Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week’s Gospel and the one for next week describe how Jesus sent the disciples to minister in his name and the disciples’ return to Jesus afterward. These two passages, however, are not presented together in Mark’s Gospel. Inserted between the two is the report of Herod’s fears that Jesus is John the Baptist back from the dead. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is presented in connection with the teaching of John the Baptist. Jesus’ public ministry begins after John is arrested. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who preached the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God.
While we do not read these details about John the Baptist in our Gospel this week or next week, our Lectionary sequence stays consistent with Mark’s theme. Recall that last week we heard how Jesus was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth. The insertion of the reminder about John the Baptist’s ministry and his death at the hands of Herod in Mark’s Gospel makes a similar point. Mark reminds his readers about this dangerous context for Jesus’ ministry and that of his disciples. Preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God is dangerous business for Jesus and for his disciples. Mark wants his readers to remember that we, too, may find resistance as we choose to be disciples of Jesus.
Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus sent out the Twelve. These twelve were selected from among Jesus’ disciples and named by Mark in chapter 3. Mark notes that these twelve are also called “apostles.” The word apostle means “one who is sent.” The number twelve is also a symbolic number, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By naming twelve apostles, Jesus shows his mission to be in continuity with the mission of God’s people, Israel.
Jesus’ instructions to the apostles are very specific. He repeats the mission that they are sent to preach and to share his authority to heal and to drive out demons. Jesus sends them in pairs, establishing his mission as a communal endeavour. Jesus also instructs them to travel lightly, without the customary food, money, and extra set of clothes. These instructions mean that the Twelve will be dependent on the hospitality of others, just as
Jesus depended on others to provide for his needs. Jesus continues to send us into the world as his disciples. But like the first disciples, we are not sent alone. Jesus has given us the community of the Church, which strengthens our life of discipleship. The Christian message can only authentically be proclaimed in and through the community of faith that is the Church. In our work with others, we build this community of faith and can invite others to share in it. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Important information for all Parishioners
Please DO NOT USE the walkway between the Church and the building next door as the brick paving is uneven and a dangerous hazard. The Centre Manager has been notified and they are awaiting repairs to the area. Please avoid using the walkway until further notice.
Please also note that on Monday the 15th July the Church, Parish Grounds and Carpark will be closed to all vehicles and foot traffic. This closure will allow the new gates to be installed. All areas will be reopened on Tuesday 16th July. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Archdiocesan Peter’s Pence Collection
Thank you for your generous contribution to last weekend’s collection for Peter’s Pence. The Parish contributed $1030.
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.
Senior’s Morning Tea – Change of Date
The next senior’s morning tea was scheduled for Monday 15th July. Due to the Church and grounds being closed the morning tea will be moved to Monday 22nd July at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s welcome.
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.
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
Catholic Survey Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference who is undertaking a research project aimed at investigating why some Catholics do not participate in regular weekly Sunday Mass (Sunday Mass includes the Saturday Vigil). The project will provide in-depth information about contemporary religious practices and beliefs of Catholics in Australia. The insights would enable parishes, movements, and school communities to respond to the trends in participation in the Church, update the Church’s awareness and understanding of the present-day context, and enable responses and collaboration around the underlying factors for non/dis-engagement.
We would like to invite you to take part in this research. Please click on the link below (or copy and paste the link into your browser) to access information about the project, and to enter the survey itself.
https://bit.ly/AbsentFromTheTableSurvey
The survey will run from Monday, 17 June 2024 and close on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.
Pasta Night Fundraiser
Friday 30th August at 7pm in the Parish Centre. All Welcome.
National Vocations Awareness Week
4th to 11th August is National Vocations Awareness Week. See noticeboards in foyers 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 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
Sunday 14 July
Parish Morning Tea
Monday 15 July
Basilica and grounds closed
Monday 22 July
Seniors Morning Tea