Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 11th January 2026
Sunday 11th January 2026: The Baptism of the Lord
Next Sunday is: 18th January 2026, The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Message from Fr Cyp
Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!
Fr Tri and I warmly welcome you here at Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish, parishioners and visitors alike. We pray and hope that you feel truly safe and at home in this our place of prayer, worship and personal encounter with our risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit ever pray in us more than we can ever imagine and bind us together in the love of our Heavenly Father. Over fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains home to dozens of nationalities represented by our parishioners and frequent visitors. We take pride in our young people; those in our parish primary and secondary schools, those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and our parish youth group. They are not just our future Church but a vital part of our Church today and now. We value these our young people and endeavor to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. Together, we continue to seek ways in which we can generously respond to that universal call to holiness of life in our families, parish community and in the society at large. I invite you and all your loved ones to be purposeful in this resolve. We must leave no one behind, those within and those on the peripheries. As always, Fr. Tri and I thank one and all of you for your ongoing prayers, concern, encouragement and support. Rest assured of our daily thoughts and prayers. We entrust you and yours, into the powerful intercessions of our Blessed Virgin Mother of Good counsel, and into those of St Joseph, patron of the universal Church.
Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - PP.
Monday 12th January
NO MASS
Feast day:
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Tuesday 13th JanuaryChurch 7am & 9am
Feast day:.................................................
Wednesday 14th January
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day:
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Thursday 15th January
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day:
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Friday 16th January
Church 7am & 9am
Feast day:
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Saturday 17th January
Church 8.00am, 6.30pm
Feast day: Saint Anthony
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Sunday 18th January
Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm
Feast day:
Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,
First Sunday of every month
Reconciliation Times
Prayer of the Week
Lord, you revealed Christ as your Son at his baptism in the Jordan. May we who share his humanity come to share his divinity as we follow his example of service to all.
Readings
Introduction The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season and tells us how Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God and begins his public ministry.
First Reading Isaiah 42:1-4. 6-7
The prophet announces the servant of the Lord – chosen, gentle and faithful – who brings justice to the nations and healing to the oppressed.
Second Reading Acts 10:34-38
Peter proclaims that God’s love includes all peoples and that Jesus, anointed with the Holy Spirit, brought healing and goodness to the world.
Gospel Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus is baptised by John and is revealed as the Son of God, the beloved, on whom the Spirit rests.
Antiphon to the Psalm: The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Death & Anniversary
Please offer your prayers this week for Mary Greenwood, Patrick Gleeson, Alfred Hetti, Myriam Abullarade, Tessie Cheng, Ellie Penaranda, Gerard Chaperon, Betty Mann, Wayne Elshaw, Caridad (Charity) Anderson, Matteo Liberante, Tellos Kyriacou and Frantisek all souls in purgatory, those doctors, nurses and carers who have died while helping victims of accidents, disease and warfare, our recently departed loved ones and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.
Stewardship Corner
Our Baptism, like the Lord’s, is a consecration to service. The bishops’ pastrol on stewardship reminds us that “… there is a fundamental obligation arising from the Sacrament of Baptism that people place their gifts, their resources – their selves – at God’s service in and through the Church.”
New Parishioner to our Parish?
We would love to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our priests Fr. Cyp and Fr. Tri.
Our Lady of the Mission parishioners are the heart of our Catholic community; here in Craigie and it surrounding suburbs. Our members gather in faith to worship, receive the sacraments; and grow as followers of Jesus Christ. From many cultural backgrounds, ages and all walks of life, we remain united in a shared desire to live out the Gospel, support one another, and serve in our local community and beyond.
As members of Our Lady of the Mission, our parishioners participate in Mass, contribute their time and talents, support our ministries, and strive to bring Christs love into their homes, workplaces and our community. Whether lifelong parishioners, new or returning, or those still exploring the faith – each parishioner plays a vital role in building up our vibrant, welcoming, and Spirit-filled community.
If you are not on our parish records, please consider filling up one of our census cards at the information desk and deposit it any of the collection boxes or hand it to any of our priests at Mass. Let us all be part of Our Lady of the Mission ongoing story. God bless!
PARISH NOTICES
1. Glory Be Café: There will be NO Glory Be Café this Sunday, 11th January 2026. The café will resume again on the 18th January 2026 following the 8am Mass.
2. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31ST January 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Overseas Mission Group: PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY - 6th FEBRUARY 2026, 6.30pm in the Parish Centre. A fundraising event in the Parish hall, Dinner & short Trivia. As well as fundraising for our Missions Overseas, its an opportunity to have our wonderful Parish community come together to share a meal and have some fun. KEEP AN EYE on newsletter for more details including ticket price in the January 26th newsletter. On behalf of the Parish OVERSEAS MISSION MINISTRY, a HUGE THANK YOU for all your support with our fundraising events. Contact Linda. 0449101720
7. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Fundraiser: Please save the date for our Car wash fundraiser for WYD on Saturday 28th February. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Josephite Calendar 2026 Final Edition: The Legacy Lives on. Celebrating 160 years (1866-2026) Be sure to purchase the final edition, stock is limited. $15.00 at our Piety Stall.
