Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 25th January 2026
This Sunday is: The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday is: 1st February 2026, The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!
Fr Tri and I warmly welcome you here at Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish, parishioners and visitors alike. We pray and hope that you feel truly safe and at home in this our place of prayer, worship and personal encounter with our risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit ever pray in us more than we can ever imagine and bind us together in the love of our Heavenly Father. Over fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains home to dozens of nationalities represented by our parishioners and frequent visitors. We take pride in our young people; those in our parish primary and secondary schools, those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and our parish youth group. They are not just our future Church but a vital part of our Church today and now. We value these our young people and endeavor to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. Together, we continue to seek ways in which we can generously respond to that universal call to holiness of life in our families, parish community and in the society at large. I invite you and all your loved ones to be purposeful in this resolve. We must leave no one behind, those within and those on the peripheries. As always, Fr. Tri and I thank one and all of you for your ongoing prayers, concern, encouragement and support. Rest assured of our daily thoughts and prayers. We entrust you and yours, into the powerful intercessions of our Blessed Virgin Mother of Good counsel, and into those of St Joseph, patron of the universal Church.
Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - PP.
Please offer your prayers this week for Shelagh Brice, Patricia McCarthy, Benet Nerva, Mary Greenwood, 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.
The watchword today is “immediately.” Peter and Andrew, James and John all respond immediately to the call of Christ. May I be as open to God’s call and as ready to use my talents in His service as those first disciples were!
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. Happy Australia Day: We wish you all a very happy and meaningful Happy Australia Day long weekend. Stay safe and have great celebrations.
2. Parish Ministry-Fair: On the weekend of 14th/15th February 2026, we will hold a ministry fair at all Masses; an opportunity to showcase some of the ministries that help in the effective running of our parish. We encourage all parishioners especially those not involved in any parish ministry to consider joining a ministry of their choice. This way, you purposely contribute in a more meaningful way to the beauty of our parish. Please browse latest copy of parish Blue Book and or contact parish office for more details. The parish needs you.
3. 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.
4. Parents’ Information Evening: All Parents with children due for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and or First Reconciliation are invited for an information Evening on Wednesday, 11th February at 7.00pm in the Parish Church. It is important that at least one parent or care-giver attends this evening to gain an insight of what is expected to prepare your child/ren for the celebration of their sacraments.
5. Sacramental Enrolment Weekend: All our young people celebrating First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation this year are invited to join us with their families for Enrolment weekend; 14/15 February. Please ensure you have relevant forms and documents if required to bring them to weekend Mass; 6.30pm Saturday 14th February or 8.00am, 10.00am or 5.45pm on Sunday 15th February. Please note, Enrolment ceremony do NOT take place at the Saturday Morning Mass.
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 Fundraiser: OSM would like your support on the 6th February for Buffet Dinner & Fun Trivia activity - FUN TRIVIA ACTIVITY ONLY. (No need to make up your own table, unless you have 6 /family /friends/children). Door prize, $1 raffle on night (Hamper) Prize for winning table of fun Trivia activity. Tickets $18 adults $14 children under 10. BYO Alcohol & soft drinks. Water Tea/coffee will be available. Tickets on sale after all masses. So please come along & support OSM Ministry, invite your friends and family. We look forward to sharing Dinner/Fun & fellowship. Contact. Linda. 0448101720. Or linda.sweeney@hotmail.com
8. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Fundraiser: Please save the date for our Car wash fundraiser for WYD on Saturday 28th February. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
9. 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.
10. The Word Among Us: LENT 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.
11. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. 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.
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 Offering: Please remember to deposit your offerings in the boxes provided in the foyer area or use electronic donation points. Thank you.
19. 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.
20. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
21. 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 in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.
3. World Youth Day Seoul 2027: If you would like to attend with the Our Lady of the Mission Parish you will need to pay your registration and complete a registration form before Jan 31st 2026 - there will be no exceptions after this date to allow for group bookings to commence.
