Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 4th Octoberr: Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings and peace be with you.

Fr Cornelius and I warmly welcome you here at Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish, parishioners and visitors alike. We pray and hope that you feel truly safe and at home in this our place of prayer, worship and personal encounter with our risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit ever pray in us more than we can ever imagine and bind us together in the love of our Heavenly Father. Over fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains home to dozens of nationalities represented by our parishioners and frequent visitors. We take pride in our young people; those in our parish primary and secondary schools, those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and our parish youth group. They are not just our future Church but a vital part of our Church today and now. We value these our young people and endeavour to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. Together, we continue to seek ways in which we can generously respond to that universal call to holiness of life in our families, parish community and in the society at large. I invite you and all your loved ones to be purposeful in this resolve. We must leave no one behind, those within and those on the peripheries. As always, Fr. Cornelius and I thank one and all of you for your ongoing prayers, concern, encouragement and support. Rest assured of our daily thoughts and prayers. We entrust you and yours, into the powerful intercessions of our Blessed Virgin Mother of Good counsel, and into those of St Joseph, patron of the universal Church.

Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti

Parish Priest.

Monday 28th September

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 29th September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saints Michael, Gabriel

& Raphael

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Wednesday 30th September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Jerome

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Thursday 1st October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

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Friday 2nd October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: The Holy Guardian Angels

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Saturday 3rd October

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 4th October

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, all of creation is yours, we praise you. We pray for peace in the world, in our homes and in our hearts.

First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28

When a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Jesus, being found in human form, humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

A repentant sinner who turns to God is more pleasing to him than a hypocrite who only pretends to be righteous.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Please offer your prayers this week for Eamon Curran, Patricia Lowndes, Nancy Tan, Egidio Carlo, Cathy Gamaroff, Arleen Lewis, David Joice, Kathleen Murphy, Bernadette Burns, Mary Nguyen, Ralph Smith, Fr Simon Pereira, all souls in purgatory, those doctors, nurses and carers who have died while helping victims of accidents, disease and warfare, our recently departed loved ones and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.

The first son in today’s Gospel said he would do his fathers bidding, but did not. The second son balked at first, but then repented and did as he was asked. What service is God calling me to do? Which son am I more like?

We would love to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our priests Fr. Cyp and Fr. Cornelius.

Our Lady of the Mission parishioners are the heart of our Catholic community; here in Craigie and it surrounding suburbs. Our members gather in faith to worship, receive the sacraments; and grow as followers of Jesus Christ. From many cultural backgrounds, ages and all walks of life, we remain united in a shared desire to live out the Gospel, support one another, and serve in our local community and beyond.

As members of Our Lady of the Mission, our parishioners participate in Mass, contribute their time and talents, support our ministries, and strive to bring Christs love into their homes, workplaces and our community. Whether lifelong parishioners, new or returning, or those still exploring the faith – each parishioner plays a vital role in building up our vibrant, welcoming, and Spirit-filled community.

If you are not on our parish records, please consider filling up one of our census cards at the information desk and deposit it any of the collection boxes or hand it to any of our priests at Mass. Let us all be part of Our Lady of the Mission ongoing story. God bless!

1. Loss and Grief Gathering: Have you, or someone you know, lost a loved one recently? Are you or they finding it difficult to cope with the loss? Please remember that you are not alone during these difficult and painful times. As part of our parish MissionCare Ministry, we are offering an opportunity for grieving families and friends to come together in a safe and supportive environment for prayer, reflection, and companionship. We warmly invite you to join us on: Saturday, 3rd October; 10:30 am – 12:00 pm in the Parish Centre You are most welcome to bring a photo or a sentimental item belonging to your deceased loved one. This may be placed on our prayer focus table for the duration of the gathering as we remember and pray for those we have lost. Please be assured of our continued prayers, care, and concern for you and your family during this time. We look forward to welcoming you.

2. Parish Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass & Dinner: We invite all our Parish couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries (5th, 10th, 15th etc.) this year to join us for Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass and Dinner of Saturday, 24th October 2026 at 6.30pm. We warmly welcome special guest, Bishop Nelson Po who will be the celebrant at the Mass and attend dinner afterwards. Please fill in the signup sheet provided at the information desk.

