Our Lady of the Mission

Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!

Fr Tri and I warmly welcome you here at Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish, parishioners and visitors alike. We pray and hope that you feel truly safe and at home in this our place of prayer, worship and personal encounter with our risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit ever pray in us more than we can ever imagine and bind us together in the love of our Heavenly Father. Over fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains home to dozens of nationalities represented by our parishioners and frequent visitors. We take pride in our young people; those in our parish primary and secondary schools, those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and our parish youth group. They are not just our future Church but a vital part of our Church today and now. We value these our young people and endeavor to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. Together, we continue to seek ways in which we can generously respond to that universal call to holiness of life in our families, parish community and in the society at large. I invite you and all your loved ones to be purposeful in this resolve. We must leave no one behind, those within and those on the peripheries. As always, Fr. Tri and I thank one and all of you for your ongoing prayers, concern, encouragement and support. Rest assured of our daily thoughts and prayers. We entrust you and yours, into the powerful intercessions of our Blessed Virgin Mother of Good counsel, and into those of St Joseph, patron of the universal Church.

Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - PP.

Monday 29th December

NO MASS

Feast day:

Tuesday 30th December

Church 9am

Feast day:

Wednesday 31st December

Church 9am

Feast day:

Thursday 1st January 2025

Church 9am

Feast day: Solemnity of Mary,

The Holy Mother of God

Friday 2nd January

Church 9am

Feast day: St Basil & St Gregory

Saturday 3rd January

Church 8.00am, 6.30pm

Feast day: Saint John

Sunday 4th January

Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm

Feast day: The Epiphany of the Lord

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, teach us the sanctity of human love. Show us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all people, as we share in your life for ever.

Introduction

Today, as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, we reflect upon our own families and ask God’s blessing upon them. We also reflect upon our place in God’s family.

First Reading Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6,12-14

Children are encouraged to honour and care for their parents.

Second Reading Colossians 3:12-21

Paul encourages us to actively live lives of love.

Gospel Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23

Guided by God through dreams, Joseph leads his family firstly to Egypt to keep them safe from Herod and then back to Israel to make their permanent home.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Please offer your prayers this week for 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.

Joesph’s obedience to God was not a one-time thing. His attention to the angel’s warning kept Jesus from being murdered by Herod and led to the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be a Nazorean. Fidelity to God’s will assures the best use of my talents, too!

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. Merry Christmas one and all! Father Cyprian, Fr Tri and Parish Staff wish you and all your loved ones a very blessed merry Christmas and a happy new year 2026. Our sincere thanks to all who have assisted in various ways to make our Parish Christmas celebrations truly meaningful.

2. Parish New Year Mass Times: There is only one Mass at 9.00am on Tuesday 30th December to Friday 2nd January. Normal Schedule resumes on Tuesday 6th January. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

3. Parish Office Christmas Closure: The parish office will be closed for Christmas and New Year break from 1.00pm on Wednesday, 24th December 2025 and resume at 9.00am on Tuesday, 6th January 2026. Please contact Fr. Cyprian and or Fr. Tri if there are any urgent matters during that time.

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

4. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31st January 2026 at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick; and remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

5. Eucharistic Adoration Christmas Break: Wednesday and Friday Adoration will be paused for Christmas and New Year Celebrations from Friday, 19th December 2025 and resume on Wednesday, 7th January 2026. Thank you all for your cooperation and enduring support.

6. Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Enrolment: We invite all families with children attending non-Catholic schools to consider enrolling them NOW into PREP for 2026 especially if they are due for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation. Please see either of our priests or contact parish office for more details.

7. Overseas Mission Group: PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY 6th FEBRUARY 26. 6.30pm in the Parish Centre. A fundraising event in Parish hall, will be a combined dinner & fun short Trivia. (yes, not the normal quiz or Trivia night). As well as fundraising for our Missions overseas, an opportunity to have our community Parish, come together & share a meal & have some fun with our short trivia game. KEEP AN EYE on newsletter, more details, ticket price etc will be in January 26 newsletters. On behalf of the Parish OVERSEAS MISSION MINISTRY, a HUGE Thank You for all your support with our fundraising events, & May we wish one & all a wonderful Blessed festive season. MERRY CHRISTMAS & A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026. Contact Linda. 0449101720

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: January 2026 NOW AVAILABLE. Spend just 10 minutes a day with The Word Among Us, and you will learn how to love God, others and self. Available from the back of the Church and the Parish Office at a cost of $5. Let us embrace God’s Word and listen to Him.

