Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is:17th May The Ascension of The Lord

Greetings and peace be with you.

Fr Errol 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. Errol 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 11th May

NO MASS

Feast Day:

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Tuesday 12th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 13th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Thursday 14th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Matthias

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Friday 15th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Saturday 16th May

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 17th May

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord may our hearts be filled with joy as we follow you.

Introduction Jesus promised us that he would never leave us alone. He is with us for ever and always – and his love changes everything.

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8. 14-17

Peter and John visited Samaria and prayed for the Holy Spirit to come to the new Christians.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Gospel: John 17:1-11

Jesus tells his disciples that he is about to leave them, but they will not be alone. He promises to come to them and to send the Holy Spirit.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Please offer your prayers this week for Brendan Rafferty, Maureen McLeod, Beverley Hull, Cara Maguire, Thressia Varghese, 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.

Those who obey the commandments, Jesus says in today’s Gospel, are the ones who really love Him. Does my stewardship reveal my love for Jesus?

We would love to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our priests Fr. Cyp and Fr. Errol.

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 Mothers’ Day! We wish all our Parish Mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers a very happy Mothers’ Day. Feel truly loved and appreciated for all you are and do for our families and community.

2. RCIA 2026/27 Program: Are you a non-Catholic or a Catholic yet to complete your Sacraments of initiation; Eucharist and Confirmation? Would you like to know the process of becoming a full member of God’s family in the Catholic Church? If your answer is yes, please consider joining us for an inquiry evening on Thursday, 25th June 2026 at 7.00pm in the parish centre. For more detail, contact our parish RCIA Coordinator Mr. Thomas Loreck on 0417 997 254 / tomloreck@gmail.com or contact Fr Cyprian directly. We look forward to journeying with you to Easter 2027 and beyond.

3. Confirmation Mass Time: Please be advised, Confirmation Mass on Saturday 23rd May and Saturday 30th May will be at 5.30pm. The rest of the weekend Mass times are as usual.

4. Reconciliation Time: Please note, Parish weekend Reconciliation will be 4.00pm – 5.00pm on 23rd & 30th May.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 30th May 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.

6. Eucharist Adoration: Seeking someone to sit with Jesus, 4-5pm each Wednesday for 2 months. Please contact 0407 471 256 if you can offer your help. Thank you & God Bless.

7. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Workshop: Saturday 16th May 10am – 12pm. This workshop will be run by The Centre for Liturgy at Woodvale Parish. Cost is $10 per person. Please contact the Parish Office 9307 2776 or Whitford@perthcatholic.org.au if you would like to attend.

8. Piety Stall *Volunteers Required*: Our Piety Stall is seeking some extra volunteers for the running of the Piety Stall after Masses. If you are able to spare some time even casually, please contact the Parish Office.

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: MAY 2026 - 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 and Fridays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.

12. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Fr Errol 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.

13. Rosary for World Peace: Please come and join the Rosary group, on Tuesday evening at 5pm, to say the Rosary for peace in the world. The Pope has asked all Catholics to pray this very powerful prayer for peace in our troubled world.

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

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

18. Your Collections: Thank you very much for your continued contribution and support to the Parish and Priests. 1st Collection: To contribute Direct Debit: 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.

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

20. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest for students starting Kindergarten in 2028! For more information: https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/learning/kindergarten/

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 15th May. 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: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

3. WYD - African Themed Mother’s Day Event: Friday 22nd May at 6pm. Join us for our OLM Mother’s Day dinner and African takeover on 22nd May in Parish Hall. Tickets can be purchased through the week at the Parish office and after Masses in the coming weeks. Tickets are $40 adult and $25 children under 12 years old. If you can donate towards prizes, please contact Claire Neill 0450927575.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Relief/ Cecilia/ Cheryl/ Relief

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Kerry Roberts, Margaret Shilton/ Tamara McGougan, Edith R-Thomas/ Jan Mateljan, Michael Mateljan/ Nicole Westneat, Evelyn Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 24th May: Colin O’Neill/ Caroline Mikeska/ Mary McGrath-Yek/ Suyaine Tohovitis/ Ebony Lepoutre

CLEANERS: Saturday 16th May: Tarsha Malone/ Christian Philogene/ Rhonda Sloan/ Kelly Giannasi

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 17th May: Monica Majano/ Maria Majano/ Vilma Batt/ Sue Quatermaine

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves, J Gagatek, Anthony Ting, K Roberts/ Diane Raftos, T McGougan, Lee Hansen, Maura Killalea/ Adam O’Neill, E Rodrigues-Thomas, A D’Souza, M McGrath, R Lenon/ X Prentice, Leanne Pfeifhofer, D Kefford, Tara Prentice

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Newbond family in Burns Beach from 9th to 16th May. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0408 662 441 to arrange. From 16th to 30th May 2026 the Statue will be with Shirley-Ann in Gwelup.

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 5th June 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30am–7 pm.

BAPTISMS: We welcome Luke Simpson, Harper Beckett and Addison Beckett 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. OLM Free Garden Soil: There is free garden soil in the first bay of the Church carpark. If you are interested in taking it, please do so any weekday between 10am and 1pm or Saturday between 9am and 4pm or Sunday between 12pm and 5pm.

