Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Following upon the teaching of the Beatitudes, Jesus uses the now familiar metaphors of salt and light to describe the life of discipleship. We take salt and light for granted in our society, but these commodities were more precious in ancient cultures. Just as now, salt was used in Jesus’ time for flavoring, as a preservative, and as a healing agent. Similarly, the widespread use of electricity in the modern world makes us less aware of the value and importance of light in our lives.
Still, our familiarity with this passage from Matthew’s Gospel speaks well to the abiding power of the imagery that Jesus presented. Jesus’ call to be salt for the earth and light for the world powerfully states our mission as Church and as Christians. Our commitment to social justice flows from the exhortation that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. Some of the activities that this commitment leads us to are given more concrete expression as the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, console those who mourn, and so on, we show ourselves to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When we do these things with the community of faith, the Church, we are indeed acting as “a city set on a mountain” that cannot be hidden!
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Morning Tea
The parish morning tea this Sunday 8th February in the Presbytery carport after the 8am Mass. Please use the side door facing the Church to enter the carport. All Welcome.
Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick will be on Tuesday 10th February during the Midday Mass. All Welcome.
Ash Wednesday Services
Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday 18th February and the Basilica will have Masses with distribution of Ashes at Midday and 6.30pm. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Stations of the Cross in English/Italian will commence on Friday 20th February at 6.30pm. Stations will then continue every Friday evening up to Friday 27th March. All Welcome.
Financial Assistance
If you wish to assist financially for insurance or repair works you can deposit funds into the account below with the reference of either insurance, repair works church or repair works presbytery.
Account Name: Basilica Working Account
BSB: 086 006
Account No: 48794 3085
Your assistance no matter how big or small is very much appreciated. Thank you to those who have already assisted so generously it is very much appreciated. Thank You and God Bless!
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.
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.