Saturday 10 August 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this Sunday, we continue to read from the “Bread of Life discourse” found in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. Recall that we have been reading from this chapter for the past two weeks and will continue to read from it for another two. Last week, the crowd asked for a sign that would show that Jesus came from God. Jesus replied by saying that he is the sign, and the bread of life sent by God. At this point, our Lectionary omits six verses in which Jesus predicts the unbelief of the crowd and further develops his connection with God the Father. In these verses, Jesus says that he was sent by God to do the Father’s will. Jesus promises that those who look upon the Son with faith will find eternal life. Some of these themes are repeated in today’s Gospel reading.

Today’s Gospel begins with a report that the Jews complained about Jesus’ claims regarding his identity. They knew his family, and they knew he was the son of Joseph. They could not comprehend what Jesus meant when he said that he came down from heaven. Jesus responds to the complaints by saying that only those who are chosen by God will recognize him as the one that God sent. This is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel, that God has chosen those who will have faith in Jesus.

In the verses that follow, Jesus talks more about his unity with the Father. He is the one who has seen the Father and, therefore, knows the Father. Those who listen to God will recognize that Jesus is the one sent from God. Those who believe will have eternal life. Jesus concludes with the central element of our eucharistic theology. He promises that the bread of life will bring eternal life to those who partake of it, and he tells us that the bread of life will be his own flesh, given for the life of the world.

In today’s reading, we hear Jesus say again, as he did in last week’s Gospel, that he is the bread of life. We also hear Jesus add that he is the living bread. Both of these statements help us understand better the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist. We celebrate this gift of Jesus each time we gather for Mass. We believe that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist will lead us to eternal life. (Source Loyola Press)

The Weekend eBulletin

Click here to download the eBulletin for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.

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.

Catholic Missions Appeal

This weekend the parish will have the annual Catholic Missions Appeal with a guest speaker at all Masses. A special collection will be taken up at all Masses and donation envelopes will also be available on the pews this weekend. Please support this annual appeal.

Senior’s Morning Tea

The next senior’s morning tea will be held on Monday 19th August at 10am in the parish centre. All Senior’s welcome.

Adoration in the Basilica

Adoration is held in the Basilica Monday to Saturday. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed at 11am with silent prayer until 11.20am, Rosary will then be held from 11.20am to 11.35am, following the Rosary there will be a time for silent prayer until 11.50am when Benediction will commence followed by Midday Mass. All Welcome to attend.

Feast of the Assumption

Masses for the Feast of the Assumption, Thursday 15th August, will be held at Midday and 7pm in the evening. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.

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

Up and Coming Organ Concerts

The Basilica will host two Organ Concerts over the next few months.

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 70%. 

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

Weekend 10/11 August
Catholic Missions Appeal
Parish Morning Tea

Thursday 15 August
Feast of the Assumption

Sunday 18 August to Friday 23 August
Oblate Retreat in Melbourne

Sunday 25 August
Samuel Yeow Organ Concert