3. Catholic Mission Appeal Envelopes: Sincere thanks to everyone who has generously contributed to this year’s Catholic Mission Appeal. If you have taken an appeal envelope and are yet to return it, kindly do so when ready by placing it in any of the collection boxes in the church foyer.

4. Line Dancing with Tom and Alma: Every Tuesday and Friday 10.30am – 12.00pm. Please come and join the fun, no experience required. All are welcome.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31st October 2026 at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick; and remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

6. Come Alive in Scripture: When You Pray - A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God: You know that prayer is important but still find it challenging. Perhaps it’s hard to find time, or you’re unsure what to do when you pray. Or maybe you feel discouraged by your weakness and your inability to overcome them. Join us for When You Pray in the Parish Hall commencing Tuesday 20th October at 7 pm for seven weeks. There will be Registration sheets available at the back of the church or if you require further information contact Carol Wright on 0419 948 411 or email clwright0248@gmail.com”

7. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: A Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Also, please join us for rosary at 7.30am prior to Mass. All are welcome to attend.

8. The Word Among Us: OCTOBER NOW ON SALE - Spend just 10 minutes a day with The Word Among Us, and you will learn how to love God, others and self. Available from the back of the Church for $5. Let us embrace God’s Word and listen to Him.

9. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fr Cyprian and Fr Cornelius can be made by invitation to our sick and home-bound parishioners. On their visits, they bring prayer, sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy Communion; and certainly, a listening ear. Please call one of our priests should you benefit or know somebody who would benefit from such a visit. Contact numbers on front of newsletter.

10. Rosary for World Peace: Tuesday evenings at 5pm. The Pope has asked all Catholics to pray this very powerful prayer for peace in our troubled world.

11. The Divine Mercy Ministry: The members of this Ministry pray for the sick and the dying. Please send names of family and friends, if you want them to be lifted up in prayer, via text or message to 0410 289 725.

12. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!

13. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes. Please call the office 9307 2776 to make enquiries and book.

14. Your Offering: Please remember to deposit your offerings in the boxes provided in the foyer area or use electronic donation points. Thank you.

15. Your Collections: Thank you very much for your continued contribution and support to the Parish and Priests. Presbytery A/C (1st Collection) Supports our Priests, A/C#14027 5567, BSB# 086 006. Church A/C (2ndCollection) Supports our Church, A/C# 66579 4722, BSB# 086 006. Planned giving contributions can also be made through envelopes or direct debit, please contact the Parish office: whitford@perthcatholic.org. au. Thank you.

16. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Please contact the school on 08 9404 4000 or visit our website for further information.

17. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest. Visit our website for more information.

1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: Gathering every 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month from 7pm to 9pm for students in years 6-12. Next youth group will be held on Friday 2nd October. Youth group includes fun games, a short faith-based talk, fellowship, free food, and a wonderful opportunity for young people to build like-minded, faith-filled friendships. More information contact Dino 0478 084 725 or Jasmine 0439 976 164.

2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Join us as we meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Jenny, Pat, Flora, Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Kerry Roberts, Margaret Shilton/ Megan Woodall, Celine Chaperon/ Ronellie Lenon, Shiran Puvimanasinghe/ Dave Paull, Evelyn Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 11th October: Colin O’Neill, Caroline Mikeska, Mary McGrath-Yek, Suyaine Tohovitis, Ebony Lepoutre

CLEANERS: Saturday 3rd October: Kate, Trish Byrne, Margarita Tranquille, Suzan Crompton

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 4th October: Noya and Friends Filipino Prayer Group

SPECIAL MINISTERS: J Gagatek, Mark Burton/ Cecilia Araya, Lee Hansen, M Augustin, Edith R-Thomas, J Quatermaine/ David Stritch, S Boylen

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Newbond family in Burns Beach from 3rd to 10th October. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0408 662 441 to arrange. From 10th to 17th October 2026 the Statue will be with Shirley-Ann in Gewlup.

