Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 30th August: Twenty-Second 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 24th August

NO MASS

Feast Day: Saint Bartholomew

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Tuesday 25th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 26th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Thursday 27th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Monica

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Friday 28th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Augustine

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Saturday 29th August

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day: The Passion of Saint John the Baptist

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Sunday 30th August

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

**Please note: Saturday 22nd and 29th August Reconciliation will be at 4.00pm - 5.00pm due to First Holy Communion Mass**

Introduction We journey as a community of faith, made up of all nations and every language. Within our community, which stretches across the globe, we will learn and grow in love of God and for our neighbour.

First Reading: Isaiah 22:15. 19-23

Eliakim will be a father to his people.

Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36

St Paul invites the community to celebrate the riches, wisdom and glory of God.

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus asks Peter, ‘Who do you say that I am?’

Antiphon to the Psalm: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

What are the gifts and talents I can offer to my Parish community?

Through our parish Adsumus journey, we have come to realise that involvement is more than simply filling spaces in existing parish ministries. Rather, it is about discovering our place, sharing our gifts, living out our vocation, fulfilling our mission, and answering Jesus’ call to become His Church, His people.

Throughout history, the Church has grown into a living community of compassion, shaped by the time and place in which it has found itself, while remaining faithful to Jesus’ mission of care, nurture, and love. As disciples, we are called not only to love God, but also to reach out in service to one another and to those in need. This is a calling we share, and there is a place for each one of us in this community.

If you are not sure where you belong, do not worry. Pray, and trust that the Holy Spirit will gently show you the place where your gifts are needed.

Today, I invite you to consider once again how you might play your part in our parish community, and where your gifts can be most faithfully shared. We are called to be active members of one another’s lives, becoming part of Jesus’ gift to each other in ways that bless and strengthen us. You are invited to share your ideas for involvement through the QR code that will be displayed, or, if you prefer, by completing a hard copy.

Today is an opportunity for our community to begin exploring what it means to take steps along the Adsumus path, as we follow Jesus more closely, share in His mission, and patiently discern the vocation to which he calls each of us.

Adsumus is our initiative, and it invites our parish community to discover together our journey of love through action.

Please offer your prayers this week for Ray Massam, Janet Laxmi, Bernadette Burns, Gerry Sweeney, Claire Richards, 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 reading St. Paul reminds the Romans – and us – that all things come from God: “for from Him and through Him and for Him all things are” Good stewards understand that all is gift and share generously the gifts of time, talent, and treasure with which they’ve been blessed.

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. Congratulations! We congratulate all our PCPS Year Four students making their First Holy Communion in our parish this weekend. Sincere thanks to parents and care-givers, teachers and the parish staff for their support in preparation and celebrations. WCPS will have their celebrations next weekend, 29th/30th August and those in PREP will celebrate on Sunday 18th October. We continue to keep these young people and their families in our prayers. Please make note of Saturday Vigil Mass of 5.30pm for this celebration only.

2. Catholic Mission Appeal: Our parish’s annual Catholic Mission Appeal will take place on the weekend of 12th/13th September. Please consider your support for this important Apostolic agency that caters for the necessary needs on Missionaries and Missionary communities around the world. Look out for details in the coming weeks.

3. Reconciliation Time: Please note, Parish weekend reconciliation will be 4.00pm – 5.00pm on 29th August.

4. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 29th August 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.

5. Overseas Mission Father’s Day Raffle: Tickets sold after masses, 3 for $5.00. Winners will be drawn on Father’s Day, Sunday 6th September. Your prayers and support is always appreciated.

6. Appeal for St. Columba Eregi Mixed Primary School: Fr. Cyprian requests your kind donation towards completion of a new Administration Block and water harvest projects at his old primary school in Kenya. The local and rural co-educational primary school caters for over 700 students; K-Y9 with very limited resources. For more details and how you can help, please contact Fr Cyp directly. Please note, Fr Cyp will be travelling home for annual leave this September when he will be able to inspect the progress of these projects.

7. New Altar Servers Training: We invite Year Four (and above) Students interested in becoming Altar Servers in our parish for training and rostering on Saturday, 5th September at 10.00am in the Church. Please provide us your details on the sign up sheet supplied at the information desk. Thank you for considering being part of this wonderful ministry.

8. Legion of Mary 48Hr Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady’s Birthday: 6pm Saturday 5th Sept to 6pm Monday 7th September 2026. Presentation of the scroll of names will be made at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Tuesday 8th September 2025, 12.10pm. List for names can be found in the foyer of the Church. More information can be found www.legionofmarywa.org or email comitiumofperth@gmail.com.

9. 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 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 your earlier and latest photos with parish office for our slideshow. For planning purposes, please sign up at the information desk, Information sheet provided, see parish newsletter for more details.

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: SEPTEMBER ISSUE 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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: 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 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.

