Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: 25th January 2026, The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!

Fr Tri and I warmly welcome you here at Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish, parishioners and visitors alike. We pray and hope that you feel truly safe and at home in this our place of prayer, worship and personal encounter with our risen Lord. May the Holy Spirit ever pray in us more than we can ever imagine and bind us together in the love of our Heavenly Father. Over fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains home to dozens of nationalities represented by our parishioners and frequent visitors. We take pride in our young people; those in our parish primary and secondary schools, those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and our parish youth group. They are not just our future Church but a vital part of our Church today and now. We value these our young people and endeavor to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. Together, we continue to seek ways in which we can generously respond to that universal call to holiness of life in our families, parish community and in the society at large. I invite you and all your loved ones to be purposeful in this resolve. We must leave no one behind, those within and those on the peripheries. As always, Fr. Tri and I thank one and all of you for your ongoing prayers, concern, encouragement and support. Rest assured of our daily thoughts and prayers. We entrust you and yours, into the powerful intercessions of our Blessed Virgin Mother of Good counsel, and into those of St Joseph, patron of the universal Church.

Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - PP.

Monday 19th January

NO MASS

Feast day:

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Wednesday 21st January

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: St Agnes

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Thursday 22nd January

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

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Friday 23rd January

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

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Saturday 24th January

Church 8.00am, 6.30pm

Feast day: St Francis de Sales

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Sunday 25th January

Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm

Feast day:

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord, help us to seek your will, to follow your call, to embrace your truth, and may our lives reflect your peace.

Introduction Jesus reveals that God conquers the world, not through violence but through love. “All we are saying is give peace a chance!”

First Reading Isaiah 49:3. 5-6

God’s Servant is a “light for the nations”, bringing salvation to the world.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul is called to be an apostle – one who is sent with the Good News about Jesus.

Gospel John 1:29-34

John the Baptist sees Jesus and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Antiphon to the Psalm: Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.

Please offer your prayers this week for Brian Ensell, Colin Stirling, Saliya Goonewardene, Nicholas Marvelli, Catin Yu, Charles Richards, Ricardo Majano, 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.

Today’s responsorial psalm is the theme song of the good steward: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” May I, too, stand ready to offer myself and my gifts in the service of God.

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 Ministry-Fair: On the weekend of 14th/15th February 2026, we will hold a ministry fair at all Masses; an opportunity to showcase some of the ministries that help in the effective running of our parish. We encourage all parishioners especially those not involved in any parish ministry to consider joining a ministry of their choice. This way, you purposely contribute in a more meaningful way to the beauty of our parish. Please browse latest copy of parish Blue Book and or contact parish office for more details. The parish needs you.

2. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 31ST January 2026 at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick; and remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

3. Parents’ Information Evening: All Parents with children due for Confirmation, First Holy Communion and or First Reconciliation are invited for an information Evening on Wednesday, 11th February at 7.00pm in the Parish Church. It is important that at least one parent or care-giver attends this evening to gain an insight of what is expected to prepare your child/ren for the celebration of their sacraments.

4. Sacramental Enrolment Weekend: All our young people celebrating First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation this year are invited to join us with their families for Enrolment weekend; 14/15 February. Please ensure you have relevant forms and documents if required to bring them to weekend Mass; 6.30pm Saturday 14th February or 8.00am, 10.00am or 5.45pm on Sunday 15th February. Please note, Enrolment ceremony do NOT take place at the Saturday Morning Mass.

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. Overseas Mission Group: 6th FEBRUARY 2026 Dinner/ Trivia Night, 6.30pm in the Parish Centre. Please join us as we come together as a Parish community to share a meal and have some fun. Tickets on sale from the weekend of 17th & 18th January. For more information, please contact Linda 0449 101 720.

7. World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 Fundraiser: Please save the date for our Car wash fundraiser for WYD on Saturday 28th February. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

8. 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.

9. The Word Among Us: LENT 2026 NOW AVAILABLE. Spend just 10 minutes a day with The Word Among Us, and you will learn how to love God, others and self. Available from the back of the Church and the Parish Office at a cost of $5. Let us embrace God’s Word and listen to Him.

10. Line Dancing at OLM: Classes have started back for 2026! Tuesdays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. No experience required. All welcome.

11. Columbarium: Please note there will be a price increase taking effect as of Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Niche = $800, Leaf = $70, Jacobs Well = $60.

