Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 15th March 2026
KNOW YOUR FAITH
We are now in Lenten season; accompanying our Lord on his path of suffering, crucifixion at Calvary; and glorious resurrection at Easter. I offer this short statement as a guideline for those who may struggle with fasting and abstinence. The law of abstinence (refraining from meat) binds all Catholics who are fourteen years of age and above. The law of fasting binds all Catholics who are eighteen to sixty years of age. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the days of abstinence and fasting – ref Canon #1250 - 1253. I hasten to recommend that you speak to your health professional and follow their advice if you have any underlying health concerns. Have a fruitful Lent.
Message from Fr Cyp
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 16th March
NO MASS
Feast day:
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Tuesday 17th MarchChurch 7am, 9am
Feast day: Saint Patrick.................................................
Wednesday 18th March
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day:
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Thursday 19th March
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day: Saint Joseph
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Friday 20th March
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day:
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Saturday 21st March
Church 8.00am, 6.30pm
Feast day:
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Sunday 22nd March
Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm
Feast day:
Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,
First Sunday of every month
Reconciliation Times
Prayer of the Week
Lord, you bring light in our darkness, comfort in our sorrow and hope when we despair. Help us to see as you see and to love as you love.
Readings
Introduction As we continue this season of Lent we gather today, giving thanks for all the many blessings we have received and committing ourselves to living out the Gospel in our daily actions.
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First Reading 1 Samuel 16:1b. 6-7. 10-13a
The prophet Samuel anointed David as King of Israel, after which the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him.
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Second Reading Ephesians 5:8-14
Paul contrasts past “darkness” with current “light in the Lord,” urging believers to live as children of light and produce goodness, righteousness and truth.
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Gospel John 9:1-41
Christ invites us to see the light.
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Antiphon to the Psalm: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You are invited to join us for the Pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross
• The Cross is due to arrive at OLM Whitford Catholic Parish from Fremantle Parish at 4.00pm Saturday 25th of April, 2026 and will be assembled in preparation for the liturgies that will be a part of its brief visit to OLM.
• There will be opportunity for prayer and adoration before the Cross, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and finally the Vigil Mass at 6.30pm followed by a ceremonial packing of the Cross ready for the next part of its Pilgrimage.
• This is an opportunity for the Church to recognise what Migrants have brought to the Church in Australia as well as our Nation in making Australia their home.
• It is true that we here at OLM are constantly reminded of the immense contribution that has been made in this Parish by our migrant communities by the map displayed in our Church foyer. This is an opportunity for the Parish to acknowledge this contribution in a special way along with Catholics across Australia.
• All welcome to attend. Please invite you family and friends for this special occasion.
Death & Anniversary
Please offer your prayers this week for John O’Connor, Eileen Farrugia, Terence Lewis, Johnny Balanco, Teresa Maseyk, Chris Wood, Bui Huu Phioc, Vo Cong Thanh 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.
Stewardship Corner
The blind man was willing to let Jesus minister to him and willingly did all Jesus asked of him. The Pharisees were more resistant to His message, spending their time and energy to disprove the miracle. Which am I more like, the man born blind or the Pharisees?
New Parishioner to our Parish?
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!
CARITAS AUSTRALIA - PROJECT COMPASSION
Fourth Sunday of Lent, 14th – 15th March 2026
Monoranjon lives in a village in Bangladesh close to the sea, where floods and storms often damage his crops and his home. With support from Project Compassion, he learnt climate-resilient farming techniques and new ways to diversify his income, helping his family survive and build a safer, more sustainable future.
Please donate today.
You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code Or online at: www.projectcompassion.org.au/donate Or by calling: 1800 024 413
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
PARISH NOTICES
1. Our 2026 Easter Celebrations and Mass Times are as follows:
A. Palm Sunday Masses - 28th/29th March 6.30pm, 8.00am, 10.00am and 5.45pm (Please wear Red)
B. Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper - Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm in the Church (Please wear White)
C. Good Friday Stations of the Cross - Friday 3rd April at 10.00am in the Church (Please wear Red)
D. Good Friday Passion Liturgy - Friday 3rd April at 3.00pm in the Church (Please wear Red)
E. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass - Saturday, 4th April at 7.00pm in the Church (Please wear White/Gold)
F. Easter Sunday Masses - Sunday 5th April at 8.00am and 10.00am in the Church (Please wear White/Gold)
Please note: There will be NO 5.45pm Mass on Easter Sunday.
