Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 1st November: All Saints

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 26th October

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 27th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 28th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saints Simon and Jude

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Thursday 29th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 30th October

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 31st October

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 1st November

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

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Lord, we ask that our prayers bring peace and forgiveness to our loved ones who have died. May they rest now in your presence.

Introduction: Jesus came to save us and reveal the wonder of God’s love for each one of us. We gather as a community of believers, thanking God for all our gifts. We commit ourselves to loving God in return and to sharing that love with others.

First Reading: Exodus 22:21-27

The people are reminded to be merciful to all those who are sojourners, for they were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10

Having received the word in the joy of the Holy Spirit, the Thessalonians became an example to all the believers.

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

Each of us is called to respond totally to God’s love and to love our neighbour as ourselves

Antiphon to the Psalm: I love you, Lord, my strength.

We fulfil the commandment to love our neighbour when we exercise good stewardship – joyfully sharing our gifts of life, abilities, and resources to meet our neighbours need.

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. Congratulations: We warmly congratulate all our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) young people celebrating their Confirmation this weekend. We sincerely thank their families, our PREP coordinator, catechists and parish office staff for their dedication and support. We continue to keep these young people and their families in our prayers.

2. November Mass Offerings: November is the month in which the Church especially remembers and prays for the Holy Souls. As members of one family in Christ, we journey towards God together, united in prayer with the faithful living and departed, in the hope of sharing eternal life with him in Heaven. Please write the names of your deceased loved ones and your intentions on the November Mass offering envelopes. These will be collected and placed at the foot of the altar. Throughout November, your priests will offer all their Masses for your departed loved ones and the intentions entrusted to them.

3. Book of Life: The Book of Life will be placed in its special location in the sanctuary throughout November. You are welcome to add the names of loved ones who have died during the past year. Please do not repeat names already recorded in previous years.

4. First Reconciliation Celebration: First Reconciliation will be celebrated as follows:

- PCPS & PREP – Wednesday, 28th October at 6.00pm in the Parish Church.

- WCPS & PREP – Thursday, 29th October at 6.00pm in the Parish Church.

Please keep these young people in your prayers.

5. Parish Thanksgiving Mass, AGM and Luncheon: We warmly invite our parish staff, ministry leaders, volunteers and all parishioners to this year’s Thanksgiving Mass, AGM and luncheon on Sunday 22nd November. Mass will begin at 10.00am in the church, followed by the AGM and luncheon in the parish centre. For catering purposes, please add your name to the sign-up sheet at the back of the church or contact the parish office by email or phone. Thank you for your commitment to the life of our parish.

6. All Souls' Memorial Service: The parish will hold its annual All Souls’ Memorial Service on Saturday, 7th November at 3.00pm in Pinnaroo Memorial Park. Please remind your family and friends to join us; especially those who have their loved ones resting in Pinnaroo and or in our columbarium. Please note, this will NOT be a Mass.

7. Healing Mass with Fr Rozo Palic: Fr Palic, a renowned healing Priest from Triest, Northern Italy is visiting Perth and will be visiting OLM, 9am Holy Mass on Wednesday 11th November 2026. Come receive prayer and blessings from this anointed Priest, invite your family and friends. You are welcome to bring oil, water or salt for Fr Palic to bless. For Fr. Palic's other venues in Perth please see poster at back of Church.

8. St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal: We hope to again supply festive hampers to struggling local families this Christmas. Generous individuals, families and friends may offer a hamper to people we have helped in recent months. A list of various size families will be available in early November at the rear of the church, with suggested hamper items.

9. Church Cleaning Ministry: Our Church Cleaning Ministry is losing volunteers, and we urgently need new people to join the team. Without additional support, it will be difficult to maintain the church to the standard it deserves. We ask parishioners who are able to help to step forward and share this responsibility. Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to volunteer. Thank you for your support

10. Line Dancing with Tom and Alma: Every Tuesday and Friday 10.30am – 12.00pm. Please come and join the fun, no experience required. All are welcome.

11. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31st October 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.

12. Statue of Fatima: A new roster for 2027 will be prepared in November. Please let Shirley-Ann know if you have any updates/changes to your details. EG: change of address, contact number, or would like to be removed from the roster by Monday 2nd November. Shirley Ann phone: 0424 813 890. Thank you.

13. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: A Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Also, please join us for rosary at 7.30am prior to Mass. All are welcome to attend.

14. The Word Among Us: ***OCTOBER SOLD OUT*** - 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 for $5. Let us embrace God’s Word and listen to Him.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

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

19. 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.

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

21. 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.

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

23. 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. Next youth group will be held on Friday 30th October. 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 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.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Jenny, Cecilia, Cheryl, Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira, Francis d’Oliveira, Venice Penaranda, Krishta Ursolino, Emma Waters, Rachel Wanless, Matthew Jardim, Alicia Ryan

COUNTERS: Sunday 8th November: Vicky Ryan, Judy Cavanagh, Amanda Cross, Senol Bonny

CLEANERS: Saturday 31st October: Christian Philogene, Carolina Asenjo, Tarsha Malone, Kelly Giannasi

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 1st November: Tania de Sousa, Gloria Ibanez, Regina Kroczek, Bernadette Nadham

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Anthony Ting, E Maassen/ Diane Raftos, T McGougan/ M Augustin, E Rodrigues-Thomas, J Quatermaine/ B Prentice, N Westneat

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue of Fatima will be with the Villaneuva family, in Iluka, from 24 October until 7 November. Please call 0424 440 247 if you wish to join them to pray the Rosary. From 7 - 21 November the Statue will be with the Zdunek family in Craigie.

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 November 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 Ceclia Zdunek, Keavy Slattery, Harper Faulkner, Benjamin Alizadeh, Daniel Alizadeh, Florence Hudson-Bowe, Wallace Hudson-Bowe 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. Holy Mass Centennial Celebration: 100 years of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary 22nd November at 3pm. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, catered refreshments. Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Armadale. Please book via: https://.trybooking.com/DQFPU

4. Aid to the Church in Need: invites you to join with Pope Leo XIV and Catholics worldwide for the One Million Children Praying the Rosary prayer campaign, for peace and unity in the world. Families, parishioners, prayer groups, and schools are all encouraged to register to take part! For free Rosary resources and to register, please scan the QR code or visit: www.acninternational.org/millionchildrenpraying

5. Miracle Prayers Healing Service: Join us for Miracle Prayers, 7.30 pm at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo on Wed 28th October. Fr Pierluigi Vajra CRS will be speaking about "Spiritual Warfare: A matter of relationship". Prayers for healing, Individual Eucharistic Blessings, Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available. Enquiries ph. 0404 028 298.

6. Looking for house-sit/rental: Scottish couple visiting family. Approx dates 20th January 2027 for a month looking in Padbury or surrounding areas. References can be supplied. contact Monica on macleanfamily46@yahoo.co.uk.

7. Pilgrimage to Europe and Medjugorje for May 2027 is in the planning stage: The one definite place we never miss out on is residing in Medjugorje. No pilgrimage is ever complete without residing in Medjugorje. We pray to God that He allows Our Blessed Mother's daily apparitions to continue whilst we are there. All enquiries for the above please email medjugorjewa1981@gmail.com or mob 0407 471 256.

First reading: Exodus 22:20-26

If you are harsh with the widow and orphan, my anger will flare against you

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell the sons of Israel this:’ “You must not molest the stranger or oppress him, for you lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. You must not be harsh with the widow, or with the orphan; if you are harsh with them, they will surely cry out to me, and be sure I shall hear their cry; my anger will flare and I shall kill you with the sword, your own wives will be widows, your own children orphans.’ “If you lend money to any of my people, to any poor man among you, you must not play the usurer with him: you must not demand interest from him.’ “If you take another’s cloak as a pledge, you must give it back to him before sunset. It is all the covering he has; it is the cloak he wraps his body in; what else would he sleep in? If he cries to me, I will listen, for I am full of pity.”’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 17(18):2-4,47,51

Response: I love you, Lord, my strength.

I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my saviour. My God is the rock where I take refuge; my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all praise, when I call I am saved from my foes. R.

Long life to the Lord, my rock! Praised be the God who saves me, He has given great victories to his king and shown his love for his anointed. R.

