Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 21st December 2025
Sunday 21st December 2025: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Next Sunday is: 28th December: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
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 Gary Chamberlain, Humberto & Lidia Ferreira, Kay Sweeney, Agnes Farrell, Angela Di Nucci, Ellie Penaranda and Tessie Cheng 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.
When he discovered that Mary with child, Joseph resolved to end their engagement with as little disgrace as possible. But obedient to the voice of God, he changed those plans and became instead the protector of the child Jesus and His mother, Mary. God grant that I may be as open to the leading of the Holy Spirit!
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: No Morning Mass on Christmas Eve: To enable us to adequately prepare for the Church and grounds for Christmas Masses, we will not have 7.00am and 9.00am Masses on Christmas Eve; Wednesday, 24th December. 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 see schedule for Christmas Mass Times. Thank you. 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 2026.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Overseas Mission Group: PLEASE SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY 6th FEBRUARY 26. 6.30pm in the Parish Centre. A fundraising event in Parish hall, will be a combined dinner & fun short Trivia. (yes, not the normal quiz or Trivia night). As well as fundraising for our Missions overseas, an opportunity to have our community Parish, come together & share a meal & have some fun with our short trivia game. KEEP AN EYE on newsletter, more details, ticket price etc will be in January 26 newsletters. On behalf of the Parish OVERSEAS MISSION MINISTRY, a HUGE Thank You for all your support with our fundraising events, & May we wish one & all a wonderful Blessed festive season. MERRY CHRISTMAS & A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026. Contact Linda. 0449101720
8. Whitford St Vincent de Paul: Many thanks for your very generous support for our 2025 Christmas hamper program. Last weekend 61 hampers were given to struggling families we have helped during the year. Your donations will brighten their Christmas and show your caring spirit for the poor. 'Wishing you a very happy and holy Christmas. Packets of Christmas Cards $5.00 per pack, available at the back of the Church. We thank you for your ongoing support.
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: January 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. 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.
12. 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.
13. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.
14. 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.
15. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Please note: Tuesday Novena Group has stopped, for a Christmas break, and will restart again on Tuesday 13 January, at 5pm.
16. The Divine Mercy Ministry: The members of this Ministry pray for the sick and the dying. Please send names of family and friends, if you want them to be lifted up in prayer, via text or message to 0410 289 725.
17. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Prayers: Are recited each Saturday in our Church at the 8.00am Mass after benediction. All welcome!
18. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes. Please call the office 9307 2776 to make enquiries and book.
19. Your 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: Closed for the Christmas break. 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: Closed for the Christmas Break. 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: Relief/ Cecilia Araya/ Relief/ Pam Thompson.
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Laurie & Chris Graham/ Andrea Hancock & Helen Leithead/ Emma Janeczko & Marian McGrath/ Bernie Smith & Anne Couzens.
COUNTERS: Sunday 4th January 2026: Colin O’Neill/ Caroline Mikeska/ Mary McGrath-Yek/ Suyaine Tohovitis/ Ebony Lepoutre.
CLEANERS: Saturday 27th December: Ian Fernandez/ Maria Bennett/ Carol Janeczko/ Evelyn D’Souza.
GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 28th December: Mary Morrissey/ Clare Domanski/ Jo Emery.
SPECIAL MINISTERS: Linda Sweeney & Anthony Ting/ Chris Knox & Peta Geneste/ Corina Gill, Sandy Willianson & Jesse Bouwman/ Sharon Milne & Sarah Boylen.
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Nerva family in Padbury from 20th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0432 022 550 to arrange. From 3rd to 17th January 2026 the Statue will be with the Lenon family in Perth.
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 currently closed for Christmas.
BAPTISMS: We welcome Rian King, Spencer Chua, Arthur Chua, Oaklen Niner and Olive Niner 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.
DEATH & ANNIVERSARY: Please offer your prayers this week for Gary Chamberlain, Humberto & Lidia Ferreira, Kay Sweeney, Agnes Farrell, Angela Di Nucci, 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.
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. Medjugorje News 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 7:10-14
The maiden is with child
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 23(24):1-6
Response: Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm. R.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things. R.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Second reading: Romans 1:1-7
Our apostolic mission is to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures. This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.
