Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Year C
Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI dedicated 2012 as the “Year of Faith.” During that year, he invited every baptised member of the church to profess, to celebrate, and to witness their faith. The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a reminder to all of us about the call we have received from the Lord; to be his disciples and his witnesses in the world.
It is sad to see at times that the baptism ceremony has become one of the social events we go to, but it is not. It has a deep connection to the person of Jesus Christ who received his baptism at the hands of John the Baptist. There are many symbols used in the baptismal ceremony; the sign of the cross on the forehead of the child, water, sacred oils, white cloth, baptism candle, prayer over the mouth and ears and so forth; they all point to one reality that we all should become Christlike in our lives.
How to be a Christlike person? Once a group of missionaries around the world gathered for a conference, to discuss the methods that each one used in their evangelisation. Most of the missionaries in their presentation said how effectively they have utilised the modern media and their talents in their evangelisation and how effective they are. One of the missionaries, who was last to present said, “If I see something lacking in my mission, I take the family who live their Gospel values, “to be there with the people” and guide the people how each one can be a marvellous person we are created to be. He finished by saying that it really works, and the conference concluded.
Pope Paul VI, “Evangelii Nuntiandi” no. 41 says, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” The baptism of Jesus is a powerful reminder about our own baptism. Every baptised member of the church should lead a witnessing life.
Every baptism ceremony will conclude saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, he/she has been reborn in baptism. They are now called children of God, for so indeed they are.” Yes, through our baptism we all have become God’s adopted children.
How can I courageously identify myself with Jesus and his baptism and be a witness to his love and compassion in the present world. Amen.
Readings for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Year C
Click here for readings for The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Year C
Thank you: Biscuits for the prisoners
Thank you sincerely for your generous time and resources in baking 300 biscuits for the prisoners during Christmas time. I am sure Fr. David Shelton OMI would be proud of you all and Jesus indeed too. This was the initiative of Fr. David Shelton OMI that we think about those who are not often remembered around this time of joy. Thank you sincerely.
Thank you: Christmas Raffle and donations
I wish to express my sincere thanks to everyone who generously supported the sale of Christmas raffle tickets and for your generous donations towards the upgrade of the Basilica sound system. Through your support we raised $27,000. I am confident now to start the first stage of our project. If you wish to donate towards the completion of stage Two, please do not hesitate to contact 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 9th January to 15th January 2022).
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 70%.
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