Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is:10th May Sixth Sunday of Easter

Greetings and peace be with you.

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

Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - Parish Priest.

Monday 4th May

NO MASS

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Tuesday 5th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Wednesday 6th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Thursday 7th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Friday 8th May

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Saturday 9th May

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Sunday 10th May

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

------------------------------

Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Lord let your mercy be on us, may our hearts be at peace, for it is in you that we place our trust. We ask also a blessing on all mothers, on earth and in heaven.

Introduction As we gather here together today, we hold each other and the needs of the world in mind. As we celebrate together, we consider what it is that makes us a community – both local and global. And we trust in Christ as our foundation.

First Reading: Acts 6:1-7

A daily distribution of food has been set up to serve the community, but some people are accused of getting more than others. Seven people, including Stephen, are appointed to ensure goods are allocated fairly and no one is left out.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9

Christ is the cornerstone, the foundation of the Christian community. To grow in love for Christ is to work to rid ourselves of whatever keeps us from him and damages the community.

Gospel: John 14:1-12

There is no need to be afraid or worried. Jesus reassures Thomas as he reassures us: he is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Antiphon to the Psalm: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Please offer your prayers this week for Betty Rhodes, Miriam Villasenor, Dorys Torres, Sumayah Abullarade, Agnes Rowley, Charlie Debono, all souls in purgatory, those doctors, nurses and carers who have died while helping victims of accidents, disease and warfare, our recently departed loved ones and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.

“Those who have faith in Me will do the works I do, and far greater than these,” Jesus tells His disciples. That’s quite an assignment for us Christian stewards!

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

Our Lady of the Mission parishioners are the heart of our Catholic community; here in Craigie and it surrounding suburbs. Our members gather in faith to worship, receive the sacraments; and grow as followers of Jesus Christ. From many cultural backgrounds, ages and all walks of life, we remain united in a shared desire to live out the Gospel, support one another, and serve in our local community and beyond.

As members of Our Lady of the Mission, our parishioners participate in Mass, contribute their time and talents, support our ministries, and strive to bring Christs love into their homes, workplaces and our community. Whether lifelong parishioners, new or returning, or those still exploring the faith – each parishioner plays a vital role in building up our vibrant, welcoming, and Spirit-filled community.

If you are not on our parish records, please consider filling up one of our census cards at the information desk and deposit it any of the collection boxes or hand it to any of our priests at Mass. Let us all be part of Our Lady of the Mission ongoing story. God bless!

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

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

3. Confirmation Parent and Child Workshop: All students and their families celebrating their Confirmation this year, please join us on Tuesday 12th May at 5pm in the Church for the Parent & Child workshop.

4. Overseas Mission Ministry Mother’s Day Raffle: Tickets will be on sale from this weekend after all masses until Mother’s Day 10th May & will be drawn after 10am mass. All winners will be notified. Tickets 3/$5. A thank you Free Sausage Sizzle will be served after all Masses. Thank you for your support.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 30th May 2026 at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick; and remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

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

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

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

9. Legion of Mary and Auxiliaries: A Legion of Mary Mass will take place every second Saturday at the 8am Mass. Please join us, all are welcome to attend.

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

11. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Come and join the fun with Tom and Alma. From Friday 24th April Tom and Alma will run another class on Fridays for 4 weeks. No experience required. All welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. Your Collections: Thank you very much for your continued contribution and support to the Parish and Priests. 1st Collection: To contribute Direct Debit: Presbytery A/C (1st Collection) Supports our Priests, A/C#14027 5567, BSB# 086 006. Church A/C (2ndCollection) Supports our Church, A/C# 66579 4722, BSB# 086 006. Planned giving contributions can also be made through envelopes or direct debit, please contact the Parish office: whitford@perthcatholic.org. au. Thank you.

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

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

1. 24/7 Whitford youth group: Gathering every 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month from 7pm to 9pm for students in years 6-12. Our next youth group will be held on Friday 15th May. Youth group includes fun games, a short faith-based talk, fellowship, free food, and a wonderful opportunity for young people to build like-minded, faith-filled friendships. More information please contact Dino (0478 084 725) or Jasmine (0439 976 164).

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

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

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Relief/ Pat/ Flora/ Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira, Francis d’Oliveira/ Peter Ross, Anne Dale/ Emma Waters, Rahcel Wanless/ Bernie Smith, Anne Couzens

COUNTERS: Sunday 10th May: Ian Cutler, Michael Chiera, Lisa Zscherpel, Patricia Egan, Samantha Del Lorso, Rochelle Securo

CLEANERS: Friday 8th May: Mary Healy, Suzanne Healy, Melanie Eales, Katrina James, Erica Moore

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 10th May: Alma Turner, Jackie Murphy, Tom Wellings

SPECIAL MINISTERS: L Sweeney, D Nightingall/ Niamh Waters, Horace Rosario/ Carol Wright, M Augustin/ J Quatermaine/ Sarah Boylen, D Stritch

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Norgrove family in Merriwa from 2nd to 9th May. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call them 0434 577 625 to arrange. From 9th to 16th May 2026 the Statue will be with the Newbond family in Burns Beach.

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

3. 'St. Monica's Tears': Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. Please be advised that Holy Mass and prayers are offered every Thursday at 10.45am-12.00 noon for the return of our loved ones to their Catholic Faith. Place St. Bernadette's Church. Jugan St. Glendalough.

4. Middle East Emergency Appeal: Aid to the Church in Need is calling for urgent prayer and support for Christian communities affected by war in the Middle East. To learn more or give today, visit www.rebrand.ly/EmergencyAppeal

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

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

First reading: Acts 6:1-7

They elected seven men full of the Holy Spirit

About this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenists made a complaint against the Hebrews: in the daily distribution their own widows were being overlooked. So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’ The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 32(33):1-2,4-5,18-19

Response: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. R.

