Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: 29th March, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

We are now in Lenten season; accompanying our Lord on his path of suffering, crucifixion at Calvary; and glorious resurrection at Easter. I offer this short statement as a guideline for those who may struggle with fasting and abstinence. The law of abstinence (refraining from meat) binds all Catholics who are fourteen years of age and above. The law of fasting binds all Catholics who are eighteen to sixty years of age. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the days of abstinence and fasting – ref Canon #1250 - 1253. I hasten to recommend that you speak to your health professional and follow their advice if you have any underlying health concerns. Have a fruitful Lent.

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.

Monday 23rd March

NO MASS

Feast day:

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Tuesday 24th March

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

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Wednesday 25th March

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: The Annunciation

of the Lord

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Thursday 26th March

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

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Friday 27th March

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

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Saturday 28th March

Church 8.00am, 6.30pm

Feast day:

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Sunday 29th March

Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm

Feast day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, may Lent be a time when we change our selfishness to self-giving, our apathy to compassion and our doubt to deep abiding faith.

Introduction Jesus once again reveals himself as having power, this time with the raising of Lazarus, power over life and death. As he called Lazarus out of the tomb, he calls us to leave behind all that impedes us accepting the life he offers us.

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First Reading Ezekiel 37:12-14

With the Lord’s gift of his Spirit, we shall live.

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Second Reading Romans 8:8-11

The Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.

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Gospel John 11:1-45

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

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Antiphon to the Psalm: With the Lord there is

Mercy and fullness of redemption.

• The Cross is due to arrive at OLM Whitford Catholic Parish from Fremantle Parish at 4.00pm Saturday 25th of April, 2026 and will be assembled in preparation for the liturgies that will be a part of its brief visit to OLM.

• There will be opportunity for prayer and adoration before the Cross, opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and finally the Vigil Mass at 6.30pm followed by a ceremonial packing of the Cross ready for the next part of its Pilgrimage.

• This is an opportunity for the Church to recognise what Migrants have brought to the Church in Australia as well as our Nation in making Australia their home.

• It is true that we here at OLM are constantly reminded of the immense contribution that has been made in this Parish by our migrant communities by the map displayed in our Church foyer. This is an opportunity for the Parish to acknowledge this contribution in a special way along with Catholics across Australia.

• All welcome to attend. Please invite you family and friends for this special occasion.

Please offer your prayers this week for Roberto Cicolini, Le Thi Ket, Peter Skinner, Rosemary Moss, Ann Codlin, Martha Harrison 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 Jesus heard about the illness of His friend, Lazarus, He responded, “This illness is not to end in death; rather it is for God’s glory, that through it the Son of God may be glorified.” Every aspect of our lives – our gifts as well as our sufferings – can, if surrendered to Christ, lead to blessing for others and ourselves.

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!

Fifth Sunday of Lent, 21st – 22nd March 2026

Since October 2023, Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza have endured displacement, personal loss, and danger alongside the communities they serve. Despite unimaginable challenges, they remain committed to providing lifesaving support, standing in solidarity with families enduring this conflict.

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code Or online at: www.projectcompassion.org.au/donate Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

1. Farewell Fr Tri: I would like to advise that Rev. Fr Tri will be concluding his time with us on Easter Sunday and relocating to Redemptorist North Perth monastery in the weeks after Easter. We extend our sincere thanks to Fr Tri for his contribution to our parish over the last twelve months. We wish him the very best in the appointments and assignments that lay ahead of him. Please join us to farewell Fr Tri with a morning tea in the Parish hall after the 10am Mass on the 12th April. All welcome to attend. To this end, the Archbishop has appointed Rev Fr Errol Xavier Lobo, as our assistant commencing Monday 20th April. Fr Errol was born on 12/12/1992 and ordained to the priesthood on 19/04/2024 for the Archdiocese of Perth. Up until now, Fr Errol has been Assistant Priest in the Goldfields (Kalgoorlie-Boulder). Please join me in thanking Fr Tri and in warmly welcoming Fr Errol to OLM, Whitford Parish. Fr Cyprian Shikokoti.

2. Our 2026 Easter Celebrations and Mass Times are as follows:

A. Palm Sunday Masses - 28th/29th March 6.30pm, 8.00am, 10.00am and 5.45pm (Please wear Red)

B. Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper - Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm in the Church (Please wear White)

C. Good Friday Stations of the Cross - Friday 3rd April at 10.00am in the Church (Please wear Red)

D. Good Friday Passion Liturgy - Friday 3rd April at 3.00pm in the Church (Please wear Red)

E. Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass - Saturday, 4th April at 7.00pm in the Church (Please wear White/Gold)

F. Easter Sunday Masses - Sunday 5th April at 8.00am and 10.00am in the Church (Please wear White/Gold)

Please note: There will be NO 5.45pm Mass on Easter Sunday.