11. Line Dancing at OLM: Classes have started back for 2026! Tuesdays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.
12. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.
13. 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.
14. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend
15. 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.
16. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
17. 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.
18. Your Offering: Please remember to deposit your offerings in the boxes provided in the foyer area or use electronic donation points. Thank you.
19. 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.
20. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
21. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/
YOUTH NEWS
Youth News
1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: We invite and encourage all our year 6 to year 12 students to join us every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm. For any information regarding our group gatherings, please contact Jasmine 0439 976 164.
2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.
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.
ROSTERS: 17th & 18th January 2026
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Bernadette/ Pat/ Alice/ Relief
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Rachel Boston/ Gisela Boston/ Peter Ross/ Anne Dale/Emma Waters/ Rachel Wanless/ Sally Paice/ Eliza Boylen
COUNTERS: Sunday 18th January 2026: Nicole Willey/ Nirmalene Mendis/ Tim Laver/ Andrew Legg/ Carla
CLEANERS: Friday 16th January: Nicole Cornwall/ Chloe Lopresti/ Regiane Tokimatsu
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 18th January: Monica Majano/ Maria Majano/ Vilma Batt/ Sue Quartermaine
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves/ D Nightingall/ Mark Burton/ J Gagatek/ Diane Raftos/ Meg Horne/ T McGougan/ Maura Killalea/ Adam O’Neill/ Myriam Torres/ J Bouwman/ J Mateljan/ M Mateljan/ C Davini/ S Dowling/ X Prentice/ M Prentice
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Scaffidi Family in Karrinyup from 17th to 31st January. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 9446 6132 to arrange. From 31st January to 14th February 2026 the Statue will be with Shirley-Ann in Gwelup.
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 February 2026.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Ruby and Beau Shilton, Hadley and Lainey Yusuf, Hattie Parangi, Charlie Panizza, Poppy Panizza and Sienna Olivero into God’s family this weekend.
PRAY FOR THE SICK: We pray for all those in our Parish’s Book of the Sick. You are most welcome to add names to this book in the foyer of the Church. Please cross out when our prayers are no longer needed.
GENERAL NOTICES
1.Reconciliation Times at Surrounding Parishes:
St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef: Tuesday & Friday: 6.30 pm/ Saturday: After 8.30 am Mass & 5 pm – 5.45 pm
St Anthony, Wanneroo: Saturday, 4.30 pm – 5 pm
St Luke, Woodvale: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.50 pm
All Saints, Greenwood: Saturday: 9.30 am – 10 am & 5.30 pm – 5.45 pm
Our Lady of Grace, North Beach: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.45 pm
2. Camino De Santiago: A Camino has been planned to start June 2026 in France. Anyone interested can contact shirleyann.poulton@gmail.com for more information. Please note this walk can be 'tailored to suit'.
3. Miracle Prayers Thanksgiving & Healing Mass: You are warmly invited to attend the Miracle Prayers Thanksgiving and Healing Mass, 7.30pm on Wednesday 14th January at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park, celebrated by Fr Doug Harris and a number of other Archdiocesan Priests. Individual prayer ministry will be given by the priests, proceeding the Mass. Followed by light refreshments in the Cafeteria please bring a plate of food to share. For more information, please visit youtube.com/@miracleprayersperth or ph. 0404 028 298.
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 11.00am 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. Online Worship Training: "The One Hope Project Academy (APAC) is a worship school for worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, and those discerning a call into worship leadership. It is about formation and learning to serve the liturgy and the mission of the Church with depth, discernment, and a lived faith. For the first time, they are offering a six-month online worship school in the Asia-Pacific time zone. This is open to anyone over 18. Find out more https://www.onehopeproject.co.uk/ohpacademy-apac"
6. Understanding Change, Loss & Grief Seminar: Saturday, 21 March at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40a Mary St, Highgate. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is. The session runs from 9.30am to 1pm with morning tea provided. Cost = $16.00 for the Seasons for Growth: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief workbook. Contact Catholic Outreach on (08) 9422 7920 or outreach@perthcatholic.org.au for further information. Register by 16 March 2026.
7. MercyCare: a Public Juridical Person of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, is offering a free series of three 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.
8. Feast of Santi Nino: Sinulog 18th January 2026 at 3pm. Schoenstatt Pilgrimage Shrine. 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon, Armadale. Children invited to wear angel costumes. Adults welcome to wear Filipino/national costumes. Bring food and drinks to share and camping chair. All Welcome.
READINGS AT MASS: THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – YEAR A
First reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Here is my servant, in whom my soul delights
Thus, says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed until true justice is established on earth, for the islands are awaiting his law. I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 28(29):1-4,9-10
Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.
O give the Lord, you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name. Adore the Lord in his holy court. R.
The Lord’s voice resounding on the waters, the Lord on the immensity of waters; the voice of the Lord, full of power, the voice of the Lord, full of splendour. R.
