Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 31st August 2025
Sunday 31st August 2025 Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday is: 7 September 2025, Twenty-Third 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 Terry Sweeney, Marie Cream, Joao & Conceicao Ferreira, Trina Killen, Alicia Medalle, Neil Maclean, Bien Gavido, Simon Van Der Brugghen, Lily Ritchie, Joao Ferreira and Conceicao Ferreira all souls in purgatory, those doctors, nurses and carers who have died while helping victims of accidents, disease and warfare, our recently departed loved ones and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.
In the Gospel today, Jesus warns us not to give in to hopes of repayment, but to give open-handedly to the poor and needy. That sort of giving mirrors the bountiful giving of God, and Jesus assures us it is blessed indeed.
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. First Holy Communion Celebrations: We congratulate PCPS student and families making their FHC in our parish this weekend and those from WCPS who made theirs last weekend. PREP celebration will be at 10.00am on Sunday, 19th October. Please keep all these young people in your prayers.
2. 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, 25th October 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.
3. New Altar Servers’ Training: We invite children in Year four and above for Altar Servers’ Training and Rostering on Saturday, 6th September at 10.00am in the Church. If interested, please add your details to the signup sheet provided at the back of the church.
4. Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage - In line with the Theme: "Pilgrims of Hope", Fr Cyprian has organised a day-pilgrimage for our Parishioners. WHERE: Saint Mary’s Cathedral. WHEN: Saturday the 18th of October. TIME: Meet at the church at 7.30am (bus leaves 7.45am). Return by bus latest 4pm. COST: $25 pp (lunch and transport) to be paid on registration (A/C# 66579 4722, BSB# 086 006. Reference: Your name & Pilgrimage). Register quickly as places are limited! Children from Year 6 and up are welcome. Registration closes on the 5th of October. Please note: Anyone who participates in this holy year can obtain Jubilee indulgence provided they observe necessary conditions; that is, pilgrimage to holy site, taking part in prayer, liturgical celebration and sacrament of reconciliation.
5. Come Alive in Scripture: Join us for Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled. New Course beginning Tuesday 14th October and finishes 2nd December. More details to follow.
6. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: From September a Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Please join us, all are welcome to attend.
7. Legion of Mary 48Hr Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady’s Birthday: 6pm Friday 5th Sept to 6pm Sunday 7th September. Presentation of the scroll of names will be made at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Monday 8th September 2025, 12.10pm. More information can be found www.legionofmarywa.org or email comitiumofperth@gmail.com.
8. Overseas Mission Ministry: Father’s Day Raffle & Sauage Sizzle, 6th & 7th Sept after ALL masses. RAFFLE ticket sales through to Father’s Day 7th September. Winners will be drawn after 10am Mass 7th Sept. Tickets 3 for $5.00. All proceeds go to the Overseas Mission.
9. Parish RCIA; 2025-2026 Program: Have you thought about becoming Catholic? The journey leads to next year’s Easter Vigil when the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation and Eucharist for with Catechumens and Candidates. If you have not been baptised or have been baptised in another Christian church, you are welcome to begin the RCIA journey with us. Our Parish RCIA runs for information and preparation on Thursdays during school term at 7.30pm in the parish centre. For more information, please contact parish office or our coordinator Mr Tom Loreck 0417 997 254/ tomloreck@gmail.com. The doors of the church are open to everyone!
10. 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.
11. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 27th September 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.
12. The Word Among Us: SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 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.
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: The ongoing Novena on Tuesday starts at the new time of 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. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
19. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/
Youth News
1. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027: Please support our young people by your prayers and fundraising efforts as they embark on WYD pilgrimage to Seoul; South Korea from the 3rd to 8th August, 2027. We are still accepting and registering those interested in joining in this exciting journey. For more details, please contact Claire Neill 0450 927 575 / claireneill74@gmail.com.
2. 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, contact Jasmine 0439 976 164
3. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.
NEWSLETTER NOTICES DEADLINE: TUESDAY at 12pm Noon.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Hyacinth/ Gloria/ Flora/ Relief
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Linda Sweeney/ John Clift/ Andrea Hancock/ Helen Leithead/ Mirella Augustin/ Lyne Acacio/ Sharon Milne/ Kade Orzanski
COUNTERS: Sunday 31st August: Nicole Willey/ Nirmalene Mendis/ Tim Laver/ Andrew Legg/ Carla.
CLEANERS: Friday 29th August: Mary Healy/ Suzanne Healy/ Melanie Eales/ Katrina James/ Erica Moore/ Suyaine Tohovitis
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 31st August: Mike Hampson
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves/ D Nightingall/ Diane Raftos/ Marian McGrath/ M Augustin/ J Bouwman/ R Lenon/ S Dowling/ Megan Finlay
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Turner family in Beldon 23rd to 30th August. Those wishing to join the family to say the Rosary, can call them on 0414 061 237 to arrange. From 30th August to 30th to 6th September the Statue will be with the Murphy family in Pearsall.
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 5th September 2025.
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. Catholic Archdiocese of Perth - Employment Opportunities: For details and how to apply, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm.
• Advisor, Communications – Permanent, Full-time (apply on SEEK)
• Advisor, Workplace Safety – Permanent, Full-time (contact recruitment partner, marvin Consulting: Saarrah Mathinthiran saarrah@marvinhr.com)
• Casual Administration Assistant – Casual (apply to recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au)
• Officer, Mission and Ministry (Catholic Youth Ministry) – Maximum term 12 month, Full-time (apply to recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au)
• Liaison, Youth Engagement (Catholic Youth Ministry) – Maximum term 12 month, Full-time (apply to recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au)
• Cook – Casual, St Charles Seminary
3. Catholic Outreach: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is. The session begins at 9.30am with morning tea provided. The finish time is 1.00pm. $13.00 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 30 September.
4. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan to speak at Catholic Man Breakfast Series: The Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan will speak at the Catholic Man Breakfast Series hosted by Most Rev. Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Thursday 11th September 2025, 07:00am - 09:00am, Duxton Hotel. Enquiries Ray Gourlay 0408 923 068. Tickets https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/CMBSper25
5. Christ in the Community: Fr Richard will lead this session focusing on how Jesus connects with us, how He sees us, and how we see Him. Just as Jesus was fully present with others, our presence with people can also be life changing. During the session, attendees will be invited to ask questions and share their experiences.
When: Saturday 13 September 9.30am to 11.30am(morning tea provided)
Location: Seminar Room, Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate. RSVP by 10 September outreach@perthcatholic.org.au or telephone 9422 7920
First reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:19-21,30-31
Behave humbly, and you will find favour with the Lord
My son, be gentle in carrying out your business, and you will be better loved than a lavish giver. The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favour with the Lord; for great though the power of the Lord is, he accepts the homage of the humble. There is no cure for the proud man’s malady, since an evil growth has taken root in him. The heart of a sensible man will reflect on parables, an attentive ear is the sage’s dream.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67(68):4-7,10-11
Response: God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.
The just shall rejoice at the presence of God, they shall exult and dance for joy. O sing to the Lord, make music to his name; rejoice in the Lord, exult at his presence. R.
Father of the orphan, defender of the widow, such is God in his holy place. God gives the lonely a home to live in; he leads the prisoners forth into freedom: R.
You poured down, O God, a generous rain: when your people were starved you gave them new life. It was there that your people found a home, prepared in your goodness, O God, for the poor. R.
Second reading: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24
You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God
What you have come to is nothing known to the senses: not a blazing fire, or a gloom turning to total darkness, or a storm; or trumpeting thunder or the great voice speaking which made everyone that heard it beg that no more should be said to them. But what you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have gathered for the festival, with the whole Church in which everyone is a ‘first-born son’ and a citizen of heaven. You have come to God himself, the supreme Judge, and been placed with spirits of the saints who have been made perfect; and to Jesus, the mediator who brings a new covenant and a blood for purification which pleads more insistently than Abel’s.
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:29ab
Alleluia, alleluia! Take my yoke upon you; learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.
Alleluia!
Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1,7-14
Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled
On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’ Then he said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’
Father in Heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for 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.
National Child Protection Week – Safeguarding Sunday 14th September 2025
Today we are gathered on Safeguarding Sunday, a day when we pause to focus on our responsibility to protect and care for those who are vulnerable. In the Bible, we find a clear and strong message about justice, compassion, and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are called to be a safe, welcoming and hope-filled church.
In our everyday lives, let’s be mindful of those around us who are vulnerable or marginalised. Who are the “silent” ones in our society, the ones without a voice? Today, God may be calling you to stand up for them. Whether it’s through prayer, support, or direct action, we are invited to participate in God’s work of justice.
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
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has broadened safeguarding to include adults at risk. 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.
Reporting Abuse
If you have concerns about the safety and well-being of a child or adult within the context of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth or wish to report abuse, you can:
· Contact the Safeguarding Officer
· Submit a Safeguarding Concern Report Form https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/
· Call the Safeguarding Program Office on (08) 9221 7762.
Other Useful Information
Safeguarding Commitment Statement: Use the following link to view the Safeguarding Commitment statement - Commitment Statement – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)
Safeguarding Handbook: Safeguarding_Handbook.pdf (perthcatholic.org.au)
Safeguarding Prayer: Safeguarding Prayer (perthcatholic.org.au)
Role of Safeguarding Officer: Please find description on page 4 of the handbook
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