10. Josephite Calendar 2026 Final Edition: The Legacy Lives on. Celebrating 160 years (1866-2026) Be sure to purchase the final edition, stock is limited. $15.00 at our Piety Stall.

11. Line Dancing at OLM: BACK for 2026! Classes resume on Tuesday, 6th January 2026 @ 10.30am. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.

12. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.

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

14. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Please note: Tuesday Novena Group has stopped, for a Christmas break, and will restart again on Tuesday 13 January, at 5pm.

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 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.

19. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.

20. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/

1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: Closed for the Christmas break. We invite and encourage all our year 6 to year 12 students to join us every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm. For any information regarding our group gatherings, please contact Jasmine 0439 976 164.

2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Closed for the Christmas Break. Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

3. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Pilgrimage – South Korea: Pilgrimage to Seoul; from the 3rd to 8th August 2027. For registration and more details, please contact Claire Neill 0450 927 575 /claireneill74@gmail.com. Confirmed Pilgrims: Gentle reminder that full registration must be paid and a copy of Passport required by Dec 31st, 2025.

4. WYD: Expressions of interest are sought for individuals interested in joining WYD pilgrims for Passover meal on Holy Thursday followed by. Please write your full name on the forms at the back of the church, more information to follow.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Relief/ Pat/ Vilma/ Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie & Chris Graham/ Megan Woodall & Celine Chaperon/ Angela Sanderson & Erica Sanderson/ Bernie Smith & Anne Couzens.

COUNTERS: Sunday 4th January 2026: Colin O’Neill/ Caroline Mikeska/ Mary McGrath-Yek/ Suyaine Tohovitis/ Ebony Lepoutre.

CLEANERS: Friday 2nd January: Mary Healy/ Suzanne Healy/ Melanie Eales/ Katrina James/ Erica Moore/ Suyaine Tohovitis.

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 4th January: Tania de Sousa/ Gloria Ibanez/ Regina Kroczek/ Bernadette Nadham.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves & Kerry Roberts/ Cecilia Araya & Niamh Waters/ Ronellie Lenon, Edith Rodrigues-Thomas & Jarrad Quatermaine/ Brad Prentice & David Stritch.

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Lenon family in Perth from 3rd to 17th January 2026. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0400 679 442 to arrange. From 17th to 31st January 2026 the Statue will be with the Scaffidi family in Karrinyup.

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 2nd January 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is currently closed for Christmas.

BAPTISMS: We welcome Dillon McDonald, Oscar Manning, and Darcy Mola into God’s family this weekend.

PRAY FOR THE SICK: We pray for all those in our Parish’s Book of the Sick. You are most welcome to add names to this book in the foyer of the Church. Please cross out when our prayers are no longer needed.

1.Reconciliation Times at Surrounding Parishes:

St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef: Tuesday & Friday: 6.30 pm/ Saturday: After 8.30 am Mass & 5 pm – 5.45 pm

St Anthony, Wanneroo: Saturday, 4.30 pm – 5 pm

St Luke, Woodvale: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.50 pm

All Saints, Greenwood: Saturday: 9.30 am – 10 am & 5.30 pm – 5.45 pm

Our Lady of Grace, North Beach: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.45 pm

2. Camino De Santiago: A Camino has been planned to start June 2026 in France. Anyone interested can contact shirleyann.poulton@gmail.com for more information. Please note this walk can be 'tailored to suit'.

3. Schoenstatt Shrine: Please join us on New Year’s Eve – Adoration & Reflection at 11pm – Midnight Mass followed by refreshments at 12am, this is an open air event, please bring a chair. Schoenstatt Shrine, 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon.

First reading: Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6,12-14

He who fears the Lord respects his parents

The Lord honours the father in his children, and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons. Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins, he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own, he shall be heard on the day when he prays. Long life comes to him who honours his father, he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord. My son, support your father in his old age, do not grieve him during his life. Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy, do not despise him in your health and strength; for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten but will serve as reparation for your sins.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 127(128):1-5

Response: Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways! By the labour of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper. R.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in the heart of your house; your children like shoots of the olive, around your table. R.

Indeed, thus shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life! R.

Second reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Family life in the Lord

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful. Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness. Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord. Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated.

