Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: 7th December 2025: Second Sunday of Advent

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 1st December

NO MASS

Feast day:

Tuesday 2nd December

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

Wednesday 3rd December

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day: Saint Francis Xavier

Thursday 4th December

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

Friday 5th December

Church 7am & 9am

Feast day:

Saturday 6th December

Church 8.00am, 6.30pm

Feast day:

Sunday 7th December

Church 8am, 10am, 5.45pm

Feast day:

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

We praise you Lord that you sent your Son to be one of us. As we await his coming again, may we be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and untiring in love.

Introduction

The vision of Isaiah inspires us. It is a beautiful prophecy of peace. We keep this vision before us, as the Lord warns us not to become complacent in our faith.

First Reading Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah presents Jerusalem as an inspiration to all nations, from which the word of the Lord will be proclaimed; the presence of the Lord will bring about peace.

Second Reading Romans 13:11-14a

Paul advises us to wake up and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, wearing the armour of light.

Gospel Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus urges his disciples not to be complacent in their faith, but to be prepared for the return of the Son of Man.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord

Please offer your prayers this week for 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.

The Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. Good stewards know that they are accountable to God for all they have and are, and they strive to live in readiness for His coming.

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 Mass Times: Please note, this year’s Christmas Mass times will be as follows: 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.

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. Christmas-Advent Flyers: Please take a bundle or two of Advent-Christmas flyers and invite your family, neighbours, friends and colleagues to our Advent and Christmas Liturgies and celebrations. Kindly mark the map on the areas you’ll be covering. Thank you for your kind assistance.

4. 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.

5. Parish Advent Reconciliation: Please mark your diaries and plan to join us for our Advent reconciliation at 7.00pm on Wednesday, 10th December 2025 in the Church. A number of priests from neighbouring parishes have been invited to help us in preparation for a meaningful Christmas – kindly pass on the invitation to your family, friends and colleagues.

6. 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.

7. Combined Carols by Candlelight: The parish, PCPS and WCPS are again coming together in Christmas and community spirit at 6.00pm on Thursday, 4th December for combined Carols by candlelight. The oval will be open from 5.00pm for picnic dinner. There will be a sausage sizzle, soft drinks and water and icy poles for (by donation to support parish youth for 2027 WYD fundraising). Please come and join us for this festive evening.

8. WDY Pilgrims: Please join us the at Glory be cafe Dec 7th after 8 am and 10 am Masses for our Mini Makers markets and raffle draw after 10 am Mass. We will be offering - along with your tea and coffee some baked treats and offerings for Christmas gifts for purchase. We will have limited mini rosary beads, Homemade gingerbread houses for sale to name a few after both masses we hope to see you there.

9. Overseas Mission Group: Christmas Raffle. Tickets will be sold from Saturday 29th November. Winners will be drawn Sunday 21st December after 10am Mass. Tickets $3 to $5. Your continued support for our Overseas Mission Group is appreciated.

10. Whitford St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers: Whitford St Vincent de Paul holds our parish Christmas appeal this weekend. Those unable to assist local struggling families with our hamper program, may wish to donate cash, use our tap and go machine or appeal envelopes in the pews. Please place donations in our church door basket after Mass or the poor box. Tax receipts supplied, if contact details given. Many thanks to all supporters.’ A few Christmas hamper sponsors still needed. Details are on the shelf at the rear of church. Please return your hampers to our Parish Centre after any Mass on 7th or 8th December, or earlier via our Parish Office.

11. Whitford St Vincent de Paul Christmas Card Packs: Packets of Christmas Cards $5.00 per pack, available at the back of the Church. We thank you for your ongoing support.

