Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is the 23rd August: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings and peace be with you.

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

Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti

Parish Priest.

Monday 17th August

NO MASS

Feast Day:

------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 18th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 19th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 20th August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Bernard

------------------------------------------------------

Friday 21st August

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Pius X

------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 22nd August

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day: The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 23rd August

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

------------------------------------------------------

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

**Please note: Saturday 22nd and 29th August Reconciliation will be at 4.00pm - 5.00pm due to First Holy Communion Mass**

Introduction As we celebrate the Assumption of our Blessed Virgin Mary we give thanks for Mary’s role in our story of salvation, her ‘yes’ to God’s call to be the mother of the Messiah, and the example we see in her as we strive to live a life of faith.

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1,6-7

I will bring foreigners to my holy mountain

Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

With Israel, God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

The Canaanite woman debates with Jess and saves her daughter.

Antiphon to the Psalm: O God, let all the nations praise you!

Am I able to offer my talents to the mission of my parish community?

When the Spirit moves among us, our differences need not divide us. As we listen to one another with open hearts, those differences can become a blessing — a source of strength, grace, and deeper communion. As we continue along the Adsumus journey, let us prayerfully reflect on what gifts/talents God has given us to be part of the mission of our parish community.

When the Spirit is at work among us, our different backgrounds need not divide us; instead, when we truly listen to one another, they can become a source of strength, enrichment, and grace. As parishes seek to build a more hospitable and welcoming fellowship, the Spirit leads us to make room at the table for those who may feel like outsiders, gathering us around a shared need for belonging rather than our cultural differences. And just as today’s Gospel shows Jesus bridging the divide between Jewish and Canaanite cultures, so too the Spirit calls modern communities into open and respectful conversation, helping to heal old prejudices as we draw closer together.

Please offer your prayers this week for Ray Massam, Gerry Dornan, Eva Mola, Eric Moutia, Tadeusz Szwachka, Bruce Oates, Roseanne Singarayar 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 second reading St Paul tells the Romans, “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” To what is God calling me today? What gifts are mine to share?

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

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

3. Reconciliation Time: Please note, Parish weekend reconciliation will be 4.00pm – 5.00pm on 22nd & 29th August.

4. OLM Quiz Night: Thank you to all those who came along to our quiz night on Friday 14th August. It was a great night, enjoyed by all those that attended to help support Fr Cyprian’s school in Kenya. This was a sold out event and we helped raise $800.00. A big thank you to all those that helped and supported, from Tom and Alma. God bless.

5. Appeal for St. Columba Eregi Mixed Primary School: Fr. Cyprian requests your kind donation towards completion of a new Administration Block and water harvest projects at his old primary school in Kenya. The local and rural co-educational primary school caters for over 700 students; K-Y9 with very limited resources. For more details and how you can help, please contact Fr Cyp directly. Please note, Fr Cyp will be travelling home for annual leave this September when he will be able to inspect the progress of these projects.

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

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

8. Legion of Mary 48Hr Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady’s Birthday: 6pm Saturday 5th Sept to 6pm Monday 7th September 2026. Presentation of the scroll of names will be made at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Tuesday 8th September 2025, 12.10pm. List for names can be found in the foyer of the Church. More information can be found www.legionofmarywa.org or email comitiumofperth@gmail.com.

9. Overseas Mission Father’s Day Raffle: Tickets being sold after masses. 3 tickets for $5.00. Winners will be drawn on Father’s Day Sunday 6th September. Your prayers and support is always appreciated.

10. Whitford St Vincent de Paul: Many thanks for your very generous support for our Vinnies' winter appeal last weekend. Over $1650 so far has been raised to support local families in crisis during the cold winter months.

11. Parish Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass & Dinner: We invite all our Parish couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries this year to join us for Annual Wedding Anniversary Mass and Dinner of Saturday, 24th October 2026 at 6.30pm. We encourage all couples celebrating 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 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.

12. 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.

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

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

18. 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.

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

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

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

22. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest. Visit our website for more information.

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

22. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest. Visit our website for more information.

1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: Gathering every 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month from 7pm to 9pm for students in years 6-12. Our next youth group will be held on Friday 21st August. Youth group includes fun games, a short faith-based talk, fellowship, free food, and a wonderful opportunity for young people to build like-minded, faith-filled friendships. More information please contact Dino (0478 084 725) or Jasmine (0439 976 164).

2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Join us as we meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Linda, Pat, Flora, Joanita

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira, Francis d’Oliveira, Venice Penaranda, Krishta Ursolino, Michelle Gagatek, Carol Wright, Sally Paice, Eliza Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 30th August: Vicky Ryan, Judy Cavanagh. Amanda Cross, Senol Bonny

CLEANERS: Saturday 22nd August: Suzan Crompton, Kate, Trish Byrne, Margarita Tranquille

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 23rd August: Teresa Fitzpatrick & Legion of Mary Volunteers

SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney, Jenna d Oliveira/ Chris Knox, Maura Killalea/ Corina Gill, S Williamson, J Bouwman/ Brad Prentice, Tara Prentice

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Edward family in Hillarys from 22nd August to 5th September. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0432 087 010 to arrange. From 5th to 12th September 2026 the Statue will be with the Radford family in Kallaroo.