Second reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10

You broke with idolatry and became servants of God; you are now waiting for his Son

You observed the sort of life we lived when we were with you, which was for your instruction, and you were led to become imitators of us, and of the Lord; and it was with the joy of the Holy Spirit that you took to the gospel, in spite of the great opposition all round you. This has made you the great example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia since it was from you that the word of the Lord started to spread – and not only throughout Macedonia and Achaia, for the news of your faith in God has spread everywhere. We do not need to tell other people about it: other people tell us how we started the work among you, how you broke with idolatry when you were converted to God and became servants of the real, living God; and how you are now waiting for Jesus, his Son, whom he raised from the dead, to come from heaven to save us from the retribution which is coming.

Gospel Acclamation: John 14:23

Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

The commandments of love

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

God of our beginnings and endings. You are with us on the journeys of our lives. You accompany us when we can notice your presence; and you accompany us when we are unaware. We humbly ask that you be with us now; in our homes and in our community. Sustain us in gratitude and your unfailing Love for us. May we generously respond to Your Son Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. With renewed strength, may we praise you with our whole hearts. Amen. Our Lady of the Mission, Pray for Us.

Prayer Adapted from New Norcia WA Pilgrimage.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today’s Gospel Reading reminds us that the whole of Divine Law can be summed up in our love for God and neighbour. Matthew the Evangelist recounts that several Pharisees colluded to put Jesus to the test (cf. 22: 34-35). One of them, a doctor of the law, asked him this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (v. 36). Jesus, quoting the Book of Deuteronomy, answered: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment” (vv. 37-38). And he could have stopped there. Yet, Jesus adds something that was not asked by the doctor of the law. He says, in fact: “And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (v. 39). And in this case too, Jesus does not invent the second commandment, but takes it from the Book of Leviticus. The novelty is in his placing these two commandments together — love for God and love for neighbour — revealing that they are in fact inseparable and complementary, two sides of the same coin. You cannot love God without loving your neighbour and you cannot love your neighbour without loving God. Pope Benedict gave us a beautiful commentary on this topic in his first Encyclical Deus Caritas Est (nn. 16-18).

In effect, the visible sign a Christian can show in order to witness to his love for God to the world and to others, to his family, is the love he bears for his brothers. The Commandment to love God and neighbour is the first, not because it is at the top of the list of Commandments. Jesus does not place it at the pinnacle but at the centre, because it is from the heart that everything must go out and to which everything must return and refer.

In the Old Testament, the requirement to be holy, in the image of God who is holy, included the duty to care for the most vulnerable people, such as the stranger, the orphan and the widow (cf. Ex 22:20-26). Jesus brings this Covenant law to fulfilment; He who unites in himself, in his flesh, divinity and humanity, a single mystery of love.

Now, in the light of this Word of Jesus, love is the measure of faith, and faith is the soul of love. We can no longer separate a religious life, a pious life, from service to brothers and sisters, to the real brothers and sisters that we encounter. We can no longer divide prayer, the encounter with God in the Sacraments, from listening to the other, closeness to his life, especially to his wounds. Remember this: love is the measure of faith. How much do you love? Each one answer silently. How is your faith? My faith is as I love. And faith is the soul of love.

In the middle of the dense forest of rules and regulations — to the legalisms of past and present — Jesus makes an opening through which one can catch a glimpse of two faces: the face of the Father and the face of the brother. He does not give us two formulas or two precepts: there are no precepts nor formulas. He gives us two faces, actually only one real face, that of God reflected in many faces, because in the face of each brother, especially of the smallest, the most fragile, the defenceless and needy, there is God’s own image. And we must ask ourselves: when we meet one of these brothers, are we able to recognize the face of God in him? Are we able to do this?

In this way, Jesus offers to all the fundamental criteria on which to base one’s life. But, above all, He gave us the Holy Spirit, who allows us to love God and neighbour as He does, with a free and generous heart. With the intercession of Mary, our Mother, let us open ourselves to welcome this gift of love, to walk forever with this two-fold law, which really has only one facet: the law of love.

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: Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and 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 Secretaries:

Mary McGrath-Yek (Accounts)

Ebony Lepoutre (School Sacraments)

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: Lisa Mooney

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

Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au