12. 2027 WYD Raffle Tickets: Please get your raffle tickets for a chance to win some magnificent prizes. 1st prize garden statue of our Lady; hand-crafted here in Perth, 2nd prize Family Portrait captured by Chelsea Woodbridge Photography, 3rd and 4th Leather Bound Bible. Tickets are $5.00 each or buy four and get one FREE. Drawn Sunday 7th December after 10am mass. Contact Claire Neill 0450 927 575 / claireneill74@gmail.com

13. 2025 Christmas Eve Outdoor Mass – Nativity Play: We are looking for children to be involved in the Nativity Play, which is a feature of the Christmas Eve Outdoor Mass (6pm) on the Whitfords school oval. Those children who would like to do a reading, and/or play the parts of Mary, Joseph, herald, innkeepers, shepherds and angels are invited to a practice on SATURDAY 20th DECEMBER AT 10AM. We will meet in the church then go out to the oval. (Please make sure children have adequate hot weather protection if needed.) Characters will be chosen from those present at the practice. All children are welcome to join us. Enquiries: Leanne Fragomeni 0424 584 460 or fragomeni.leanne@gmail.com

14. Baby Jesus – Christmas Masses: We are seeking babies to help us celebrate our Christmas Masses this year. Please see signup sheet for Mass times available on the information desk at the back of the Church or kindly contact the office on 9307 2776 to provide details of your baby. Each baby will receive a special certificate as a memento.

15. 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.

16. The Word Among Us: ADVENT 2025 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.

17. Proclaimers of the Word: We are looking for volunteer readers for this wonderful ministry. I am currently organising a new roster for 2026. If you would like to join us as a reader at any of our masses. Please contact Mirella on 0424528439 or email/call the office, Thank you.

18. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Tri can be made by invitation to our sick and home-bound parishioners. On their visits, they bring prayer, sacraments of Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Holy Communion; and certainly, a listening ear. Please call one of our priests should you benefit or know somebody who would benefit from such a visit. Contact numbers on front of newsletter.

19. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Please join us for Novena at 5pm, all welcome to attend. Please note: Tuesday Novena Group will stop, for a Christmas break, after Tuesday 2nd December and restart again on Tuesday 13 January, at 5pm.

20. The Divine Mercy Ministry: The members of this Ministry pray for the sick and the dying. Please send names of family and friends, if you want them to be lifted up in prayer, via text or message to 0410 289 725.

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

22. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes. Please call the office 9307 2776 to make enquiries and book.

23. 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.

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

25. 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. 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: Bernadette/ Cecilia/ Relief/ Pam

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveria/ Francis d’Oliveria/ Megan Woodall/ Celine Chaperon/ Coring Gill/ Ronellie Lenon/ Sally Paice/ Eliza Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 7th December: Jennifer Lalani/ Connie Sanders/ Liz Williams/ Rachel Hargrave

CLEANERS: Friday 5th December: Nicole Cornwall/ Chloe Lopresti/ Regiane Tokimatsu

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 7th December: WYD Takeover

SPECIAL MINISTERS: P Alves/ D Nightingall/ Cecilia Araya/ Horace Rosario/ J Bouwman/ A D’Souza/ S Williamson/ Megan Finlay/ X Prentice

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Scaffidi family in Woodvale from 29th November to 6th December. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0401 928 966 to arrange. From 6th to 13th December the Statue will be with the Giannasi family in Padbury.

DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Is held on the first Friday of every month during 9.00 am Mass. The next Devotion will be on Friday 5th December 2025.

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

BAPTISMS: We welcome Chiron Rafferty, Finnegan Rafferty, Rosie Martin, Charles Bordi and Jack Eraclides 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 John of God – Volunteers needed: Seeking interested and capable person to take Holy Communion to patients in our hospital. See poster in Church for more information or contact 9382 6200 or pastoral.subiaco@sjog.org.au

4. The Knights of the Southern Cross WA: We invite all men and women over 18 to join them for A Knights Leadership Breakfast with Mike Needham on Thursday 4th of December at Fraser’s Kings Park. The topic is AI and Its Impact in Society: A Christian Perspective. Hot breakfast and bottomless coffee included in the ticket price. Register now at go.kscwa.au/lead-4dec25.

