Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
For our Gospel today we hear the conclusion of the “Bread of Life discourse” in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. In the preceding verses, which we have heard proclaimed in our liturgy over the past few weeks, we have heard Jesus explain that he is the Bread of Life, given so that those who believe may have eternal life. This discourse follows the miracle in which Jesus fed more than five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish. As Jesus has been teaching these things, John’s Gospel describes a murmuring crowd unable to accept Jesus’ words. In today’s Gospel, the crowd has dwindled in number, and John no longer references them, or the Jews. Instead, John describes the questioning of those considered to be Jesus’ own disciples.
Today’s Gospel first records the response of those in the crowd who are described as Jesus’ disciples. Just as the larger crowd had struggled with Jesus’ teaching, these disciples also cannot accept Jesus’ words. Jesus is said to know about their murmuring. He responds by acknowledging their unbelief and by reiterating that only those chosen by the Father will follow Jesus to the end. John’s Gospel reports that many of those who had been Jesus’ disciples ceased to follow him at this point. The number of people following Jesus dwindled from a crowd of more than 5,000 to only 12 people. And it is to these Twelve that Jesus now turns his attention.
Simon Peter’s response to Jesus’ question as to whether those closest to him will also leave, reminds us of the reports of Peter’s confession of faith in the Synoptic Gospels. Peter announces, on behalf of all the Twelve, that they have come to believe all that Jesus has taught about himself: Jesus is the one from God in whom they have found the path to eternal life.
This conclusion of the Bread of Life discourse focuses on personal faith in the life of Christian discipleship. Each person must make his or her own judgment about who Jesus is and in doing so determine the way of life that he or she will follow. God’s grace invites us to be Jesus’ disciples, but each person must respond to the grace of God and confess as his or her own the belief that Jesus is the one from God. This faith then commits us to the path of life, leading us to eternal life. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the ebulletins for the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Adoration in the Basilica
Adoration is held in the Basilica Monday to Saturday. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed at 11am with silent prayer until 11.20am, Rosary will then be held from 11.20am to 11.35am, following the Rosary there will be a time for silent prayer until 11.50am when Benediction will commence followed by Midday Mass. All Welcome to attend.
Please Note: The walkway between the Basilica and the building next door has now been permanently closed. No further access is available through that walkway to the Basilica Grounds.
Samuel Yeow Organ Concert – August
Samuel is one of our Organists at the Basilica and is having a farewell concert on Sunday 25th August 2.30pm in the Basilica. Please support this young, talented musician. More information on the Noticeboard.
Our Lady of Tindari (Black Madonna)
Commencing Wednesday 4 September to Friday 6 September, Triduum in honour of Our Lady of Tindari commencing at 6.30pm. Feast Day Mass on Sunday 8th September at 9.30am. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 8th September after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Friday 13 September – Sacrament of Confirmation
On Friday 13th September at 5.30pm the Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe will this year celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with us. Please keep these Candidates and their families in your prayers.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 16th September at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
Roger Sayer Organ Concert – September
Roger will perform his organ score of the soundtrack of the film Interstellar on Friday 20 September 7:30pm. More information on the Noticeboard. Please support and enjoy this unique opportunity.
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth – Employment Opportunities
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth has employment opportunities for suitably qualified persons to join its team and continue the good work of the Church.
For details, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm.
Administration Assistant, Daydawn Advocacy Centre – Permanent, Part-time (apply to recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au). Tenancy Advocate, Daydawn Advocacy Centre – Permanent, Part-time (apply on EthicalJobs.com.au)
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is committed to the Safeguarding of children and adults at risk.
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
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.
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.
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 25 August
Samuel Yeow Organ Concert
Sunday 1 September
Father’s Day
Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 September
Our Lady of Tindari Triduum
Sunday 8 September
Parish Morning Tea
9.30am Mass in honour of Our Lady of Tindari
Friday 13 September
Sacrament of Confirmation
Monday 16 September
Senior’s Morning Tea