Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel concludes three weeks of readings from the 13th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Throughout these three weeks we have heard Jesus’ teaching crowds about the kingdom of heaven, and we have heard Jesus interpret some of his teachings for the disciples. In this week’s Gospel, Jesus offers three more short parables.
The first two parables describe the great value of the kingdom of heaven. In the first parable, Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a buried treasure that is worth possessing even if it means giving up everything else. In the second parable, Jesus proposes that the kingdom of heaven is like a pearl of great worth for which one will sell everything else to possess. These parables teach us that we are to place everything we value in the service of the pursuit of the Kingdom of God.
The third parable that Jesus proposes in today’s Gospel is different from the first two, but it is reminiscent of the parable of the sower heard in last week’s Gospel. The kingdom of heaven is compared to fishing with a wide net. After the fish have been collected, the good fish are kept and the bad fish are thrown away; so too, in the final judgment, will the wicked and the righteous be separated.
Today’s Gospel concludes with a curious statement about the scribe who understands the kingdom of heaven. Here a metaphor is offered: this scribe is like the head of a household who “brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” The scribes referred to here are experts of Mosaic law. It is possible that Jesus is here instructing the early Christian community on how to proceed in the interpretation of Jewish law with respect to Jesus’ “new” teaching. Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of heaven does not replace the Jewish tradition; it interprets it in a different light. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the 17th 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
Next weekend (5th & 6th August) we will be asking for your prayers & generous response to this year’s Catholic Mission Appeal. You will be helping our medical missionaries provide life-saving healthcare to the vulnerable in East Timor & throughout the world. Francis Leong, Director of Catholic Missions will speak at all Masses. Please give generously by using the appeal envelope provided or going online at www.catholicmission.org.au/timor. If you are keen to know what’s involved in becoming a volunteer for Catholic Mission, please email Francis Leong at director.cm@perthcatholic.org.au for the details.
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.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Tuesday 15th August we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption (a holy day of obligation). Masses will be held in the Basilica at Midday and 7pm in the evening.
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 88%.
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.
Tuesday 15th August: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.