Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: 1st February 2026, The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!

Fr Tri 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 endeavor 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. Tri 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 - PP.

Monday 2nd February

NO MASS

Feast day: The Presentation of the Lord

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Wednesday 4th February

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: St Thomas Aquinas

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Thursday 5th February

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: St Agatha

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Friday 6th February

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: St Paul Miki & Companion

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Saturday 7th February

Church 8.00am, 6.30pm

Feast day:

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Sunday 8th February

Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm

Feast day:

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, you are the source of eternal light. We ask that you fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we may shine your light into the world.

Introduction

Anne Frank wrote, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Today, Jesus offers us the Beatitudes as a radical blueprint for justice.

First Reading Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Those who look for God find him by acting with justice.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God’s true followers are often those people who are of little importance in the eyes of the world.

Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a

The Beatitudes.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Please offer your prayers this week for Sean Curran, Tony Scopelitti, Sean Healy, Laurie Whitehouse, Camila Moreno, Valerie, Lui D’Damo, Lauren Katseli, Bernadette Burns, Laydes Alhadeff, Tom Michael, Maureen McGovern, 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.

Blessed are they who are what they are and do what they do for the sake of the kingdom! The Gospel today assures good stewards that their suffering and their service on behalf of the kingdom will be rewarded!

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

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. Parish Ministry-Fair: On the weekend of 14th/15th February 2026, we will hold a ministry fair at all Masses; an opportunity to showcase some of the ministries that help in the effective running of our parish. We encourage all parishioners especially those not involved in any parish ministry to consider joining a ministry of their choice. This way, you purposely contribute in a more meaningful way to the beauty of our parish. Please browse latest copy of parish Blue Book and or contact parish office for more details. The parish needs you.

2. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 28th February 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.

3. Parents’ Information Evening: All Parents with children due for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and or First Reconciliation are invited for an information Evening on Wednesday, 11th February at 7.00pm in the Parish Church. It is important that at least one parent or care-giver attends this evening to gain an insight of what is expected to prepare your child/ren for the celebration of their sacraments.

4. Sacramental Enrolment Weekend: All our young people celebrating First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation this year are invited to join us with their families for Enrolment weekend; 14/15 February. Please ensure you have relevant forms and documents if required to bring them to weekend Mass; 6.30pm Saturday 14th February or 8.00am, 10.00am or 5.45pm on Sunday 15th February. Please note, Enrolment ceremony do NOT take place at the Saturday Morning Mass.

5. Come Alive in Scripture Ministry’s First bible study 2026 : “ Lectio: Prayer – Finding Intimacy with God” a 6 week course. Commencing 7.00pm Tuesday, 17th February and finishes Tuesday 24th March 2026 in the Parish Hall. Experience Scripture like never before. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help deepen your relationship with God through stunning sacred art, inspiring stories of the saints and clear, engaging teaching from trusted Catholic experts. Grow your understanding, strengthen your prayer and experience intimacy with God. Registration sheet available at the back of the church. If you have any questions please contact Carol Wright on 0419 948 411 or clwright0248@gmail.com

6. Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Enrolment: We invite all families with children attending non-Catholic schools to consider enrolling them NOW into PREP for 2026 especially if they are due for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation. Please see either of our priests or contact parish office for more details.

7. Overseas Mission Group Fundraiser: OSM would like your support on the 6th February for Buffet Dinner & Fun Trivia activity - FUN TRIVIA ACTIVITY ONLY. (No need to make up your own table, unless you have 6 /family /friends/children). Door prize, $1 raffle on night (Hamper) Prize for winning table of fun Trivia activity. Tickets $18 adults & $14 children aged 10 & under. BYO Alcohol & soft drinks. Water Tea/coffee will be available. Tickets on sale after all masses. So please come along & support OSM Ministry, invite your friends and family. We look forward to sharing Dinner/Fun & fellowship. Contact. Linda. 0448101720. Or linda.sweeney@hotmail.com

8. 24/7 Whitford youth group: We would like to remind all our young people in Years 6-12 that our parish youth group resumes on Friday 20th February 2026 at 7pm and it will run every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the parish centre. For more details, please contact parish office on whitford@perthcatholic.org.au or our youth leaders Jasmine and Dino on 0439976164/0478084725. See you all soon.

9. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Fundraiser: Please save the date for our Car wash fundraiser for WYD on Saturday 28th February. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

10. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: A Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Please join us, all are welcome to attend.

