Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 7th December 2025
Sunday 7th December 2025: Second Sunday of Advent
Next Sunday is: 14th December: Third Sunday of Advent
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 Kenneth Grosse 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.
We must be good stewards of God’s gifts to us, receiving them gratefully and cultivating them with care, lest we be the ones about whom John the Baptist speaks today, cautioning us, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
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. Parish Christmas & New Year Mass Times: This year’s Christmas Mass times will be as follows: Christmas Eve Outdoor Mass at 6.00pm on the oval, Christmas Eve Mass at 9.00pm in the Church, Christmas Midnight Mass at 12.00am in the Church and Christmas Day Mass at 9.00am in the Church. There will be NO evening Mass on Christmas Day.
Please note, there is only one Mass at 9.00am on Boxing Day and from Tuesday 30th December to 2nd January. Normal Schedule resumes on Tuesday 6th January.
2. 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. Christmas-Advent Flyers: Please take a bundle or two of Advent-Christmas flyers and invite your family, neighbours, friends and colleagues to our Advent and Christmas Liturgies and celebrations. Kindly mark the map on the areas you’ll be covering. Thank you for your kind assistance.
4. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 27th December 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. Parish Advent Reconciliation: Please mark your diaries and plan to join us for our Advent reconciliation at 7.00pm on Wednesday, 10th December 2025 in the Church. A number of priests from neighbouring parishes have been invited to help us in preparation for a meaningful Christmas – kindly pass on the invitation to your family, friends and colleagues.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Christmas Mass Volunteers: Extraordinary Ministers, Acolytes, Readers and Altar Servers please put your name down on the sign-up sheet in the sacristy for the Christmas Masses. Thank you in advance.
9. Overseas Mission Group: Christmas Raffle. Tickets will be sold from Saturday 29th November. Winners will be drawn Sunday 21st December after 10am Mass. Tickets $3 to $5. Your continued support for our Overseas Mission Group is appreciated.
10. St Vincent de Paul: Many thanks for your very generous support for our Christmas appeal last weekend and our hamper program. Over $1600 was raised to support local families in crisis and all listed hampers now have sponsors! Local Catholic schools also provided wonderful support! We remind you that all sponsored hampers are due back to the parish centre meeting room 1 this weekend (after evening Mass on Sat 6th Dec & any Mass on Sun 7th Dec). Many struggling families can now look forward to a brighter Christmas.
11. Whitford St Vincent de Paul Christmas Card Packs: Packets of Christmas Cards $5.00 per pack, available at the back of the Church. We thank you for your ongoing support.
12. 2025 Christmas Eve Outdoor Mass – Nativity Play: We are looking for children to be involved in the Nativity Play, which is a feature of the Christmas Eve Outdoor Mass at 6pm. Practice will take place on SATURDAY 20th DECEMBER AT 10AM, meeting in the Church. All children are welcome to join us. Enquiries: Leanne Fragomeni 0424 584 460 or fragomeni.leanne@gmail.com
13. Baby Jesus – Christmas Masses: We are seeking babies to help us celebrate our Christmas Masses this year. Please see signup sheet for Mass times available on the information desk at the back of the Church or kindly contact the office on 9307 2776 to provide details of your baby. Each baby will receive a special certificate as a memento.
14. 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.
15. The Word Among Us: ADVENT 2025 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.
16. 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.
17. Proclaimers of the Word: Your new roster for Jan – June 2026 is now ready for pick up from the pigeonhole at the back of the Church. Thank you.
18. 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.
19. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.
20. 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.
21. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Please note: Tuesday Novena Group will stop, for a Christmas break, after Tuesday 2nd December and restart again on Tuesday 13 January, at 5pm.
22. 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.
23. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
27. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/
Youth News
1. 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, please contact Jasmine 0439 976 164.