12. 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.

13. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend.

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 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.

19. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school on 08 9404 4000 for further information.

20. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/

1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: We invite and encourage all our year 6 to year 12 students to join us every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm. For any information regarding our group gatherings, please contact Jasmine 0439 976 164.

2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Meet every Thursday 7.30-9.00pm in the Parish Centre. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

3. World Youth Day Seoul 2027: If you would like to attend with the Our Lady of the Mission Parish you will need to pay your registration and complete a registration form before Jan 31st 2026 - there will be no exceptions after this date to allow for group bookings to commence.

4. World Youth Day OLM Pilgrims meeting: Friday 13th February in the Parish hall at 7pm sharp- This is compulsory for ALL attendees to WYD.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Linda Sweeney/ Gloria Ougan/ Flora Joanilho/ Sophy Lin.

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira & Francis d’Oliveira/ Tamara McGougan & Edith R-Thomas/ Jan Mateljan & Michael Mateljan/ Dylan Sarapunas & Emma Paice.

COUNTERS: Sunday 1st February 2026: Vicky Ryan/ Judy Cavanagh/ Amanda Cross/ Senol Bonny.

CLEANERS: Saturday 24th January: Margarita Tranquille/ Suzan Crompton/ Kate/ Amy Lee Winn/ Patricia Byrne.

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 25th January: Mary Morrissey/ Clare Domanski/ Jo Emery.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Linda Sweeney & Kerry Roberts/ Chris Knox & Lee Hansen/ Corina Gill, E Rodrigues-Thomas & Sandy Williamson/ Sally Paice & Megan Finlay.

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with Shirley-Ann Poulton in Gwelup from 31st January to 14th February. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0424 813 890 to arrange. From 14th to 21st February 2026 the Statue will be with the Rice family in Woodvale.

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Is held on the first Friday of every month during 9.00 am Mass. The next Devotion will be on Friday 6th February 2026.

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

BAPTISMS: We welcome Ruby and Beau Shilton, Hadley and Lainey Yusuf, Hattie Parangi, Charlie Panizza, Poppy Panizza and Sienna Olivero into God’s family this weekend.

PRAY FOR THE SICK: We pray for all those in our Parish’s Book of the Sick. You are most welcome to add names to this book in the foyer of the Church. Please cross out when our prayers are no longer needed.

1.Reconciliation Times at Surrounding Parishes:

St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef: Tuesday & Friday: 6.30 pm/ Saturday: After 8.30 am Mass & 5 pm – 5.45 pm

St Anthony, Wanneroo: Saturday, 4.30 pm – 5 pm

St Luke, Woodvale: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.50 pm

All Saints, Greenwood: Saturday: 9.30 am – 10 am & 5.30 pm – 5.45 pm

Our Lady of Grace, North Beach: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.45 pm

2. Camino De Santiago: A Camino has been planned to start June 2026 in France. Anyone interested can contact shirleyann.poulton@gmail.com for more information. Please note this walk can be 'tailored to suit'.

3. 'St. Monica's Tears': Due to an increase of our children and grandchildren leaving the Catholic Faith a special Holy Mass together with intercessory prayers to St Monica takes place. Where: St. Bernadette's Church. 49 Jugan St. Glendalough. When: Every Thursday starting with Holy Mass 11.00am followed by rosary and concluding at 12.00noon. All are invited to place the names of their lapsed loved ones in a box marked 'Monica's Tears'. Please join us as we shower heaven with our prayers for our lapsed loved one.

4. Understanding Change, Loss & Grief Seminar: Saturday, 21 March at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40a Mary St, Highgate. Understanding Change, Loss and Grief is a 3-hour seminar for people with an interest in learning about what grief is. The session runs from 9.30am to 1pm with morning tea provided. Cost = $16.00 for the Seasons for Growth: Understanding Change, Loss and Grief workbook. Contact Catholic Outreach on (08) 9422 7920 or outreach@perthcatholic.org.au for further information. Register by 16 March 2026.

5. MercyCare: a Public Juridical Person of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, is offering a free series of three workshops on the 10th, 17th and 24th of February 2026 exploring how to enter the Third Stage of Life with confidence and purpose. Time: 10.30am–1.00pm (morning tea provided). Venue: MercyCare Currambine Hub, Unit 8/94 Delamere Ave, Currambine 6028. Cost: Free. These workshops are suitable for people caring for someone in later life, those entering this stage themselves, or anyone aged 50+ preparing for the years ahead.

