Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As we do so, our Gospel invites us to consider Joseph’s protection of Jesus in the face of danger.
Just as in the announcement of Jesus’ birth, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. The angel warns him of Herod’s plans to harm Jesus. Joseph follows the command of the angel and takes Joseph and Mary to Egypt, returning only after receiving word in another dream that it was safe to do so.
This feast is part of the Christmas season, so we should look at today’s Gospel in the context of what Scripture tells us about Jesus’ birth. Today’s reading is found in the Gospel of Matthew, following the story of the visit of the Magi. Recall that Matthew’s story about the birth of Jesus makes Joseph the primary character.
Among Matthew’s themes in this infancy narrative is Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the messiah. Indeed, the story of the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt recalls the story of Moses in the Book of Exodus.
It should also be noted that today’s reading omits the verses that recount Herod’s order of the massacre of the infant boys in and around Bethlehem. We mark this event on the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28.
These events remind us of the difficult reality of Jesus’ birth. While the story of the Magi’s visit will be recalled in our liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany, our Christmas celebration is made more sober by the recollection that not everyone received Christ’s birth with joy or obedience. Herod’s jealousy and malice contrast with Joseph’s obedience to the words of the angel. The Holy Family’s escape to Egypt and the massacre that Jesus is saved from remind us of the struggles and sacrifices that are required as preparation for God’s salvation. (Source: Loyola Press).
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Feast of the Holy Family, Year A.
Parish Leadership Team
On Sunday 21 December, Fr Basti commissioned the new Parish Leadership Team. The Leadership Team will assist the parish priest and assistances with matters relating to liturgy, planning events and any other areas the parish priest requires assistance with.
The Leadership Team consists of Shereen Banner, Marietta Damos, Sonia La Macchia, Steven Daly and Christian Thompson.
Let us keep this Leadership Team in our prayers as they take up this role in the parish.
ALPHA 2026
A new session of Alpha will commence in the parish on Thursday 29th January 2026 and continue every Thursday for 9 weeks, 6.30pm to 8.30pm in the parish centre. Registrations to either parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au or alpha.org.au.
See noticeboard or flyers in side foyers.
Christmas Parish Office Opening Hours
The parish office will close on Tuesday 23rd December and reopen on Tuesday 13th January 2026. During this time anything urgent can be emailed to parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
There will be no English or Italian Bulletins at Masses on the weekends of 3rd /4th January and 10th /11th January 2026. Bulletins will be available on 17th/18th January onwards.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our parishioners and friends a very Joyous and Holy Christmas and a Safe and Peaceful New Year. God Bless!
Financial Assistance
If you wish to assist financially for insurance or repair works you can deposit funds into the account below with the reference of either insurance, repair works church or repair works presbytery.
Account Name: Basilica Working Account
BSB: 086 006
Account No: 48794 3085
Your assistance no matter how big or small is very much appreciated. Thank you to those who have already assisted so generously it is very much appreciated. Thank You and God Bless!
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
Safeguarding Requirements in the Parish
The Church Sacristy: Reminder that the Church Sacristy is only to be used by the Priests, Acolytes and Church Staff. Parishioners are not to enter the Sacristy. The toilet located in the Sacristy is for the use of the Priests only it is not a public toilet.
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The indulgence, a priceless gift of divine mercy, is one of the special signs of the Jubilee Year. The conditions for obtaining a Jubilee Indulgence are:
- Pilgrimage to any of the designated Churches and Shrines
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
- The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
- St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove
- Schoenstatt Shrine, Mount Richon
- Carmelite Monastery, Dalkeith
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Profession of Faith
- Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father
Those unable to make a pilgrimage due to age, health, caregiving you can obtain an indulgence, under the usual conditions by reciting the Our father, making a profession of faith and offering prayers from their homes, hospitals and nursing homes while offering up their own suffering.
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.