Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we begin a continuous reading of Mark’s Gospel that will carry us through this segment of the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. Remember that in Cycle B of the Lectionary, most of the Gospel readings are taken from the Gospel according to Mark.
The Gospel of Mark does not begin with a narrative about Jesus’ birth. Instead Mark begins by reporting on the preaching of John the Baptist. John is described as the voice in the wilderness sent to prepare the way of the Lord. Immediately after describing the work of John the Baptist, Mark reports on Jesus’ baptism and his temptation in the desert. Jesus’ public ministry begins after the arrest of John the Baptist. Mark wants his readers to understand the important connection between the end of the ministry of John the Baptist and the beginning of Jesus’ own ministry.
As we learn at the beginning of today’s Gospel reading, Jesus preaches the Kingdom of God in continuity with the preaching of John the Baptist. Like John the Baptist, Jesus’ pronouncement of the kingdom is a call to repentance. Yet Jesus’ preaching is greater than John’s. Jesus begins the time of fulfilment; the Kingdom of God is already here. This will be demonstrated again and again, both in Jesus’ words and in the actions that follow. Jesus’ healings and forgiveness of sins are signs of the Kingdom of God that he announces in his teaching.
In contrast to last week’s Gospel, in Mark’s Gospel Jesus takes the initiative in calling his first disciples. As mentioned last week, it was more typical of first-century rabbinical schools for students to seek out rabbis, asking to be their disciples. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus breaks with this tradition and invites his disciples to learn from him. Jesus is said to have first called four fishermen—Simon, Andrew, James, and John.
Simon and Andrew are brothers. Jesus promises that he will make them “fishers of men.” James and John are also brothers. Mark does not report Jesus’ words of invitation to them, but he does report that they left their fishing immediately; their father, Zebedee, was left behind in the boat.
Mark’s Gospel is told with a great sense of urgency and immediacy. Jesus is a person of action, and events occur in rapid succession. We see this in today’s Gospel. Time is of the essence; the fishermen immediately put aside their livelihood to become Jesus’ disciples. The Kingdom of God is here and now. The time of fulfilment is at hand. How might our lives be different if we more fully shared this sense of the immediacy of God’s kingdom? (source Loyola Press)
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday 22 January, 2024.
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Fremantle’s new Parish Priest
On Wednesday 31st January, Fr Meno Basti, will arrive in the Parish to take up his new position as Parish Priest of Fremantle. Please introduce yourself to him when you see him around and we hope that he enjoys his time with us.
Fr Slawek Farewell
On Sunday 4th February we will have a Concelebrated 11am Mass to farewell Fr Slawek, who will be officially leaving us on Monday 5th February. After Mass a light morning tea will be served in the parish hall. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
Commencing in February the Parish Morning Teas will be moved to the 2nd Sunday of each Month. The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 11th February 2024 after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The Senior’s Morning Tea will recommence in February and the first Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 19th February at 10am in the Parish Hall. All senior’s welcome.
Notice for Parishioners
Over the past few months we have had to deal with some violence, bad behaviour and vandalism within the Church and grounds of the Basilica.
We ask all parishioners to please be vigilant about their own safety.
- Please ensure that you lock your vehicles and do not leave any personal items visible in your vehicles.
- Please ensure that you do not leave any personal items, handbags etc on the pews when you go to Communion.
- Please ensure that you take note of your surroundings when you are in the Church or in the grounds.
Thank You.
Catholic Archdiocese of Perth – Employment Opportunities
The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth has two new employment opportunities for suitably qualified persons to join its team and continue the good work of the Church.
For details, click here.
- Head, People & Culture – Permanent, Full-Time (listed on SEEK)
- Advisor, People & Culture – Permanent, Part-Time (0.6 FTE) (listed on SEEK)
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 56%.
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.
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, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
Coming Events
Thursday 25th January: Pizza Night
Friday 26th January: Australia Day
Sunday 4th February 11am: Farwell Mass & Morning Tea
Sunday 11th February: Parish Morning Tea
Monday 19th February 10am: Senior’s Morning Tea