6. Catholic Pilgrimage Tour in Vietnam: 15 Days, 14 Nights March 2026. Please see leaflet at back of Church for more information or contact Ray on 0412 698 852.

First reading: Isaiah 49:3,5-6

I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth

The Lord said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I shall be glorified’; I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord, my God was my strength. And now the Lord has spoken, he who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, to gather Israel to him: ‘It is not enough for you to be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back the survivors of Israel; I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 39(40):2,4,7-10

Response: Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I waited, I waited for the Lord and he stooped down to me; he heard my cry. He put a new song into my mouth, praise of our God. R.

You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here am I. R.

In the scroll of the book it stands written that I should do your will. My God, I delight in your law in the depth of my heart. R.

Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord. R.

Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace

I, Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle, together with brother Sosthenes, send greetings to the church of God in Corinth, to the holy people of Jesus Christ, who are called to take their place among all the saints everywhere who pray to our Lord Jesus Christ; for he is their Lord no less than ours. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.

Gospel Acclamation: John 1:14. 12

Alleluia, alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34

'Look: there is the Lamb of God'

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.’ John also declared, ‘I saw the Spirit coming down on him from heaven like a dove and resting on him. I did not know him myself, but he who sent me to baptise with water had said to me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God.’

God of our beginnings and endings. You are with us on the journeys of our lives. You accompany us when we can notice your presence; and you accompany us when we are unaware. We humbly ask that you be with us now; in our homes and in our community. Sustain us in gratitude and your unfailing Love for us. May we generously respond to Your Son Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. With renewed strength, may we praise you with our whole hearts. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Lady of the Mission, Pray for Us.

Prayer Adapted from New Norcia WA Pilgrimage.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

This passage from the Gospel is beautiful. John was baptizing; and Jesus, who had been baptized prior to this — some days before — was coming towards him and came before John. And John felt the power of the Holy Spirit within him to bear witness to Jesus. Looking at him, and looking at the people around Him, he said: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. And he bore witness to Jesus: this is Jesus, this is the One who has come to save us; this is the One who will give us the power of hope.

Jesus is called the Lamb: He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Someone might think: but how can a lamb, which is so weak, a weak little lamb, how can it take away so many sins, so much wickedness? With Love. With his meekness. Jesus never ceased being a lamb: meek, good, full of love, close to the little ones, close to the poor. He was there, among the people, healing everyone, teaching, praying. Jesus, so weak, like a lamb. However, he had the strength to take all our sins upon himself, all of them. “But, Father, you don’t know my life: I have a sin that..., I can’t even carry it with a truck...”. Many times, when we examine our conscience, we find some there that are truly bad! But he carries them. He came for this: to forgive, to make peace in the world, but first in the heart. Perhaps each one of us feels troubled in his heart, perhaps he experiences darkness in his heart, perhaps he feels a little sad over a fault.... He has come to take away all of this, He gives us peace, he forgives everything. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away sin”: he takes away sin, it’s root and all! This is salvation Jesus brings about by his love and his meekness. And in listening to what John the Baptist says, who bears witness to Jesus as the Saviour, our confidence in Jesus should grow. Many times we trust a doctor: it is good, because the doctor is there to cure us; we trust in a person: brothers and sisters can help us. It is good to have this human trust among ourselves. But we forget about trust in the Lord: this is the key to success in life. Trust in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord! “Lord, look at my life: I’m in the dark, I have this struggle, I have this sin...”; everything we have: “Look at this: I trust in you!”. And this is a risk we must take: to trust in Him, and He never disappoints. Never, never! Listen carefully, young people, who are just beginning life now: Jesus never disappoints. Never. This is the testimony of John: Jesus, the good One, the meek One, will end as a lamb, who is slain. Without crying out. He came to save us, to take away sin. Mine, yours and that of the whole world: all of it, all of it.

And now I invite you to do something: let us close our eyes, let us imagine the scene on the banks of the river, John as he is baptizing and Jesus who is approaching. And let us listen to John’s voice: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. Let us watch Jesus and in silence, each one of us, say something to Jesus from his heart. In silence. (Pause for silence).

May the Lord Jesus, who is meek, who is good — he is a lamb — who came to take away sin, accompany us on the path of our life. So be it.

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