Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today we jump ahead in our reading of Matthew’s Gospel to Chapter 14. Last week we heard Jesus conclude his discourse with the crowds about the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew’s narrative, Jesus then leaves the crowds and returns to Nazareth, where he is rejected. Matthew then recounts the story of John the Baptist’s arrest and execution at the hands of Herod. Today’s Gospel reading begins at this point.
Upon hearing the news of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus seeks to withdraw, but the crowds follow him. Jesus reaches out to them in compassion and heals the sick. At the end of a long day, the disciples encourage Jesus to send the crowds away so that they might find provisions for themselves. Jesus again responds with compassion for the crowd. Jesus tells his disciples to provide food for the crowd. The disciples reply with a report of the meagreness of their own provisions—five loaves and two fish. The result is the very familiar miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that 5,000 men were fed, and this number does not even include the women and children.
Jesus’ blessing brought abundance from the meagre provisions of the disciples. In this action, Jesus offers us a sign of the Kingdom of Heaven that he has been teaching about in the parables. A feast results from the smallest of portions—remember the mustard seed and the yeast. In this miracle we witness an example for Christian life and ministry. Even the smallest of offerings can produce abundant results when placed in the service of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We find the story of Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and the fish in each of the four Gospels. In the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, Jesus performs this same miracle on two separate occasions. The story of this miracle is an anticipation of the Eucharist in which we are fed by the abundant grace of God. The importance of the Eucharist has been a defining element of Christian life from the very beginning. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Name Tag Sunday
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!
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.
Fremantle Catenian Circle
On Sunday 9th August at the 8am Mass, Terry from the Fremantle Catenian Circle will give a short talk during the Mass inviting new members to join.
Basilica and Presbytery Gutter Works
We have finally been given all the approvals to commence works on the gutters to the Presbytery and Basilica.
In the next few weeks works will hopefully commence and there may be some disruption. We will try to keep everyone informed as much as possible. Please be patient during these works.
If you would like to assist with the works financially and claim tax deductibility for your donation please contact the parish office and we can give you the details.
Let us now pray for fine weather so that we can get the works done as quickly as possible.
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 Guardian Volunteers
Basilica Guardians are volunteers who assist us with keeping the Church open on certain days every week from 1pm to 3pm. This allows visitors and others a chance to come and sit quietly or tour our beautiful Church. Unfortunately, without these volunteers we are unable to keep the Church open. We are currently seeking the following:
- Two volunteers on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Reader Volunteers for Weekend Masses
We are seeking a Reader for the following Masses:
- Saturday Vigil Mass every 2 Saturday of the Month;
- Sunday 11am Mass every 2 and 4 Sundays of the Month.
If you can assist with any of these Masses please contact the Parish Office asap. Thank You.
Fr Josh Nash OMI will be visiting Perth during the Archdiocese Vocations Week and will Join us in the parish on the weekend of the 8 and 9 August.
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.
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
Sunday 2nd August
Name Tag Sunday
Tuesday 4th August
Anointing of the Sick
Sunday 9th August
Parish Morning Tea