Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
After Lent, the Easter season, and three Sundays of feast days—Pentecost, Most Holy Trinity, and Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—the Church returns to Ordinary Time. This Sunday’s Gospel from Mark carries a significant message regarding faith and the Kingdom of God.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus appears reluctant to reveal his identity as the Son of God. After performing miracles of healing, he warns those cured to tell no one (see Mark 1:44, 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, and 8:26). Also, when preaching, Jesus chooses to speak to the crowds in parables, leaving them to discern his message. Only to his disciples does he explain the parable’s meaning, and he does this in private at a later time.
Today’s Gospel Reading consists of two parables about seeds. In the first, Jesus tells those gathered that this is “how it is with the kingdom of God.” A man scatters seed which over time sprouts and develops. Then when the grain is ripe, the man harvests his crop. The emphasis in the parable is on the seed, which seemingly has the power to grow on its own. In this it is like the Kingdom of God. While on earth, Jesus planted the seeds of the kingdom by his life, miracles, teaching, and suffering. However, the kingdom is not yet fully established. Although already present in Jesus and his group of twelve, it has yet to come to fruition: just as the seed in the parable needs time to grow, so does God’s kingdom.
The second parable focuses on the tiny mustard seed. Though not the smallest of all seeds, it is most likely the smallest that a first-century farmer in Jesus’ part of the world would have sown. Small as the mustard seed is, it develops into a tree.
Though the mustard tree generally averages only nine to twelve feet in height, it has a wide expanse and provides a nesting place for birds. Just as the tree welcomes the birds, so is God’s kingdom welcoming and open to many.
These parables help us discern something about the kingdom of God and our own faith. In God we live and move and have our being, but God is a mystery and his kingdom, though present, has not yet come into its fullness. Today, the Kingdom of God is present in the Church. The mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom given to the Apostles is now given to us. But just as seeds need time to come to fruition, so does the Kingdom of God. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “thy kingdom come.” We know that it will come in its fullness at the end of time. All we need is faith. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
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.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 17 June 2024 at 10am in the parish hall. All senior’s welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 14th July after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Tap and Go Facility for Collections- UP AND RUNNING!
You can tap and go for the 1st and 2nd Collections and any general donations you wish to make to the parish. The terminals are now set up and located near St Patrick’s Statue in the side foyer, also near the Piety Stall in the front foyer and near the Cross behind the Baptismal Font.
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 below:-
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
6-7pm
Basilica of St Patrick Parish Centre
St Vincent de Paul – Fremantle/Beaconsfield Conference
The Fremantle/Beaconsfield conference helps people calling for assistance in our local area. Please consider joining Vinnies – it’s a great opportunity to help those who are struggling to manage in these difficult times. If you aren’t sure about how much time it involves or what’s expected – call us and have a quiet chat and we can answer any of your questions. People fear a big commitment which they may not be able to cope with but really, it’s a little commitment but what you can help achieve with that small amount of time can change lives in very profound ways. Call me – let’s talk. Clare – 0406 973 595
Fremantle Parish Safeguarding
I wish to advise that Mary Davis, Fremantle Parish Safeguarding Officer has resigned from her position. I would like to sincerely thank Mary for her support, time and commitment to the Safeguarding Project in the Parish of Fremantle.
Please note that Lynn Tomlinson will continue as the Safeguarding Officer for the parish. Should you have any concerns about safeguarding please reach out to Lynn.
A reminder to all parishioners please take your handbags and other personal items with you when you go to receive Communion, do not leave them on the seats.
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 67%.
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 17 June: Senior’s Morning Tea
Monday 24 June: Students and Staff from St Joseph’s School, Northam visiting the Parish
Friday 28 June: Staff from Ursula Frayne College, Victoria Park visiting the Parish