3. Easter Week Mass Times: Please note, there will be only one Mass at 9.00am Easter Tuesday – Easter Friday; that is 7th – 10th April. We will resume normal schedule on 14th April. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

4. No Adoration in Holy Week: Due to busy arrangements in the church, we will NOT have Adoration on Wednesday & Friday of Holy Week. We will be back on Easter Wednesday. Thank you for your understanding.

5. Mr John O’Connor – RIP: We regret to announce the death of Mr John O’Connor on Tuesday 3rd March 2026, a long time Parishioner of OLM. A Memorial Mass will be held for John on Saturday 28th March at 11am, followed by Interment of his Ashes in the Columbarium. A wake will follow in the Parish hall. All welcome to help us celebrate John’s life. We hold John’s wife Mary and his family in our hearts and prayers.

6. Divine Mercy Sunday: Following Good Friday Passion Liturgy, we will commence our nine-day novena to the Divine Mercy culminating with Divine Mercy Celebration at 3.00pm on Divine Mercy Sunday, 12th April here in the Church. Please plan to join us in this grace-filled devotion.

7. Celebration Masses for Confirmation and First Holy Communion: Confirmation: PCPS: Saturday 23rd May at 5.30pm, WCPS Saturday 30th May at 5.30pm. First Holy Communion: PCPS Saturday 22nd August at 5.30pm. WCPS Saturday 29th August at 5.30pm.

8. Stations of the Cross: Please remember to join us in praying the stations of the cross at 7.00pm every Friday during Lent here in the Church.

9. Volunteer Sign Up Sheets: Sign up sheets are available for EM’s, Acolytes, Readers and Altar Servers for ALL the Easter Masses in the Robing Room.

10. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 28th March 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.

11. St Vincent de Paul Fundraiser: Please help support our Plant Sale on the weekend of the 18th & 19th April after all Masses. All proceeds to SVDP. Note: Plant donations are welcomed, please leave at the side of the Church near the grass area the week of the 12th April. Thank you.

12. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Workshop: Saturday 12th May 10am – 12pm. This workshop will be run by The Centre for Liturgy. Cost is $10 per person. A minimum of 10 people must be in attendance for the session to go ahead. Please contact the Parish Office 9307 2776 or Whitford@perthcatholic.org.au if you would like to attend.

13. 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.

14. The Word Among Us: LENT 2026 – SOLD OUT. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Rosary: Please join us for Rosary every Tuesday at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Rosary prior to Mass.

18. 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.

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

20. 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.

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

22. 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.

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

24. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Kindy 2028 Enrolments NOW OPEN! Accepting expressions of Interest for students starting Kindergarten in 2028! (Children born July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024). For more information: https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/learning/kindergarten/

25. Eucharist Adoration: WE NEED YOUR HELP! Is Jesus calling you? We are seeking more people to join us in prayer on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12pm - 1pm, 1pm – 2pm & 3pm to 4pm to come sit in the company of Jesus. If you’d like to join the roster or want more information, please contact the coordinator on 0407 471 256. If you can not make your roster, please let the coordinator know or find a family member or friend to cover for you. Thank you and God Bless.

1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: is back for Term 1! 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 20th March. 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. We are currently seeking: Student leaders (Years 10–12) & Volunteer leaders aged 18+. We would greatly appreciate any support from the parish community. We are also inviting parishioners and parents to assist with a food roster to help support the youth group evenings. We would love the whole community to be involved in supporting this ministry in any way possible. Any help is deeply appreciated, and we are very grateful for your generosity.

For more information or any questions, please contact Dino Chiaberta (0478 084 725) or Jasmine Deib (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.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Hyacinth/ Pat/ Cheryl/ Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Rachel Boston, Gisela Boston/ Megan Woodall, Celine Chaperon/ Monica Jardim, Julianna Jardim/ Bernie Smith, Anne Couzens

COUNTERS: Sunday 29th March 2026: Nicole Willey/ Nirmalene Mendis/ Tim Laver/ Andrew Legg, Carla

CLEANERS: Friday 27th March: Mary Healy/ Suzanne Healy/ Melanie Eales/ Katrina James/ Erica Moore

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 29th March: Mike Hampson

SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney, D Nightingall/ Chris Knox, T McGougan/ Corina Gill, J Quatermaine/ C Neill, X Prentice

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Hansen family in Hillarys from 21st to 28th March. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 9401 6512 to arrange. From 28th March to 4th April 2026 the Statue will be with the Hancock family in Hillarys.

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 1st May 2026.

