Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 27th September: Twenty-Sixth 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 21st September

NO MASS

Feast Day: Saint Matthew

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Tuesday 22nd September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 23rd September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: : Saint Pius of Pietrelcina

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Thursday 24th September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 25th September

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 26th September

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 27th September

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, help us to be concerned less about outward appearance and more about what is in our hearts and what makes us what we really are.

Introduction In today’s Gospel parable of the workers in the vineyard, we hear the Good News that God’s justice is concerned above all with mercy and compassion. God does not treat us according to what we deserve, but according to our need – and we all share the same desperate need for his love and forgiveness in our life.

First Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

Isaiah calls us to repentance, emphasising that God’s thoughts and ways are so far above our human ways, especially in God’s generous capacity to forgive.

Second Reading: Philippians 1:20c-24. 27a

Paul wishes to magnify Christ, stating, ‘For me life is Christ, and to die is gain,’ while emphasising the need for continued, faithful service.

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

The parable of the landowner highlights God’s grace and generosity, challenging our notions of what is fair and proper.

Antiphon to the Psalm: The Lord is near to all who call him.

Please offer your prayers this week for Eamon Curran, Patricia Lowndes, Josephine Polglaze, Peter Nguyen, Michael Hiney, Teresa Delgado, Sonia De Andrade, James Mulvey, Laurie Fitzgerald, Tom Ridges, Tai, Thanh, Ve, 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.

In today’s Gospel, the vineyard owner says, “I am free to do as I please with my money, am I not?” We are likewise free. Is a generous return to the Lord in thanksgiving for His many blessings among the choices we have made?

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. Patricia Lowndes – RIP: The Funeral of Mrs Patricia Lowndes will take place at 11am, Thursday 24th September. If you would like to join the funeral via live stream please contact the Parish office with your email address so a link can be sent to you.

3. Parish Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass & Dinner: We invite all our Parish couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries 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. We encourage all couples celebrating 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries to sign up and plan to join us. Kindly share some of photos with parish office for our slideshow. For liturgy arrangements and catering purposes, please fill in the signup sheet provided at the information desk.

4. 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.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 26th September 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: Hyacinth, Relief, Vilma, Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira, Francis d’Oliveira, Venice Penaranda, Krishta Ursolino, Emma Janeczko, Marian McGrath, Bernie Smith, Nicole Westneat

COUNTERS: Sunday 27th September: Ian Cutler, Michael Chiera, Patricia Egan, Samantha Del Lorso, Rochelle Securo

CLEANERS: Friday 25th September: Regiane Tokimatsu, Rhonda Sloan, Jennifer Hector, Vencia de San Miguel

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 27th September: Mary Morrissey, Clare Domanski, Jo Emery

SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney, C Chibiliti/ Chris Knox, Volunteer/ Agnelo D’Souza, M Torres, S Quatermaine/ Sue Dowling, M Finlay

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Norgrove family in Merriwa from 26th September to 3rd October. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0434 577 625 to arrange. From 3rd to 10th October 2026 the Statue will be with the Newbond family in Burns Beach.

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: Are held on the second and last Sunday of each month at 11.30am unless stated otherwise. Baptism forms are available at the information desk at the back of the parish, our website, or from the Parish office.

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. Miracle Prayers Healing Service: Wednesday 23rd September, 7.30pm at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo. Naiara Galea is giving the talk on "Inner Beauty" For further information 0404 028 298.

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. KSC Education Foundation Inc: Teachers employed in Catholic Schools are invited to apply for a scholarship to study Religious Education and Theology Units at the University of Notre Dame in 2027. Applications will open on 31 August and close on 26 October 2026. Contact: office@kscwa.org.au, 9368 2503 or https://wa.ksca.org.au/latest-News.html

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 (240 Central Ave, Inglewood WA 6052) This is a great opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition, meet like-minded people, and have a relaxed afternoon in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Contact:perthcatholicsingles@gmail.com

First reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

My thoughts are not your thoughts

Seek the Lord while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near. Let the wicked man abandon his way, the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn back to the Lord who will take pity on him, to our God who is rich in forgiving; for my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways not your ways – it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 144(145):2-3,8-9,17-18

Response: The Lord is near to all who call him.