4. World Youth Day OLM Pilgrims meeting: Friday 13th February in the Parish hall at 7pm sharp- This is compulsory for ALL attendees to WYD.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Relief/ Cecilia Araya/ Alice Espiritu/ Relief.
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Kerry Roberts & Margaret Shilton/ Megan Woodall & Celine Chaperon/ Monica Jardim & Julianna Jardim/ Sharon Milne & Kade Orzanski.
COUNTERS: Sunday 1st February 2026: Vicky Ryan/ Judy Cavanagh/ Amanda Cross/ Senol Bonny.
CLEANERS: Friday 30th January: Mariella Samuel/ Lisa Coppinger/ Renee Rowe/ Sarah Dale/ Teagan Blackburn/ Jeanette O’Rourke/ Leona McCormack.
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 1st February: Filipino Prayer Group with Noya.
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves & Anthony Ting/ Diane Raftos & Peta Geneste/ Mirella Augustin, Jarrod Quatermaine & Ronellie Lenon/ Anne Redmond & L Pfeifhofer.
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann Poulton in Gwelup from 31st January to 14th February. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0424 813 890 to arrange. From 14th to 21st February 2026 the Statue will be with the Rice family in Woodvale.
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 February 2026.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Maggie Rowe 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. 'St. Monica's Tears': Due to an increase of our children and grandchildren leaving the Catholic Faith a special Holy Mass together with intercessory prayers to St Monica takes place. Where: St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. When: Every Thursday starting with Holy Mass 11.00am followed by rosary and concluding at 12.00noon. All are invited to place the names of their lapsed loved ones in a box marked 'Monica's Tears'. Please join us as we shower heaven with our prayers for our lapsed loved one.
4. Understanding Change, Loss & Grief Seminar: Saturday, 21 March at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40a Mary St, Highgate. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is. The session runs from 9.30am to 1pm with morning tea provided. Cost = $16.00 for the Seasons for Growth: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief workbook. Contact Catholic Outreach on (08) 9422 7920 or outreach@perthcatholic.org.au for further information. Register by 16 March 2026.
5. MercyCare: a Public Juridical Person of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, is offering a free series of three workshops on the 10th, 17th and 24th of February 2026 exploring how to enter the Third Stage of Life with confidence and purpose. Time: 10.30am–1.00pm (morning tea provided). Venue: MercyCare Currambine Hub, Unit 8/94 Delamere Ave, Currambine 6028. Cost: Free. These workshops are suitable for people caring for someone in later life, those entering this stage themselves, or anyone aged 50+ preparing for the years ahead.
6. Catholic Pilgrimage Tour in Vietnam: 15 Days, 14 Nights March 2026. Please see leaflet at back of Church for more information or contact Ray on 0412 698 852.
First reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:3
In Galilee of the nations the people has seen a great light
In days past the Lord humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in days to come he will confer glory on the Way of the Sea on the far side of Jordan, province of the nations. The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. You have made their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your presence as men rejoice at harvest time, as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils. For the yoke that was weighing on him, the bar across his shoulders, the rod of his oppressor – these you break as on the day of Midian.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 26(27):1,4,13-14
Response: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
before whom shall I shrink? R.
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long, to live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to savour the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple. R.
I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord! R.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17
Make up the differences between you instead of disagreeing among yourselves
I appeal to you, brothers, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to make up the differences between you, and instead of disagreeing among yourselves, to be united again in your belief and practice. From what Chloe’s people have been telling me, my dear brothers, it is clear that there are serious differences among you. What I mean are all these slogans that you have, like: ‘I am for Paul’, ‘I am for Apollos’, ‘I am for Cephas’, ‘I am for Christ.’ Has Christ been parcelled out? Was it Paul that was crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News, and not to preach that in the terms of philosophy in which the crucifixion of Christ cannot be expressed.
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 4:12-23
He went and settled in Capernaum: in this way the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled
Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan, Galilee of the nations! The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.’ From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him. He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people.
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. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Lady of the Mission, Pray for Us.
Prayer Adapted from New Norcia WA Pilgrimage.
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