Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 19th July: Sixteenth 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 13th July

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 14th July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 15th July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Bonaventure

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Thursday 16th July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 17th July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 18th July

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 19th July

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Introduction

Sea Sunday reminds us that, just as Jesus and his disciples were sometimes threatened by winds and waves, the same is true for today’s seafarers. Like seed on rocky ground, their faith can be tested by hardship.

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

God’s word is fruitful.

Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23

The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Gospel Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus tells the parable of the sower who went out to sow his seeds.

Antiphon to the Psalm:

The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.

What practical, everyday actions can we take to help new seeds take root in our Parish?

Seeds are about life. They hold possibility and potential. They get things started. They are a beginning. They are the Sower’s commitment to the future.

There are all sorts of seeds—love, friendship, compassion, forgiveness, hope, change, success, accomplishment, truth, healing, and justice.

Conversely, seeds may also carry within them anger, resentment, discord, division, judgment, indifference, fear, and hatred.

Every feeling, emotion, attitude, and experience we have comes with its own packet of seeds and we each must decide if they are what we want to scatter upon the earth, our community, our families and friendships.

Notice in today’s parable how the Sower simply sows, making no judgment about the quality or worthiness of the soil, nor does this Sower seem attached to the outcome.

We gain insight to ourselves by the seeds we share and the community we share them in. Our seeds mirror us. In them we see clearly what we do not have, as well as what we cannot do without. Our seeds tell each other what we care about, what we consider important and how we relate with each other. Where our seeds land is less important than the state of our heart when we cast them.

Our community is not always going to be the perfect soil, and goodness knows none of us have the perfect packet of seeds for every situation but together we have more chance to succeed at what we endeavour together than can possibly be done as well alone.

Allow Adsumus to prompt us to seek the guidance and discernment of the Holy Spirit as we sow seeds of unity, freedom from bias, a stronger sense of community, and a shared longing for justice and truth.

It is together that our seeds change the world and, just as importantly, nurture and transform each of us. In every seed, the future quietly takes root.

Please offer your prayers this week for Arnold Allchak, Augustine Log, Sylvester Dempsey, Richard Shotam, Amanda McGivern, Nguyen Van Nhon, Tran Thi O, Marie Chue, Duong Vanan, Vo Quoc Ve, Daisy Cheng 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.

May our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure show us to be among those who have heard the message of Christ and taken it in, yielding a hundred – or sixty – or thifty-fold

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. Parish Adsumus Project, Hospitality Weekend: On the weekend of 25th & 26th July, we will put our hospitality in practice. Please try not to be in a rush after Mass on this weekend; strike a chat with one another and ask how they’re doing. After the 10.00am Mass on Sunday 26th July, we invite to stay back for a cuppa, sausage sizzle and a chat with one another on the church grounds – simply, don’ t be in a rush!

2. Launch of MissionCare: After careful consideration and consultation, we are pleased to relaunch our Parish’s outreach ministry we are calling “MissionCare” Ministry. With four coordinators, we endeavour to be a listening ear, support with transport to and from Mass for our senior parishioners who otherwise can’t get to Mass as they can’t drive, help new members and their families trying to settle in the parish/country, assist with navigating grief and loss in our families, connect individuals and families to vital professional services as needed among other services. Launch will take place on the weekend of 25 & 26 July. We kindly request the following of you:

a. Pray for the success of this new ministry and its coordinators.

b. Consider being a volunteer in this ministry – please contact Parish Office for details.

c. If you know someone or family that may benefit from this ministry, please let them know and connect them to us – brochures and request forms coming out soon.

3. First Holy Communion Commitment Weekend: We invite and encourage all our young people and their families celebrating FHC this year to please join us for commitment Mass on the weekend of 25/26 July. Sunday 10.00am Mass is most preferred; being PCPS Family Mass. Kindly bring your completed commitment and prayer cards to Mass with you.