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Is held on the first Friday of every month during 9.00 am Mass. The next Devotion will be on Friday 7th September 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 Evie Rutherford, Sam Rutherford, Zac Bishop, Logan Bishop, Charli Bishop, Adrian Araya, Franklin Hartman and Molly Hartman 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. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief Seminar: 12th September 9.30am – 1pm. Morning Tea Provided. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is, its potential triggers and impacts, as well as strategies to manage it and move forward. Cost = $16.00 for the Seasons for Growth: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief workbook. Location Catholic Outreach 40A Mary Street, Highgate. 9422 7920 or outreach@perthcatholic.org.au

4. Aid to the Church in Need: is the only international Catholic charity dedicated to the service of suffering Christians wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. ACN operates solely on benefactor donations, with no funding from Church or State. Learn more on our website: www.aidtochurch.org

5. Palms International Volunteering: Sponsor yourself, your family or a friend to participate and raise money for Palms International Volunteering, Australia’s only Catholic lay organisation that delivers international development and formation through long term international volunteering. Join Australians across the country supporting Palms’ work in the Asia-Pacific.02 9560 5333 / 0422 472 567 www.simplicityseptember.org.au

6. The Knights of the Southern Cross WA: Invite all men and women over 18 to join them for A Knights Leadership Breakfast with the Hon Kate Doust MLC, the Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC, and the Hon Nick Goiran MLC on Wednesday 23rd September 2026 Fraser’s Kings Park. Hot breakfast and bottomless coffee included in the ticket price. Register now at https://go.kscwa.au/23sept26-faithful and use the code FAITH1 for a special discount. Offer ends Wednesday 19th August.

7. The Gathering: Thursday 20th August at St Anthonys Parish Hall, 15 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Monthly social meeting of Music, Quiz, entertainment and Community Information. Bring a book to swap, bring a plate to share. Email: thegatheringnorthernsuburbs@gmail.com or Sean:0431 018 388 Jim: 0413 866 320

8. The Council for Catholic Women Perth: invites you to hear renowned scripture scholar Dr Michele Connolly rsj discuss the life and influence of the real St Paul through his seven authentic letters and his radical vision of God in Christ. Attend a lecture on Friday 4 September 6-8pm or a workshop on Saturday 5 September 9am-3pm, both at James Nestor Hall Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St West Leederville. Cost: Donation. Light refreshments provided. RSVP to kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com by 2nd Sept 2026.

First reading: Isaiah 56:1,6-7

I will bring foreigners to my holy mountain

Thus, says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest. Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

Response: O God, let all the nations praise you!

O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help. R.

Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth. R.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him. R.

Second reading: Romans 11:13-15,29-32

With Israel, God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice

Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:23

Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughter

Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again

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’s Gospel (Mt 15:21-28) presents us a unique example of faith in Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman, a foreigner to the Jews. The scene unfolds as he is walking toward the cities of Tyre and Sidon, northwest of Galilee: it is here that the woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter, who — the Gospel says — “is severely possessed by a demon” (v. 22). The Lord, at first, seems not to hear this cry of pain, such that it causes the intervention of the disciples who intercede for her. Jesus’ seeming indifference does not discourage this mother, who persists in her invocation.

This woman’s inner strength, which enables her to overcome every obstacle, is to be found in her maternal love and in her faith that Jesus can grant her request. This makes me think of the strength of women. With their strength they are able to obtain great things. We have known many [such women]! We could say that it is love that stirs faith, and faith, for its part, becomes love’s reward. Heartrending love for her daughter causes the woman to cry: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David” (v. 22). And her untiring faith in Jesus allows her not to become discouraged even in the face of his initial rejection; thus the woman “knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me’” (v. 25).

In the end, before such persistence, Jesus was in awe, nearly astonished, by the faith of a pagan woman. Therefore, he acquiesces, saying: “‘O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly” (v. 28). Jesus points to this humble woman as a model of unwavering faith. Her persistence in beseeching Christ’s intervention is incentive for us not to become discouraged, not to despair when we are burdened by life’s difficult trials. The Lord does not turn away in the face of our needs and, if at times he seems insensitive to our requests for help, it is in order to put to the test and to strengthen our faith. We must continue to cry out like this woman: “Lord, help me! Lord, help me!”. In this way, with perseverance and courage. This is the courage needed in prayer.

This Gospel episode helps us to understand that we all need to grow in faith and fortify our trust in Jesus. He can help us to find our way, when we have lost the compass of our journey; when the road no longer seems flat but rough and arduous; when it is hard to be faithful to our commitments. It is important to nourish our faith every day, by carefully listening to the Word of God, with the celebration of the Sacraments, with personal prayer as a “cry” to him — “Lord, help me!” — and with concrete acts of charity toward our neighbour.

Let us entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so that he may help us to persevere in faith. The Spirit instils courage in the heart of believers; he gives our life and our Christian witness the power of conviction and persuasion; he helps us to overcome scepticism toward God and indifference toward our brothers and sisters.

May the Virgin Mary render us ever more aware of our need of the Lord and of his Spirit; may she obtain for us a strong faith, full of love, and a love capable of making itself a supplication, a courageous supplication to God.

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

Our Safeguarding Officers

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

Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560, Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371 or email sgo.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers

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

Safeguarding Forms and Policy:

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

Parish Priest:

Fr Cyprian M. Shikokoti Ph: 0450 464 678

Assistant Priest:

Fr Cornelius Ekwebelem Ph:0484 925 257

Parish Office

Mary McGrath-Yek & Ebony Lepoutre

Office Hours: Tues – Fri 9am –4pm (Monday Closed)

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Mobile: 0434 434 783 (Text only)

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Columbarium: Closed Monday

Sacramental Coordinator: Mrs Ronellie R. Lenon

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Email: sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Youth and Young Adult Contact Details

Youth Choir: Terry Boylen - 0402 642 887

Youth & Family Choir: Fran Christie Zscherpel - 0433 852 967

24:7 Whitford Youth Group: youthministry247@outlook.com.au

Safeguarding Officers:

Renee Itzstein 0413 225 560

Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810

Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au