Dear Parishioners and Friends,
We read today’s Gospel in the context of last week’s Gospel in which Jesus sent the twelve disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. In between last week’s reading and today’s reading, Jesus has predicted that the disciples will face difficulties in their mission. Many people will not receive them well, even within the land of Israel. Even family members will turn away from the disciples because of the disciples’ commitment to Jesus and the kingdom. Today’s Gospel offers the disciples consolation against this difficult truth.
This section of Matthew’s Gospel should be read in the context of Matthew’s intended audience, a Jewish-Christian community. The Gospel alludes to the dangers and persecutions that this community has most likely already faced and will continue to face. To reassure this community, Matthew recalls for them the encouraging words of Jesus that we read today.
In this Gospel passage, Jesus might be understood as putting suffering in perspective. The disciples of Jesus are called upon to keep their focus on God. Those who can harm the body do not have ultimate power; God does. Still persecution and suffering cannot be avoided or prevented. But Jesus reassures his disciples that God knows and cares about what happens to his children.
We might not face the same type of persecution, but we do experience difficulties as we endeavour to live a Christian life. Sometimes we let the opinions of others prevent us from doing what we know to be right. We need the reminder that what God thinks about us is more important. We are reassured by the promise that God cares for us and protects us. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Parish Morning Tea
The next parish morning tea will be held on Sunday 12th July after the 8am Mass in the Presbytery Carport. All Welcome.
Catholic Missions Appeal
The Catholic Missions Appeal will be held on the weekend of the 11th /12th June during all Masses. Donation envelopes will be available that weekend and a special collection will be taken up at all Masses.
Alpha in the Parish
The Alpha Launch Night will be held on Thursday 30th 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 6th August. All Welcome as this is a catered event, please register at alpha.stpatricks@gmail.com or through 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
Weekend 11th /12th July
Catholic Missions Appeal
Sunday 12th July
Parish Morning Tea