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Is held on the first Friday of every month during 9.00 am Mass. The next Devotion will be on Friday 2nd October 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.

PRAY FOR THE SICK: We pray for all those in our Parish’s Book of the Sick. You are most welcome to add names to this book in the foyer of the Church. Please cross out when our prayers are no longer needed.

BAPTISMS: We welcome Wesley Orbuck, Naoise Conway, Reid Andrews, Reuben Davies and Noah Davies into God’s family this weekend.

1.Reconciliation Times at Surrounding Parishes:

St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef: Tuesday & Friday: 6.30 pm/ Saturday: After 8.30 am Mass & 5 pm – 5.45 pm

St Anthony, Wanneroo: Saturday, 4.30 pm – 5 pm

St Luke, Woodvale: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.50 pm

All Saints, Greenwood: Saturday: 9.30 am – 10 am & 5.30 pm – 5.45 pm

Our Lady of Grace, North Beach: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.45 pm

2. 'St. Monica's Tears': Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. Holy Mass and prayers are offered every Thursday at 10.45am-12.00 noon for the return of our loved ones to their Catholic Faith. Place: St. Bernadette's Church. Jugan St. Glendalough.

3. Holy Mass Centennial Celebration: 100 years of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary 22 November at 3pm. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, catered refreshments. Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Armadale.

4. Our Lady of the Rosary Pilgrimage: Saturday 17th October 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Lower Chittering. Procession, Crowning of our Lady, Consecration prayers, Rosary, Veneration of Relics, Holy Mass, Eucharist Adoration and Benediction. Confession available. BYO Lunch to share. Buses depart promptly at 8.30am from Our Lady of the Mission and St Denis Church, Joondanna, $25pp. For more information contact: Nita 0418 355 531, Persi (bus) 0430 758 699 or Noya 0450 145 025.

5. Aid to the Church in Need: invites you to join with Pope Leo XIV and Catholics worldwide for the One Million Children Praying the Rosary prayer campaign, for peace and unity in the world. Families, parishioners, prayer groups, and schools are all encouraged to register to take part! For free Rosary resources and to register, please scan the QR code or visit: www.acninternational.org/millionchildrenpraying

6. Mothers Prayers Ministry: will commemorate the 23rd year of their establishment in Australia with a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, 3 Oct at 9am at Sts John & Paul Church, Willetton. All Mothers Prayers groups, friends and those with a mother's heart are warmly welcomed to Mass and the morning tea that follows in the parish hall. Enquiries to: Su Goh, perth@mothersprayers.org

6. Looking for house-sit/rental: Scottish couple visiting family. Approx dates 20th January 2027 for a month looking in Padbury or surrounding areas. References can be supplied. contact Monica on macleanfamily46@yahoo.co.uk.

7. FIAT - Why Be Catholic Conference 2026: 1st to 3rd October, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scarborough. Tictets: $120 standard / $60 single session. Clergy, religious and seminarians free. Details and registration: www.evangelisationaustralia.com

8. Catholic Singles Pickleball (20-35yrs): 2pm, 17th October at Mount Lawley Tennis Club. Join us for some friendly competition and a relaxed afternoon in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Contact:perthcatholicsingles@gmail.com

First reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28

When the sinner renounces sin, he shall certainly live

The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘You object, “What the Lord does is unjust.” Listen, you House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust? When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed. When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins; he shall certainly live; he shall not die.’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 24(25):4-9

Response: Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour. R.

Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth. In your love remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. R.

The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor. R.

Second reading: Philippians 2:1-11

Be united in your love

If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus: His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27

Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32

Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’

God of our beginnings and endings. You are with us on the journeys of our lives. You accompany us when we can notice your presence; and you accompany us when we are unaware. We humbly ask that you be with us now; in our homes and in our community. Sustain us in gratitude and your unfailing Love for us. May we generously respond to Your Son Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. With renewed strength, may we praise you with our whole hearts. Amen. Our Lady of the Mission, Pray for Us.

Prayer Adapted from New Norcia WA Pilgrimage.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

In my land we say: “A good face in bad weather”. With this “good face” I say to you: good morning!

