Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. The Presentation, which is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, is not mentioned in the other Gospels.
Only Luke tells the story, most likely because he writes for Gentile Christians who are not familiar with the Jewish rite of presentation and purification. In addition, the intent of Luke’s Gospel is to show that God’s promise to Israel, fulfilled in Jesus, extends to Gentiles.
Luke recognizes Joseph and Mary as faithful Jews who bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Here they present their firstborn son to the Lord. Jesus is thus consecrated as required by the Law of Moses. Present in the temple at this time are Simeon and Anna. Both are awaiting the restoration of God’s rule in Israel.
Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ the Lord, the Messiah, before he died. The holy man immediately recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Savior, a “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Anna also recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise of redemption and spoke about him to all. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Presentation of the Lord, Year C.
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
What is a Jubilee? A Jubilee is a special year of grace and conversion, involving prayer, pilgrimage and sacramental repentance, held every 25 years, or during other years as called for by the Pope.
Through a series of concrete rituals, acts and commitments, the goal of a Jubilee year is to inspire and encourage holiness of life among the faithful and therefore to strengthen the Church’s witness to God’s loving mercy in and for the world.
This year the Basilica of St Patrick has been chosen as one of the five Churches in the Archdiocese of Perth as a place of pilgrimage. We invite everyone to participate in this Jubilee Year.
2025 Pilgrims of Hope books available from the Piety Stall and Parish Office for $2.
On Monday 3rd February Fr Andrew Chen OMI, will be installed as the new Australian Provincial in Melbourne. Frs Daniel Szewc, Michael Twigg, Mathew Raj and Meno Basti will also be installed as his new councillors. We ask that you keep them all in your prayers.
Aquinas Schola Choir
The Aquinas Boys Choir will return to sing at the Saturday 6pm Vigil Masses on Saturday commencing from Saturday 9th February.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 16th February after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Seniors Morning Tea
The senior’s morning teas will return in 2025 dates will be advised.
World Day of Prayer 2025
The World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer service that is interdenominational and each year it celebrates different parts of the world.
This year the Basilica of St Patrick’s will host the World Day of Prayer for the Cook Islands on Friday 7th March at 10am. We are seeking volunteers on the day who can assist in the following areas:- Church Set Up, Welcoming and Greeting Guests at the doors, Ushering and Morning Tea Prep and Catering.
The Basilica has been part of the World Day of Prayer for over 30 years and in order to make this service special we need your assistance. A meeting will be held in parish office on Thursday 6th February at 10am to go through what will be required on the day of the service.
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/.
Weekly Giving
The collections are an important part of a Parish life. Your weekly 1st collection donations support the Priests in the parish to minister to the needs of the parish community and the Fremantle boarders.
Your weekly 2nd collection donations help us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Administration Centre. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide and maintain the Parish and its community. Thank You!
Please continue to give generously via the collection plate, tap and go tablets or direct deposits into the accounts below.
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.