Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 11th Octoberr: Twenty-Eighth 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 5th October

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 6th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 7th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Our Lady of the Rosary

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Thursday 8th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 9th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 10th October

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 11th October

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

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Lord, for the times that I have been indifferent to your invitation to come and spend time with you, to walk while beside you, forgive me

Introduction: Today, the twenty-seventh Sunday of the year, is also the closing day of the Season of Creation and the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

Isaiah compares Israel to a vineyard which God has prepared but the people have neglected.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9

St Paul encourages us to pray and give thanks to God, who gives us peace of heart.

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

Jesus uses Isaiah’s imagery of a vineyard in a parable to the chief priests and elders, but they don’t realise it applies to them.

Antiphon to the Psalm: The vineyard of the Lord is the House of Israel.

Please offer your prayers this week for Pat Crow, Roddy Glynn, Osmond Claude Peters, Eamon Curran, Aley Joseph, Ralph Smith, Egidio Carlo, Peggy Holins Head, Eileen Ryan, Conrado Dimanlig, Gerald Lassko, Laurynhill Wambui, Mary wa Linus, Bryan Mulinya, Bonventure Atita, Charles Sakali, 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 the Gospel today, the owner of the vineyard sent messengers to collect his share of the harvest from the tenant farmers, but there was not a single good steward on the property! God is the owner, we are the tenants. What sort of stewards are we?

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. First Reconciliation Commitment Mass: We invite all our young people and their families celebrating First Reconciliation this year to join us for commitment Mass on the weekend of 17 & 18 October. Mass times are 6.30pm on Saturday, 8.00am, 10.00am and 5.45pm on Sunday. Saturday 8.00am Mass does not include commitment ceremony. Please bring your completed commitment and prayer cards to Mass with you.

2. All Souls' Memorial Service: The parish will hold its annual All Souls’ Memorial Service on Saturday, 7th November at 3.00pm in Pinnaroo Memorial Park. Please remind your family and friends to join us; especially those who have their loved ones resting in Pinnaroo and or in our columbarium. Please note, this will NOT be a Mass.

3. Thank you from Eregi: Please see newsletter insert for thank you message and development photos from the Eregi Primary school in Kenya.

4. Parish Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass & Dinner: We look forward to celebrating with all registered couples on 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. Liturgy signup sheet can be found on the information desk.

5. 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.

6. Line Dancing with Tom and Alma: Every Tuesday and Friday 10.30am – 12.00pm. Please come and join the fun, no experience required. All are welcome.

7. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31st October 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.

8. 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”

9. Statue of Fatima: A new roster for 2027 will be prepared in November. Please let Shirley-Ann know if you have any updates/changes to your details. Ie change of address, contact number, or would like to be removed from the roster by Monday 2nd November. Shirley Ann phone: 0424 813 890. Thank you.

10. 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.

11. The Word Among Us: ***OCTOBER 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 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 16th 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: Bernadette, Cecilia, Alice, Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie Graham, Chris Graham, Andrea Hancock, Helen Leithead, Edith R Thomas, Volunteer, Sally Paice, Eliza Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 11th October: Colin O’Neill, Caroline Mikeska, Mary McGrath-Yek, Suyaine Tohovitis, Ebony Lepoutre

CLEANERS: Friday 9th October: Lisa Coppinger, Renee Rowe, Sarah Dale, Teagan Blackburn, Jeanette O’Rourke, Leoana McCormack

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 11th October: Rafaela Rogers & Tessa Rogers

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Linda Sweeney, P Boston/ Maura Killalea, Senol Bonny/ Carol Wright, J Mateljan, M Mateljan/ C Davini, P Chamberlain

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann in Gwelup from 10th to 24th October. Those wishing to join her to say the Rosary, can call 042 4813 890 to arrange. From 24th to 31st October 2026 the Statue will be with the Villaneuva family in Iluka.

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: We welcome Poppy Towers and Ethan Toroitich 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. Holy Mass Centennial Celebration: 100 years of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary 22nd November at 3pm. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, catered refreshments. Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Armadale.

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. Aid to the Church in Need: invites you to join with Pope Leo XIV and Catholics worldwide for the One Million Children Praying the Rosary prayer campaign, for peace and unity in the world. Families, parishioners, prayer groups, and schools are all encouraged to register to take part! For free Rosary resources and to register, please scan the QR code or visit: www.acninternational.org/millionchildrenpraying

6. October Fatima Rosary Procession in Perth: Australia Needs Fatima Rosary Crusade on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The procession will begin at St Mary’s Cathedral, at 4pm continue to Yagan Square, and then return to St Mary’s Cathedral at 5.30pm. Bring a hat and water bottle. For more details contact 0493 117 203.

7. 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.