Gospel Acclamation: Matt 1:23
Alleluia, alleluia! A virgin will give birth to a son; His name will be Emmanuel: God is with us. Alleluia!
Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-24
How Jesus Christ came to be born
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.
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.
The Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Book of Daniel, we meet three young men — Ananiah, Azariah, and Mishael — whose story is one of remarkable courage and faith. Faced with the command of a mighty king to bow before a false god, they refused, choosing instead to entrust themselves entirely to the one true God of Israel. Even as they were cast into the fiery furnace, they declared with quiet conviction that their God could save them — but even if He did not, they would not turn away from Him.
This ancient story of faith and fidelity is not merely a tale of the past. It is a reminder that courage, rooted in faith, continues to be at the heart of our Christian calling. At Christmas, we celebrate not the triumph of power or might, but the courage of divine love made visible in the fragile vulnerability of a child — the Christ Child, born for us in Bethlehem.
In the mystery of the Incarnation, God does not remain distant from our suffering or our fear. He enters into it. The Word becomes flesh not in a palace but in a stable; not clothed in splendour but wrapped in the simplicity of swaddling clothes. In this child, God Himself embraces the human condition — its beauty and its brokenness — and offers us the hope that even in darkness, light will always prevail.
As we come to the end of another year — a year that has brought both joy and challenge for our Church, our communities, and our world — we are invited once again to ponder the deeper meaning of Christmas. In times of uncertainty, when the future seems unclear and the world around us can feel divided or weary, the message of Christmas whispers something profound: “Do not be afraid.”
These words, spoken by the angel to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, echo still today. The courage of Ananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, the steadfast faith of Mary and Joseph, and the humble obedience of the shepherds — all point us to the same truth: God is with us.
When we allow this truth to dwell within us, something extraordinary begins to happen. Fear gives way to peace. Division yields to reconciliation. And hope, often fragile and flickering, grows strong again. The birth of Christ reminds us that even the smallest light can dispel the deepest darkness, and that God’s presence among us is not an idea, but a living reality.
Here in the Archdiocese of Perth, I have witnessed this reality in many ways throughout 2025 — in the tireless service of parish communities, the dedication of teachers and families in our Catholic schools, and the compassionate outreach of our agencies and ministries to those most in need. These are living signs that Christ continues to walk with His people, inspiring acts of generosity, forgiveness, and faith.
Yet Christmas also calls each of us personally. Like the shepherds who left their flocks to seek the Child, or the Magi who followed the star, we are invited to make a journey — a journey of the heart. It is a journey that leads us to the manger, where in the quiet stillness we encounter the face of God revealed in love.
As we gaze upon the Christ Child this Christmas, may we ask for the same courage shown by those three faithful servants of God so long ago — the courage to trust, to hope, and to love, even in the face of uncertainty. For it is in such courage that we find the peace that Christ alone can give.
My prayer for you and your families this Christmas is that the Lord will fill your hearts with this peace — a peace born not of the absence of struggle, but of the sure presence of God who walks beside us. May this holy season be a time of renewal, reconciliation, and joyful hope for all.
Let us, then, echo the words of the angels and of the Church in every age:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.”
A happy and holy Christmas to you all.
Hark the Herald
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies. With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a Virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
O little town of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
When a Child is Born
A ray of hope flickers in the sky A tiny star lights up way up high All across the land dawns a brand new morn This comes to pass when a child is born
A silent wish sails the seven seas The winds of change whisper in the trees And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn This comes to pass when a child is born
A rosy hue settles all around You've got the feel you're on solid ground For a spell or two no-one seems forlorn This comes to pass when a child is born.
And all of this happened Because the world is waiting Waiting for one child Black, white, yellow, no one knows But a child that would grow up and turn tears to laughter Hate to love, war to peace And everyone to everyone's neighbour Misery and suffering would be forgotten forever.
It's all a dream and illusion now It must come true, sometimes soon somehow All across the land dawns a brand new morn This comes to pass when a child is born.
Mary’s Boy Child
Long time ago in Bethlehem so the Holy Bible say Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ Was born on Christmas Day. Hark now hear the angels sing a new king born today. And man will live for evermore Because of Christmas Day.
While shepherds watched their flock by night, they saw a bright new shining star they hear a choir sing the music seemed to come from afar. Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new king born today, and man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.