I will bless you day after day and praise your name for ever. The Lord is great, highly to be praised, his greatness cannot be measured. R.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures. R.

The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts. R.

Second reading: Philippians 1:20-24,27

Life to me is Christ; but death would bring me more

Christ will be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my death. Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more; but then again, if living in this body means doing work which is having good results – I do not know what I should choose. I am caught in this dilemma: I want to be gone and be with Christ, which would be very much the better, but for me to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need for your sake. Avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ.

Gospel Acclamation: Acts 16:14

Alleluia, alleluia! Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Why be envious because I am generous?

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard. He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day, and sent them to his vineyard. Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place and said to them, “You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage.” So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same. Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing round, and he said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” “Because no one has hired us” they answered. He said to them, “You go into my vineyard too.” In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first.” So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each. When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each. They took it, but grumbled at the landowner. “The men who came last” they said “have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day’s work in all the heat.” He answered one of them and said, “My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus, the last will be first, and the first, last.’

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,

In today’s Gospel reading (cf Mt 20:1-16) there is the parable of the day labourers in the vineyard, which Jesus recounts in order to explain two aspects of the Kingdom of God: the first is that God wants to call everyone to work for his Kingdom; the second is that, in the end, he wants to give everyone the same reward, that is, salvation, eternal life.

The owner of the vineyard who represents God, goes out at dawn and hires a group of workers, agreeing with them on the day’s wages. It was a fair wage. Then he goes out again [several times] later in the day — he goes out five times on that day — until the late afternoon to hire other unemployed labourers whom he sees. At the end of the day, the landowner orders that a denarius be paid to everyone, even to those who had only worked for a few hours. Naturally, the labourers who were hired first complain because they see that they are paid as much as those who worked for fewer hours. The landowner however, reminds them about what had been agreed; if he then wants to be generous with the others, they should not be envious.

In reality, this “injustice” of the owner serves to provoke in those listening to the parable a qualitative leap because here Jesus does not want to speak about the issue of work or of a fair wage, but about the Kingdom of God! And this is the message: there are no unemployed people in the Kingdom of God. Everyone is called to do their part; and there will be a reward from divine justice for everyone in the end — not from human [justice], luckily! —, but the salvation that Jesus Christ acquired for us with his death and Resurrection, a salvation which is not deserved, but donated — salvation is free — thus, “the last will be the first and the first last” (Mt 20:16).

With this parable, Jesus wants to open our hearts to the logic of the Father’s love which is free and generous. It is about allowing oneself to be astonished and fascinated by the “thoughts” and the “ways” of God which, as the Prophet Isaiah recalls, are not our thoughts and not our ways (cf Is 55:8). Human thoughts are often marked by selfishness and personal advantages, and our narrow and contorted paths are not comparable to the wide and straight streets of the Lord. He uses mercy — do not forget this: He uses mercy —, he forgives broadly, is filled with generosity and kindness which he pours forth on each of us. He opens for everyone the boundless territory of his love and his grace, which alone can give the human heart the fullness of joy.

Jesus wants to make us contemplate the gaze of that landowner: the gaze with which he looks upon each of the labourers searching for work and calls them to go to his vineyard. It is a gaze which is filled with attention, kindness. It is a gaze which calls, invites one to get up and begin a journey because he wants life for each of us; he wants a full, committed life, safe from emptiness and inertia. God excludes no one and wants each of us to achieve his or her fullness. This is the love of our God, of our God who is Father.

May Mary Most Holy help us welcome into our lives the logic of love which frees us from the presumption of deserving God’s reward and from the critical judgement of others.

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