Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is the sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth who strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. The message we bear is not false, rather, it comes from the Advocate.
Our first reading is a continuation of the frantic efforts the disciples of Christ are making in order to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Philip goes to Samaria and preaches the word of God to the people, performing many miraculous signs and healings, which resulted in many people believing and being baptized. Peter and John arrive in Samaria and prayed for the new believers, laying their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. On this day, Peter performed his episcopal function by laying hands upon the new converts. The Samaritans needed the Holy Spirit as much as we do today because, it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes one a true soldier of Christ. He helps us to bear witness to the truth without fear: “You have not received the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of sonship.
In the second reading, Peter instructs believers to always be ready to give a defence of their faith with gentleness and respect, even in the face of persecution. He then reminds them of the example of Christ, who suffered and died for our sins, but was raised to life by the power of God.
In today’s gospel, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. However, He gives a condition for receiving the Advocate: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” When we do this, he adds: “I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that spirit of truth…I will not leave you orphans.” What is this commandment that we must keep in order to receive the Spirit of truth? It is: “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk 16: 15). It is also, a command to love both God, and our neighbour (Luke 10, 25-27). When we do this, we are certainly preaching the good news of truth. The advocate will come to strengthens us in the way of truth. He will also come to confirm that in deeded, we are sons of God. How much does Jesus love us? This much [stretching out arms]. He stretched out his arms on the cross and died for us. Never be afraid to turn to Jesus for mercy after sinning; Jesus is always waiting to forgive us and restore us again. So, let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Alleluia, Alleluia!
God Bless
Fr. Mathew Raj OMI
Interim Parish Priest/Rector
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A.
Mother’s Day Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You today lifting up mothers everywhere in the world.
I pray that You would give them the strength to meet the demands of motherhood.
May You give them the wisdom to raise their children according to Your Word.
Father, give them the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard.
Most of all, I pray that they would know Your love for them.
May they experience the joys of being a mother and that Mother’s Day would be a memorable day for them.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
We wish all mother’s a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Adoration and Mass – Monday 15th May
There will be no Adoration on Monday 15th May at 11am due to a very big funeral which will finish at 11.30am. Please also note that the carpark will be full until after the Funeral is finished so, please keep that in mind when coming to the midday Mass.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Parish Senior’s Morning Tea which was scheduled for Monday 15th May has been moved to Monday 22nd May at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s welcome.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is from the 15th -21st May 2023. This year the theme for Volunteer week is ‘The Change Makers’. The annual Volunteer Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral on Sunday 14th May 2023 at 11.00am.
Ignatian Spirituality for Busy People
Fr Tony Lusvardi, a Jesuit Priest from the United States will be with us for 6 weeks from 13th May to 23rd June. Fr Tony will be offering a First Spiritual Exercises Retreat In Daily Life and One off Ignatian Prayer Experience. Both events will be held at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont and further information including details of dates and times may be found here. See also noticeboard in foyers of church.
Upcoming Concerts in the Basilica
See the noticeboard in the foyers of the Church for Organ Concerts which will be coming to the Basilica during May, June and July.
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 92%.
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.
Upcoming events
Sunday 14 May: Mother’s Day.
Monday 22 May: Senior’s Morning Tea.
Sunday 28 May: Organ Concert.
Sunday 4 June: Confirmation Mass.