Joseph and his wife, Mary, came to Bethlehem that night, they found no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight. Hark now hear the angels sing, a new king born today, and man will live for evermore because of Christmas Day.
By and by they find a little nook in a stable all forlorn, and in a manger cold and dark, Mary's little boy was born. Trumpets sound and angels sing, listen to what they say that man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day. That man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.
Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum. Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum Me and my drum.
O Holy Night
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
there came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
in all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
The Holly and the Ivy
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flow'r
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our dear Saviour.
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in
Sweet singing in
In the choir
Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donna and Blitzen,
but do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it, you could even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names; They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say: Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then how the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, you'll go down in history. “You’ll go down in history."
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there.
Opening
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above. Glory to God, Glory in the highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Hail! Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning, O Jesus to thee be all Glory giv’n. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Lord have Mercy
Lord have Mercy
Lord have Mercy
Christ have Mercy
Christ have Mercy
Lord have Mercy
Lord have Mercy
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you,
we glorify you, we give You thanks for Your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King. O God, almighty Father - almighty Father...
Chorus
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
Chorus
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
Chorus
Psalm Response
Today a saviour has been born for us: he is Christ the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is with us! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Good news and great joy, Good news for all. Our saviour born for us is Christ the Lord! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is with us! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Gospel
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Little donkey
Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load.
Been a long time, little donkey through the winter's night. Don't give up now, little donkey Bethlehem's in sight
Ring out those bells’ tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Follow that star tonight Bethlehem, Bethlehem. Little donkey, little donkey had a heavy day.
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way
Little donkey, little donkey journey's end is near. There are wise men waiting for a sign to bring them here. Do not falter, little donkey there's a star ahead. It will guide you, little donkey to a cattle shed
Chorus
Offertory
Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star
Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star.
Shining brightly from afar. Guide our way to Bethlehem, where the king of kings was born. Now we see with our own eyes he’s our Saviour Jesus Christ!
We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
Chorus
Frankincense to offer have I. Incense owns a Deity nigh. Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.
Chorus
Myrrh is mine: it's bitter perfume. Breaths a life of gathering gloom. Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Chorus
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice. Alleluia, alleluia! Sounds through the earth and skies.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right and just.
Sanctus
Holy, Holy Lord (Holy Lord, God of hosts)
Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna (in the high, highest)
Hosanna in the highest
blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Hosanna)
Hosanna in the highest.
Memorial Acclamation
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
Great Amen
Amen, Amen, Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread
Forgive us our trespasses.
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
Forgive us our trespasses.
Our Father….
Oh Lord, lead us not
Into temptation, But save us from evil, and the Kingdom, the power, and the Glory forever will be yours. Our Father…
Sign of Peace
Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And with your spirit.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, mercy, mercy, have mercy on us, mercy on us all, mercy (repeat).
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace, grant us peace.
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Communion Reflection
Silent night
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born.
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God love's pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
Silent Night! Holy Night!
Here at last, healing light
From the heavenly kingdom sent, abundant grace for our intent.
Jesus, salvation for all.
Jesus, salvation for all.
Silent Night! Holy Night!
Sleeps the world in peace tonight. God sends his Son to earth below. A Child from whom all blessings flow.
Jesus, embraces mankind.
Jesus, embraces mankind.
Silent Night! Holy Night!
Mindful of mankind's plight;
The Lord in Heav'n on high decreed,
From earthly woes we would be freed
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
Jesus, God's promise for peace.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Said the night wind to the little lamb do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb, do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky shepherd boy, do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, do you know what I know?
In your palace wall mighty king, do you know what I know?
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere, listen to what I say.
Pray for peace people everywhere, listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light.
Recessional
Joy to the world
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, holy, and safe year!
Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Prospero año y felicidad
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad
Prospero año y Felicidad
I wanna wish you a merry Christmas, I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas, I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.
We wanna wish you a merry Christmas. We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas, We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of our hearts.
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
May peace wrap its arms around you
May peace wrap its arms around you
May peace wrap its arms around you
For Christmas this year
May your heart be filled with wonder
May your heart be filled with wonder
May your heart be filled with wonder
For Christmas this year
For Christmas this year
For Christmas this year
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