Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 9th August: Nineteenth 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 3rd August

NO MASS

Feast Day: Saint Dominic

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Tuesday 4th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint John Vianney

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Wednesday 5th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saints Martha, Mary & Lazarus

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Thursday 6th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: The Transfiguration of the Lord

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Friday 7th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 8th August

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day: Saint Mary of the Cross

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Sunday 9th August

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Introduction

Today’s Gospel offers us the classic story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. We come to celebrate the Eucharist together that we too may be fed on the bread of life.

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3

The Lord provides nourishment for all who turn to him.

Second Reading: Romans 8:35. 37-39

Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Matthew 14:13-21

They all ate and were satisfied.

Antiphon to the Psalm:

I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.

God has chosen us – Our Parish to work with the Holy Spirit to bring love to our world.

We may all be excused for having moments when we may feel we have only ‘a few loaves and fish’ to offer. Yet this Sunday’s message is that Jesus can take even our small offerings, bless them, and use them in powerful ways. By coming to Mass, building relationships, and sharing our time and gifts, we help ensure that no one in our community is left out.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus stretches His overwhelmed disciples by asking them to do what seems impossible. With only a few loaves and fish, He transforms a simple meal into a powerful sign of God’s care. This miracle becomes a pattern for active discipleship and communal worship: we bring what little we have, Jesus blesses it, and together we see it multiplied for the good of others.

At the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the people. These four actions are mirrored in every Catholic Mass today. We are fed by Jesus and then sent out to feed others.

Just as Jesus asked the disciples to gather the people into groups, parish life invites us to come together, get to know one another, and support each other.

When we give our time, talents and resources, we build up our parish. When parishioners step up to serve—whether in ministries, outreach, or hospitality—they become the disciples who distribute the bread, reaching out to those in need and ensuring that no one is left hungry or on the margins.

Friendship involves an active partnership. Jesus intentionally delegated the distribution of the food to His friends. By doing so, He invited the disciples to participate directly in His mission of compassion and healing. By walking with the crowd while also serving, the disciples learned to be a part of His mission of love, compassion and service.

May this Sunday’s Gospel lead us to trust the One who nourishes, and to help our children notice Jesus at work in the Eucharist, in His Word, in the priest, and in the loving community around them.

Please offer your prayers this week for, Gerard (Gerry) Dornan, Carmel Lyons, Bernard Brummage, Lesley Rogers, Graeme Rogers, Margarita Carrillos, Malcon Walkins, Henry Thomas, 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 todays Gospel, Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. The message of stewardship is that God’s gifts, shared, will always be more than enough.

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 Holy Communion Parent/Child Workshop: We invite and encourage all year four students and their families making FHC this year to join us for a parent and child workshop on Tuesday, 4th August at 5.00pm in the Church. At least one parent or caregiver is expected to attend with the candidate.

2. First Holy Communion Masses Times for this year: Padbury Catholic Primary School: Saturday 22nd August at 5.30pm or Sunday 23rd August at 10.00am. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Saturday 29th August at 5.30pm or Sunday 30th August at 10.00am. Please make note of the changed Saturday Vigil Mass for these Celebrations ONLY.

3. Appeal for St. Columba Eregi Mixed Primary School: Fr. Cyprian is seeking your kind donation towards the completion of a new Administration Block and water harvest projects at his old primary school in Kenya. The local and rural co-educational primary school caters for over 700 students; K-Y9 with very limited resources. For more details and how you can help, please contact Fr Cyp directly, thank you in advance.

5. Funeral for Mr Gerald (Gerry) Dornan: Will be held Wednesday 19th August at 10.30am in the church. Our prayers are with Jacqui and all the family at this time.

6. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 29th August 2026 at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick; and remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

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

8. 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.

9. OLM Quiz Night: Join us for an evening of fun, friendship, and friendly competition at our OLM Quiz Night on Friday, 14th August. The event will raise funds to support Fr Cyprian's School in Kenya. Doors open: 6:00 pm. Quiz starts: 6:30 pm. Cost: $10 per person. Tickets on sale after all Masses. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tea and coffee will be provided. Any queries contact Alma, 0414 061 237. Everyone is welcome—we'd love to see you there!

10. Parish Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass & Dinner: We invite all our Parish couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries this year to join us for Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass and Dinner of Saturday, 24th October 2026 at 6.30pm. We encourage all couples celebrating 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th 30th, 35th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries to sign up and plan to join us. Kindly share some of your earlier and latest photos with parish office for our slideshow. For planning purposes, please sign up at the information desk, Information sheet provided, see parish newsletter for more details.

11. 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.

12. The Word Among Us: JULY-AUGUST 2026, SOLD OUT

13. 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.

14. 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.

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 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.

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

21. 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 7th August. 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.

3. WYD Pilgrims Morning Tea: Please join us Sunday 16th August after the 8am & 10am mass at the Glory Be Café. Come and help support our youths at this morning tea. Invite your family and friends, all welcome.

