Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The Season of Easter concludes with today’s celebration, the Feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, today’s first reading. The account in today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23, also recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Yet the event in John’s Gospel takes place on Easter Sunday. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts. It is enough that we know that after his death, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper, an advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.
We already heard today’s Gospel proclaimed on the Second Sunday of Easter this year (Lectionary Cycle A). That Gospel passage, however, also included the description of Jesus’ appearance to Thomas. In that context, we were led reflect on belief and unbelief.
In the context of the Feast of Pentecost, John 20:19-23 reminds us about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ act of breathing the Holy Spirit mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam at the time of Creation. In fact, both the Greek and Hebrew words for “spirit” can also be translated as “breath.”
This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. The reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God through the forgiving of sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Ascension of the Lord, Year A.
We wish to advise that Fr Basti will be going on Sabbatical commencing 1 June 2026 to end September 2026. Whilst on Sabbatical he will join the Oblate Pilgrimage in Europe. We wish him safe travels, and we will keep him in our prayers. Fr Eric Alleaume has been appointed acting parish priest during Fr Basti’ s Sabbatical.
We also would like to welcome Fr Mariusz Piasecki OMI to the Fremantle Oblate Community. Fr Mariusz will be with us for a few months. We hope he enjoys his stay with us.
National Mass Count
This weekend is the four and final weekend for the National Mass Count. 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.
Once all this information is submitted to the National Count Office, we will then publish our results.
Anointing of the Sick Mass
The next Anointing of the Sick will be held during the midday Mass on Tuesday 2nd June. All Welcome.
An Evening of Faith & Fellowship for Young Adults
Saturday 31st May | St Patrick’s Hall
Join us for a special evening beginning with Mass at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6pm and a talk at 7pm by our guest speaker, Paul Kelly.
Paul will be reflecting on what it means to live out Catholic values in modern life — a timely and practical topic for any young adult navigating faith in today’s world.
All young adults are warmly welcome. To reserve your place, please RSVP via the link https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/faith-food-real-talk-youth-event-tickets-1988763403877
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
Saturday 30th May
CBC Family Mass
Monday 1st June
Western Australia Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 2nd June
Anointing of the Sick