The God of glory thunders. In his temple they all cry: ‘Glory!’ The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits as King for ever. R.
Second reading: Acts 10:34-38
God had anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit
Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: ‘The truth I have now come to realise’ he said ‘is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him. ‘It is true, God sent his word to the people of Israel, and it was to them that the good news of peace was brought by Jesus Christ – but Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.’
Gospel Acclamation: Mark 9:8
Alleluia, alleluia! The heavens were opened and the Father’s voice was heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him. Alleluia!
Gospel reading: Matthew 3:13-17
'This is my Son, the Beloved'
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.’ At this, John gave in to him. As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’
NEW YEAR BLESSING
God our Loving Father, you command us in the Name of Your only Son Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit not to be afraid. As we begin this new year, we once again entrust ourselves and all our loved ones to Your divine care. We pray for good health, safety, peace and the wisdom to discern what You have in store for each one of us. Deepen our faith in You who alone have the power over all and in all. Bless us with the grace of sincere trust in You and gratitude to You for all You reveal to us amidst our joys and struggles – whatever they may be. We implore the powerful intercession of the Blessed Ever Virgin Mary, Your beloved daughter and Mother of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
POPE LEO XIV REFLECTIONS
Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This morning I baptized 32 infants. With you I thank the Lord for these creatures and for every new life. I am glad to baptize babies. I like it very much! Every newborn child is a gift of joy and hope, and each baby that is baptized is a miracle of faith and a celebration for the family of God.
Today’s page from the Gospel emphasizes that, when Jesus had received baptism from John in the River Jordan, “the heavens were opened” to him (Mt 3:16). This fulfils the prophecies. In fact, there is an invocation which the liturgy has us repeat during the Season of Advent: “O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down” (Is 64:1). If the heavens remain closed, our horizon in this earthly life is dark and without hope. Instead, in celebrating Christmas, once again faith has given us the certainty that the heavens have been rent with the coming of Christ. And on the day of the baptism of Christ we continue to contemplate the heavens opened. The manifestation of the Son of God on earth marks the beginning of the great time of mercy, after sin had closed the heavens, raising itself as a barrier between the human being and his Creator. With the birth of Jesus the heavens open! God gives us in Christ the guarantee of an indestructible love. From the moment the Word became flesh it is therefore possible to see the open heavens. It was possible for the shepherds of Bethlehem, for the Magi of the East, for the Baptist, for Jesus’ Apostles, and for St Stephen, the first martyr, who exclaimed: “Behold, I see the heavens opened!” (Acts 7:56). And it is possible for each one of us, if we allow ourselves to be suffused with God’s love, which is given to us for the first time in Baptism by means of the Holy Spirit. Let us allow ourselves to be invaded by God’s love! This is the great time of mercy! Do not forget it: this is the great time of Mercy!
When Jesus received the baptism of repentance from John the Baptism, showing solidarity with the repentant people — He without sin and with no need for conversion — God the Father made his voice heard from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (v. 17). Jesus receives approval from the heavenly Father, who sent him precisely that he might accept to share our condition, our poverty. Sharing is the true way to love. Jesus does not dissociate himself from us, he considers us brothers and sisters and he shares with us. And so he makes us sons and daughters, together with him, of God the Father. This is the revelation and source of true love. And this is the great time of mercy!
Does it not seem to you that in our own time extra fraternal sharing and love is needed? Does it not seem to you that we all need extra charity? Not the sort that is content with extemporaneous help which does not involve or stake anything, but that charity that shares, that takes on the hardship and suffering of a brother. What flavour life acquires when we allow ourselves to be inundated by God’s love!
Let us ask the Holy Virgin to support us by her intercession in our commitment to follow Christ on the way of faith and charity, the path traced out by our Baptism.
SAFEGUARDING
Our Lady of the Mission Whitford Parish acknowledges that safeguarding is a shared responsibility prioritising the care, protection and best interests of children and adults at risk. Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, reporting abuse and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/ or call the Safeguarding Office on 08 9221 7762.
Our Safeguarding Officers
Safeguarding officers assist to create a safe environment for all. They are the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and support the implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.
Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 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.
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NOTICE BOARD
CONTACT US!
Parish Priest:
Fr Cyprian M. Shikokoti Ph: 0450 464 678
Assistant Priest:
Fr Tri Nguyen, CSsR Ph: 0490 471 089
Parish Office
Mary McGrath-Yek & Ebony Lepoutre
Office Hours: Tues – Fri 9am –4pm (Monday Closed)
Ph: 08 9307 2776
Mobile: 0434 434 783 (Text only)
Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Columbarium: Closed Monday
Sacramental Coordinator: Mrs Ronellie R. Lenon
Ph: 08 9307 2776
Email: sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Youth and Young Adult Contact Details
Youth Choir: Terry Boylen - 0402 642 887
Youth & Family Choir: Fran Christie Zscherpel - 0433 852 967
24:7 Whitford Youth Group: youthministry247@outlook.com.au
Safeguarding Officers:
Renee Itzstein 0413 225 560
Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810
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