Dear brothers and sisters,
We end our Easter celebrations with the Ascension of the Lord. He had to go so as to send the Holy Spirit and begin the Church. But he is with us still as Risen Lord in our midst ensuring the Church’s triumph over evil until he comes again at the end of the world. Today’s readings very well portray that the Spirit will guide the entire world. The last words of Jesus are the clear instruction for each one of us that we should strive to build his kingdom on earth. As Christians we are entrusted with a mission of bringing God’s kingdom on earth by spreading joy, peace and harmony with one another.
Jesus had gone; but he had not abandoned us, as he himself had promised. If Jesus had continued to stay on in that incarnate form forever, he would have remained in Jerusalem, Judea and the surroundings. But Jesus went up to the Father and thus he has begun to stay with everyone worldwide. As Jesus promises in the gospel today. I shall be with you till the end of times. To be with us, Jesus had to go; he went and that is what is what we celebrate today- the Ascension.
St. Paul through his letter assures us that the ‘’spirit of wisdom and perception be upon you”. This spirit of Christ who is in us invite us to build his kingdom on earth. This Spirit of Christ which we received through our baptism and confirmation are calling us to bring it into the fulfillment by living out our Christian call. The first reading also tells us that when the spirit of the Lord is fully alive, we will be able to live a good life.
Today’s feast gives an open invitation for us to continue the will by inspiring people to know more about Jesus. The spirit will help us to live a life with zeal and mission and give witness to the people through our life. We should be able to die to self and rise in Jesus Christ. Then we will be able to say as St. Paul said: ‘’It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Gal: 2:20). So, as we celebrate the ascension of the Lord it is very good that we introspect and see whether the spirit of the Lord is really active in us or not. We are invited to make our community and society where we live a heaven. May the spirt who dwells in us enable us to be constructive.
God Bless
Fr. Mathew Raj OMI
Interim Parish Priest/Rector
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Ascension of the Lord, Year A.
Our Lady of Fatima Mass and Procession
Last Saturday 13th May, we celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, and in true tradition the Portuguese and parish communities came together to honour Our Lady of Fatima. We celebrated a concelebrated Mass led by Fr Mathew Raj and he was joined by fellow Oblates, at the conclusion of Mass we processed through the grounds of the Basilica and School and returned to the Basilica for Benediction. Thank You to all those who attended and to all those who coordinated the event.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Parish Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 22nd May at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s welcome.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Parish will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 4th June at 2.30pm Mass which will be led this year by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe. Please keep the Candidates, their families, teachers and catechists in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit.
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 at: Ignatian Spirituality of Western Australia (ignatianspiritualitywa.com.au), see also noticeboard in foyers of church.
Up and coming Concerts in the Basilica
Sacred Heart Sodality Members and Friends
To celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Mass will be celebrated on Friday 16 June at Midday in St Patrick’s Basilica. Followed by a shared lunch in the Presbytery Carport. Please bring a plate to share.
Invitation from the Scots’ Presbyterian Church, Fremantle
Parishioners are invited to “At Home” on Monday 19th June, 2023 at 10.15am at the Scots’ Presbyterian Church, 90 South Terrace, Fremantle. Guest Speaker is Peter Warren from Mukti. Please RSVP to the Parish Office on 9335 2268 before 12th June, 2023. All Welcome.
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 58%.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Monday 22 May: Senior’s Morning Tea.
Sunday 28 May: Organ Concert.
Sunday 4 June: Confirmation Mass.