Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
The first reading taken from the Prophet Zephaniah begins with these words: “Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands. Seek integrity, seek humility: you may perhaps find shelter on the day of the anger of the Lord.”
The Prophet Zephaniah was one of twelve minor prophets. He spoke to the Chosen people of God to choose the path of God. The Prophet Zephaniah preached during the days before King Josiah (640-609) and introduced a religious reform into Judah.
As we know from the knowledge of Scripture that the primary role of a Prophet is to be the mouthpiece of God. In the history of our Salvation, Prophets always played an important role to direct the chosen people of God to seek and to follow the plan of God in their lives, but they were not faithful and went about their own ways.
Under Manasseh and Amon (687-640), Yahweh was abandoned and almost forgotten by the leaders of the Chosen people and even by many of the ordinary people. When the day of God’s punishment comes, a remnant, a small percentage of people, would survive the day of punishment if they continued to be humble and obedient to God’s commands. It is this section of Zephaniah’s prophecy that we read today. So, the Prophet appeals to these remnant people to keep persevering in what they do: “Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands. Seek integrity, seek humility: you may perhaps find shelter on the day of the anger of the Lord.” So, as we share in God’s nature let us strive our best to be a person of humility, obedience, and promoter of justice in the world.
The Gospel passage today talks about the beatitudes of Jesus according to the version of St. Matthew, the evangelist. As Moses proclaimed the Old Law on a mountain so Christ announces the New Laws on a mountain. Jesus started with these words: “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak.” These words stress the importance of the declarations he made to the people. Through this Jesus teaches the real meaning of life and what has the highest value. Blessedness is not about power, or wealth. According to Jesus blessedness is about an attitude of gentleness, compassion, and mercy.
So, let our Christian lives radiate the challenge that Jesus made to us more than two thousand years ago in his Beatitudes. Through our words and deeds, let us be Christ like in our daily Christian living. Amen.
Fr. John Sebastian OMI
Rector & Parish Priest
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Morning Tea
The First Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 5th February 2023 after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The First Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 20th February at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
World Youth Day 2023
From 20th July to 10th August 2023 Oblate Youth Australia will be travelling to Lisbon, Portugal for the World Youth Day Pilgrimage. We are planning to join with Bishop Mark Edwards and the Wagga Diocese on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Lisbon for WYD before finishing our trip in Aix-En-Provence – the birthplace of our founder St Eugene de Mazenod.
The indicative cost for WYD has been quoted at $9930 and this includes airfares, accommodation, registration for WYD, tours and most meals. Please note that this is only an indicative quote.
We are now taking expressions of interest for the pilgrimage, and you can find more information & a detailed itinerary by visiting: https://bit.ly/OYAWYD23
If you have questions or need more info please contact: Emma Rice erice@oblates.com.au 0422705230.
Ash Wednesday 22nd February 2023
Ashes will be distributed at all Masses in the Basilica on Ash Wednesday. Masses will be held at 9am, Midday and 7pm.
PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)
This year the Fremantle Catholic Parish of St Patrick’s Basilica will offer the PREProgram for all Catholic children who attend non-Catholic Schools. This program incorporates Religious Education along with Sacramental Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Classes will commence in February and will continue throughout the whole year. Sacramental Enrolment Mass will be held on Sunday 12 February at 5pm and the Parent Information & Formation Evening will be held on Thursday 16 February at 6pm in the Parish Centre. For more information contact the Parish Office on 9335 2268 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm).
Planned Giving
The Planned Giving Programme is an important part of the Parish and assists 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 giving was 62%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. For more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
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.
Regarding Masks
Masks are not mandatory; however, masks are encouraged where physical distancing is not possible if you have cold & flu symptoms, or you wish to safeguard yourself from the COVID-19 virus.
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 please click here.
EVENTS IN THE PARISH
Sunday 5th February: Parish Morning Tea
Sunday 12 February: SPPS Welcoming & Sacrament Enrolment Mass
Thursday 16 February: Sacrament Enrolment & Formation Evening
Monday 20 February: Senior’s Morning Tea