Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The season of Easter concludes with today’s celebration, the feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, today’s first reading. The account in today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23, also recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Yet the event in John’s Gospel takes place on Easter Sunday. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts. It is to we know that after his death, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper, an Advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.
In the context of the feast of Pentecost, John 20:19-23 reminds us about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ act of breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles’ mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam. In fact, both the Greek and Hebrew words for “spirit” can also be translated as “breath.” This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. The reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God through the forgiveness of sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for Pentecost Sunday, Year B.
Senior’s Morning Tea
The next Senior’s Morning Tea will be held on Monday 20th May 2024 at 10am in the Parish Hall. All senior’s welcome.
The Feast of St Eugene de Mazenod
The Oblates invite all parishioners to a Concelebrated Mass on Tuesday 21st May at midday to celebrate the Feast of St Eugene de Mazenod.
Tap and Go Facility for Collections- UP AND RUNNING!
The parish has now secured three Tap and Go Terminals (Thank You to the Fishing Fleet Festival for their generous donation towards the terminals). So, you are now able to tap and go for the 1st and 2nd Collections and any general donations you wish to make to the parish. We will still operate the collection baskets but the tap and go is another option for those who don’t carry cash.
The terminals are now set up and located near St Patrick’s Statue in the side foyer, also near the Piety Stall in the front foyer and near the Cross behind the Baptismal Font.
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 19th – 26th May
This is a global celebration where we remember Pope Francis urging us in his encyclical Laudato Si’ to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and to humbly place ourselves in communion with our common home. Significantly, Pope Francis promulgated Laudato si’ in 2015 on the Feast of Pentecost. As a Catholic Earthcare Parish we celebrate our part in the great progress the whole Church is making on its journey towards the seven Laudato Si’ Goals set before us by Pope Francis to achieve ecological conversion.
Side Doors to the Basilica
The restored side doors of the Basilica have now been installed. These doors will now be varnished to be protected and in order for this to occur the doors will not be in use on Monday 20th May and Tuesday 21st May. Entrance and exit only on those days from the front doors. Thank You!
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 53%.
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
Monday 20 May
Senior’s Morning Tea
Tuesday 21 May
Feast of St Eugene de Mazenod