3. 'St. Monica's Tears': Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. Please be advised that 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.

4. Miracle Prayers: Come to the next Miracle Prayers healing service at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo on Wednesday 27th May at 7.30pm. Elijah Boylen will be speaking about 'Expectant Faith.' Prayers for healing and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be available. Enquires: 0404 028 298.

5. Sisters of Saint Joseph: Reflection Day Understanding Our Relationship With Creation on 6th June, 9am to 5.30pm at Killmolee Safety bay. Cost $50. Contact safety.bay@sosjspirit.org.au or 9527 3240.

6. Schoenstatt Pilgrimage: May Pilgrimage to the Shrine on Sunday 31st May 2026 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, 9 Talus Drive, Mt Richon. Rosary Procession, Reflection and Refreshments, please bring a plate to share. Contact 9399 2349 or pmainwa@gmail.com.

7. The Gathering Northern Suburbs Social Group: Music, Quiz, entertainment and Community Information. Bring a plate to share, Bring a book to swap. Held in St Anthonys Parish Hall, 15 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo on Thursday 21st May at 10.15am. $5 voluntary contribution. For more details contact Sean McDonagh 0431 018 388 or Jim Egan 0413 866 320 or email: thegatheringnorthernsuburbs@gmail.com

8. MenALIVE Catholic Man Breakfast Series: Our newly ordained auxiliary bishop Most Rev. Nelson Po will share his story at the Catholic Man Breakfast Series hosted by Most Rev. Don Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, and sponsored by menALIVE. Please join us for an inspiring breakfast with likeminded Catholic men on Thursday 11th June 2026, 07:00 - 09:00, Duxton Hotel.Registration: https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/CMBS2026

First reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17

They laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit

Philip went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result, there was great rejoicing in that town. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 65(66):1-7,16,20

Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds! R.

‘Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!’ Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. R.

He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. R.

Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul: Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me. R.

Second reading:1 Peter 3:15-18

In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life

Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.

Why, Christ himself, innocent though he was, had died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.

Gospel Acclamation: John 14:23

Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11

Father, it is time for you to glorify me

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Father, the hour has come: glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you; and, through the power over all mankind that you have given him, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth and finished the work that you gave me to do. Now, Father, it is time for you to glorify me with that glory I had with you before ever the world was. I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me. They were yours and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now at last they know that all you have given me comes indeed from you; for I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have truly accepted this, that I came from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. I pray for them; I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you: all I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.’

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 (cf. Jn 14:15-21), the continuation of that of last Sunday, takes us back to the moving and dramatic moment of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. John the Evangelist gathers from the lips and heart of the Lord His last teachings, before His Passion and death. Jesus promises his friends, at that sad, dark moment, that after him, they will receive “another Paraclete” (v. 16). This word means another “Advocate”, another Defender, another Counsellor: “the Spirit of Truth” (v. 17); and he adds, “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you” (v. 18). These words convey the joy of a new Coming of Christ. He, Risen and glorified, dwells in the Father and at the same time comes to us in the Holy Spirit. And in his new coming, he reveals our union with him and with the Father: “You will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you” (v. 20).

Today, by meditating on these words of Jesus, we perceive with the sense of faith that we are the People of God in communion with the Father and with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The Church finds the inexhaustible source of her very mission, which is achieved through love, in this mystery of communion. Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (v. 21). So, love introduces us to the knowledge of Jesus, thanks to the action of this “Advocate” that Jesus sent, that is, the Holy Spirit. Love for God and neighbour is the greatest commandment of the Gospel. The Lord today calls us to respond generously to the Gospel’s call to love, placing God at the centre of our lives and dedicating ourselves to the service of our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need of support and consolation.

If ever there is an attitude that is never easy, even for a Christian community, it is precisely how to love oneself, to love after the Lord’s example and with his grace. Sometimes disagreements, pride, envy, divisions, leave their mark even on the beautiful face of the Church. A community of Christians should live in the charity of Christ, and instead, it is precisely there that the evil one “sets his foot in” and sometimes we allow ourselves to be deceived. And those who pay the price are those who are spiritually weaker. How many of them — and you know some of them — how many of them have distanced themselves because they did not feel welcomed, did not feel understood, did not feel loved. How many people have distanced themselves, for example, from some parish or community because of the environment of gossip, jealousy, and envy they found there. Even for a Christian, knowing how to love is never a thing acquired once and for all. We must begin anew every day. We must practice it so that our love for the brothers and sisters we encounter may become mature and purified from those limitations or sins that render it incomplete, egotistical, sterile, and unfaithful. We have to learn the art of loving every day. Listen to this: every day we must learn the art of loving; every day we must patiently follow the school of Christ. Every day we must forgive and look to Jesus, and do this with the help of this “Advocate”, of this Counsellor whom Jesus has sent to us that is the Holy Spirit.

May the Virgin Mary, the perfect disciple of her Son and Lord, help us to be more and more docile to the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth, to learn every day how to love each other as Jesus loved us.

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 Errol X Lobo Ph: 0410 929 205

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