Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains why he speaks to the crowds in parables and interprets the parable of the sower for the disciples. This reading is a continuation of Jesus’ discourse that we began reading last Sunday.
All three parables use commonplace experiences to describe aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. The first parable is longer and more detailed than the next two, and it alerts us to the two-fold reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. The beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven can be found in this world. The fruition of the Kingdom of Heaven, however, will not be realized until the final judgment. In the meantime, as Jesus’ explanation to the disciples’ cautions, any effort to judge the progress of the Kingdom of Heaven is premature. Only God, in the final judgment, will distinguish the fruit of the Kingdom of Heaven and offer its reward.
The second and third parables call to our attention the abundance that will result from the small beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as a mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds—will become a large bush, so too God will bring his Kingdom to full bloom. As a small amount of yeast will leaven the entire batch of bread, so too God will bring about the expansion of his Kingdom.
In each case the image is of the superabundance that God brings out of even the smallest of signs of the Kingdom. Contained within these parables are words of caution as well as words of consolation. In the parable of the sower we are warned against judging others. To judge and uproot the “weeds” prematurely will harm the wheat; final judgment rests with God. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we are consoled by the message that God can work wonders and produce abundance from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Catholic Missions Appeal
Thank you to all those who donated last weekend to the Catholic Missions. Donation envelopes are still available on the pews if you wish to make a donation. Envelopes can be placed on the collection plates.
Alpha in the Parish
The Alpha Launch Night will be held on Thursday 30 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 6 August. All Welcome. As this is a catered event please register at alpha.stpatricks@gmail.com or through the parish office.
Anointing of the Sick
The next Anointing of the Sick will be held on Tuesday 4 August during the Midday Mass. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next Parish Morning Tea will be held on Sunday 9 August, after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Reader Required for Weekend Roster
Seeking a reader to join the readers roster and to assist on the second Saturday of each month at the 6pm Vigil Mass. If you can assist, please contact the parish office asap.
St Patrick’s Basilica Choir Expressions of Interest
We are looking for singers to help rebuild the St Patrick’s Basilica Choir. Learn Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony, develop your vocal technique and deepen your faith with like-minded Catholics. Previous choral or music experience is welcomed but not essential. Rehearsals are on Mondays 7pm-9pm in the Parish Hall.
To register your interest or if you would like to learn more, email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Basilica Grounds Car Park
Reminder the Basilica grounds carpark is for use for parishioners and visitors during Masses, events and attending the parish office. We unfortunately have a large number of cars using the carpark all day and this causes problems with those coming to Masses, events or the parish office.
The carpark opens at 7am and closes at 7.30pm.
If there are no events in the Basilica or Parish Office, the carpark will close 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
Thursday 30 July
Alpha Launch Night
Tuesday 4 August
Anointing of the Sick
Sunday 9 August
Parish Morning Tea