2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: 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: Linda/ Jenny/ Mirella/ Relief
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Elizabeth Shibu/ Austin Shibu/ Peter Ross/ Anne Dale/ Monica Jardim/ Julianna Jardim/ Sharon Milne/ Kade Orzanski
COUNTERS: Sunday 21st December: Tammy Murray/ Michael Chiera/ Lisa Zscherpel/ Ian Cutler/ Patricia Egan
CLEANERS: Saturday 13th December: Margarita Tranquille/ Suzan Crompton/ Kate/ Amy Lee Winn/ Trish Byrne
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 14th December: Jackie Murphy/ TBC/ TBC
SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney/ M Shilton/ Niamh Waters/ Maura Killalea/ Carol Wright/ J Quatermaine/ R Lenon/ D Kefford/ Sally Paice
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Giannasi family in Padbury from 6th to 13th December. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0401 357 303 to arrange. From 13th to 20th December the Statue will be with the Gorman family in Padbury.
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 held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Alexander Williams 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. 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'.
4. Miracle Prayers Healing Service: An opportunity to receive prayer for healing and personal intentions. Wednesday 10 December, 7.30pm at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park. Fr Doug Harris will be speaking about "St Charbel Makhlouf". Not to be missed. All welcome. Further info; visit www.youtube.com/@miracleprayersperth or 0468 306 301.
5. Vincentian Fathers – Inner Healing Retreat: Friday 12th at 9am to Sunday 14th December 5pm, Vincentian Retreat Centre, 625 Nettleton Road, Karrakup. Free of charge. Registration, please provide the following, date of retreat, adult full name, contact details, child full name and age, via email vrcperth@gmail.com or 08 9525 6539.
6. Employment Opportunities – Catholic Archdiocese of Perth: For details and how to apply, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm.
• Photographer/Videographer, Office of Communications – Permanent, Full-time
• Advisor, Workplace Safety – Permanent, Full-time
• Support Officer, The Shopfront – Permanent, Part-Time
7. Medjugorje News: 1.) All parishioners, families and friends are warmly invited to our last Medjugorje evening of Prayer for 2025 at St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St, Glendalough on Friday 12th Dec. at 7.00pm. Following Holy Mass, we warmly welcome you to the parish hall for our Christmas get together with light refreshments, free raffles and Christmas cheer. 2.) St Monica’s Prayers: Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. Holy Mass is offered every Thursday at 11.00am at St. Bernadette's Church, Glendalough, for the return of our children, grandchildren and loved ones to our one true Catholic Faith. Please join us as we pray to St. Monica asking her to intercede in bringing our loved one's home.
First reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse, a scion thrusts from his roots: on him the spirit of the Lord rests, a spirit of wisdom and insight, a spirit of counsel and power, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (The fear of the Lord is his breath.) He does not judge by appearances, he gives no verdict on hearsay, but judges the wretched with integrity, and with equity gives a verdict for the poor of the land. His word is a rod that strikes the ruthless, his sentences bring death to the wicked. Integrity is the loincloth round his waist, faithfulness the belt about his hips. The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies down with the kid, calf and lion feed together, with a little boy to lead them. The cow and the bear make friends, their young lie down together. The lion eats straw like the ox. The infant plays over the cobra’s hole; into the viper’s lair the young child puts his hand. They do no hurt, no harm, on all my holy mountain, for the country is filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters swell the sea. That day, the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples. It will be sought out by the nations and its home will be glorious.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 71(72):1-2,7-8,12-13,17
Response: Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement. R.
In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea, from the Great River to earth’s bounds. R.
For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor. R.
May his name be blessed for ever and endure like the sun. Every tribe shall be blessed in him, all nations bless his name. R.
Second reading: Romans 15:4-9
Christ is the saviour of all men
Everything that was written long ago in the scriptures was meant to teach us something about hope from the examples scripture gives of how people who did not give up were helped by God. And may he who helps us when we refuse to give up, help you all to be tolerant with each other, following the example of Christ Jesus, so that united in mind and voice you may give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It can only be to God’s glory, then, for you to treat each other in the same friendly way as Christ treated you. The reason Christ became the servant of circumcised Jews was not only so that God could faithfully carry out the promises made to the patriarchs, it was also to get the pagans to give glory to God for his mercy, as scripture says in one place: For this I shall praise you among the pagans and sing to your name.
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 3:4,6
Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12
The one who follows me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said: A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’
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.
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
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