Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
First Sunday in Advent: Year C
Dear friends, today we begin a new liturgical season called Advent. With Advent we also embark on a New Liturgical Year C. Whenever we begin something new, there is always new vigour, enthusiasm and of course a sense of wonder and expectation.
The next four weeks of preparation for the arrival of Jesus in our hearts and in the world are very crucial and important in our faith journey. Whenever we receive someone who is very important in our lives, we always do meticulous planning and preparations so that the visit becomes a memorable one.
If we can prepare for a person who has some power over us, how much more we all need to prepare to receive the very author of our lives; namely Jesus Christ, who is the Only begotten Son of God.
During these days of our preparations, the liturgy of the Word will invite us to take on board the challenge and the invitations of the Lord, so that we become worthy to receive the incarnate Son into our world.
The gospel today opens with these words, ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean …When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” These words are really daunting, aren’t they? But if you pay close attention to these warnings of Christ, it is indeed comforting. Because Jesus says that when these things happen know that your liberation is very near. So, in short, if I live my Christian calling every day of my life, I will be longing for my union with Christ, who is my saviour.
In fact, Jesus’ prophetic description of the destruction of the world, and the day of final judgment, were not new to the people of Israel. The prophets Isaiah, Joel, Jeremiah, Amos, and Zephaniah had foretold these events many centuries before. These signs are not intended to fill people with fear and trembling, except perhaps those who have failed to live out to their Christian living.
So, let us begin these days of our preparation for the birth of our Lord, with great joy and enthusiasm. Please also encourage others in this journey so that as people of God we will journey together to meet Christ and enjoy his Peace, joy and prosperity he gives us. Amen
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the First Sunday in Advent Year C.
Family Mass
The Family Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the First Sunday in Advent Year C.
Important celebrations in November
Sunday 28th November: Advent Readings and carol at St. John’s Anglican Church
Dear parishioners, St. John’s Anglican Church in Fremantle is hosting an Advent Carol service on Sunday 28th November at 7pm. This service is entitled “Festival of Lessons and Music for Advent.” It is a very moving service, with the church being gradually lit by candles as the lessons are read. Hymns will be sung, and the choir will also sing in between the readings, as the candles are lit.
It would be great if you could avail your time at the start of Advent and represent our Basilica Community. I will attend this service. Hope to see you there.
Advent Reflection
Advent is the journey towards an understanding of the mystery of the Christmas miracle. This year the Charism Team from the Australian province has put together a programme for us to prepare well for the celebration of Christmas.
We will begin this Advent Reflection on Monday 29th November at 7pm. This programme will run on every Monday at 7pm in the Parish Administration Centre leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
If you want to be part of this Spiritual preparation for Christmas, please contact the parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday).
Important Celebrations in December
On Sunday 5th December: Monthly Parish Morning Tea
On 5th December after the 8am Mass we will have the Parish morning Tea. Please come along as this will be the last morning tea for this year. During this morning tea we will also celebrate Fr. Angelo’s birthday. Please do join us and let us celebrate it together. All are welcome.
On Wednesday 8th December: Solemnity of Immaculate Conception
On Wednesday 8th December we will have a concelebrated Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is an important feast for the Oblates of Marry Immaculate. Please come and join the Oblates from Western Australia and pray for their good health and for more vocations to the Oblate congregation.
On Sunday 12th December: Memorial Mass for David Shelton OMI
On Sunday 12th December we will celebrate a special memorial Mass at 11am Mass to celebrate the second anniversary of the death of Fr. David Shelton, who with great love served in the Prison ministry for a very long period of time. He was instrumental in initiating “baking biscuits for the prisoners for Christmas.” May he rest in peace.
On Sunday 19th December: Special Parish Christmas Morning Tea
On Sunday 19th December we will hold a special Christmas Morning Tea after the 8am Mass. On this day we will draw the prices for the raffle tickets. All the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will go towards the New Sound System in our Basilica, as it needs an upgrade. There are some amazing raffle prizes, so kindly buy as many tickets as possible and support the upgrade of our Basilica sound system. The tickets will be on sale at every Masses and in the Parish office, leading up to the event.
On this day we also will celebrate the Diamond Ordination anniversary of Fr. Colbert, who has faithfully served the Church and his people. There are many celebrations planned on this day, so kindly place this date in your diary and come along to celebrate this great day with the Basilica community and Fr. Colbert.
On Wednesday 22nd December: Second Rite of Reconciliation
In order to celebrate the joy of Christmas, spiritual preparation is also essential. On Wednesday 22ndDecember at 7pm, there will be the Second Rite of Reconciliation in our Basilica. Please make use of this spiritual opportunity to prepare ourselves well and to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
Mary’s Dream
This weekend you will find copies of Mary’s Dream in the side foyers of the Church, please pick up a copy and take the time to read through it and perhaps action some of the items mentioned. Please click here to download the PDF of Mary’s Dream.
Christmas Offerings
Usually twice a year you are invited, as a community, to make a special effort to financially support the Priests of the Basilica. Envelopes are available in your planned giving boxes or in the pews of the Church. Your generosity is very much appreciated along with your prayers, encouragement, and blessings.
Expressions of Interest Prison Biscuit Baking
The Parish has been approached by the Prison Co-ordinator of Melaleuca Prison to provide home baked biscuits for the prisoners at Christmas Time. In previous years this was an initiative by Fr David Shelton OMI, however since Fr Shelton’s passing and COVID we have not provided this service. If you would like to participate in this important ministry in the true spirit of Christmas in 2021 please leave your details with the Parish Office and we can then send you the baking information sheet and delivery date for the biscuits to the Parish Office.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe 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 please click here.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 28th November to 4thDecember 2021).
To book your Mass Intentions please contact the Parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm).
The Planned Giving Programme
The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows 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’s giving was 60%
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
God bless,
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest