Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 17 August 2025
Sunday 17th August 2025 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday is: 24th August 2025, Twenty-First 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 Leticia Del Rosario, John Sandison, Christian Catilo, Jovito Villas Sr, Hilda Lee Masis, Mary Farrell, Bridget Kavanagh, Annie Kavanagh, Bruce Oates and Isauro Banzon Tuazon 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 encourages us not to grow weary or lose hear, but to persevere in following Jesus. Our willingness to give of ourselves, even in the face of conflict and division, is one way to measure our discipleship.
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. First Holy Communion Celebrations: This year’s celebrations will be as follows:
WCPS – 6.30pm on Saturday 23rd August and 10.00am on Sunday 24th August
PCPS – 6.30pm on Saturday 30th August and 10.00am on Sunday 31st August.
PREP – 10.00am on Sunday, 19th October. Please keep these young people in your prayers.
2. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027: Please support our young people by your prayers and fundraising efforts as they prepare for 2027 WYD in Seoul; South Korea. Kindly support our fundraiser morning tea taking place this weekend after the Sunday 10.00am Mass in the Parish Centre. Please note, WYD dates have now been released; being 3rd – 8th August 2027. For more details, please contact Claire Neill 0450 927 575 / claireneill74@gmail.com
3. New Altar Servers’ Training: We invite children in Year four and above for Altar Servers’ Training and Rostering on Saturday, 6th September at 10.00am in the Church. If interested, please add your details to the signup sheet provided at the back of the church.
4. Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage - In line with the Theme: "Pilgrims of Hope", Fr Cyprian has organised a day-pilgrimage for our Parishioners. WHERE: Saint Mary’s Cathedral. WHEN: Saturday the 18th of October. TIME: Meet at the church at 7.30am (bus leaves 7.45am). Return by bus latest 4pm. COST: $25 pp (lunch and transport) to be paid on registration (A/C# 66579 4722, BSB# 086 006. Reference: Your name & Pilgrimage). Register quickly as places are limited! Children from Year 6 and up are welcome. Registration closes on the 5th of October. Please note: Anyone who participates in this holy year can obtain Jubilee indulgence provided they observe necessary conditions; that is, pilgrimage to holy site, taking part in prayer, liturgical celebration and sacrament of reconciliation.
5. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: From September a Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Please join us, all are welcome to attend.
6. Eucharist Adoration: Thanks to our parish priest Fr Cyprian and all who on hourly roster have kept company with Jesus for nearly 25 years, without you we would not be able to have Eucharistic Adoration. We are now in need of at least two people to keep Jesus company for just one hour per week, either Wednesday or Friday. At the moment we are desperate to cover Friday afternoons from 12pm – 1pm and 1pm – 2pm. All is required of you is that you sit quietly with Jesus. 'Jesus who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.’ Please contact 0407 471 256. The Adoration space can be found inside the Church to the right, in an enclosed area provided to sit peacefully.
7. Legion of Mary 48Hr Rosary Bouquet for Our Lady’s Birthday: 6pm Friday 5th Sept to 6pm Sunday 7th September. Presentation of the scroll of names will be made at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Monday 8th September 2025, 12.10pm. More information can be found www.legionofmarywa.org or email comitiumofperth@gmail.com.
8. Overseas Mission Ministry: Father’s Day Raffle & Sauage Sizzle, 6th & 7th Sept after ALL masses. RAFFLE ticket sales will start Sat 23rd August through to Father’s Day 7th September. Winners will be drawn after 10am Mass 7th Sept. Tickets 3 for $5.00
9. Parish RCIA; 2025-2026 Program: Have you thought about becoming Catholic? The journey leads to next year’s Easter Vigil when the sacraments of Baptism, confirmation and Eucharist for with Catechumens and Candidates. If you have not been baptised or have been baptised in another Christian church, you are welcome to begin the RCIA journey with us. Our Parish RCIA runs for information and preparation on Thursdays during school term at 7.30pm in the parish centre. For more information, please contact parish office or our coordinator Mr Tom Loreck 0417 997 254/ tomloreck@gmail.com. The doors of the church are open to everyone!
10.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, 25th October at 6.30pm. We encourage all couples celebrating 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th 30th, 35th, 40th, 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 and see parish newsletter for more details.
11. Piety Stall Volunteers Required: We desperately need volunteers for our Piety Stall for after mass Sunday 8am & 5.45pm. For information, please contact Flora on 0412 238 989 or the Parish office.
12. Glory Be Café Volunteers: We are seeking volunteers for 2026. Whether you can serve coffee and tea, lend a hand in the kitchen, or simply offer a warm welcome, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
13. **Found**: Saturday 2nd August, 6,30pm mass, Padbury Pharmacy white paper bag was left on the information table, with content inside. Please contact the office for more information.
14. Parish Website: www.whitfordcatholicparish.net Here you will find our weekly Parish newsletter, Parish forms, Donation points, and many other items of interest for you. A huge thank you to Andy for all his hard work and efforts that have gone into updating our website.
15. 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.
16. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 30th August 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.
17. The Word Among Us: SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 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.
18. 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.
19. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: The ongoing Novena on Tuesday starts at the new time of 5pm. All welcome to attend.
20. 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.
21. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
22. 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.
23. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.
24. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/
Youth News
1. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027: Please support our young people by your prayers and fundraising efforts as they embark on WYD pilgrimage to Seoul; South Korea in 2027. We are still accepting and registering those interested in joining in this exciting journey. For more details, please contact Claire Neill 0450 927 575 / claireneill74@gmail.com.
2. 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
3. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Linda/ Cecilia/ Vilma/ Pam
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie Graham/ Chris Graham/ Megan Woodall/ Celine Chaperon/ Monica Jardim/ Julianna Jardim/ Sally Paice/ Eliza Boylen
COUNTERS: Sunday 31st August: Nicole Willey/ Nirmalene Mendis/ Tim Laver/ Andrew Legg/ Carla.
CLEANERS: Saturday 23rd August: Ian Fernandez/ Maria Bennett/ Alana Williams/ Carol Janeczko/ Danzel/ Amos Kiprop/ Evelyn D’Souza
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 24th August: Marv Morrissey/ Clare Domanski/ Jo Emery
SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney/ J Gagatek/ Chris Knox/ Maura Killalea/ Corina Gill/ Carol Wright/ A D’Souza/ C Davini/ Claire Neill
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Radford family in Kallaroo 16th to 23rd August. Those wishing to join the family to say the Rosary, can call them on 0407 471 256 to arrange. From 23rd to 30th August the Statue will be with the Turner family in Beldon.
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 5th September 2025.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Rory O’Donnell 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. Catholic Outreach: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is. The session begins at 9.30am with morning tea provided. The finish time is 1.00pm. Cost = $13.00 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 30 September.
3. Bruce Downes – The Catholic Guy: One day event – Come and Be Spiritually Renewed. Sautrday 29th August from 12pm-4.30pm at Impacters Centre, 17 Gibberd Rd, Balcatta. Register at BruceDownes.org/auevents
4. Charismatic Healing Service - Fri, 29 Aug: The 'Spiritual Renewal Ministry' in the Riverton parish, in conjunction with CCR Perth, will conduct a Mass & Healing Service on Friday, Aug 29 at Queen of Apostles Parish, Riverton, commencing with praise at 7:00pm. The healing ministry, through the laying on of hands, will immediately follow the Mass. Please see notice board for details or contact Vargheese Mathew on 0425 807 434
5. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan to speak at Catholic Man Breakfast Series: The Chief Justice of Western Australia Peter Quinlan will speak at the Catholic Man Breakfast Series hosted by Most Rev. Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Thursday 11th September 2025, 07:00am - 09:00am, Duxton Hotel. Enquiries Ray Gourlay 0408 923 068. Tickets https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/CMBSper25
6. Christ in the Community: Fr Richard will lead this session focusing on how Jesus connects with us, how He sees us, and how we see Him. Just as Jesus was fully present with others, our presence with people can also be life changing. During the session, attendees will be invited to ask questions and share their experiences. When: Saturday 13 September 9.30am to 11.30am(morning tea provided)Location: Seminar Room, Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary Street, Highgate. RSVP by 10 September to -outreach@perthcatholic.org.au or telephone 9422 7920
First reading: Jeremiah 38:4-6,8-10
'Do not let the prophet die'
The king’s leading men spoke to the king. ‘Let Jeremiah be put to death: he is unquestionably disheartening the remaining soldiers in the city, and all the people too, by talking like this. The fellow does not have the welfare of this people at heart so much as its ruin.’ ‘He is in your hands as you know,’ King Zedekiah answered ‘for the king is powerless against you.’ So they took Jeremiah and threw him into the well of Prince Malchiah in the Court of the Guard, letting him down with ropes. There was no water in the well, only mud, and into the mud Jeremiah sank. Ebed-melech came out from the palace and spoke to the king. ‘My lord king,’ he said ‘these men have done a wicked thing by treating the prophet Jeremiah like this: they have thrown him into the well, where he will die.’ At this the king gave Ebed-melech the Cushite the following order: ‘Take three men with you from here and pull the prophet Jeremiah out of the well before he dies.’
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 39(40):2-4,18
Response: Lord, come to my aid!
I waited, I waited for the Lord and he stooped down to me; he heard my cry. R.
He drew me from the deadly pit, from the miry clay. He set my feet upon a rock and made my footsteps firm. R.
He put a new song into my mouth, praise of our God. Many shall see and fear and shall trust in the Lord. R.
As for me, wretched and poor, the Lord thinks of me. You are my rescuer, my help, O God, do not delay. R.
Second reading: Hebrews 12:1-4
We should keep running steadily in the race we have started
With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started. Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection: for the sake of the joy which was still in the future, he endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and from now on has taken his place at the right of God’s throne. Think of the way he stood such opposition from sinners and then you will not give up for want of courage. In the fight against sin, you have not yet had to keep fighting to the point of death.
Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27
Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia!
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:49-53
How I wish it were blazing already!
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over! ‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’
Father in Heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever. 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.
By providing a safe environment, actively identifying and managing risk, and complying with the Safeguarding policy, guidelines and legal obligations, we serve Jesus and uphold human dignity as the foundation of our faith. We aim for our parish to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive.
Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). We annually undertake a self-assessment (Safeguarding Activities Assessment Tool – SAAT) to continuously improve and monitor the implementation of the NCSS.
You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/
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. See poster in Church for contact details. Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and Michael Chiera: mjchiera@gmail.com
Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has broadened safeguarding to include adults at risk. 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.
Reporting Abuse
If you have concerns about the safety and well-being of a child or adult within the context of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth or wish to report abuse, you can:
· Contact the Safeguarding Officer
· Submit a Safeguarding Concern Report Form https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/
· Call the Safeguarding Program Office on (08) 9221 7762.
Other Useful Information
Safeguarding Commitment Statement: Use the following link to view the Safeguarding Commitment statement - Commitment Statement – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)
Safeguarding Handbook: Safeguarding_Handbook.pdf (perthcatholic.org.au)
Safeguarding Prayer: Safeguarding Prayer (perthcatholic.org.au)
Role of Safeguarding Officer: Please find description on page 4 of the handbook
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