Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The readings for the last few Sundays have been about the Resurrection, but today’s Gospel takes us back in time to an event in Jesus’ life before his Passion. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house. He promises that where he is going, his disciples will be able to follow. Thomas, who will later doubt the disciples’ reports that they have seen the Risen Lord, contradicts Jesus by saying that the disciples don’t know where Jesus is going or how to get there. Jesus explains that he himself is the way, the truth, and the life. In knowing and loving Jesus, the disciples now love God the Father.
Philip then makes a request that challenges Jesus’ words. Philip wants Jesus to show the Father to the disciples. Recall that Jesus has just told his disciples, “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” As a good teacher, Jesus responds to Philip by repeating and elaborating on what he has just told the disciples: they have seen and known Jesus, so they have seen and known the Father. Then Jesus offers another reassurance about his departure: because of faith in God and in Jesus, the disciples will do the work that Jesus has done and more.
The connection between Jesus and his Father, between Jesus’ work and the work of the Father, is made clear in today’s Gospel. Jesus is in the Father, and God the Father is in Jesus. As God spoke his name to Moses, “I am,” so too Jesus speaks his name to his disciples: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
The revelation of the Trinity is completed in the passage that follows today’s reading, and it is the Gospel for next Sunday. Because Jesus goes away, the Father will send in Jesus’ name the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will continue the work of the Father and of Jesus. (Loyola Press).
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A.
The first weekend of the National Mass Count will take place this weekend during all the Masses. Please refrain from moving around during the Homily so that the volunteers can get an accurate count. Thank You.
Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima
The nine-day Novena in honour of Our Lady of Fatima will commence on Monday 4th May at 11.30am followed by Mass at Midday and continue until Tuesday 12th May. See flyers inside foyer. All Welcome.
Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 13th May at 6.30pm in the Basilica, this will be followed by a procession through the Church and School grounds and Benediction. Please join us on this beautiful evening in honour of Our Lady. All Welcome.
Pilgrimage to Schoenstatt Shrine
Parishioners are warmly invited to join a pilgrimage to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Mt Richon on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Transport: Please arrange your own transport. Please let Margherita know if you need a lift.
For more information, please contact Margherita – 0401 028 608, Angelica – 0491 191 833. Italian Pastoral Group & Ursuline Prayer Group.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 10th May after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
National Mass Count
Next weekend 9th /10th May will be the second weekend for the National Mass Count. Please refrain from moving around during the Homily at all Masses so that an accurate count can be taken.
Week Three 16th /17th May will require your assistance and cooperation during all Masses. After the second collection has been taken up the announcer will ask for all male parishioners (all ages including babies) to stand so that the count can be taken. Then the announcer will then ask all females parishioners to stand (all ages including babies). Your assistance during this time would be very much appreciated.
Week Four 23rd /24th May will require your assistance and cooperation during all Masses. After the second collection has been taken up the announcer will ask for different age groups to stand up and be counted. Please listen carefully for the different groups and stand accordingly. This includes babies and children. Your assistance during this time would be greatly appreciated.
Senior’s Morning Tea
A morning tea for all Senior’s will be held on Monday 18th May at 10am in the Parish Centre. All seniors are invited, please rsvp parish office. Great opportunity for a chat and cuppa.
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 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 2nd/3rd May
National Mass Count Commences
Name Tag Sunday
Monday 4th May to Tuesday 12th May
Our Lady of Fatima Rosary
Weekend 9th/10th May
Mother’s Day
National Mass Count
Parish Morning Tea
Wednesday 13th May
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima