Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Today’s Gospel directly follows last week’s account of Jesus feeding a crowd of more than 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. For the sake of the crowds, Jesus had postponed his time of solitude. Now, at last, Jesus finds some time for quiet and prayer. He sends his disciples ahead of him by boat, dismisses the crowds, and then withdraws to the mountain to pray.
The disciples do not fare well. They struggle to weather the wind and waves, making little progress in their journey. We are reminded of a previous story in Chapter 8 of Matthew’s Gospel, when Jesus calms the seas. This time, however, Jesus does not calm the seas, and the disciples do not express fear until they see Jesus’ walking toward them on the water. In this story it is not the storm that is feared but the sight of Jesus before them, whom they mistake for a ghost.
Clues like these suggest that this story is about the disciples’ growing understanding of the identity of Jesus. In continuity with last week’s Gospel about the feeding of the multitude, today’s Gospel is also about what the disciples’ faith in Jesus will enable them to do. In last week’s Gospel, when the disciples see the crowds, they ask Jesus to send the crowds away. Jesus turns the situation around, telling the disciples to feed the crowd with the provisions that they have. Both of these Gospels tell us much about ministry.
Jesus calls to the disciples and calms their fears. He is not a ghost. The impulsive Peter seeks proof that the person is indeed Jesus. He asks Jesus to call him out onto the water, and Jesus grants this request. Peter’s fear and doubt overtake him, however, once he is walking on the water. Jesus reaches out to Peter and saves him. When Jesus and Peter enter the boat, Matthew reports that the wind ceases, and the disciples confess that Jesus is the Son of God.
Faith in Jesus will enable the disciples to do the work that Jesus has done. Peter walks on water. The five loaves and two fish feed a multitude of people. The disciples can and will participate in the work of the kingdom of heaven. When Peter fears and doubts the person of Jesus, however, he falters. Peter’s example teaches us that true Christian ministry emerges from the faith that Jesus is the Messiah, God’s only Son. (source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A.
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. ThankYou!
Fremantle Catenian Circle
On Sunday 9th August at the 8am Mass, Terry from the Fremantle Catenian Circle will give a short talk during the Mass inviting new members to join.
Basilica and Presbytery Gutter Works
We have finally been given all the approvals to commence works on the gutters to the Presbytery and Basilica.
In the next few weeks works will hopefully commence and there may be some disruption. We will try to keep everyone informed as much as possible. Please be patient during these works.
If you would like to assist with the works financially and claim tax deductibility for your donation please contact the parish office and we can give you the details.
Let us now pray for fine weather so that we can get the works done as quickly as possible.
St Patrick’s Basilica Choir Expressions of Interest
We are looking for singers to help rebuild the St Patrick’s Basilica Choir. Learn Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony, develop your vocal technique and deepen your faith with like-minded Catholics. Previous choral or music experience is welcomed but not essential. Rehearsals are on Mondays 7pm-9pm in the Parish Hall.
To register your interest or if you would like to learn more, email parishmanager@fremantlestpatricks.org.au
Basilica Guardian Volunteers
Basilica Guardians are volunteers who assist us with keeping the Church open on certain days every week from 1pm to 3pm. This allows visitors and others a chance to come and sit quietly or tour our beautiful Church. Unfortunately, without these volunteers we are unable to keep the Church open. We are currently seeking the following:
- Two volunteers on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Reader Volunteers for Weekend Masses
We are seeking a Reader for the following Masses:
- Saturday Vigil Mass every 2 Saturday of the Month;
- Sunday 11am Mass every 2 and 4 Sundays of the Month.
If you can assist with any of these Masses please contact the Parish Office asap. Thank You.
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.
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 9th August
Parish Morning Tea
Saturday 29th August
CBC Family Mass