With His preaching on the Kingdom of God, Jesus opposes a religiosity that does not involve human life, that does not question the conscience and its responsibility in the face of good and evil. This is also demonstrated by the parable of the two sons, which is offered to us in the Gospel of Matthew (cf. 21:28-32). To the father's invitation to go and work in the vineyard, the first son impulsively responds “no, I'm not going”, but then he repents and goes; instead the second son, who immediately replies “yes, yes dad”, does not actually do so; he doesn't go. Obedience does not consist of saying “yes" or “no”, but always of acting, of cultivating the vineyard, of bringing about the Kingdom of God, in doing good. With this simple example, Jesus wants to go beyond a religion understood only as external and habitual practice, which does not affect people's lives and attitudes, a superficial religiosity, merely “ritual”, in the ugly sense of the word.

The exponents of this “façade” of religiosity, of which Jesus disapproves, in that time were “the chief priests and the elders of the people” (Mt 21:23), who, according to the Lord’s admonition, will be preceded in the Kingdom of God by “tax collectors and prostitutes” (see v. 31). Jesus tells them: “the tax collectors, meaning the sinners, and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you”. This affirmation must not induce us to think that those who do not follow God’s commandments, those who do not follow morality, saying “In any case, those who go to Church are worse than us”, do well. No, this is not Jesus' teaching. Jesus does not indicate publicans and prostitutes as models of life, but as “privileged of Grace”. And I would like to underscore this word, “grace”. Grace, because conversion is always a grace. A grace that God offers to anyone who opens up and converts to Him. Indeed, these people, listening to his preaching, repented and changed their lives. Let us think of Matthew, for example. Saint Matthew, who was a tax collector, a traitor to his homeland.

In today’s Gospel, the one who makes the best impression is the first brother, not because he said “no” to his father, but because after his “no” he converted to “yes”, he repented. God is patient with each of us: He does not tire, He does not desist after our “no”; He leaves us free even to distance ourselves from Him and to make mistakes. Thinking about God's patience is wonderful! How the Lord always waits for us; He is always beside us to help us; but He respects our freedom. And He anxiously awaits our “yes”, so as to welcome us anew in His fatherly arms and to fill us with His boundless mercy. Faith in God asks us to renew every day the choice of good over evil, the choice of the truth rather than lies, the choice of love for our neighbour over selfishness. Those who convert to this choice, after having experienced sin, will find the first places in the Kingdom of heaven, where there is greater joy for a single sinner who converts than for ninety-nine righteous people (see Lk 15: 7).

Our Lady of the Mission Whitford Parish acknowledges that safeguarding is a shared responsibility prioritising the care, protection and best interests of children and adults at risk. Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, reporting abuse and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/ or call the Safeguarding Office on 08 9221 7762.

Our Safeguarding Officers

Safeguarding officers assist to create a safe environment for all. They are the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and support the implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

Safeguarding Officers: Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371 or email sgo.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers

ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) are to complete a Safeguarding Level 1 Induction which is now a Self-Paced Online Learning Module that can be completed at any time, once every 3 years. Please visit: Safeguarding Training and Registration – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)

Safeguarding Forms and Policy:

Forms, Safeguarding policy and code of conduct can be found on the Safeguarding website, at the Parish Office or in one of the Safeguarding folders in the Church – Sacristy, Robing room or information desk.

Parish Priest:

Fr Cyprian M. Shikokoti Ph: 0450 464 678

Assistant Priest:

Fr Cornelius Ekwebelem Ph:0484 925 257

Parish Office

Mary McGrath-Yek & Ebony Lepoutre

Office Hours: Tues – Fri 9am –4pm (Monday Closed)

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Mobile: 0434 434 783 (Text only)

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Columbarium: Closed Monday

Sacramental Coordinator: Mrs Ronellie R. Lenon

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Email: sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Youth and Young Adult Contact Details

Youth Choir: Terry Boylen - 0402 642 887

Youth & Family Choir: Fran Christie Zscherpel - 0433 852 967

24:7 Whitford Youth Group: youthministry247@outlook.com.au

Safeguarding Officers:

Renee Itzstein 0413 225 560

Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au