Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this today’s Gospel, we read the report of the return of the Twelve, who were sent by Jesus to preach repentance, heal the sick, and drive out demons. When the Twelve return to Jesus, he invites them to come away from the crowds and rest. But the crowds will not give them peace. As the Twelve have shared in Jesus’ ministry, they now appear to share in his popularity. The crowds continue to approach them, and Mark reports that the disciples don’t even have time to eat. In an effort to get away, Jesus and his disciples board a boat in hopes of finding a deserted place. But the crowds notice this and arrive ahead of them. The crowds are so persistent that Jesus and his disciples cannot find a place to be alone. Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus is moved with pity and begins to teach the crowds.
Our Gospel for today stops here, but Mark’s report of the unyielding demands of the crowd continues in the verses that follow. If we were to continue reading from Mark’s Gospel, we would hear Jesus instruct his disciples to feed the crowd in the familiar miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. The work of Jesus and his disciples appears to be a round-the-clock job. In the next few weeks, we will hear the story of Jesus’ feeding of the multitude, but our Lectionary will turn to the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John to report and reflect on this story.
In today’s Gospel, we hear the Twelve referred to as “apostles.” The word apostle is a Greek word meaning “one who is sent.” Jesus chose twelve men from among his disciples whom he sent to share in his ministry of preaching and healing. The first report of this is found in the third chapter of Mark’s Gospel, where the Twelve are also called apostles and the names of this select group are listed.
We who are Jesus’ disciples today have also been sent to share the Gospel with others. Perhaps our commitment to following Jesus as his disciple leaves us feeling tired and overwhelmed. In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus affirm the importance of times of rest and renewal. Jesus wanted his disciples to come away and spend time alone with him. This is what we seek and find in our life of prayer and in our celebration of the Eucharist. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the ebulletins for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI
Fr Giancarlo will this weekend leave for Italy to spend some quality time with his mother and family, he will be back with us in the Parish on 23rd August. We wish him safe travels.
Oblate Retreat – Melbourne
The Oblates will be on Retreat in Melbourne from Sunday 18th August (Masses as per usual), until Friday 23rd August. Please Note that there will be no Adoration Monday to Friday that week, only Midday Masses. Please keep all the Oblates in your prayers during this time.
Parish Carpark and Front Church Gates
The new gates have been installed and motorised. The parish would sincerely like to thank the Bond and Hughes families for their generous contribution to the new gates and upgrade of lights this all helps the parish ensure more security for the Priests, the Church and grounds. Thank you also to Tavoli Designs for their wonderful work on replicating the gates. THANK YOU!
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 22nd July at 10am in the parish centre. All Senior’s welcome.
Pasta Night Fundraiser – CHANGE OF DATE
The Pasta Night has now moved to Friday 18th October at 7pm in the Parish Centre. All Welcome. See Noticeboards for more information.
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
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
6-7pm
Basilica of St Patrick Parish Centre
National Vocations Awareness Week
4th to 11th August is National Vocations Awareness Week. See noticeboards in foyers for more information.
Up and Coming Organ Concerts
The Basilica will host two Organ Concerts over the next few months.
Samuel Yeow Organ Concert – August
Samuel is one of our Organists at the Basilica and is having a farewell concert on Sunday 25th August, 2.30pm in the Basilica. Please support this young, talented musician. More information on the Noticeboard.
Roger Sayer Organ Concert – September
Roger will perform his organ score of the soundtrack of the film Interstellar on Friday 20 September 7:30pm. More information on the Noticeboard. Please support and enjoy this unique opportunity.
Important information for all Parishioners
Please DO NOT USE the walkway between the Church and the building next door as the brick paving is uneven and a dangerous hazard. The Centre Manager has been notified and they are awaiting repairs to the area. Please avoid using the walkway until further notice.
Please Note: The Sacristy is to be used by Priests, Acolytes, Altar Servers, Sacristans and Office Staff only. The toilet located inside the Sacristy is not for public use. For Safeguarding reasons please avoid entering the Sacristy.
If you wish to speak to a Priest please ask the Sacristan or wait for the Priest before or after Masses outside of the Sacristy.
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
Monday 22 July
Seniors Morning Tea
Saturday 27 July
First Communion Mass at 6pm
4 to 11 August
National Vocations Week
Sunday 18 August to Friday 23 August
Oblate Retreat in Melbourne
Sunday 25 August
Samuel Yeow Organ Concert