Dear Parishioners and Friends,
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, taken from the Gospel of John, also recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts to each other. It is enough to 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.
We previously heard today’s Gospel on the second Sunday of Easter. At that time, we also heard the passage that follows, which describes Jesus’ appearance to Thomas. In that context, we were led to reflect on belief and unbelief.
In the context of the feast of Pentecost, this reading 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.” As he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, Jesus sends his disciples to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins.
This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. This reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed clean from sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God in forgiving 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 C.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 8th June after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
Catholic Mission Appeal
This weekend’s Catholic Mission Appeal invites you to partner with our missionaries in Zambia to help vulnerable women overcome poverty and to give birth safely. Your gift will also assist many other similar Catholic Mission programmes throughout the developing world. Please give generously by using the appeal envelope provided or going online at https://www.catholicmission.org.au/mission. Should you be keen to support the work of Catholic Mission through a bequest, or as a volunteer, or in other ways, please email Francis Leong at fleong@catholicmission.org.au to explore the possibilities.
Please Note: There will be NO Adoration prior to the Midday Mass on Tuesday 10th June 2025.
At Home
The Scots Presbyterian Church, Fremantle invites all parishioners to attend “At Home” sessionon Monday16 June at 10.30am, their guest speaker will be Darren Reynolds from Every Daughter Matters. A light lunch will be served in the hall after. If you would like to attend, please call the parish office with your details asap.
First Communion Mass
On Saturday21 June at 6pm, the parish Vigil Mass will have First Communion candidates from the St Patrick’s Primary School, the Parish Catechism class and from Mater Christi.
Please keep these children in your prayers as they come together to receive the Eucharist for the first time.
Alpha Program
The Parish Alpha Program will be launched in the parish on Wednesday 18 June at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre and continue for 10 weeks.
More information on the noticeboards.
Over the next few weekends, a member from the Alpha Team will speak at Masses. The Alpha Team consists of Shereen Banner, Terence Pestana, Maria Gorman, Sonia La Macchia, Maria Mattarocchia, Marietta Damos, Trevanna Cooper and Yuliya Burns.
Please register your interest with either one of the team members or the parish office.
Renewed Jubilee Conference – July 31 -August 2, 2025
Experience renewal and transformation in Christ this Jubilee Year! Join us for an inspiring conference featuring Deacon Bob Rice, Fr. Christian Irdi, Fr. Conor Steadman, Fr. Mark Payton, and Deacon Aaron Peters. Bishop Don Sproxton will celebrate the Opening Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scarborough.
Early Bird Special ends July 6: Adults $90 | Teens $60 | Children 11 & Under Free
Register: www.evangelisationautralia.com more info on noticeboards.
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
Safeguarding Requirements in the Parish
The Church Sacristy: Reminder that the Church Sacristy is only to be used by the Priests, Acolytes and Church Staff. Parishioners are not to enter the Sacristy. The toilet located in the Sacristy is for the use of the Priests only it is not a public toilet.
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The indulgence, a priceless gift of divine mercy, is one of the special signs of the Jubilee Year. The conditions for obtaining a Jubilee Indulgence are:
- Pilgrimage to any of the designated Churches and Shrines
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
- The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
- St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove
- Schoenstatt Shrine, Mount Richon
- Carmelite Monastery, Dalkeith
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Profession of Faith
- Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father
Those unable to make a pilgrimage due to age, health, caregiving you can obtain an indulgence, under the usual conditions by reciting the Our father, making a profession of faith and offering prayers from their homes, hospitals and nursing homes while offering up their own suffering.
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/.
Weekly Giving
The collections are an important part of a Parish life. Your weekly 1st collection donations support the Priests in the parish to minister to the needs of the parish community and the Fremantle boarders.
Your weekly 2nd collection donations help us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Administration Centre. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide and maintain the Parish and its community. Thank You!
Please continue to give generously via the collection plate, tap and go tablets or direct deposits into the accounts below.
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.
Coming Events
Saturday 7 / Sunday 8 June
CBC Family Mass
Catholic Missions Appeal
Parish Morning Tea
Saturday 21 June
Communion Mass