Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel marks the beginning of the third long discourse given by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Over the next few weeks, the Gospel readings will consist of the entire 13th Chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, a lengthy teaching discourse.
Throughout this discourse, Jesus will offer several parables to illustrate for his listeners what he means by the kingdom of heaven. He begins with the parable of the sower, which appears rather straightforward—of course seeds grow best in good soil.
Seeds that miss the soil, are sown on rocky ground, or are sown among other plants will not grow. The surprise in the parable is the enormous yield of the seed that is sown on good soil. Jesus then explains his use of parables. Jesus seems to suggest that he uses parables to teach because the meanings of parables are not self-evident. The hearer must engage in some degree of reflection in order to comprehend the message of a parable. In this way, the medium—the parable—models the point of the parable of the sower. Those who are willing to engage themselves in the effort to understand will be rewarded by the discovery of the message and will bear fruit.
To bring home the point, Jesus interprets the parable of the sower to his disciples. The different types of soil in which the seeds are sown are metaphors for the disposition with which each individual hears the teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a time but will lose it when faced with difficulties. Some will hear the word but will then permit other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it well, and the seed will produce abundant fruit. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend Bulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Fifthteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
Catholic Missions Appeal
This weekend we welcome Francis Leong, Director of the Catholic Missions who will speak at Masses about the work of the Catholic Missions. A special collection will be taken up at all Masses and donation envelopes are also available on the pews.
Please support this appeal generously.
Name Tag Sunday
Thank you to everyone who participated in Name Tag Sunday. This is a parish initiative to better know our fellow parishioners and visitors to our parish. Name Tag Weekend will be held on the first weekend of each month, so watch this space for the next date. Thank You!
Alpha in the Parish
The Alpha Launch Night will be held on Thursday 30 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 6 August. All Welcome. As this is a catered event please register at alpha.stpatricks@gmail.com or through the parish office.
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.
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.
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
Thursday 30 July
Alpha Launch Night
Tuesday 4 August
Anointing of the Sick