Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today’s Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today’s Gospel also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week’s Gospel did.
Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus’ disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the “little ones” and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company.
The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus’ life and in his person, God reveals himself to us.
In the concluding sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of Matthew’s Gospel probably reflects tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths of holiness. The careful observance of the Mosaic law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Today is Name Tag Sunday—your monthly excuse to learn the name of that lovely person you’ve been smiling at for the last month! Pop on your name tag with pride, take a peek at the names around you, and don ’t be shy — say hello, start a conversation, and maybe even make a new friend or two. Our parish feels a lot more like home when we know each other by name. Share a smile and enjoy the feeling of being connected. Happy Name Tag Sunday!
Archdiocesan Peter’s Pence Collection
The Peter’s Pence Collection will be a special collection taken up at all Masses this weekend. This collection funds the Pope’s universal charitable acts and the administrative operations of the Holy See. Thank You.
Basilica Car Park
On Wednesday 8 July we have a large funeral from 9.30am to 11am, please be mindful of this when you are coming to Adoration and Mass on that day as the carpark will be full and busy. We do aim to have the funeral finished by 11am but sometimes they go a little longer and this is out of our control. Please be patient. Thank You.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 12th July after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Catholic Missions Appeal
The Catholic Missions Appeal will be held on the weekend of the 11th /12th July during all Masses. Donation envelopes will be available that weekend and a special collection will be taken up at all Masses.
Alpha in the Parish
The Alpha Launch Night will be held on Thursday 30th July at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre. Everyone is invited to attend the Alpha Launch night and discover what Alpha is all about before the full course commences on 6th August. All Welcome as this is a catered event, please register at alpha.stpatricks@gmail.com or through the parish office.
Over the past few weeks, we have had some issues with the use of the Basilica Admin Building toilets. If you need to use the toilets during office hours and the door is closed please call into the office and we will open the toilet door for you. The toilets will be opened prior to Masses on the weekends. Thank you.
Please Note: The parish carpark is open 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Sunday. The carpark is for Church, Parish Office and Parish Centre attendees only. It is not an all-day free public parking area. If there are no events in the Church, Parish Office or Parish Centre the car park will be closed earlier.
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!
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 https://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
Weekend 4th /5th July
Peter’s Pence Collection
Name Tag Sunday
Weekend 11th /12th July
Catholic Missions Appeal
Sunday 12th July
Parish Morning Tea