4. Prayers for World Peace: Saturday 25th July at 10am, please join us as The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem of WA host a service “Prayers for World Peace” lead by Fr Errol Lobo. This Mass will include, the Rosary and Benediction. Please join us for morning tea in the Parish Centre afterwards. All welcome to attend. God Bless.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 25th July 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. RCIA 2026/27 Program: Are you a non-Catholic or a Catholic yet to complete your Sacraments of Christian Initiation; Eucharist and Confirmation? Would you like to know the process of becoming a full member of God’s family in the Catholic Church? If your answer is yes, please join us for RCIA at 7.30pm, Thursdays during school term in the parish centre. Contact our parish RCIA Coordinator Tom on 0417 997 254 / tomloreck@gmail.com or directly contact Fr. Cyp. We look forward to journeying with you to Easter 2027 and beyond.

7. Glory Be Café: Please join us for morning tea every Sunday morning after the 8am Mass. All welcome.

8. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays and Fridays @ 10.30am

in the Parish Hall. No experience required. All welcome. ** Please note NO Line Dancing Friday 17th July, class will instead be on Thursday 16th July 10.30am – 12pm**

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: JULY-AUGUST 2026, SOLD OUT

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

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

19. 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. Our next youth group will be held on 3rd July. 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: Bernadette, Relief, Alice, Ratna

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira, Francis d’Oliveira/ Venice C Penaranda, Krishta Ursolino/ Mirella Augustin, Lyne Acacio/ Sharon Milne, Sam Leeks

COUNTERS: Sunday 19th July: Ian Cutler, Michael Chiera, Lisa Zscherpel, Patricia Egan, Samantha Del Lorso, Rochelle Securo

CLEANERS: Friday 17th July: Lisa Coppinger, Renee Rowe, Sarah Dale, Teagan Blackburn, Jeanette O’Rourke, Leoana McCormack

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 19th July: Monica Majano, Maria Majano, Vilma Batt, Sue Quartermaine

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves, G Boston, Anthony Ting, F d’Oliveira/ Diane Raftos, T McGougan, Lee Hansen, Maura Killalea/ Adam O’Neill, Angelo D’Souza, S Quartermaine, M McGrath, R Lenon/ Sally Paice, C Davini, N Westneat, S Stritch

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Gorman family in Padbury from 18th July to 25th July. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0468 449 385 to arrange. From 25th July to 1st August 2026 the Statue will be with the Nerva family in Padbury.

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 August 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 Ivy Funnekotter, Lucas Funnekotter, Tori Morrison, Cali Morrison, Logan Bishop, Zac Bishop, Charli Bishop and Mac O’Malley 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. The Gathering: Thursday 16th July. St Anthonys Parish Hall, 15 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Bring a book to swap, bring a plate to share for lunch. Entertainer Wayne Pride. Guest speaker Gerald Searle. Registration 10am. For more information Sean 0431 018 388 or Jim 0413 866 320. Or email thegatheringnorthernsuburbs@gmail.com

3. '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.

4. MenAlive Recharge: 28th-30th August. Recharge your faith in the company of likeminded men, and enjoy some good old fashioned Benedictine hospitality at New Norcia. Catholic men are invited to gather together to listen, learn and long for fullness of life. Registration: https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/reCHARGE26 Kim Metcalf, 0414 537 023.

6. Catholic Archdiocese of Perth – Employment Opportunities: For details and how to apply, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm. Claremont Parish – St Thomas the Apostle Church: seeks a casual Parish Secretary, weekday shifts between 9am and 5pm, rostered on a needs basis. Applications are welcome at parishsupport@perthcatholic.org.au by 23 July 2026. Submit a current resume and cover letter, quoting “Claremont Parish Secretary (Casual)” in the email subject line.

7. Catholic Homes: Catholic Homes is offering free, no-obligation support at home consultations to help older Australians and their families better understand home care and aged care services. The consultations provide practical guidance on: Home Care services and support options, My Aged Care processes, Eligibility and funding, Assessments and referrals, Navigating aged care with confidence. Consultations can take place either in a person’s home or over the phone and are completely free of charge. To book, contact Catholic Homes on 1300 244 111 or visit www.catholichomes.com.