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! 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 4th September. 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 please 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, Ceclia, Alice, Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Kerry Roberts, Margaret Shilton, Megan Woodall, Celine Chaperon, Emma Waters, Rachel Wanless, Dylan Sarapunas, Emma Paice

COUNTERS: Sunday 30th August: Vicky Ryan, Judy Cavanagh. Amanda Cross, Senol Bonny

CLEANERS: Friday 28th August: Lisa Coppinger, Renee Rowe, Sarah Dale, Teagan Blackburn, Jeanette O’Rourke, Leona McCormack

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 30th August: Mike Hampson

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Anthony Ting, Pete Boston/ Diane Raftos, T McGougan/ M Augustin, E Rodrigues-Thomas, S Puvimanasinghe/ L Pfeifhofer

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Radford family in Kallaroo from 5th to 12th September. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0407 471 256 to arrange. From 12th to 19th September 2026 the Statue will be with the Turner family in Beldon.

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 7th September 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 Lucas Eraclides and Charlie Touma 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. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief Seminar: 12th September 9.30am – 1pm. Morning Tea Provided. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar at Catholic Outreach 40A Mary Street, Highgate. Contact 9422 7920 or outreach@perthcatholic.org.au

4. Aid to the Church in Need: ACN operates solely on benefactor donations, with no funding from Church or State. Learn more on our website: www.aidtochurch.org

5. Miracle Prayers Healing Service: Join us, 7.30pm at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo on 26th August. For further details, please ph 0404 028 298.

6. FIAT: Why Be Catholic Conference 2026. Join us 1 to 3 October at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scarborough, for this year's Why Be Catholic Conference. Our headline guest is Tim Staples, Senior Apologist with Catholic. Early bird tickets close 1st September. Visit www.evangelisationaustralia.com for details and registration.

7. 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. For further information on the application process please contact office@kscwa.org.au or phone 9368 2503. On-line application forms will be available from 31 August at https://wa.ksca.org.au/latest-News.html

8. 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.

First reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

I place the key of the House of David on my servant's shoulder

Thus, says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace: I dismiss you from your office, I remove you from your post, and the same day I call on my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I invest him with your robe, gird him with your sash, entrust him with your authority; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah. I place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; should he open, no one shall close, should he close, no one shall open. I drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a throne of glory for his father’s house.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 137(138):1-3,6,8

Response: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart: you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple. R.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love, which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul. R.

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly and the haughty he knows from afar. Your love, O Lord, is eternal, discard not the work of your hands. R

Second reading: Romans 11:33-36

All that exists comes from him; all is by him and from him.

How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 16:18

Alleluia, alleluia! You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church; the gates of hell will not hold out against it. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

You are Peter and, on this rock, I will build my Church

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So, I now say to you: You are Peter and, on this rock, I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you lose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

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,

This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mt 16:13-20) is a well-known passage, central to Matthew’s account, in which Simon, on behalf of the Twelve, professes his faith in Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God”; and Jesus calls Simon “blessed” for this faith, recognizing in him a special gift of the Father, and tells him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”.

Let us pause on this very point, on the fact that Jesus gives Simon this name, “Peter”, which in Jesus’ language is pronounced “Kefa”, a word which means “rock”. In the Bible this term, “rock”, refers to God. Jesus gives it to Simon not because of his character or for his merits as a human, but for his genuine and steadfast faith, which comes to him from above.

Jesus feels great joy in his heart because, in Simon, he recognizes the hand of the Father, the work of the Holy Spirit. He recognizes that God the Father has given Simon “steadfast” faith on which He, Jesus, can build his Church, meaning his community, that is, all of us. Jesus intends to give life to “his” Church, a people founded no longer on heritage, but on faith, which means on the relationship with Him, a relationship of love and trust. The Church is built on our relationship with Jesus. And to begin his Church, Jesus needs to find solid faith, “steadfast” faith in his disciples. And it is this that He must verify at this point of the journey.

The Lord has in mind a picture of the structure, an image of the community like a building. This is why, when he hears Simon’s candid profession of faith, he calls him a “rock”, and declares his intention to build his Church upon this faith.

Brothers and sisters, what happened in a unique way in St Peter, also happens in every Christian who develops a sincere faith in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Today’s Gospel passage also asks each of us, is your faith good? Each one answer in his or her heart. Is my faith good? How does the Lord find our hearts? A heart that is firm as a rock, or a heart like sand, that is doubtful, diffident, disbelieving? It will do us good to think about this throughout the day today. If the Lord finds in our heart, I don’t say a perfect, but sincere, genuine faith, then He also sees in us living stones with which to build his community. This community’s foundation stone is Christ, the unique cornerstone. On his side, Peter is the rock, the visible foundation of the Church’s unity; but every baptized person is called to offer Jesus his or her lowly but sincere faith, so that He may continue to build his Church, today, in every part of the world.

Even today, so many people think Jesus may be a great prophet, knowledgeable teacher, a model of justice.... And even today Jesus asks his disciples, that is, all of us: “Who do you say that I am?”. What do we answer? Let us think about this. But above all, let us pray to God the Father, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary; let us pray that He grant us the grace to respond, with a sincere heart: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. This is a confession of faith, this is really “the Creed”. Let us repeat it together three times: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”

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, 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

Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810

Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au