Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel describes the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (called the Synoptic Gospels), Jesus’ public ministry begins after his baptism by John the Baptist and after his retreat to the desert where he was tempted by the devil. When Jesus returns from the desert, he hears that John has been arrested.
The first part of today’s Gospel places Jesus’ ministry in the context of the writings of the prophet, Isaiah. Matthew wants to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies given to the people of Israel, and he refers to Isaiah to do so. Isaiah says that the Messiah will begin his ministry in Galilee, the land of the Gentiles. When Jesus begins to preach in Galilee, Matthew points to his ministry as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, proof that Jesus is the Messiah.
When Jesus called his first disciples, the Gospel tells us that the fishermen (Peter and Andrew, James and John) dropped everything to follow Jesus immediately. Yet this Gospel tells us little about the prior experience that the fishermen had of Jesus. Did they know him? Had they heard him preach? What kind of person must Jesus have been to invoke such a response? We can imagine that Jesus was a powerful presence to elicit a response as immediate and complete as these first disciples gave.
The Gospel concludes with a description of the ministry that Jesus begins in Galilee. Jesus inaugurates the Kingdom of God with his work. He teaches in the synagogue and preaches the kingdom. His ability to cure people’s diseases and illness is a sign of the kingdom. In Jesus’ ministry, we already begin to see the Kingdom of God among us. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Office Opening Hours
Please take note of the parish office opening hours over the next two weeks.
Monday 26 January – Closed
Tuesday 27 January – Open 9am to 1.30pm
Wednesday 28 January – Closed
Thursday 29 January – Open 9am to 3pm
Friday 30 January – Open 9am to 3pm
Tuesday 3rd February – Closed
Wednesday 4th February – Closed
Thursday 5th February – Closed
From Friday 6th February onwards normal opening hours 9am to 3pm.
Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Please note: there will be no adoration on Tuesday 3rd February only midday Mass.
Funeral details for Salvatore Ambrogio (Angie’s Dad)
Tuesday 3rd February in the Basilica, 9.45am Rosary, 10.15am Funeral Mass and 12pm Mausoleum at Fremantle Cemetery.
ALPHA 2026 – FINAL CALL!
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.
Parish Morning Tea
The parish morning tea will recommence on Sunday 8th February in the Presbytery carport after the 8am Mass. All Welcome.
Please note change of date for Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick will be on Tuesday 10th February during the Midday Mass. All Welcome.
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday 18th February and the Basilica will have Masses and distribution of Ashes at Midday and 6.30pm Masses. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season.
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.
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.