Gospel Acclamation: Col 3:15a,16a

Alleluia, alleluia! May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and the fullness of his message live within you. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

The flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth

After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: I called my son out of Egypt. After Herod’s death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, went back to the land of Israel. But when he learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’

Blessed are you Lord God maker of the universe, and Father to us all. You have made us your children; a part of your family, and have allowed us to call you Father. Bless us all in this special time of patient waiting, contemplation on your Son’s joyful nativity and so grant us a meaningful Christmas. Please fill our families and homes with the spirit of love, with the obedience of faith, and the strength of hope. May our lives always find joy, peace and fulfillment in your love and service. Bless us and all our loved ones with good health and the knowledge that you are always there for us in our hour of need. Grant us your love and assure us a loving welcome into your eternal home one day. We praise your name and ask these blessings through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

And truly, today is a beautiful day… We celebrate today the feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The term “holy” places this family within the sphere of holiness which is a gift from God but, at the same time, is free and responsible adherence to God’s plan. This was the case for the family of Nazareth: they were totally available to God’s will.

How can we not wonder, for example, at Mary’s docility to the action of the Holy Spirit Who asks her to become the mother of the Messiah? Because Mary, like every young woman of her time, was about to realize her life project, that is, to marry Joseph.

But when she realises that God is calling her to a particular mission, she does not hesitate to proclaim herself His “servant” (cf. Lk 1: 38). Jesus will exalt her greatness not so much for her role as a mother, but for her obedience to God. Jesus said: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk 11: 28), like Mary. And when she does not fully understand the events that involve her, Mary meditates in silence, reflects and adores the divine initiative. Her presence at the foot of the cross consecrates this total willingness.

Then, with regard to Joseph, the Gospel does not give us a single word: he does not speak, but he acts, obeying. He is the man of silence, the man of obedience.

Today’s Gospel reading (cf. Mt 2: 13-15, 19-23) recalls this obedience of the righteous Joseph three times, referring to the flight to Egypt and the return to the land of Israel. Under God’s guidance, represented by the Angel, Joseph distances his family from Herod’s threats, and saves them. The Holy Family is thus in solidarity with all the families of the world forced into exile, in solidarity with all those who are compelled to abandon their own land due to repression, violence, and war.

Finally, the third person of the Holy Family, Jesus. He is the will of the Father: in Him, says Saint Paul, there was no “yes” and “no”, but only “yes” (cf. 2 Cor 1: 19). And this is made manifest in many moments of His earthly life. For example, the episode at the temple when He responded to the anguished parents who sought Him out: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2: 49); His continual repetition: “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent me and to accomplish His work” (Jn 4: 34); His prayer in the olive grove: “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Mt 26: 42). All these events are the perfect realisation of the very words of Christ Who says: “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired […] Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book” (Heb 10: 5-7; Psalm 40: 7-9).

Mary, Joseph, Jesus: the Holy Family of Nazareth which represents a choral response to the will of the Father: the three members of this family help each other reciprocally to discover God’s plan. They prayed, worked, communicated. And I ask myself: you, in your family, do you know how to communicate or are you like those kids at the table, each one with their mobile phone, while they are chatting? In that table there seems to be a silence as if they were at Mass… But they do not communicate between themselves. We must resume dialogue in the family: fathers, parents, sons, grandparents and siblings must communicate with one another … This is today’s homework, right on the day of the Holy Family. May the Holy Family be a model for our families, so that parents and children may support each other mutually in adherence to the Gospel, the basis of the holiness of the family.

Let us entrust to Mary, “Queen of the Family”, all the families in the world, especially those who suffer or who are in distress, and invoke upon them her maternal protection.

Our Lady of the Mission Whitford Parish acknowledges that safeguarding is a shared responsibility prioritising the care, protection and best interests of children and adults at risk. Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, reporting abuse and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/ or call the Safeguarding Office on 08 9221 7762.

Our Safeguarding Officers

Safeguarding officers assist to create a safe environment for all. They are the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and support the implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com

Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers

ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) are to complete a Safeguarding Level 1 Induction which is now a Self-Paced Online Learning Module that can be completed at any time, once every 3 years. Please visit: Safeguarding Training and Registration – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)

Safeguarding Forms and Policy:

Forms, Safeguarding policy and code of conduct can be found on the Safeguarding website, at the Parish Office or in one of the Safeguarding folders in the Church – Sacristy, Robing room or information desk.

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