Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Matthew continues the Sermon on the Mount with a three-part instruction by Jesus on the Way of Life in the kingdom of heaven. Today’s reading is part one and deals with the Law. Part two deals with worship and religious practice and contains the Lord’s Prayer. Part three deals with trusting God and deeds of loving service to our neighbour.
When Matthew speaks of “the Law and the prophets” he means the whole Scripture. When the Messiah brings the fullness of the kingdom none of scripture will be done away with. Instead, it will be fulfilled. Matthew’s Jesus does not overturn the Law of Moses, nor does he set his followers free from the Law. He requires his followers to go beyond the Law by doing more than the Law requires.
The Law condemned murder. Jesus condemns anger. The Law condemned adultery. Jesus condemns even lustful looks. As Jewish Christians who had always been faithful to the Law Matthew’s community need a way to understand the difference Jesus and the kingdom he brings have made. They affirmed that God had always been at work in history through “the Law and the prophets.” But God’s work goes beyond that to be embodied by the Messiah who reveals the definitive will of God. The written scriptures and their interpretation in tradition are surpassed by Jesus whose life and teaching are the definitive revelation of the will of God. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Project Compassion 2026
This Sunday we launch Project Compassion for 2026. Please collect your donation boxes or envelopes from the side foyers of the Church. Next weekend 21/22 February we will have a third collection for Project Compassion at all Masses.
Sacramental Information Evening
A Parent Sacramental Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 17th February at 6pm in the Parish Centre. If you have a child who attends a Catholic School or a non-Catholic School and requires receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation please attend the information evening so that you can get the necessary information for the Sacraments and the Prep Program. For more information contact the parish office on 9335 2268 or parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au.
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday 18th February and the Basilica will have Masses with distribution of Ashes at Midday and 6.30pm. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Stations of the Cross in English/Italian will commence on Friday 20th February at 6.30pm. Stations will then continue every Friday evening up to Friday 27th March. All Welcome.
ALPHA
The current session of ALPHA has well and truly commenced and is being enjoyed by a large group. Let us keep them all in our prayers as they journey over the next 6 weeks together.
World Day of Prayer
This year the Scots Church, 90 South Terrace, Fremantle will host the World Day of Prayer focusing on Nigeria on Friday 6th March at 10am. Let us support this event as a parish. RSVP J Parnell 0414 521 227. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 8th March in the Presbytery carport after the 8am Mass. All Welcome.
A Lenten Reflection with Bishop Don Sproxton
Parishioners are invited to come together in this time of Lent to reflect with Mary and her Magnificat of humility and grace. On Saturday 14th March 2026, St Columba’s Catholic Church, South Perth. RSVP by 7th March. See noticeboards for more information.
Oblate Superior General Visits Fremantle
We will be honoured with a visit from the Oblate Superior General, Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso OMI from Italy in March and he will be celebrating the midday Mass on Tuesday 17th March (St Patrick’s Day) with us in Fremantle. I invite all parishioners to join us on this very special day not only to celebrate our Patron Saint but also to welcome Father Superior to Fremantle.
Furniture available
We have a few items of furniture that are looking for a new home. A black desk, small black desk cabinet, smallside cabinet, large bamboo bookshelf, a white bookshelf, two small side tables with drawers, a few different size small side tables, a few different size lamps, two computer monitors. If you are interested, please see the parish office or one of the priests and they can show you the items. Donation accepted.
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.
Coming Events
Sunday 15th February
Project Compassion Sunday
Tuesday 17th February
Sacramental Parent Information Evening
Wednesday 18th February
Ash Wednesday
Friday 20th February
Stations of the Cross commence
Saturday 21/Sunday 22 February
Project Compassion Special Collection