11. The Word Among Us: LENT 2026 NOW AVAILABLE. 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 and the Parish Office at a cost of $5. Let us embrace God’s Word and listen to Him.

12. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.

13. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.

14. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Tri 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.

15. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend

16. 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.

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

18. 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.

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

20. Your Collections: Thank you for your continued contribution and support to the Parish and Priests. 1st Collection: Supports our Priests. 2nd Collection: Supports our Church. To contribute Direct Debit: Presbytery A/C (1st Collection) A/C#14027 5567, BSB# 086 006. Church A/C (2ndCollection) 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.

21. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.

22. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/

1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: We would like to remind all our young people in Years 6-12 that our parish youth group resumes on Friday 20th February 2026 at 7pm and it will run every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the parish centre. For more details, please contact parish office on whitford@perthcatholic.org.au or our youth leaders Jasmine and Dino on 0439976164/0478084725. See you all soon.

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

3. World Youth Day Seoul 2027: If you would like to attend with the Our Lady of the Mission Parish you will need to pay your registration and complete a registration form before Jan 31st 2026 - there will be no exceptions after this date to allow for group bookings to commence.

4. World Youth Day OLM Pilgrims meeting: Friday 13th February in the Parish hall at 7pm sharp- This is compulsory for ALL attendees to WYD.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Jenny Marcelino/ Gloria Ougan/ Angela Sanderson/ Relief.

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie Graham & Chirs Graham/ Andrea Hancock & Helen Leithead/ Mirella Augustin & Lyne Acacio/ Sam Leeks & Matthew Jardim.

COUNTERS: Sunday 15th February 2026: Jennifer Lalani/ Connie Sanders/ Liz Williams/ Rachel Hargrave.

CLEANERS: Saturday 7th February: Ian Fernandez/ Maria Bennett/ Carol Janeczko/ Evelyn D’Souza.

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 8th February: Rafaela Rogers & Tessa Rogers.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves & Anthony Ting/ Cecilia Araya & Niamh Waters/ Myriam Torres, A D’ouza & Jesse Bouwman/ Sarah Boylen & C Neill.

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann Poulton in Gwelup from 31st January to 14th February. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0424 813 890 to arrange. From 14th to 21st February 2026 the Statue will be with the Rice family in Woodvale.

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 6th February 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held 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.

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. Camino De Santiago: A Camino has been planned to start June 2026 in France. Anyone interested can contact shirleyann.poulton@gmail.com for more information. Please note this walk can be 'tailored to suit'.

3. Day of the Unborn Child Mass: Saturday 7 March at 10am at St Mary's Cathedral. We celebrate the sacredness of every human life in this special Mass. We also pray for hope and healing for men and women who have lost a child. Please call Lisette on 9328 2929 for more information.

4. 'St. Monica's Tears': Due to an increase of our children and grandchildren leaving the Catholic Faith a special Holy Mass together with intercessory prayers to St Monica takes place. Where: St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. When: Every Thursday starting with Holy Mass 10.45am followed by rosary and concluding at 12.00noon. All are invited to place the names of their lapsed loved ones in a box marked 'Monica's Tears'. Please join us as we shower heaven with our prayers for our lapsed loved one.

5. MercyCare: Free workshops on the 10th, 17th and 24th of February 2026 exploring how to enter the Third Stage of Life with confidence and purpose. Time: 10.30am–1.00pm (morning tea provided). Venue: MercyCare Currambine Hub, Unit 8/94 Delamere Ave, Currambine 6028. Cost: Free. These workshops are suitable for people caring for someone in later life, those entering this stage themselves, or anyone aged 50+ preparing for the years ahead.

6. Catholic Pilgrimage Tour in Vietnam: 15 Days, 14 Nights March 2026. Please see leaflet at back of Church for more information or contact Ray on 0412 698 852.

7. Lent 2026 with the Catholic Guy – Bruce Downes: For 40 days you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here:

https://brucedownes.org/lent-2026-sign-up/

First reading: Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13

In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people

Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth, who obey his commands. Seek integrity, seek humility: you may perhaps find shelter on the day of the anger of the Lord. In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people, and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord. They will do no wrong, will tell no lies; and the perjured tongue will no longer be found in their mouths. But they will be able to graze and rest with no one to disturb them.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 145(146):6-10

Response: Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free. R.

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down, the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan. R.

It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, Zion’s God, from age to age. R.

Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God chose what is foolish by human reckoning, to shame the wise

Take yourselves for instance, brothers, at the time when you were called: how many of you were wise in the ordinary sense of the word, how many were influential people, or came from noble families? No, it was to shame the wise that God chose what is foolish by human reckoning, and to shame what is strong that he chose what is weak by human reckoning; those whom the world thinks common and contemptible are the ones that God has chosen – those who are nothing at all to show up those who are everything. The human race has nothing to boast about to God, but you, God has made members of Christ Jesus and by God’s doing he has become our wisdom, and our virtue, and our holiness, and our freedom. As scripture says: if anyone wants to boast, let him boast about the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:12

Alleluia, alleluia! Rejoice and be glad; your reward will be great in heaven. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12a

How happy are the poor in spirit?

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:

‘How happy are the poor in spirit;

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy the gentle:

they shall have the earth for their heritage.

Happy those who mourn:

they shall be comforted.

Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:

they shall be satisfied.

Happy the merciful:

they shall have mercy shown them.

Happy the pure in heart:

they shall see God.

Happy the peacemakers:

they shall be called sons of God.

Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:

theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.’

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever, Amen.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, with the entire Church, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. In doing so, we remember not only those who have been proclaimed saints through the ages, but also our many brothers and sisters who, in a quiet and unassuming way, lived their Christian life in the fullness of faith and love. Surely among them are many of our relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Ours, then, is a celebration of holiness. A holiness that is seen not so much in great deeds and extraordinary events, but rather in daily fidelity to the demands of our baptism. A holiness that consists in the love of God and the love of our brothers and sisters. A love that remains faithful to the point of self-renunciation and complete devotion to others. We think of the lives of all those mothers and fathers who sacrifice for their families and are prepared to forego – though it is not always easy – so many things, so many personal plans and projects.

Yet if there is one thing typical of the saints, it is that they are genuinely happy. They found the secret of authentic happiness, which lies deep within the soul and has its source in the love of God. That is why we call the saints blessed. The Beatitudes are their path, their goal towards the homeland. The Beatitudes are the way of life that the Lord teaches us, so that we can follow in his footsteps. In the Gospel of today’s Mass, we heard how Jesus proclaimed the Beatitudes before a great crowd on the hill by the Sea of Galilee.

The Beatitudes are the image of Christ and consequently of each Christian. Here I would like to mention only one: “Blessed are the meek”. Jesus says of himself: “Learn from me for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29). This is his spiritual portrait and it reveals the abundance of his love. Meekness is a way of living and acting that draws us close to Jesus and to one another. It enables us to set aside everything that divides and estranges us, and to find ever new ways to advance along the path of unity. So it was with sons and daughters of this land, including Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, recently canonized, and Saint Bridget, Birgitta of Vadstena, co-patron of Europe. They prayed and worked to create bonds of unity and fellowship between Christians. One very eloquent sign of this is that here in your country, marked as it is by the coexistence of quite different peoples, we are jointly commemorating the fifth centenary of the Reformation. The saints bring about change through meekness of heart. With that meekness, we come to understand the grandeur of God and worship him with sincere hearts. For meekness is the attitude of those who have nothing to lose, because their only wealth is God.

The Beatitudes are in some sense the Christian’s identity card. They identify us as followers of Jesus. We are called to be blessed, to be followers of Jesus, to confront the troubles and anxieties of our age with the spirit and love of Jesus. Thus we ought to be able to recognize and respond to new situations with fresh spiritual energy. Blessed are those who remain faithful while enduring evils inflicted on them by others, and forgive them from their heart. Blessed are those who look into the eyes of the abandoned and marginalized, and show them their closeness. Blessed are those who see God in every person, and strive to make others also discover him. Blessed are those who protect and care for our common home. Blessed are those who renounce their own comfort in order to help others. Blessed are those who pray and work for full communion between Christians. All these are messengers of God’s mercy and tenderness, and surely they will receive from him their merited reward.

Dear brothers and sisters, the call to holiness is directed to everyone and must be received from the Lord in a spirit of faith. The saints spur us on by their lives and their intercession before God, and we ourselves need one another if we are to become saints. Helping one another to become saints! Together let us implore the grace to accept this call with joy and to join in bringing it to fulfilment. To our heavenly Mother, Queen of All Saints, we entrust our intentions and the dialogue aimed at the full communion of all Christians, so that we may be blessed in our efforts and may attain holiness in unity.

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: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com

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 Tri Nguyen, CSsR Ph: 0490 471 089

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

Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810

Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au