For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. R.

The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. R.

Second reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9

Christ is the living stone, chosen by God and precious to him

The Lord is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him so that you too, the holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices which Jesus Christ has made acceptable to God, may be living stones making a spiritual house. As scripture says: See how I lay in Zion a precious cornerstone that I have chosen and the man who rests his trust on it will not be disappointed. That means that for you who are believers, it is precious; but for unbelievers, the stone rejected by the builders has proved to be the keystone, a stone to stumble over, a rock to bring men down. They stumble over it because they do not believe in the word; it was the fate in store for them. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Gospel Acclamation: John 14:6

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia!

Gospel Reading: John 14:1-12

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.’ Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’ ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him ‘and you still do not know me? ‘To have seen me is to have seen the Father, so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason. I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.’

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever, Amen.

Greetings, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today's Gospel passage (John 14:1-12) we hear the beginning of Jesus' so-called "farewell discourse." These are the words he addressed to the disciples at the end of the last Supper, just before facing the Passion. In such a dramatic moment Jesus began by saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He says it to us, too, in the dramas of life. But how can we make sure that our hearts are not troubled? Because our hearts do become troubled.

The Lord points out two remedies to being troubled. The first is, "Believe in me" (14: 1). It would seem to be rather theoretical, or abstract advice. Instead Jesus wants to tell us something specific. He knows that, in life, the worst anxiety, anguish, comes from the feeling of not being able to cope, from feeling alone and without points of reference when faced with events. This anguish, in which difficulties are added to difficulties, cannot be overcome alone. We need Jesus' help, and that is why Jesus asks us to have faith in him, that is, not to rely on ourselves, but on him. Because liberation from being troubled requires trust. Relying on Jesus, taking the leap. And this is the freedom from being troubled. And Jesus has risen and is alive precisely to be always by our side. So we can say to him, "Jesus, I believe that you have risen and that you are by my side. I believe that you are listening to me. I bring you what upsets me, my troubles: I have faith in you and I entrust myself to you."

Then there is a second remedy to being troubled, which Jesus expresses with these words: "In my Father's house there are many rooms. I'm going to prepare a place for you" (14: 2). This is what Jesus did for us: he reserved us a place in Heaven. He took our humanity upon himself to take it beyond death, to a new place, to Heaven, so that where he is, we might also be there. It is the certainty that consoles us: there is a reserved place for everyone. There's a place for me, too. Each of us can say: there is a place for me. We do not live aimlessly and without destination. We are expected, we are precious. God is in love with us, we are his children. And for us he has prepared the most worthy and beautiful place: Paradise. Let us not forget this: the dwelling place that awaits us is Paradise. Here we are passing through. We are made for Heaven, for eternal life, to live forever. Forever: it's something we can't even imagine now. But it is even more beautiful to think that this forever will be entirely in joy, in full communion with God and with others, without more tears, without resentments, without divisions and troubles.

But how to reach Heaven? What's the way? This is the decisive sentence of Jesus. Today he says: "I am the way" (14: 6). To ascend to Heaven the way is Jesus: it is to have a living relationship with him, it is to imitate him in love, it is to follow his steps. And I, a Christian, you, a Christian, each of us Christians, can ask ourselves: "What path do I follow?" There are ways that do not lead to Heaven: the ways of worldliness, the ways of self-assertion, the ways of selfish power. And there is the way of Jesus, the way of humble love, of prayer, of meekness, of trust, of service to others. It is not the way that puts me at the centre, it is the way of Jesus being the centre of my life. It is to go ahead every day asking him: "Jesus, what do you think of my choice? What would you do in this situation, with these people?" It will do us good to ask Jesus, who is the way, for the directions to Heaven. May Our Lady, Queen of Heaven, help us to follow Jesus, who opened Heaven for us.

Our Lady of the Mission Whitford Parish acknowledges that safeguarding is a shared responsibility prioritising the care, protection and best interests of children and adults at risk. Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, reporting abuse and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/ or call the Safeguarding Office on 08 9221 7762.

Our Safeguarding Officers

Safeguarding officers assist to create a safe environment for all. They are the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns and support the implementation of the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.

Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560, Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371 or email sgo.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers

ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) are to complete a Safeguarding Level 1 Induction which is now a Self-Paced Online Learning Module that can be completed at any time, once every 3 years. Please visit: Safeguarding Training and Registration – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)

Safeguarding Forms and Policy:

Forms, Safeguarding policy and code of conduct can be found on the Safeguarding website, at the Parish Office or in one of the Safeguarding folders in the Church – Sacristy, Robing room or information desk.

Parish Priest:

Fr Cyprian M. Shikokoti Ph: 0450 464 678

Assistant Priest:

Fr Errol X Lobo Ph: 0410 929 205

Parish Office

Mary McGrath-Yek & Ebony Lepoutre

Office Hours: Tues – Fri 9am –4pm (Monday Closed)

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Mobile: 0434 434 783 (Text only)

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Columbarium: Closed Monday

Sacramental Coordinator: Mrs Ronellie R. Lenon

Ph: 08 9307 2776

Email: sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au

Youth and Young Adult Contact Details

Youth Choir: Terry Boylen - 0402 642 887

Youth & Family Choir: Fran Christie Zscherpel - 0433 852 967

24:7 Whitford Youth Group: youthministry247@outlook.com.au

Safeguarding Officers:

Renee Itzstein 0413 225 560

Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810

Sirlene Fernandes 0432 634 371

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au