Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is:24th May Pentecost Sunday

Greetings and peace be with you.

Fr Errol 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. Errol 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 18th May

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 19th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 20th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Thursday 21st May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 22nd May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 23rd May

Church 8am & 5.30pm

(Confirmation Mass)

Feast Day:

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Sunday 24th May

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

** Saturday 23rd & 30th May 4-pm-5pm **

Introduction Today, the seventh Sunday after Easter, sits between our celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and Pentecost Sunday, next week which, if you like, we could call the Church’s birthday. So today we remember the joy of Easter and look forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Jesus was lifted up while they looked up.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

God made him sit at his right hand in heaven.

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

Go and make disciples of all nations.

Antiphon to the Psalm: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

It is with great pleasure that we share with you this initiative for the Archdiocese of Perth, “Adsumus – Journeying together led by the Holy Spirit”.

“Adsumus Sancte Spiritus”, meaning ‘We stand before you, O Holy Spirit,’ is the opening line of the prayer historically used at Church Councils and Synods for hundreds of years. This prayer was also used before every session of the Second Vatican Council, which was

convoked for the renewal of the whole Church. So, the prayer is most appropriate for us as we contemplate the renewal of our parishes.

The 2024 pilot version of Adsumus was extensively reviewed, and we now bring to all parishes across the Archdiocese of Perth a renewed Adsumus.

It seeks to assist parishes in forming parishioners to develop a true and deep understanding of their role and enabling their unique and necessary contribution to parish life.

Reaching out to as many parishioners as possible, Adsumus focusses mainly on the Sunday Liturgy, encouraging every parishioner to engage with the parish community in a Synodal process of listening to the Spirit.

The initiative calls all parishioners to prayerfully reflect on and respond to Christ’s call to become missionary disciples.

The Goal - To build an understanding and commitment to this vision of a Parish Community in line with the Pope’s vision of a Synodal Community. Our Baptism is a Call to community: To live from that moment as a member of God’s People.

Please offer your prayers this week for Rufina Orellawa, Brian Mulinya 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 today’s Gospel, Jesus prays, “I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” Good stewards follow His example by using their time and talents for the glory of God.

We would love to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our priests Fr. Cyp and Fr. Errol.

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. Confirmation Mass Time: Please be advised, Confirmation Mass on Saturday 23rd May and Saturday 30th May will be at 5.30pm. The rest of the weekend Mass times are as usual.

2. Reconciliation Time: Please note, Parish weekend Reconciliation will be 4.00pm – 5.00pm on 23rd & 30th May.

3. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 30th May 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.

4. RCIA 2026/27 Program: Are you a non-Catholic or a Catholic yet to complete your Sacraments of initiation; Eucharist and Confirmation? Would you like to know the process of becoming a full member of God’s family in the Catholic Church? If your answer is yes, please consider joining us for an inquiry evening on Thursday, 25th June 2026 at 7.00pm in the parish centre. For more detail, contact our parish RCIA Coordinator Mr. Thomas Loreck on 0417 997 254 / tomloreck@gmail.com or contact Fr Cyprian directly. We look forward to journeying with you to Easter 2027 and beyond.

5. A Huge Thank You: The Overseas Mission Ministry would like to thank one & all for supporting our Mother’s Day raffle. Special thanks to our helpers with our free sausage sizzle over the whole weekend after all masses. Not forgetting our generous sponsors, donations of sausages, bread & transport. ALL WINNERS have been notified by phone. Much appreciated if prize winners can collect prize from table at back of church at earliest connivence thank you. All proceeds of raffle will be used to support missions overseas, in great need.

6. Many thanks from the Whitford St. Vincent de Paul: We are most thankful for help for those living in financial crises, via your donations to the poor box and our non-perishable food hamper in the church porch. Recycled clothing, shoes & blankets may also be placed in our blue bins near the presbytery car-park. Surplus furniture in good condition may be collected from your home by phoning 6323 7500. We also will welcome more members (see our brochures in the porch rack) and your prayers to help our work among those struggling with difficult lives.