2. Mr John O’Connor – RIP: We regret to announce the death of Mr John O’Connor on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, a long time Parishioner of OLM. A Memorial Mass will be held for John on Saturday 28th March at 11am, followed by Interment of his Ashes in the Columbarium. A wake will follow in the Parish hall. All welcome to help us celebrate John’s life. We hold John’s wife Mary and his family in our hearts and prayers.
3. Celebration Masses for Confirmation and First Holy Communion:
Celebration Mass: Confirmation: PCPS: Saturday 23rd May at 5.30pm, WCPS Saturday 30th May at 5.30pm. First Holy Communion: PCPS Saturday 22nd August at 5.30pm. WCPS Saturday 29th August at 5.30pm.
4. Stations of the Cross: Please remember to join us in praying the stations of the cross at 7.00pm every Friday during Lent here in the Church.
5. Volunteer Sign Up Sheets: Sign up sheets are available for EM’s, Acolytes, Readers and Altar Servers for ALL the Easter Masses in the Robing Room.
6. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 28th March 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.
7. St Vincent de Paul Fundraiser: Please help support our Plant Sale on the weekend of the 18th & 19th April after all Masses. All proceeds to SVDP. Note: Plant donations are welcomed, please leave at the side of the Church near the grass area the week of the 12th April. Thank you.
8. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Workshop: Saturday 12th May 10am – 12pm. This workshop will be run by The Centre for Liturgy. Cost is $10 per person. A minimum of 10 people must be in attendance for the session to go ahead. Please contact the Parish Office 9307 2776 or Whitford@perthcatholic.org.au if you would like to attend.
9. 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.
10. The Word Among Us: LENT 2026 – SOLD OUT. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Rosary: Please join us for Rosary every Tuesday at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Rosary prior to Mass.
14. 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.
15. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
16. 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.
17. Your Offering: Please remember to deposit your offerings in the boxes provided in the foyer area or use electronic donation points. Thank you.
18. 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.
19. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Please contact the school on 08 9404 4000 or visit our website for further information.
20. Whitford Catholic Primary School: 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧!! WCPS are now accepting Expressions of Interest for students starting Kindergarten in 2028! (Children born July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨: *Enhance personal development through a variety of stimulating activities and play, where children feel free to explore and experiment. *Build self-esteem and confidence in sharing cultural backgrounds, individual talents and needs. *Encourage the development of positive social behaviour. *Create a safe, happy, and caring environment for all children, including those with special needs. For more information: https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/learning/kindergarten/
21. Eucharist Adoration: WE NEED YOUR HELP! Is Jesus calling you? We are seeking more people to join us in prayer on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12pm - 1pm, 1pm – 2pm & 3pm to 4pm to come sit in the company of Jesus. If you’d like to join the roster or want more information, please contact the coordinator on 0407 471 256. If you can not make your roster, please let the coordinator know or find a family member or friend to cover for you. Thank you and God Bless.
YOUTH NEWS
Youth News
1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: is back for Term 1! Gathering every 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month from 7pm to 9pm for students in years 6-12. Our next youth group will be held on Friday 20th March. 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. We are currently seeking: Student leaders (Years 10–12) & Volunteer leaders aged 18+. We would greatly appreciate any support from the parish community. We are also inviting parishioners and parents to assist with a food roster to help support the youth group evenings. We would love the whole community to be involved in supporting this ministry in any way possible. Any help is deeply appreciated, and we are very grateful for your generosity.
For more information or any questions, please contact Dino Chiaberta (0478 084 725) or Jasmine Deib (0439 976 164)
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.
