Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains why he speaks to the crowds in parables and interprets the parable of the sower for the disciples. This reading is a continuation of Jesus’ discourse that we began reading last Sunday.
All three parables use commonplace experiences to describe aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. The first parable is longer and more detailed than the next two, and it alerts us to the two-fold reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. The beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven can be found in this world. The fruition of the Kingdom of Heaven, however, will not be realized until the final judgment. In the meantime, as Jesus’ explanation to the disciples’ cautions, any effort to judge the progress of the Kingdom of Heaven is premature. Only God, in the final judgment, will distinguish the fruit of the Kingdom of Heaven and offer its reward.
The second and third parables call to our attention the abundance that will result from the small beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as a mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds—will become a large bush, so too God will bring his Kingdom to full bloom. As a small amount of yeast will leaven the entire batch of bread, so too God will bring about the expansion of his Kingdom. In each case the image is of the superabundance that God brings out of even the smallest of signs of the Kingdom.
Contained within these parables are words of caution as well as words of consolation. In the parable of the sower we are warned against judging others. To judge and uproot the “weeds” prematurely will harm the wheat, final judgment rests with God. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we are consoled by the message that God can work wonders and produce abundance from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be celebrated on Sunday 6th August 2023 after the 8am Mass in the presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Works around the Basilica
You have probably noticed over the past few days scaffolding being erected on the right-hand side of the Basilica. The scaffolding is required so that we can do some repairs to guttering on that side of the Basilica which was damaged in the last heavy weather. Please be careful in the carpark and when walking near that side of the Basilica and be mindful of workers in that area.
Catholic Mission Appeal
Catholic Mission Appeal will be held in the Parish on the weekend of the 5th/6th August 2023. There will be a guest speaker at all Masses from the Catholic Missions Office. More information to come.
Installation of new Parish Priest
Please join us on Sunday 13th August at 11am Mass, when the Archbishop of Perth’s delegate, Very Rev Fr Peter Whitely, Vicar General, will lead the Concelebrated Mass and install Fr Slawek Plonka OMI as the new Parish Priest of The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle. Tea and Coffee will be served after the Mass in the Parish Centre.
Seniors’ Morning Tea
The next Seniors’ Morning Tea will be held on Monday 21st August 2023 at 10am in the Parish Centre. All seniors welcome.
The Medjugorje Evening of Prayer
The parish of Our Lady of the Mission Craigie are pleased to announce the visit of Bishop D’Ercole Emeritus, who was Head of Vatican secretariat to St. Pope John Paul ll for 26 years and Pope Benedict for 5 years.
VENUE 1: Medjugorje evening of Prayer Friday 28th July 7.00pm at St Bernadette’s Church, 49 Jugan St. Glendalough.
Evening includes – Reconciliation. Rosary. Benediction. Holy Mass. Free distribution of Rosary Beads which received Our Lady’s Blessing during Her apparition in Medjugorje. Evening concludes with light refreshments. All Welcome.
VENUE 2: Thursday 3rd August 9.00am with Holy Mass at Our Lady of the Mission Church, Camberwarra Dr. Craigie. 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 65%.
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
Weekend 5th/6th August: Catholic Mission Appeal.
Sunday 6th August: Parish Morning Tea.
Sunday 13th August: Installation of Parish Priest.