Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 8th February 2026
This Sunday is: The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday is: 15th February 2026, The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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.
Please offer your prayers this week for Sean Curran, Maria Annina Ando, Tony Multari, Domenico & Stella Sansalone, Fr Nick McSweeney, Cecile Li Ying, Tony Scopelitti, Sean Healy, Laurie Whitehouse, Camila Moreno, Valerie, Lui D’Damo, Lauren Katseli, Bernadette Burns, Laydes Alhadeff, Tom Michael, Maureen McGovern, Maria Kufner, Giuseppa Pisano, 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.
The Gospel today reminds us that our lives and our deeds must serve as examples to others, pointing the way to the Father. Not for our own benefit do we labor, but so that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.
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!
1. New Auxiliary Bishop of Perth: The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Nelson Po, current Parish Priest of St Benedict Catholic Church Applecross as second Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Bishop-elect Nelson will continue to live in and care for the community of Applecross Parish till Easter when he will be ordained and join Archbishop Timothy and Bishop Don in the leadership of our Archdiocese. Please keep Bishop-elect Nelson and so our Archdiocese in your prayers.
2. 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.
3. Parish Lent Reconciliation: Our second rite of reconciliation for lent will be on Wednesday, 11th March at 7.00pm here in the Church. Please plan to join us and invite your family and friends to come along.
4. Ash Wednesday Masses: We will have three Masses in the Parish on Ash Wednesday as follows: 6.45am. 9.00am and 7.00pm. Please plan to join and commence our Lent season as a community.
5. Parish Ministry-Fair: On the weekend of 14th/15th February 2026, we will hold a ministry fair at all Masses; an opportunity to showcase some of the ministries that help in the effective running of our parish. We encourage all parishioners especially those not involved in any parish ministry to consider joining a ministry of their choice. This way, you purposely contribute in a more meaningful way to the beauty of our parish. Please browse latest copy of parish Blue Book and or contact parish office for more details. The parish needs you.
6. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 28th February 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. Parents’ Information Evening: All Parents with children due for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and or First Reconciliation are invited for an information Evening on Wednesday, 11th February at 7.00pm in the Parish Church. It is important that at least one parent or care-giver attends this evening to gain an insight of what is expected to prepare your child/ren for the celebration of their sacraments.
8. Sacramental Enrolment Weekend: All our young people celebrating First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation this year are invited to join us with their families for Enrolment weekend; 14/15 February. Please ensure you have relevant forms and documents if required to bring them to weekend Mass; 6.30pm Saturday 14th February or 8.00am, 10.00am or 5.45pm on Sunday 15th February. Please note, Enrolment ceremony do NOT take place at the Saturday Morning Mass.
9. Come Alive in Scripture Ministry’s First bible study 2026 : “ Lectio: Prayer – Finding Intimacy with God” a 6 week course. Commencing 7.00pm Tuesday, 17th February and finishes Tuesday 24th March 2026 in the Parish Hall. Experience Scripture like never before. Each session is thoughtfully designed to help deepen your relationship with God through stunning sacred art, inspiring stories of the saints and clear, engaging teaching from trusted Catholic experts. Grow your understanding, strengthen your prayer and experience intimacy with God. Registration sheet available at the back of the church. If you have any questions please contact Carol Wright on 0419 948 411 or clwright0248@gmail.com
10. Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Enrolment: We invite all families with children attending non-Catholic schools to consider enrolling them NOW into PREP for 2026 especially if they are due for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation. Please see either of our priests or contact parish office for more details.
11. Overseas Mission Group Fundraiser: OSM would like to thank you for your support with their Buffet Dinner & Fun Trivia night. This fundraiser SOLD OUT.
12. 24/7 Whitford youth group: We would like to remind all our young people in Years 6-12 that our parish youth group resumes on Friday 20th February 2026 at 7pm and it will run every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the parish centre. For more details, please contact parish office on whitford@perthcatholic.org.au or our youth leaders Jasmine and Dino on 0439976164/0478084725. See you all soon.
13. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Fundraiser: Car wash & Bake fundraiser for WYD on Saturday 28th February from 9am – 1pm. See poster for more details.
14. 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.
15. The Word Among Us: LENT 2026 NOW AVAILABLE. 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.
16. 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.
17. St Vincent de Paul Reminder: Friendly reminder to please place food items and toiletries only in the baskets at the back of the Church. All other items can be dropped at a Vinnies store. Thank you for your kind donations.
18. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.
19. 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.
20. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend
21. 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.
22. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
23. 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.
24. Your Offering: Please remember to deposit your offerings in the boxes provided in the foyer area or use electronic donation points. Thank you.
25. 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.
26. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
27. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/
Youth News
1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: We would like to remind all our young people in Years 6-12 that our parish youth group resumes on Friday 20th February 2026 at 7pm and it will run every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the parish centre. For more details, please contact parish office on whitford@perthcatholic.org.au or our youth leaders Jasmine and Dino on 0439976164/0478084725. See you all soon.