ROSTERS: 21ST & 22ND MARCH 2026
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Linda/ Gloria/ Alice/ Relief
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Linda Sweeney, John Clift/ Tamara McGougan, Edith R-Thomas/ Jan Mateljan, Michael Mateljan/ Sam Leeks, Matthew Jardim
COUNTERS: Sunday 29th March 2026: Nicole Willey/ Nirmalene Mendis/ Tim Laver/ Andrew Legg, Carla
CLEANERS: Saturday 21st March: Ian Fernandez/ Maria Bennett/ Carol Janeczko/ Evelyn D’Souza
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 22nd March: Mary Morrissey/ Clare Domanski/ Jo Emery
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves, Pete Boston, Gisela Boston, K Roberts/ Diane Raftos, Meg Horne, Horace Rosario, Maura Killalea/ Adam O’Neill, M Augustin, S Williamson, M Torres, M McGrath/ Sarah Boylen, D Stritch, S Stritch, S Dowling
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Alexander family in Hillarys from 14th to 21st March. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0410 289 725 to arrange. From 21st to 28th March 2026 the Statue will be with the Hansen family in Hillarys.
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 1st May 2026.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Samuel & Lucas MacLeod into God’s family this weekend.
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.
GENERAL NOTICES
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. Medjugorje – LENT: Stations of the Cross will start at 6.30pm followed by Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Confession, Benediction and conclude with Holy Mass. Place St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. Date Friday 27th March. Following Holy Mass, we warmly welcome you to the parish hall for light refreshments.
3. 'St. Monica's Tears': Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. Please be advised that 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.
4. The Knights of the Southern Cross WA: invite all Catholic men and women over 18 to join them for A Knights Leadership Breakfast Thursday 19th of March at Fraser’s Kings Park. Hot breakfast and bottomless coffee included in the ticket price. Register now at https://go.kscwa.au/19march26-lead.
5. Emmaus Walk for men – 11 April 2026: Grab a mate or your son, and join a group of likeminded blokes on Emmaus Walk 2026.Commences with 7:30am mass at Carmelite Convent (Nedlands), follow ed by a leisurely 12km walk along the river via Crawley and Elizabeth Quay to St Mary's Cathedral, arriving circa 10:30am where refreshments and reconciliation will be available. Register at https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/Emmaus26
Enquiries to Kim Metcalf on 0414 537 023.
6. Volunteers Needed: St Catherine's House of Hospitality is a retreat and conference centre at 113 Tyler St Tuart Hill. To keep the centre affordable for those who need it we rely on the support of volunteers. We would love to hear from you if you can offer a few hours a month. Opportunities for volunteering include hospitality, cooking and gardening. St Catherine's is a vibrant community where strong friendships are made. Social information sessions will be held on Monday 23 March at 10:00am and Tuesday 31 March at 1:00pm. For further information contact Sr Elizabeth RSM at stcatherines@westnet.com.au or 08 9443 9020.
7. Miracle Prayers Movie Fund-raiser: Screening 'Mary of Nazareth' on Saturday 21st March, 4pm to 7pm at the Disciples of Jesus Venue, 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Entry is $10. Drinks, snacks and Raffle Tickets will also be available for purchase. CASH ONLY event. All proceeds go towards the Miracle Prayers Eucharistic and Healing Mission in the Philippines. Thank you for your support and prayers. Enquiries: ph 0404 028 298.
8. The Gathering Northern Suburbs Social Group: Meeting 19th March for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. St Anthony’s Hall Wanneroo, registration from 10.15am, $5 voluntary contribution. See poster at back of Church for more information. Enquires: Sean 0431 018 388 or Kim 0413 866 320.
READINGS AT MASS: FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – YEAR A
First reading: 1 Samuel 16:1,6-7,10-13
David is anointed by Samuel
The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons.’ When Samuel arrived, he caught sight of Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed stands there before him,’ but the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Take no notice of his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him: God does not see as man sees: man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.’ Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ He then asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ He answered, ‘There is still one left, the youngest; he is out looking after the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down to eat until he comes.’ Jesse had him sent for, a boy of fresh complexion, with fine eyes and pleasant bearing. The Lord said, ‘Come, anoint him, for this is the one.’ At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him where he stood with his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 22(23)
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. R.
