Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel continues our reading from Mark and describes what some believe was likely to have been a typical day in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus and the disciples that chose to follow him in last week’s Gospel arrive at Capernaum, a small village on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Mark reports that the people respond to Jesus’ teaching with astonishment, noting Jesus’ authority and contrasting it with the scribes’. Early in Mark’s Gospel we already find evidence of the tension that will manifest itself fully in Jerusalem.
After Jesus’ preaching, an even more astonishing thing happens. A man possessed with an unclean spirit calls out to Jesus. As we see in this example and throughout Mark’s Gospel, the spirits and demons seem to know Jesus and are often fearful of him. In fact, they seem to understand Jesus’ identity better than his disciples. As we will read again and again in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus orders the spirit to be quiet and drives the unclean spirit out of the man. Jesus’ ability to heal those possessed by demons is an indication of his power over evil.
In the prescientific age of Jesus’ time, all illnesses were understood to be manifestations of evil and sinfulness. Our modern understanding of illness is very different. Possession by unclean spirits may have been a way to describe what we might call mental illness today. It may have even been a way of describing certain kinds of physical conditions. There is evidence that there were many kinds of exorcists and healers in first-century Palestine. Jesus appears to be like these healers, but he heals with unique authority and connects his healing activities with the words of his preaching.
We are missing the point that Mark is trying to make in this Gospel, however, if we try to explain away the healing work of Jesus. The crowds see in Jesus’ cure of the possessed man further affirmation of his authority. Jesus’ power to heal gives greater credence to his teaching. Jesus impresses the crowds through his words, which are manifested with power in his deeds. Mark’s Gospel tells us that because of the authority with which he healed, Jesus’ fame spread throughout all of Galilee. (Source: Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fourth 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.
Schola Boys Choir
Next Saturday 3rd February at the 6pm Vigil we will welcome back Hugh Lydon and the Schola Boys Choir.
Message from Robert Pitts, Chaplain, Hakea, Casuarina & Karnet Prisons
Myself and a few prisoners who attended Church on Christmas Day, handed out the biscuits that were so generously made by your parishioners.
The men were very pleased, many saying to pass on their thanks to everyone who made them and for the little cards. Some men were quite emotional saying that it is so good that someone is thinking of me in here and cares.
Everyone, no matter their faith accepted the biscuits and said thanks. It was a special time and privilege to be able to serve the men and be part of what the parishioners of St Patrick’s have done.
Once again thank you from the heart from the men of Karnet Prison Farm.
Regards,
Robert Pitts
Chaplain
Hakea, Casuarina and Karnet Prisons
Corrective Services Department of Justice
Please Note: The Parish Office will be closed on Monday 29th January, 2024.
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 60%.
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
Sunday 4th February @ 11am Farwell Mass & Morning Tea
Sunday 11th February Parish Morning Tea
Monday 19th February @ 10am Senior’s Morning Tea