7. Eucharist Adoration: Seeking someone to sit with Jesus, 4-5pm each Wednesday for 2 months. Please contact 0407 471 256 if you can offer your help. Thank you & God Bless.

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: JUNE 2026 - 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. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays and Fridays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.

11. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Fr Errol can be made by invitation to our sick and home-bound parishioners. On their visits, they bring prayer, sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy Communion; and certainly, a listening ear. Please call one of our priests should you benefit or know somebody who would benefit from such a visit. Contact numbers on front of newsletter.

12. Rosary for World Peace: Please come and join the Rosary group, on Tuesday evening at 5pm, to say the Rosary for peace in the world. The Pope has asked all Catholics to pray this very powerful prayer for peace in our troubled world.

13. The Divine Mercy Ministry: The members of this Ministry pray for the sick and the dying. Please send names of family and friends, if you want them to be lifted up in prayer, via text or message to 0410 289 725.

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

15. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes. Please call the office 9307 2776 to make enquiries and book.

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

17. Your Collections: Thank you very much for your continued contribution and support to the Parish and Priests. 1st Collection: To contribute Direct Debit: Presbytery A/C (1st Collection) Supports our Priests, A/C#14027 5567, BSB# 086 006. Church A/C (2ndCollection) Supports our Church, A/C# 66579 4722, BSB# 086 006. Planned giving contributions can also be made through envelopes or direct debit, please contact the Parish office: whitford@perthcatholic.org. au. Thank you.

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

19. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest for students starting Kindergarten in 2028! For more information: https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/learning/kindergarten/

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 Friday 31st May. 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: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

3. WYD - African Themed Mother’s Day Event: Friday 22nd May at 6pm. SOLD OUT

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Hyacinth/ Relief/ Angela/ Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie Graham, Chris Graham/Megan Woodall, Celine Chaperon/ Monica Jardim, Julianna Jardim/ Sally Paice, Eliza Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 24th May: Colin O’Neill/ Caroline Mikeska/ Mary McGrath-Yek/ Suyaine Tohovitis/ Ebony Lepoutre

CLEANERS: Friday 22nd May: Chloe Lopresti/ Venicia de San Miguel, Regiane Tokimatsu

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 24th May: Mary Morrissey/ Clare Domanski/ Jo Emery

SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney, M Shilton/ Chris Knox, Peta Geneste/ Corina Gill, S Williamson, M Torres/ C Davini, B Prentice

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann in Gwelup from 16th to 30th May. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call her 0424 813 890 to arrange. From 30th May to 6th June 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 5th June 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held 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.

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. Please be advised that 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. Miracle Prayers: Come to the next Miracle Prayers healing service at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo on Wednesday 27th May at 7.30pm. Elijah Boylen will be speaking about 'Expectant Faith.' Prayers for healing and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available. Enquires: 0404 028 298.

4. The Gathering Northern Suburbs Social Group: Music, Quiz, entertainment and Community Information. Bring a plate to share, bring a book to swap. Held in St Anthonys Parish Hall, 15 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo on Thursday 21st May at 10.15am. $5 voluntary contribution. For more details contact Sean McDonagh 0431 018 388 or Jim Egan 0413 866 320 or email: thegatheringnorthernsuburbs@gmail.com

5. MenALIVE Catholic Man Breakfast Series: Our newly ordained auxiliary bishop Most Rev. Nelson Po will share his story at the Catholic Man Breakfast Series hosted by Most Rev. Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, and sponsored by menALIVE. Please join us for an inspiring breakfast with likeminded Catholic men on Thursday 11th June 2026, 07:00 - 09:00, Duxton Hotel.Registration: https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/CMBS2026

6. Catherine’s House of Hospitality Hosts a Christian Meditation Retreat: The retreat day will offer its history, some of its benefits and how to practice this ancient art. Cost: $30 including morning tea and lunch (Please advise dietary requirements when booking). Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026. Venue: St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, 113 Tyler St, Tuart Hill. Registration: Retreat runs from 9.30am – 3.30pm. RSVP Sunday 17 May via stcatherines@westnet.com.au or 08 9443 9020.

7. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): Pray for Persecuted Christians in Nigeria. Christians in Nigeria continue to suffer greatly for their faith. ACN invites you to join with John, a Catholic farmer in Nigeria, in praying a decade of the Rosary this week for persecuted Christians and all who suffer for their faith. Watch John’s moving testimony and download a free Red Rosary Prayer Card to unite your prayers with the suffering Church throughout the world. www.rebrand.ly/RedRosary26

First reading: Acts 1:1-11

Jesus was lifted up while they looked on

In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught from the beginning until the day he gave his instructions to the apostles he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’ Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’ As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 46(47):2-3,6-9

Response: God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, we must fear, great king over all the earth. R.

God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. Sing praise for God, sing praise, sing praise to our king, sing praise. R.

God is king of all the earth, sing praise with all your skill. God is king over the nations; God reigns on his holy throne. R.

Second reading: Ephesians 1:17-23

God made him sit at his right hand in heaven

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 28:19. 20

Alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20

Go and make disciples of all nations

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

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,

Today, in Italy and in other Countries, we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven, 40 days after Easter. The Acts of the Apostles recounts this episode, the final separation of the Lord Jesus from his disciples and from this world (cf. Acts 1:2-9). The Gospel of Matthew, however, reports Jesus’ mandate to his disciples: the invitation to go out, to set out in order to proclaim to all nations his message of salvation (cf. Mt 28:16-20). “To go” or, better, “depart” becomes the key word of today’s feast: Jesus departs to the Father and commands his disciples to depart for the world.

Jesus departs, he ascends to Heaven, that is, he returns to the Father from whom he had been sent to the world. He finished his work, thus, he returns to the Father. But this does not mean a separation, for he remains forever with us, in a new way. By his ascension, the Risen Lord draws the gaze of the Apostles — and our gaze — to the heights of Heaven to show us that the end of our journey is the Father. He himself said that he would go to prepare a place for us in Heaven. Yet, Jesus remains present and active in the affairs of human history through the power and the gifts of his Spirit; he is beside each of us: even if we do not see him with our eyes, He is there! He accompanies us, he guides us, he takes us by the hand and he lifts us up when we fall down. The risen Jesus is close to persecuted and discriminated Christians; he is close to every man and woman who suffers. He is close to us all; he is here, too, with us in the square; the Lord is with us! Do you believe this? Then let’s say it together: the Lord is with us!

When Jesus returns to Heaven, he brings the Father a gift. What is the gift? His wounds. His body is very beautiful, no bruises, no cuts from the scourging, but he retains his wounds. When he returns to the Father he shows him the wounds and says: “behold Father, this is the price of the pardon you have granted”. When the Father beholds the wounds of Jesus he forgives us forever, not because we are good, but because Jesus paid for us. Beholding the wounds of Jesus, the Father becomes most merciful. This is the great work of Jesus today in Heaven: showing the Father the price of forgiveness, his wounds. This is the beauty that urges us not to be afraid to ask forgiveness; the Father always pardons, because he sees the wounds of Jesus, he sees our sin and he forgives it.

But Jesus is present also through the Church, which He sent to extend his mission. Jesus’ last message to his disciples is the mandate to depart: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). It is a clear mandate, not just an option! The Christian community is a community “going forth”, “in departure”. More so: the Church was born “going forth”. And you will say to me: what about cloistered communities? Yes, these too, for they are always “going forth” through prayer, with the heart open to the world, to the horizons of God. And the elderly, the sick? They, too, through prayer and union with the wounds of Jesus.

To his missionary disciples Jesus says: “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (v. 20). Alone, without Jesus, we can do nothing! In Apostolic work our own strengths, our resources, our structures do not suffice, even if they are necessary. Without the presence of the Lord and the power of his Spirit our work, though it may be well organized, winds up being ineffective. And thus, we go to tell the nations who Jesus is.

And together with Jesus Mary our Mother accompanies us. She is already in the house of the Father, she is the Queen of Heaven and this is how we invoke her during this time; as Jesus is with us, so too she walks with us; she is the Mother of our hope.

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 Errol X Lobo Ph: 0410 929 205

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