Basti, met with Fr Peter Whitely, Vicar General of the Archdiocese and signed his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and was formally installed by the Archdiocese as the new Parish Priest of Fremantle effective from Thursday 1st February, 2024. We wish to welcome Fr Basti and hope that he enjoys his term as Parish Priest in Fremantle.
Fr Slawek Farewell
On Sunday 4th February we will have a Concelebrated 11am Mass to farewell Fr Slawek, who will be officially leaving us on Monday 5th February. It will also be an opportunity to meet Fr Meno Basti, new Parish Priest of Fremantle. After Mass a light morning tea will be served in the parish hall. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
Commencing in February the parish morning teas will be moved to the 2nd Sunday of each Month. The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 11th February 2024 after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The Senior’s Morning Tea will recommence in February and the first Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 19th February at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
Notice for Parishioners
Over the past few months, we have had to deal with some violence, bad behaviour and vandalism within the Church and grounds of the Basilica. We ask all parishioners to please be vigilant about their own safety.
- Please ensure that you lock your vehicles and do not leave any personal items visible in your vehicles.
- Please ensure that you do not leave any personal items, handbags etc on the pews when you go to Communion.
- Please ensure that you take note of your surroundings when you are in the Church or in the grounds.
Organ and Pan Flute Concert
Friday 23 February at 7.30pm the Basilica will host a concert featuring Organ and Pan Flute. Evert van de Veen and Henrieke Doornenbal from the Netherlands will showcase a variety of religious and classical music. See notice board in Church foyers for more info.
Fremantle Chamber Orchestra
Concert on Saturday 23rd March at 3pm in the Basilica. See noticeboard for more information.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season and this year will be held on Wednesday 14th February. Masses with distribution of Ashes will be held at Midday and 7pm. It is also a day of fasting.
Stations of the Cross
Commencing Friday 16th February and continuing every Friday until Good Friday there will be Stations of the Cross in English after the midday Mass.
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 97%.
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.
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, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
Coming Events
Sunday 4th February @ 11am
Farwell Mass & Morning Tea
Sunday 11th February
Parish Morning Tea
Wednesday 14th February
Ash Wednesday
Friday 16th February
Stations of the Cross commence
Monday 19th February @ 10am
Senior’s Morning Tea
Friday 23th February
Organ & Pan Flute Concert