5. CCR Together - Fri, 5 Dec: Our next 'CCR Together' gathering will be held at the Como parish hall, commencing at 7:30pm , and will be hosted by Spiritual Renewal Ministry (SRM) Perth. Guest presenters are Bobby Joseph and Rony Kovatt from SRM in Melbourne. All are welcome to attend. light supper will conclude the evening so you are welcome to bring a plate if possible. While there is no fee, a collection will be taken up. Queries to Dan 0409849049.

First reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

The Lord gathers all nations together into the eternal peace of God's kingdom

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In the days to come the mountain of the Temple of the Lord shall tower above the mountains and be lifted higher than the hills. All the nations will stream to it, peoples without number will come to it; and they will say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of the God of Jacob that he may teach us his ways so that we may walk in his paths; since the Law will go out from Zion, and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.’ He will wield authority over the nations and adjudicate between many peoples; these will hammer their swords into ploughshares, their spears into sickles. Nation will not lift sword against nation, there will be no more training for war. O House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’ And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. R.

It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord. For Israel’s law it is, there to praise the Lord’s name. There were set the thrones of judgement of the house of David. R.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: ‘Peace be to your homes! May peace reign in your walls, in your palaces, peace!’ R.

For love of my brethren and friends I say: ‘Peace upon you!’ For love of the house of the Lord I will ask for your good. R.

Second reading: Romans 13:11-14

Our salvation is near

You know ‘the time’ has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer than it was when we were converted. The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon – let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime: no drunken orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no wrangling or jealousy. Let your armour be the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps 84:8

Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44

The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left. ‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

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.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today in the Church a new liturgical year begins, which is a new journey of faith for the People of God. And as always, we begin with Advent. The passage of the Gospel (cf. (Mt 24:37-44) introduces us to one of the most evocative themes of Advent: the visit of the Lord to humanity. The first visit — we all know — occurred with the Incarnation, Jesus’ birth in the cave of Bethlehem; the second takes place in the present: the Lord visits us constantly, each day, walking alongside us and being a consoling presence; in the end, there will be the third, the last visit, which we proclaim each time that we recite the Creed: “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead”. Today, the Lord speaks to us about this final visit, which will take place at the end of time, and he tells us where we will arrive on our journey.

The Word of God emphasizes the contrast between the normal unfolding of events, the everyday routine, and the unexpected coming of the Lord. Jesus says: “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away” (vv. 38-39): so says Jesus. It always strikes a cord when we think about the hours which precede a great disaster: everyone is calm, and they go about their usual business without realizing that their lives are about to be turned upside down. Of course, the Gospel does not want to scare us, but to open our horizons to another, greater dimension, one which, on the one hand puts into perspective everyday things, while at the same time making them precious, crucial. The relationship with the God-who-comes-to-visit-us gives every gesture, every thing a different light, a substance, a symbolic value.

From this perspective there also comes an invitation to sobriety, to not be controlled by the things of this world, by material reality, but rather to govern them. If, by contrast, we allow ourselves to be influenced and overpowered by these things, we cannot perceive that there is something very important: our final encounter with the Lord: this is important. That encounter. And everyday matters must have this horizon, and must be directed to that horizon. This encounter with the Lord who comes for us. In that moment, as the Gospel says, “Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left” (v. 40). It is an invitation to be vigilant, because in not knowing when he will come, we need to be ever ready to leave.

In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness. In order to do this, we must learn to not depend on our own certainties, on our own established strategies, because the Lord comes at a time that we do not imagine. He comes to bring us into a more beautiful and grand dimension.

May Our Lady, the Virgin of Advent, help us not to consider ourselves proprietors of our life, not to resist when the Lord comes to change it, but to be ready to let ourselves be visited by him, the awaited and welcome guest, even if it disturbs our plans.

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