Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
Second Sunday in Advent: Year C
We begin today our second week of our Advent journey; with love and hope in the promises of God which come to us through the Scriptures. The Prophet Baruch, who was a friend and secretary of the Prophet Jeremiah, writes in the long poem which we read today, assures us with full hope and encouragement. The Prophets both Jeremiah and Baruch lived in a very critical period of the history of the chosen people. Because the people of Israel experienced the destruction of the Jerusalem temple by Nabuchadnezzar and the inhabitants of the city and Judah were taken as prisoners to Babylon; so, one can imagine how difficult their life was. All these happened because of their disloyalty to God. But God remained faithful to the covenant he made to Abraham. So, through the Prophet God gives them hope assuring them of the New Kingdom and the New Jerusalem, which he will set up for them when the Son of Man comes among us.
To receive the Son of Man in our lives; John the Baptist gives us an invitation and instruction, how the people of God should prepare in one’s life to receive the author of life, who will come among us as a child. John the Baptist went throughout the Jordan district inviting the people to repent and be ready to receive the author of life. John the Baptist proclaims it with great authority as it is written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Isaiah: “A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:4-6).
Friends, the invitation of John the Baptist is as clear as a bell. Now it is up to each person to engage this invitation of John the Baptist, to take it seriously and see how one could be in touch with one’s life and see what changes one could make to make this year’s Christmas as a life-changing one.
Do I have the courage to spend time with Jesus as part of my spiritual preparation to celebrate the joy of Christmas? And if you find those challenges would put me on the right track; will you be happy to do it without any hesitation? Now it is my choice to do it or not. Amen.
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the Second 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 Second Sunday in Advent Year C.
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 began our Advent Reflection on Monday 29th November at 7pm. This programme will run 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 Mary 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 prizes 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. Please RSVP for catering purposes.
On Wednesday 22nd December: Second Rite of Reconciliation
In order to celebrate the joy of Christmas, spiritual preparation is also essential. On Wednesday 22nd December 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.
Catholic Mission’s 2021 Christmas Reflection
Catholic Mission’s 2021 Christmas Reflection on Modern Slavery will be a live-streamed YouTube event from 7pm to 8.30pm (AWST) on Friday December 10. A recording will be available for those who wish to view it at a more convenient time. Students from 10 Catholic colleges will be involved in the readings, music, artwork, and keynote address. These young & passionate voices will provide us with a beautiful & thought-provoking experience during this Advent Season. For more information on how to attend the event online or in person, email Francis at director.cm@perthcatholic.org.au.
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.
Friday 31st December: New Year’s Eve Mass at 6pm
On Friday 31st December 2021, we will say goodbye to 2021 and will welcome the New Year 2022. It is always a wonderful spiritual experience to say thanks to God for all that we were able to achieve as individuals and Family and to welcome the New Year 2022. The New Year’s Eve Mass will be celebrated at 6pm in our Basilica.
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 5th December to 11th December 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 88%.
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