He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. R.
You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. R.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever. R.
Second reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Anything exposed by the light will turn into light
You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light, for the effects of the light are seen in complete goodness and right living and truth. Try to discover what the Lord wants of you, having nothing to do with the futile works of darkness but exposing them by contrast. The things which are done in secret are things that people are ashamed even to speak of; but anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. That is why it is said: Wake up from your sleep, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Gospel Acclamation: John 8:12
Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ! I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
Gospel reading: John 9:1-41
The blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored
As Jesus went along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, for him to have been born blind?’ ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered ‘he was born blind so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ‘As long as the day lasts I must carry out the work of the one who sent me; the night will soon be here when no one can work. As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world.’ Having said this, he spat on the ground, made a paste with the spittle, put this over the eyes of the blind man, and said to him, ‘Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (a name that means ‘sent’). So the blind man went off and washed himself, and came away with his sight restored. His neighbours and people who earlier had seen him begging said, ‘Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some said, ‘Yes, it is the same one.’ Others said, ‘No, he only looks like him.’ The man himself said, ‘I am the man.’ So they said to him, ‘Then how do your eyes come to be open?’ ‘The man called Jesus’ he answered ‘made a paste, daubed my eyes with it and said to me, “Go and wash at Siloam”; so I went, and when I washed I could see.’ They asked, ‘Where is he?’ ‘I don’t know’ he answered. They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. It had been a sabbath day when Jesus made the paste and opened the man’s eyes, so when the Pharisees asked him how he had come to see, he said, ‘He put a paste on my eyes, and I washed, and I can see.’ Then some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man cannot be from God: he does not keep the sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How could a sinner produce signs like this?’ And there was disagreement among them. So they spoke to the blind man again, ‘What have you to say about him yourself, now that he has opened your eyes?’ ‘He is a prophet’ replied the man. However, the Jews would not believe that the man had been blind and had gained his sight, without first sending for his parents and asking them, ‘Is this man really your son who you say was born blind? If so, how is it that he is now able to see?’ His parents answered, ‘We know he is our son and we know he was born blind, but we do not know how it is that he can see now, or who opened his eyes. He is old enough: let him speak for himself.’ His parents spoke like this out of fear of the Jews, who had already agreed to expel from the synagogue anyone who should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. This was why his parents said, ‘He is old enough; ask him.’ So the Jews again sent for the man and said to him, ‘Give glory to God! For our part, we know that this man is a sinner.’ The man answered, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner; I only know that I was blind and now I can see.’ They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?’ He replied, ‘I have told you once and you wouldn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it all again? Do you want to become his disciples too?’ At this they hurled abuse at him: ‘You can be his disciple,’ they said ‘we are disciples of Moses: we know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.’ The man replied, ‘Now here is an astonishing thing! He has opened my eyes, and you don’t know where he comes from! We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but God does listen to men who are devout and do his will. Ever since the world began it is unheard of for anyone to open the eyes of a man who was born blind; if this man were not from God, he couldn’t do a thing.’ ‘Are you trying to teach us,’ they replied ‘and you a sinner through and through, since you were born!’ And they drove him away. Jesus heard they had driven him away, and when he found him he said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ ‘Sir,’ the man replied ‘tell me who he is so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said, ‘You are looking at him; he is speaking to you.’ The man said, ‘Lord, I believe’, and worshipped him.
Jesus said: ‘It is for judgement that I have come into this world, so that those without sight may see and those with sight turn blind.’ Hearing this, some Pharisees who were present said to him, ‘We are not blind, surely?’ Jesus replied: ‘Blind? If you were, you would not be guilty, but since you say, “We see,” your guilt remains.’