4. WYD Blessing of the Pilgrims: On Sunday 16th August at 10am we will hold a special Mass to bless and support our Pilgrims. WYD Seoul 2027 is just 12 months out and our Pilgrims are busy preparing for the journey of a lifetime. Please join us for this special Mass with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Jenny, Cecilia, Cheryl, Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Linda Sweeney, John Clift/ Peter Ross, Anne Dale/ Edith R-Thomas, Volunteer/ Bernie Smith, Nicole Westneat

COUNTERS: Sunday 16th August: Nicole Willey, Nirmalene Mendis, Tim Laver, Andrew Legg, Carla

CLEANERS: Saturday 8th August: Tarsha Moore, Christian Philogene, Carolina Asenjo, Kelly Giannasi

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 9th August: Rafaela Rogers, Tessa Rogers

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Linda Sweeney, Elsje Maassen/ Horace Rosario, B Harrington/ Carol Wright, J Quartermaine, S Puvimanasinghe/ Susan Dowling, M Finlay

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Hansen family in Hillarys from 8th August to 15th August. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 9401 6512 to arrange. From 15th to 22nd August 2026 the Statue will be with the Hancock family in Hillarys.

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 Amelia Ilich and Kaila Rop 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. St Andrew’s Parish, Clarkson: invite you to their Spring Dinner Dance on 12th September, 7pm to 11pm, $50pp (raising funds for fencing project). Ticket includes Dinner, Dessert, tea/coffee & entertainment and go on sale from 1st August 2026! More information please contact clarkson@perthcatholic.org.au. All welcome.

4. Miracle Prayers Healing Service: Join us for the next Miracle Prayers healing service, 7.30pm at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park on Wed 12th August. Maronite priest, Rev Fr Tony Moussa, will be speaking about "Saint Charbel's Eucharistic Spirituality." There will also be a Procession and blessing with a 1st Class Relic of St Charbel. For further information, please visit youtube.com/@miracleprayersperth or ph. 0404 028 298.

5. 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 55:1-3

Thus, says the Lord: Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come! Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy. Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live. With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to Davi.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 144(145):8-9,15-18

Response: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures.

The eyes of all creatures look to you and you give them their food in due time. You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live.

The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts

Second reading: Romans 8:35,37-39

Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:4

Alleluia, alleluia! No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick. When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever, Amen.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, the Gospel presents to us the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish (Mt 14:13-21). Jesus performed it along the Lake of Galilee, in a deserted place where he had withdrawn with his disciples after learning of the death of John the Baptist. But many people followed them and joined them there; and upon seeing them, Jesus felt compassion and healed their sick until the evening. And seeing the late hour, the disciples became concerned and suggested that Jesus send the crowd away so they could go into the villages and buy food to eat. But Jesus calmly replied: “You give them something to eat” (Mt 14:16); and he asked them to bring five loaves and two fish, blessed them, began to break them and give them to the disciples, who distributed them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and there were even leftovers!

We can understand three messages from this event. The first is compassion. In facing the crowd who follows him and — so to speak — “won’t leave him alone”, Jesus does not react with irritation; he does not say: “These people are bothering me”. No, no. He reacts with a feeling of compassion, because he knows they are not seeking him out of curiosity but out of need. But attention: compassion — which Jesus feels — is not simply feeling pity; it’s more! It means to suffer with, in other words to empathize with the suffering of another, to the point of taking it upon oneself. Jesus is like this: he suffers together with us, he suffers with us, he suffers for us. And the sign of this compassion is the healing of countless people he performed. Jesus teaches us to place the needs of the poor before our own. Our needs, even if legitimate, are not as urgent as those of the poor, who lack the basic necessities of life. We often speak of the poor. But when we speak of the poor, do we sense that this man or that woman or those children lack the bare necessities of life? That they have no food, they have no clothing, they cannot afford medicine.... Also that the children do not have the means to attend school. Whereas our needs, although legitimate, are not as urgent as those of the poor who lack life’s basic necessities.

The second message is sharing. The first is compassion, which Jesus felt, and the second is sharing. It’s helpful to compare the reaction of the disciples with regard to the tired and hungry people, with that of Jesus. They are different. The disciples think it would be better to send them away so they can go and buy food. Jesus instead says: “you give them something to eat”. Two different reactions, which reflect two contrasting outlooks: the disciples reason with worldly logic, by which each person must think of himself; they reason as if to say: “Sort it out for yourselves”. Jesus reasons with God’s logic, which is that of sharing. How many times we turn away so as not to see our brothers in need! And this looking away is a polite way to say, with white gloves, “Sort it out for yourselves”. And this is not Jesus’ way: this is selfishness. Had he sent away the crowds, many people would have been left with nothing to eat. Instead those few loaves and fish, shared and blessed by God, were enough for everyone. And pay heed! It isn’t magic, it’s a “sign”: a sign that calls for faith in God, provident Father, who does not let us go without “our daily bread”, if we know how to share it as brothers.

Compassion, sharing. And the third message: the miracle of the loaves foreshadows the Eucharist. It is seen in the gesture of Jesus who, before breaking and distributing the loaves, “blessed” them (Mt 14:19). It is the same gesture that Jesus was to make at the Last Supper, when he established the perpetual memorial of his Redeeming Sacrifice. In the Eucharist Jesus does not give just any bread, but the bread of eternal life, he gives Himself, offering Himself to the Father out of love for us. But we must go to the Eucharist with those sentiments of Jesus, which are compassion and the will to share. One who goes to the Eucharist without having compassion for the needy and without sharing, is not at ease with Jesus.

Compassion, sharing, Eucharist. This is the path that Jesus points out to us in this Gospel. A path which brings us to face the needs of this world with fraternity, but which leads us beyond this world, because it comes from God the Father and returns to Him. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Divine Providence, accompany us on this journey.

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