Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, the second Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate a second solemnity, which marks our return to Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. At one time, this day was called Corpus Christi, the Latin words for “the Body of Christ.” In the most recent revision of our liturgical rites, the name for this day is expanded to be a more complete reflection of our Eucharistic theology.
In our reading for today, we read the account of the Last Supper found in the Gospel of Mark. It begins with the instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples to prepare their Passover celebration. It then goes on to give an account of the Last Supper. On this Sunday, however, our Lectionary reading omits the verses between these two passages; in those omitted verses we hear Jesus predict his betrayal by one of his disciples.
The Gospel of Mark describes Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples as a celebration of the Jewish feast of Passover. The Jewish celebration of Passover is a memorial to and a ritual participation in the defining moment of Israel’s history. It celebrates God’s deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt. The Passover meal includes many ritually important elements, such as unleavened bread, lamb, and bitter herbs. Each food item recalls an aspect of the Exodus event. The instructions for the preparation of this meal are carefully prescribed in the Law of Moses. It is a central obligation of the Jewish faith tradition to celebrate this meal and to give thanks to God for his deliverance and protection.
In the description of the Passover meal found in today’s Gospel, however, Mark omits many elements of the Jewish Passover meal. Instead, he describes only those elements he believes to be most essential to the Christian Eucharist: Jesus took bread, blessed the bread, broke the bread, and shared it with his disciples. Similar words and actions follow as Jesus shares the chalice with his disciples. This bread now shared is Jesus’ own body. Those who drink from the chalice are invited to share in a new covenant which will be sealed by Jesus’ own blood. Mark’s Eucharistic theology looks forward to the Kingdom of God that Jesus inaugurates.
The Gospel for today reminds us that the Eucharist is a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We believe that Jesus is truly present to us in the elements of bread and wine. Each time we celebrate this sacrament, we prepare for the Kingdom of God. This celebration, as the Second Vatican Council taught us, is the source and summit of the Christian life. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Year B.
Anointing of the Sick Mass
Anointing of the Sick Masses will recommence in the Parish in June. The first Mass will be held on Tuesday 11 June at the Midday Mass. Masses will then be held bi-monthly on the first Tuesday. Dates will be advertised in bulletin.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 9th June 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 17 June 2024 at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
Tap and Go Facility for Collections- UP AND RUNNING!
You can tap and go for the 1st and 2nd Collections and any general donations you wish to make to the parish. The terminals are now set up and located near St Patrick’s Statue in the side foyer, also near the Piety Stall in the front foyer and near the Cross behind the Baptismal Font.
Safeguarding Induction for all Church workers (volunteers and paid workers)
As the Fremantle parish has a large number of church workers (volunteers and paid workers) who are due for a renewal or who have yet to do a session of the Safeguarding procedures we have organised a Safeguarding session in the parish. Many of you would have done the first induction in 2021 which means you are now due in 2024.
Please register with the parish office for the upcoming session below:-
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
6-7 pm
Basilica of St Patrick Parish Centre
The St Vincent De Paul Society Needs You!!
You want to help, and you don’t know how? Join Vinnies. If you aren’t sure about how much time it involves or what’s expected – call us and have a quiet chat and we can answer any of your questions.
People fear a big commitment which they may not be able to cope with but really, it’s a little commitment but what you can help achieve with that small amount of time can change lives in very profound ways.
Call me – let’s talk. Clare – 0406 973 595
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 65%.
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
Saturday 8 June: CBC Family Mass
Sunday 9 June: Parish Morning Tea
Tuesday 11 June: Anointing of the Sick Mass
Monday 17 June: Senior’s Morning Tea