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.
3. World Youth Day Seoul 2027: If you would like to attend with the Our Lady of the Mission Parish you will need to pay your registration and complete a registration form before Jan 31st 2026 - there will be no exceptions after this date to allow for group bookings to commence.
4. World Youth Day OLM Pilgrims meeting: Friday 13th February in the Parish hall at 7pm sharp- This is compulsory for ALL attendees to WYD.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Relief/ Pat Nerva/ Relief/ Sophy Lin.
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Linda Sweeney & John Clift/ Peter Ross & Anne Dale/ Emma Janeczko & Marian McGrath/ Bernie Smith & Anne Couzens.
COUNTERS: Sunday 15th February 2026: Jennifer Lalani/ Connie Sanders/ Liz Williams/ Rachel Hargrave.
CLEANERS: Friday 13th February: Mary Healy/ Suzanne Healy/ Melanie Eales/ Katrina James/ Erica Moore/ Suyaine Tohovitis.
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 15th February: Noya & the Filipino prayer group..
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Pete Boston & Gisela Boston/ Senol Bonny & Horace Rosario/ Carol Wright, Mirella Augustin & Marian McGrath/ David Stritch & Stephanie Stritch.
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann Poulton in Gwelup from 31st January to 14th February. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0424 813 890 to arrange. From 14th to 21st February 2026 the Statue will be with the Rice family in Woodvale.
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 6th March 2026.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Alice Lovett, Aria Wilcox, John Fox, Arlo Taylor and Theodore Jackson 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.
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. Miracle Prayers: The next Miracle Prayers healing service is being held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11th February at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Mark D'Silva will be speaking about "God meeting us". Prayers for healing / personal intentions and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available. Enquiries youtube.com/@miracleprayersperth or 0404 028 298.
3. Day of the Unborn Child Mass: Saturday 7 March at 10am at St Mary's Cathedral. We celebrate the sacredness of every human life in this special Mass. We also pray for hope and healing for men and women who have lost a child. Please call Lisette on 9328 2929 for more information.
4. 'St. Monica's Tears': Due to an increase of our children and grandchildren leaving the Catholic Faith a special Holy Mass together with intercessory prayers to St Monica takes place. Where: St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. When: Every Thursday starting with Holy Mass 10.45am followed by rosary and concluding at 12.00noon. All are invited to place the names of their lapsed loved ones in a box marked 'Monica's Tears'. Please join us as we shower heaven with our prayers for our lapsed loved one.
5. MercyCare: Free workshops on the 10th, 17th and 24th of February 2026 exploring how to enter the Third Stage of Life with confidence and purpose. Time: 10.30am–1.00pm (morning tea provided). Venue: MercyCare Currambine Hub, Unit 8/94 Delamere Ave, Currambine 6028. Cost: Free. These workshops are suitable for people caring for someone in later life, those entering this stage themselves, or anyone aged 50+ preparing for the years ahead.
6. Catholic Pilgrimage Tour in Vietnam: 15 Days, 14 Nights March 2026. Please see leaflet at back of Church for more information or contact Ray on 0412 698 852.
7. Lent 2026 with the Catholic Guy – Bruce Downes: For 40 days you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here:
https://brucedownes.org/lent-2026-sign-up/
8. Join Palms International Volunteering online: This special session where you’ll learn about our diverse assignments suited to your qualifications. Hear from past Palms volunteers how skill-exchange makes a lasting impact in communities and changes lives. Venue: Online- Scan the QR or register at palms.org.au/events Date: Thursday 19 February 2026 Time: 4 pm – 5:30 pm AWST 02 9560 5333 palms@palms.org.au Want to visit a community first? Join our 13-day Encounter Tour to Timor Leste! Book by 28 February for the May tour! See palms.org.au/encounters
9. Mary Mackillop Today Breakfast Club in the Garden: Saturday 14th March at 8am.
Garden Venue – at the Mary MacKillop Centre 16 York Street, South Perth (St Joseph’s Convent) Bring: $20 for brekkie, BYO chairs, sunscreen, smiles. RSVP: For catering purposes etc. before Tuesday 10 March to Roberta Scanlan Email: robscan52@icloud.com or Mob: 0459 364 872 Free raffle ticket on entry, Assorted range of potted plants for sale in time for Mother’s Day. Music performed by students from Ursula Frayne Catholic College.
First reading: Isaiah 58:7-10
Then will your light shine like the dawn
Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man you see to be naked and do not turn from your own kin. Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’ If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 111(112):4-9
Response: A light rises in the darkness for the upright.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honour. R.
The just man will never waver: he will be remembered for ever. He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. R.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory. R.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The only knowledge I claimed was of the crucified Christ
When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.
Gospel Acclamation: John 8:12
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Your light must shine in the sight of men
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
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.
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 and Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com
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 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
Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com
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