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

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. Medjugorje – LENT: Stations of the Cross will start at 6.30pm followed by Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Confession, Benediction and conclude with Holy Mass. Place St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. Date Friday 27th March. Following Holy Mass, we warmly welcome you to the parish hall for light refreshments.

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. St Marys Cathedral Tour Guides Information Event: Thursday 23rd April at 10.30am we will be conducting a short tour followed by a light morning tea in the Cathedral’s Parish Centre. All necessary training and resources are provided. To register your attendance, or for more information, please call Carol Young (Tour Guide Co Ordinator) on 0417 097 455 Email: caroly7@bigpond.com.

5. Emmaus Walk for men – 11 April 2026: Grab a mate or your son, and join a group of likeminded blokes on Emmaus Walk 2026. Commences with 7:30am mass at Carmelite Convent (Nedlands), followed by a leisurely 12km walk along the river via Crawley and Elizabeth Quay to St Mary's Cathedral, arriving circa 10:30am where refreshments and reconciliation will be available. Register at https://app.tickets.org.au/MA/Emmaus26

Enquiries to Kim Metcalf on 0414 537 023.

6. Volunteers Needed: St Catherine's House of Hospitality is a retreat and conference centre at 113 Tyler St Tuart Hill. To keep the centre affordable for those who need it we rely on the support of volunteers. We would love to hear from you if you can offer a few hours a month. Social information sessions will be held on Monday 23 March at 10:00am and Tuesday 31 March at 1:00pm. For further information contact Sr Elizabeth RSM at stcatherines@westnet.com.au or 08 9443 9020.

7. Catholic Singles Café Catch Up (20-35 years old): Saturday 11th April at Honey Beanz 6/28 Hood Street, Subiaco. Join us for our next Perth Catholic Singles event — a casual Café Catch-Up with other Catholic young adults from around Perth! For tickets and more information, https://perthcatholicsingles.eventbrite.com

8. Legion of Mary: Sunday 22nd March 2026 2pm – ACIES (annual consecration to Mary): All Legionnaires, auxiliaries, family and friends invited. Saint Joachims Church 120-122 Shepperton Road, Victoria Park.

First reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14

I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live

The Lord says this: I am now going to open your graves; I mean to raise you from your graves, my people, and lead you back to the soil of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, my people. And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, and I shall resettle you on your own soil; and you will know that I, the Lord, have said and done this – it is the Lord who speaks.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 129(130)

Response: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleading. R.

If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you. R.

My soul is waiting for the Lord. I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak. (Let the watchman count on daybreak and Israel on the Lord.) R.

Because with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption, Israel indeed he will redeem from all its iniquity. R.

Second reading: Romans 8:8-11

The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you

People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him. Though your body may be dead it is because of sin, but if Christ is in you then your spirit is life itself because you have been justified; and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

Gospel Acclamation: John 11:25. 26

Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will not die for ever. Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Gospel Reading: John 11:3-7,17,20-27,33-45

I am the resurrection and the life

Mary and Martha sent this message to Jesus, ‘Lord, the man you love is ill.’ On receiving the message, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will end not in death but in God’s glory, and through it the Son of God will be glorified.’ Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, yet when he heard that Lazarus was ill he stayed where he was for two more days before saying to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judaea.’ On arriving, Jesus found that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days already. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you.’ ‘Your brother’ said Jesus to her ‘will rise again.’ Martha said, ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’ Jesus said in great distress, with a sigh that came straight from the heart, ‘Where have you put him?’ They said, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept; and the Jews said, ‘See how much he loved him!’ But there were some who remarked, ‘He opened the eyes of the blind man, could he not have prevented this man’s death?’ Still sighing, Jesus reached the tomb: it was a cave with a stone to close the opening. Jesus said, ‘Take the stone away.’ Martha said to him, ‘Lord, by now he will smell; this is the fourth day.’ Jesus replied, ‘Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?’ So, they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: ‘Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer. I knew indeed that you always hear me, but I speak for the sake of all these who stand round me, so that they may believe it was you who sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, here! Come out!’ The dead man came out, his feet and hands bound with bands of stuff and a cloth round his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, let him go free.’ Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what he did believed in him.

God of all love, we remember that on the night before he died, your son, Jesus, prayed that his friends ’may all be one.’ Yet we see so much division in the world. War, conflict, violence and hatred must all distress you. Millions of people suffer when they don’t have peace and respect. They lack the necessities of life; food, water, health, education and security. We pray that we may all unite against poverty this Lent. May our support for Project Compassion be a sign to ourselves and others, of our hope for a better world. This Lent, we pray that our dedication to prayer, fasting and almsgiving will help restore your vision of justice and peace. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today’s readings tell us of the God of life, who conquers death. Let us pause in particular on the last of the miraculous signs which Jesus performs before his Easter, at the sepulchre of his friend, Lazarus.