8. Evangelisation Australia – FIAT: Marian Conference, 1st–3rd October at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scarborough. Featuring Tim Staples, with clergy of the Archdiocese of Perth. Thursday & Friday evenings free (RSVP required); Saturday full day $80 early bird until 1 September ($120 thereafter). Clergy, religious and seminarians free; children 12 and under free. Register: www.evangelisationaustralia.com

First reading: Isaiah 55:10-11

The word that goes out from my mouth does not return to me empty

Thus, says the Lord: ‘As the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and bread for the eating, so the word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty, without carrying out my will and succeeding in what it was sent to do.’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 64(65):10-14

Response: The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.

You care for the earth, give it water, you fill it with riches. Your river in heaven brims over to provide its grain. R.

And thus, you provide for the earth; you drench its furrows; you level it, soften it with showers; you bless its growth. R.

You crown the year with your goodness. Abundance flows in your steps, in the pastures of the wilderness it flows. R.

The hills are girded with joy, the meadows covered with flocks, the valleys are decked with wheat. They shout for joy, yes, they sing. R.

Second reading: Romans 8:18-23

The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons

I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us. The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons. It was not for any fault on the part of creation that it was made unable to attain its purpose, it was made so by God; but creation still retains the hope of being freed, like us, from its slavery to decadence, to enjoy the same freedom and glory as the children of God. From the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been groaning in one great act of giving birth; and not only creation, but all of us who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, we too groan inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free.

Gospel Acclamation: 1S3:9, Jn6:68

Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-9

A sower went out to sow

Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables. He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’

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, Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). The Lord does not reserve this phrase for certain friends of his, no; he addresses it to “all” those who are weary and overwhelmed by life. And who could feel excluded from this invitation? The Lord knows how arduous life can be.

He knows that many things weary the heart: disappointments and wounds of the past, burdens to carry and wrongs to bear in the present, uncertainties and worries about the future.

In the face of all this, Jesus’ first word is an invitation, a call to move and respond: “Come”. The mistake, when things go wrong, is to stay where we are, lying there. It seems obvious, but how difficult it is to respond and open ourselves! It is not easy. In dark times it feels natural to keep to ourselves, to ruminate over how unfair life is, over how ungrateful others are, how mean the world is, and so on. We all know it. We have had this awful experience a few times. But in this way, locked up inside ourselves, we see everything as grim. Then we even grow accustomed to sadness, which becomes like home: that sadness overcomes us; this sadness is a terrible thing. Jesus, however, wants to pull us out of this “quicksand” and thus says to each one: “Come! — Who? — You, you, you”. The way out is in connecting, in extending a hand and lifting our gaze to those who truly love us.

In fact it is not enough to come out of ourselves; it is important to know where to go. Because many aims are illusory: they promise comfort and distract just a little; they guarantee peace and offer amusement, then leave us with the loneliness there was before; they are “fireworks”. Therefore Jesus indicates where to go: “Come to me”. And many times, in the face of a burden of life or a situation that saddens us, we try to talk about it with someone who listens to us, with a friend, with an expert.... This is a great thing to do, but let us not forget Jesus. Let us not forget to open ourselves to him and to recount our life to him, to entrust people and situations to him. Perhaps there are “areas” of our life that we have never opened up to him and which have remained dark, because they have never seen the Lord’s light.

When Jesus enters life, peace arrives, the kind that remains even in trials, in suffering. Let us go to Jesus; let us give him our time; let us encounter him each day in prayer, in a trusting and personal dialogue; let us become familiar with his Word; let us fearlessly rediscover his forgiveness; let us eat of his Bread of Life: we will feel loved; we will feel comforted by him.

It is he himself who asks it of us, almost insists on it. He repeats it again at the end of today’s Gospel: “learn from me, and you will find rest for your life” (cf. v. 29). And thus, let us learn to go to Jesus. May the Virgin Mary our Mother, who always takes care of us when we are weary and overwhelmed, help us and accompany us to Jesus.

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