8. Palms International Volunteering Webinar: Special session where you’ll learn about our diverse assignments suited to your qualifications and time of life. Meet past volunteers Wendy and Mick who will share their adventures of life and laughter in PNG and Timor Leste, leaving a lasting positive impact on communities. Monday 19th October 2.30pm -4.00pm palms.org.au/events

9. Catholic Singles Pickleball (20-35yrs): 2pm, 17th October at Mount Lawley Tennis Club. Join us for some friendly competition and a relaxed afternoon in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Contact:perthcatholicsingles@gmail.com

First reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

Let me sing to my friend the song of his love for his vineyard. My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug the soil, cleared it of stones and planted choice vines in it. In the middle he built a tower, he dug a press there too. He expected it to yield grapes, but sour grapes were all that it gave. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I ask you to judge between my vineyard and me. What could I have done for my vineyard that I have not done? I expected it to yield grapes. Why did it yield sour grapes instead? Very well, I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge for it to be grazed on, and knock down its wall for it to be trampled on. I will lay it waste, unpruned, undug; overgrown by the briar and the thorn. I will command the clouds to rain no rain on it. Yes, the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the House of Israel, and the men of Judah that chosen plant. He expected justice, but found bloodshed, integrity, but only a cry of distress.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 79(80):9,12-16,19-20

Response: The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

You brought a vine out of Egypt; to plant it you drove out the nations. It stretched out its branches to the sea, to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.

Then why have you broken down its walls? It is plucked by all who pass by. It is ravaged by the boar of the forest, devoured by the beasts of the field.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted.

And we shall never forsake you again; give us life that we may call upon your name. God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Second reading: Philippians 4:6-9

There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honour, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Keep doing all the things that you learnt from me and have been taught by me and have heard or seen that I do. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Acclamation: John 15:15

Alleluia, alleluia! I call you friends, says the Lord, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43

He leased his vineyard to other farmers.

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next, he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So, they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see? ‘I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’

God of our beginnings and endings. You are with us on the journeys of our lives. You accompany us when we can notice your presence; and you accompany us when we are unaware. We humbly ask that you be with us now; in our homes and in our community. Sustain us in gratitude and your unfailing Love for us. May we generously respond to Your Son Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. With renewed strength, may we praise you with our whole hearts. Amen. Our Lady of the Mission, Pray for Us.

Prayer Adapted from New Norcia WA Pilgrimage.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel employ the image of the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord’s vineyard is his “dream”, the plan which he nurtures with all his love, like a farmer who cares for his vineyard. Vines are plants which need much care!

God’s “dream” is his people. He planted it and nurtured it with patient and faithful love, so that it can become a holy people, a people which brings forth abundant fruits of justice.

But in both the ancient prophecy and in Jesus’ parable, God’s dream is thwarted. Isaiah says that the vine which he so loved and nurtured has yielded “wild grapes” (5:2,4); God “expected justice but saw bloodshed, righteousness, but only a cry of distress” (v. 7). In the Gospel, it is the farmers themselves who ruin the Lord’s plan: they fail to do their job but think only of their own interests.

In Jesus’ parable, he is addressing the chief priests and the elders of the people, in other words the “experts”, the managers. To them in a particular way God entrusted his “dream”, his people, for them to nurture, tend and protect from the animals of the field. This is the job of leaders: to nurture the vineyard with freedom, creativity and hard work.

But Jesus tells us that those farmers took over the vineyard. Out of greed and pride they want to do with it as they will, and so they prevent God from realizing his dream for the people he has chosen.

The temptation to greed is ever present. We encounter it also in the great prophecy of Ezekiel on the shepherds (cf. ch. 34), which Saint Augustine commented upon in one his celebrated sermons which we have just reread in the Liturgy of the Hours. Greed for money and power. And to satisfy this greed, evil pastors lay intolerable burdens on the shoulders of others, which they themselves do not lift a finger to move (cf. Mt 23:4)

We too, in the Synod of Bishops, are called to work for the Lord’s vineyard. Synod Assemblies are not meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas, or to see who is more intelligent… They are meant to better nurture and tend the Lord’s vineyard, to help realize his dream, his loving plan for his people. In this case the Lord is asking us to care for the family, which has been from the beginning an integral part of his loving plan for humanity.

We are all sinners and can also be tempted to “take over” the vineyard, because of that greed which is always present in us human beings. God’s dream always clashes with the hypocrisy of some of his servants. We can “thwart” God’s dream if we fail to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us that wisdom which surpasses knowledge, and enables us to work generously with authentic freedom and humble creativity.

My Synod brothers, to do a good job of nurturing and tending the vineyard, our hearts and our minds must be kept in Jesus Christ by “the peace of God which passes all understanding” (Phil 4:7). In this way our thoughts and plans will correspond to God’s dream: to form a holy people who are his own and produce the fruits of the kingdom of God (cf. Mt 21:43).

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