Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is part of Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper. Recall that John tells the story of Jesus’ Last Supper differently from the other Evangelists. In John’s Gospel, the Last Supper begins with Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus then provides them with a series of instructions. We call this section the Last Supper discourse or Jesus’ farewell discourse. In these chapters of John’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples about the importance of following his example of love and service, about the gift they will receive when Jesus sends them the Holy Spirit, and about their relationship with Jesus and with the world. The Last Supper discourse concludes with Jesus’ prayer for his disciples.
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from middle of the Last Supper discourse. Jesus speaks about his relationship to his disciples. In his metaphor of the vine and the branches, Jesus is referencing the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Hebrew Scriptures, Israel is the vineyard, and Yahweh himself tends the vineyard. One of the primary themes of John’s Gospel is to show Jesus to be the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel.
In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples that his relationship with them will not end after his death; he will remain with them always. This unity between Jesus and his disciples is the basis for their ability to continue to do the work that he began.
Similarly, Jesus’ presence with us through the Gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to continue the work of love and reconciliation that he began. Jesus also teaches his disciples about the importance of the words he has taught to them. Just as Jesus will remain in the disciples, so too will his words. We come to know Jesus through the Scriptures, the living Word of God. Our commitment to be Christ’s disciples is sustained through God’s Word. This commitment is also strengthened by our life of prayer and nourished by the Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, Jesus dwells in us, remains with us, and transforms us so that we might bear fruit in his name.
We observe many people who act in ways that show their commitment to serve their neighbour. Christians and non-Christians feed the hungry, care for the sick, shelter the homeless, and give alms to the poor. These actions become acts of Christian discipleship when they are motivated by our relationship with Jesus. Whatever the immediate results, Jesus promises us that these actions will bear fruit when we undertake them in his name. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B.
Repairs to Side Foyer Church Doors
On Monday 29th April the side entrance doors to the Basilica will be removed for repairs and temporary doors will be installed. Please note that entrance via those doors may be unavailable for that day. Entrance via front doors will be available. Any queries please contact the Parish Office.
Our Lady of Fatima Novena and Feast Day Mass
Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Saturday 4th May until Sunday 12th May. \
Feast Day Mass in Honour of Our Lady will be celebrated on Monday 13th May at 6pm followed by candlelight procession in parish and school grounds and Benediction. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 12th May after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 20th May 2024 at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
Eucharistic Ministers
We are looking at recommencing the Eucharistic Ministers Roster and are seeking all Eucharistic Ministers who are willing to assist. Once we have the list of available Eucharistic Ministers we will then go through the process of some training and updating all WWCC and ensuring that everyone has had WWCC induction session. We are hoping to have the roster up and running by mid-May. If you would like to join the roster, please contact the Parish Office asap with your details and Masses you would like to roster for.
Pew Restoration Program
We are currently obtaining quotes to refurbish and restore the church pews. Once we have a quote, we will then be seeking donations towards the refurbishment and restoration of the pews. More information to come.
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 57%.
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
Thursday 2 May
NDU School of Law Mass
Saturday 4 May to Sunday 12 May
Novena to Our Lady of Fatima
Sunday 12 May
Parish Morning Tea
Mother’s Day
Monday 13 May
Our Lady of Fatima Mass & Procession