Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This Sunday we celebrate a second solemnity during this period of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This day was once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” In the revised Lectionary the name for this day is expanded to reflect more completely our Eucharistic theology.
Today’s Gospel is taken from the Gospel according to John. The reading is part of a discourse between Jesus and a crowd of Jews. The discourse comes shortly after the miracle of Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fishes. In John’s Gospel, miracles such as this are identified as “signs” through which people come to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. These signs are followed by dialogue, or discourse that interprets and explains the miracle. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves is said to have occurred near Passover, thus linking it to the Exodus story and God’s saving action toward the Israelites.
Having seen Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes, the crowd pursues him, perhaps seeking more food but also looking for another sign. Jesus tells the crowd that he is the bread of life. He explains that just as God gave the Israelites manna to sustain them in the desert, so now God has sent new manna that will give eternal life. It is in this context that Jesus repeats those words in today’s Gospel and tells them again that he is the living bread that came down from heaven.
Jesus’ words are not well understood by the crowd; they argue that Jesus is not from heaven but born of Mary and Joseph. The crowd also has trouble understanding how Jesus could give them his flesh to eat. Jesus tells them that when they eat his flesh and drink his blood, they will remain forever connected to him. These are difficult words, but they are important because they seek to show us our intimate connection with Jesus.
This is the mystery that is at the heart of our Eucharistic theology. In the elements of bread and wine, Jesus’ Body and Blood are truly present. When we share in the Body and Blood of Christ, Jesus himself comes to dwell within us. This communion with the Lord makes us one body, brings us eternal life, and sends us forth to be Christ’s Body in the world. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year A.
Fr Sholto Douglas OMI
This weekend we welcome Fr Sholto Douglas OMI from Zimbabwe. Fr Sholto will speak at the 6pm Vigil Mass, 8am and 11am Masses.
CBC Exams in Parish Centre
Please be aware that from Monday 12th June to Friday 16th June there will be exams in the Parish Centre. Please be mindful of noise while using the toilet area. Thank You.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 19th June at 10am in the Parish Centre. All Senior’s Welcome.
Up and coming Concerts in the Basilica
See the noticeboard in the foyers of the Church for Organ Concerts which will be coming to the Basilica during June and July.
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 the Basilica, followed by a shared lunch in the Presbytery Carport. Please bring a plate to share.
Fr Giancarlo Iollo OMI
Fr Giancarlo will be going home to Italy to visit family from 11th June to 6th July. During his absence Fr Oscar and Mons. Keating will assist with the Italian Masses. We wish him a safe journey.
Fundraising Quiz Night – St Mary Star of the Sea Church
Saturday 17 June, 2023 in St Mary Star of the Sea Parish Hall, doors open at 6.45pm. Quiz Night hosted by Rick Ardon from Channel 7 News, great prizes, live and silent auctions. More information on the foyer notice boards.
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 57%.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Monday 12 June to Friday 16 June: CBC Exams in Parish Centre.
Friday 16 June: Sacred Heart Sodality.
Saturday 17 June: CBC Family Mass.
Monday 19 June: Senior’s Morning Tea.