WE PRAY AS ONE: 2026 PROJECT COMPASSION PRAYER
God of all love, we remember that on the night before he died, your son, Jesus, prayed that his friends ’may all be one.’ Yet we see so much division in the world. War, conflict, violence and hatred must all distress you. Millions of people suffer when they don’t have peace and respect. They lack the necessities of life; food, water, health, education and security. We pray that we may all unite against poverty this Lent. May our support for Project Compassion be a sign to ourselves and others, of our hope for a better world. This Lent, we pray that our dedication to prayer, fasting and almsgiving will help restore your vision of justice and peace. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
POPE LEO XIV REFLECTIONS
Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s Gospel sets before us the story of the man born blind, to whom Jesus gives sight. The lengthy account opens with a blind man who begins to see and it closes — and this is curious — with the alleged seers who remain blind in soul. The miracle is narrated by John in just two verses, because the Evangelist does not want to draw attention to the miracle itself, but rather to what follows, to the discussions it arouses, also to the gossip. So many times a good work, a work of charity arouses gossip and discussion, because there are some who do not want to see the truth. The Evangelist John wants to draw attention to something that also occurs in our own day when a good work is performed. The blind man who is healed is first interrogated by the astonished crowd — they saw the miracle and they interrogated him —, then by the doctors of the law who also interrogate his parents. In the end the blind man who was healed attains to faith, and this is the greatest grace that Jesus grants him: not only to see, but also to know Him, to see in Him “the light of the world” (Jn 9:5).
While the blind man gradually draws near to the light, the doctors of the law on the contrary sink deeper and deeper into their inner blindness. Locked in their presumption, they believe that they already have the light, therefore, they do not open themselves to the truth of Jesus. They do everything to deny the evidence. They cast doubt on the identity of the man who was healed, they then deny God’s action in the healing, taking as an excuse that God does not work on the Sabbath; they even doubt that the man was born blind. Their closure to the light becomes aggressive and leads to the expulsion from the temple of the man who was healed.
The blind man’s journey on the contrary is a journey in stages that begins with the knowledge of Jesus’ name. He does not know anything else about him; in fact, he says: “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes” (v. 11). Following the pressing questions of the lawyers, he first considers him a prophet (v. 17) and then a man who is close to God (v. 31). Once he has been banished from the temple, expelled from society, Jesus finds him again and “opens his eyes” for the second time, by revealing his own identity to him: “I am the Messiah”, he tells him. At this point the man who had been blind exclaims: “Lord, I believe!” (v. 38), and he prostrates himself before Jesus. This is a passage of the Gospel that makes evident the drama of the inner blindness of so many people, also our own for sometimes we have moments of inner blindness.
Our lives are sometimes similar to that of the blind man who opened himself to the light, who opened himself to God, who opened himself to his grace. Sometimes unfortunately they are similar to that of the doctors of the law: from the height of our pride we judge others, and even the Lord! Today, we are invited to open ourselves to the light of Christ in order to bear fruit in our lives, to eliminate unchristian behaviours; we are all Christians but we all, everyone sometimes has unchristian behaviours, behaviours that are sins. We must repent of this, eliminate these behaviours in order to journey well along the way of holiness, which has its origin in baptism. We, too, have been “enlightened” by Christ in baptism, so that, as St Paul reminds us, we may act as “children of light” (Eph 5:8), with humility, patience and mercy. These doctors of the law had neither humility, nor patience, nor mercy!
I suggest that today, when you return home, you take the Gospel of John and read this passage from Chapter nine. It will do you good, because you will thus see this road from blindness to light and the other evil road that leads to deeper blindness. Let us ask ourselves about the state of our own heart? Do I have an open heart or a closed heart? It is opened or closed to God? Open or closed to my neighbour? We are always closed to some degree which comes from original sin, from mistakes, from errors. We need not be afraid! Let us open ourselves to the light of the Lord, he awaits us always in order to enable us to see better, to give us more light, to forgive us. Let us not forget this! Let us entrust this Lenten journey to the Virgin Mary, so that we too, like the blind man who was healed, by the grace of Christ may “come to the light”, go forward towards the light and be reborn to new life.
SAFEGUARDING
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 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.
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NOTICE BOARD
CONTACT US!
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
Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Website: Home | Whitford Catholic Parish
Location: 270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9307 2776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-the-Mission-Whitford-Parish-105788500874671/?ref=br_rs