Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This Sunday we celebrate a second solemnity during this period of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This day was once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” In the revised Lectionary the name for this day is expanded to reflect more completely our Eucharistic theology.
Today’s Gospel is taken from the Gospel according to John. The reading is part of a discourse between Jesus and a crowd of Jews. The discourse comes shortly after the miracle of Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves and fishes. In John’s Gospel, miracles such as this are identified as “signs” through which people come to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. These signs are followed by dialogue, or discourse that interprets and explains the miracle. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ multiplication of the loaves is said to have occurred near Passover, thus linking it to the Exodus story and God’s saving action toward the Israelites.
Having seen Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes, the crowd pursues him, perhaps seeking more food but also looking for another sign. Jesus tells the crowd that he is the bread of life. He explains that just as God gave the Israelites manna to sustain them in the desert, so now God has sent new manna that will give eternal life. It is in this context that Jesus repeats those words in today’s Gospel and tells them again that he is the living bread that came down from heaven.
Jesus’ words are not well understood by the crowd; they argue that Jesus is not from heaven but born of Mary and Joseph. The crowd also has trouble understanding how Jesus could give them his flesh to eat. Jesus tells them that when they eat his flesh and drink his blood, they will remain forever connected to him. These are difficult words, but they are important because they seek to show us our intimate connection with Jesus.
This is the mystery that is at the heart of our Eucharistic theology. In the elements of bread and wine, Jesus’ Body and Blood are truly present. When we share in the Body and Blood of Christ, Jesus himself comes to dwell within us. This communion with the Lord makes us one body, brings us eternal life, and sends us forth to be Christ’s Body in the world. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, 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.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart
Please join the Sacred Heart Sodality on Friday 12th June at the Midday Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart. All Welcome.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 14th June after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery carport. All Welcome.
First Communion Mass
On Saturday 20th June during the 6pm Mass we will witness our First Communion candidates coming to the table of the Lord to receive the Eucharist for the first time. Let us keep these candidates in our prayers over the coming weeks as they prepare to join in the Eucharist.
Scots Presbyterian Women’s Association would like to extend an invitation to all parishioners to their “At Home” event on Monday 29th June at 10.30am at the Scots Presbyterian Church, South Terrace, Fremantle (next door to the Fremantle Markets). RSVP Rosemary 0414 194 970. See noticeboards for more information.
Volunteers Required
We are seeking some volunteers in the following areas to assist at the Basilica.
8am Sunday Mass reader required fourth Sunday of each month
6pm Saturday Vigil Mass reader required once a month
Cleaner to assist with weekly cleaning in the Basilica
If you can assist with any of the positions, please contact 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
Sunday 7th June
Name Tag Sunday
Friday 12th June
Sacred Heart Sodality Mass
Sunday 14th June
Parish Morning Tea
Saturday 20th June
First Communion Mass