Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
We begin today Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar. It is the longest time in our liturgical worship. During this time, we will meditate on the story of Jesus’ life, preaching and the day-to-day struggles and successes he encountered in his public ministry and how he remained faithful to the mission of his Father.
The Gospel narrates to us how John the Baptist introduced Jesus to the people. In this introduction John the Baptist speaks highly of Jesus and how he is going to bring about redemption to the people. Through this introduction he clearly points out to the people the identity of Jesus saying: ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’
Jesus as the “Lamb of God” is ready to lay down his life for the sake of us all. This is a story about a tourist, who visited a Church in Werner, Germany. He was surprised to see the carved figure of a lamb at the bell tower of the church. He asked why it was there and was told that when the bell tower of the church was being built, a workman fell from a high scaffold. His co-workers rushed down, expecting to find him dead. But to their surprise and joy, he was alive and only slightly injured. How did he survive? A flock of sheep was passing beneath the tower at the time, and he landed on top of a lamb. The lamb broke his fall and was crushed to death, but the man was saved. To commemorate that miraculous escape, a fellow stone artist carved a lamb on the tower at the exact height from which the workman had fallen. This statue of the lamb expresses a tiny bit of what John the Baptist means when he introduces Jesus to his disciples saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.”
Jesus, the Sacrificial Lamb lived an Obedient life to his Father. It was not forced onto him, but he willingly accepted it and through his obedience he glorified his father. So, each one of us should thank Jesus for his love for us. Because of his sincere love for us he was willing to be sacrificed. How do you bear witness to this Lamb of God in your daily lives. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Morning Tea and Senior’s Morning Tea
There is no Parish Morning Tea or Senior’s Morning Tea in January. February dates will be advised soon.
World Youth Day 2023
From 20th July to 10th August 2023 Oblate Youth Australia will be travelling to Lisbon, Portugal for the World Youth Day Pilgrimage. We are planning to join with Bishop Mark Edwards and the Wagga Diocese on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Lisbon for WYD before finishing our trip in Aix-En-Provence – the birthplace of our founder St Eugene de Mazenod.
The indicative cost for WYD has been quoted at $9930 and this includes airfares, accommodation, registration for WYD, tours and most meals. Please note that this is only an indicative quote.
We are now taking expressions of interest for the pilgrimage, and you can find more information & a detailed itinerary by visiting: https://bit.ly/OYAWYD23
If you have questions or need more info please contact: Emma Rice erice@oblates.com.au 0422705230.
Caritas Ambassador
Parish Program Join us for a three-part series where we will dive deeper into the heart and stories of Project Compassion 2023.
The aim of this event is to ignite the desire in everyone to answer the call, join in, and reach out to our vulnerable brothers and sisters. In doing so, we unite to bring the love and mercy of God to all.
DATE: Tuesday, 17th January 2023, Tuesday, 31st January 2023, and Tuesday, 14th February 2023
TIME: 6:30PM to 8:00PM (light refreshments will be provided)
ADDRESS: 40A MARY STREET, HIGHGATE (entry to car parking is available from Harold Street)
Please contact Dcn Paul Reid or Shelby D’Souza on 9422 7925 or email perth@caritas.org.au for more information.
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 56%.
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
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
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 please click here.