Everything appears to have ended there: the tomb is sealed by a great stone; there is only weeping and desolation there. Even Jesus is shaken by the dramatic mystery of the loss of a dear person: “He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (Jn 11:33). Then “Jesus wept” (v. 35) and went to the sepulchre, the Gospel says, “deeply moved again” (v. 38). This is God’s heart: far from evil but close to those who are suffering. He does not make evil disappear magically, but he endures the suffering; he makes it his own and transforms it; he abides it.

We notice, however, that amid the general despair over the death of Lazarus, Jesus does not allow himself to be transported by despair. Even while suffering himself, he asks that people believe steadfastly. He does not close himself within his weeping but, moved, he makes his way to the sepulchre. He does not allow the resigned, emotional atmosphere that surrounds him to seize him, but rather, prays with trust and says, “Father, I thank thee” (v. 41). Thus, in the mystery of suffering, before which thoughts and progress are crushed like flies against glass, Jesus offers us the example of how to conduct ourselves. He does not run away from suffering, which is part of this life, but he does not allow himself to be held captive by pessimism.

A great “encounter-clash” thus occurred at that sepulchre. On the one hand, there is the great disappointment, the precariousness of our mortal life which, pierced by anguish over death, often experiences defeat, an interior darkness which seems insurmountable. Our soul, created for life, suffers upon hearing that its thirst for eternal good is oppressed by an ancient and dark evil. On the one hand, there is this defeat of the sepulchre. But on the other, there is the hope that conquers death and evil, and which has a name: the name of hope is Jesus.

He neither brings a bit of comfort nor some remedy to prolong life, but rather, proclaims: “I am the Resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”, (v. 25). It is for this reason that he says decisively, “Take away the stone” (v. 39) and he calls to Lazarus, “Come out” (v. 43).

Dear brothers and sisters, we too are called to decide on which side to stand. One can stand on the side of the sepulchre or on the side of Jesus. There are those who allow themselves to be closed within their pain and those who open up to hope. There are those who remain trapped among the ruins of life, and those who, like you, with God’s help, pick up the ruins of life and rebuild with patient hope.

In facing life’s great ‘whys?’, we have two paths: either stay and wistfully contemplate past and present sepulchres, or allow Jesus to approach our sepulchres. Yes, because each one of us already has a small sepulchre, some area that has somewhat died within our hearts; a wound, a wrongdoing endured or inflicted, an unrelenting resentment, a regret that keeps coming back, a sin we cannot overcome. Today, let us identify these little sepulchres that we have inside, and let us invite Jesus into them. It is curious, but we often prefer to be alone in the dark caves within us rather than invite Christ inside them. We are tempted to always seek [solutions for] ourselves, brooding and sinking into anguish, licking our wounds, instead of going to him, who says, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”, (Mt 11:28). Let us not be held captive by the temptation to remain alone and discouraged, crying about what is happening to us. Let us not give in to the useless and inconclusive logic of fear, resignedly repeating that everything is going badly and nothing is as it once was. This is the sepulchral atmosphere. The Lord instead wishes to open the path of life, that of encounter with him, of trust in him, of the resurrection of the heart, the way of: “Arise, Arise, come out”. This is what the Lord asks of us, and he is by our side to do so.

Thus, we hear directed to each one of us Jesus’ words to Lazarus: “Come out”. Come out from the gridlock of hopeless sadness; unwrap the bandages of fear that impede the journey, the laces of the weaknesses and anxieties that constrain you; reaffirm that God unties the knots. By following Jesus, we learn not to knot our lives around problems which become tangled. There will always be problems, always, and when we solve one, another one duly arrives. We can however, find a new stability, and this stability is Jesus himself. This stability is called Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life. With him, joy abides in our hearts, hope is reborn, suffering is transformed into peace, fear into trust, hardship into an offering of love. And even though burdens will not disappear, there will always be his uplifting hand, his encouraging Word saying to all of us, to each of us: “Come out! Come to me!”. He tells all of us: “Do not be afraid”.

Today, just like then, Jesus says to us to: “take away the stone”. However burdensome the past, great the sin, weighty the shame, let us never bar the Lord’s entrance. Let us, before him, remove that stone which prevents him from entering. This is the favourable time to remove our sin, our attachment to worldly vanity, the pride that blocks our souls, so much hostility among us, in families.... This is the favourable time for removing all these things.

Visited and liberated by Jesus, we ask for the grace to be witnesses of life in this world that thirsts for it, witnesses who spark and rekindle God’s hope in hearts weary and laden with sadness. Our message is the joy of the living Lord, who says again today, as he did to Ezekiel, “Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people (Ez 37:12).

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 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 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

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au