Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: 5th July Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 29th June

NO MASS

Feast Day: Saints Peter and Paul

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Tuesday 30th June

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Wednesday 1st July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Thursday 2nd July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day:

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Friday 3rd July

Church 7am & 9am

Feast Day: Saint Thomas

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Saturday 4th July

Church 8am & 6.30pm

Feast Day:

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Sunday 5th July

Church 8am, 10am & 5.45pm

Feast Day:

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Kiswahili Mass: 2.30pm,

First Sunday of every month

Come Holy Spirit fill us with your love. When we strengthen our faith and despite our anxiety may we find peace.

Introduction

Today’s celebration is called a Solemnity

because it celebrates the two great pillars of the

Church, St Peter and St Paul. Peter is the sign

of unity whose task is to guide and govern the

Church. Paul was the great missionary who

tirelessly brought the good news of Jesus to peoples who did not know him.

First Reading: Second Kings 4:8-11,13-16

This is a holy man of God; let him rest here

Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4,8-11

When we were baptised, we went into the tomb with Christ, so that we too might live a new life

Gospel Matthew 10:37-42

Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it

Antiphon to the Psalm:

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

THE CULTURE OF A PARISH

The Primary Focus

The primary focus of our work with the Adsumus initiative is to change the culture of a parish. One of the benefits of this is the increase in people who volunteer. However, it is the change of culture that needs to be addressed first.

The way we understand ‘parish’, the way we LIVE parish, conditions and determines the way we see ourselves and how we function as parishioners – as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Jesus is, primarily, about Meaning and Vision, not structures with rules and regulations.

The old thinking of ‘parish’ could be described as a kind of service station to which people come looking for Mass, Baptism, prayers, Marriage, funerals, etc. A ‘come and care’ system – yes, with some good points, but it helped develop a consumer mentality. A church seen as a supermarket of spiritual and sacramental ‘products’, regarded as necessary to obtain salvation. The emphasis is on personal salvation.

The vision of ‘Church’ proclaimed by Jesus and called for by Pope Francis, can be described in these terms - “The Parish Community”, the Pope writes, “is called truly to master the ‘art of accompaniment’. This challenge of changing culture is the call to see differently, to see through the eyes of Jesus for

we are striving to implement not man’s ways but God’s ways, God’s work of renewing the Church.

A Synodal Parish is a community where every member enters into a deep encounter with Jesus, realises they are called by their Baptism to work together, accompanied by the Spirit, to be messengers of the Gospel.

Please offer your prayers this week for Mel Nerva, Bernadette Burns, Romeo Romualdo, Nelly Romualdo, Mary Rooney, John Teahan, Victorino Bacog, 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.

Both the first reading and the Gospel today speak of hospitality and welcome. Our ministers of hospitality are a most visible example of using ones time and talents to welcome the people of God. But the Gospel assures us that all who give even just “a cup of cold water” to one of His lowliest ones will be rewarded.

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. Assistant Priests Change: After a short-time with us, Fr. Errol will be moving to new less busy parish (To Be Advised) in lieu of his upcoming study program. Coming in his place as our new Assistant Priest Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ekwebelem from this weekend. Fr. Cornelius is originally from Nigeria but comes to us after many years of study and teaching in Rome. We sincerely thank Fr. Errol for his contribution over the last two months with us and wish him well in his licentiate program due to start this July. A very warm welcome to Fr Cornelius.

2. New Set of Planned Giving Envelopes: Please collect your new set of envelopes for 2026-27 from the foyer or you can arrange to collect from the parish office. You might like to consider signing up for Direct Debit for convenience if you prefer. Either way, we sincerely thank you for your ongoing support and generosity to the parish. God bless you.

3. Where does your money go? 1st Collection, Easter and Christmas Offering Envelopes money goes to the support our parish priests’ living expenses. Every six months, an assessment is done by the Perth Catholic Church Office and a percentage of the 1st collection helps support priests in smaller & country parish communities. 2nd Collection, planned giving envelopes and direct debit contributions is used to maintain our parish Church, parish centre, presbytery, pay parish office staff wages, bills, insurances, major parish projects and relevant council rates. You can join at any time by filling in a pledge card/form at the information desk.

4. Parishioner Transport Support: We are seeking help to transport one of our parishioners to and from 10am Mass Sunday mornings, living in the Sorrento area, close to Hillarys boat harbour. If you can help, please contact the Parish office on 08 9307 2776 or whitford@perthcatholic.org.au. Many thanks for your support.

5. Glory Be Café: Please join us for morning tea every Sunday morning after the 8am Mass. All welcome.

6. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday 25th July 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.

7. RCIA 2026/27 Program: Are you a non-Catholic or a Catholic yet to complete your Sacraments of Christian Initiation; Eucharist and Confirmation? Would you like to know the process of becoming a full member of God’s family in the Catholic Church? If your answer is yes, please join us for RCIA at 7.30pm, Thursdays during school term in the parish centre. Contact our parish RCIA Coordinator Tom on 0417 997 254 / tomloreck@gmail.com or directly contact Fr. Cyp. We look forward to journeying with you to Easter 2027 and beyond.

8. Many thanks from the Whitford St. Vincent de Paul: We are most thankful for help, via donations to the poor box and non-perishable food hamper in the church foyer. Recycled clothing, shoes & blankets may be placed in our blue bins near the presbytery car-park. Surplus furniture in good condition may be collected from your home, phone 6323 7500. We also will welcome more members (see our brochures at back of Church) and your prayers to help our work among those struggling with difficult lives.

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. Line Dancing at OLM: Please join us for some fun on Tuesdays and Fridays @ 10.30am in the Parish Hall. No experience required. All welcome.

11. The Word Among Us: JULY-AUGUST 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.

12. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fr 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: Tuesday evenings at 5pm. 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. 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. Visit our website for more information.

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 3rd July. 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: Join us as we 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, Vilma, Sophy

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Linda Sweeney, John Clift/ Peter Ross, Anne Dale/ Emma Waters, Rachel Wanless/ Sally Paice, Eliza Boylen

COUNTERS: Sunday 5th July: Jennifer Lalani, Connie Sanders, Liz Williams, Rachel Hargrave

CLEANERS: Friday 3rd July: Chloe Lopresti, Regiane Tokimatsu, Vencia de San Miguel

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 5th July: Tania de Sousa, Gloria Ibanez, Regina Kroczek, Bernadette Nadham

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves, Mark Burton/ Cecilia Araya, Anne Dale, S Williamson, M Torres, M McGrath/ Brad Prentice, D Stritch

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Rice family in Karrinyup from 4th July to 11th July. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary, can call 0401 928 966 to arrange. From 11th to 18th July 2026 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 3rd July 2026.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: 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.

BAPTISMS: We welcome Zoe Dewey, Van Dewey, Croi Owen, Murray Waite, Anna Brystac, Chloe Page and Jai Jackson into God’s family this weekend.

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. Catholic Archdiocese Employment Opportunities:

• Assistant, Finance – Permanent, Full-time apply on SEEK

• Pastoral Assistant, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry – Permanent, Full-time Perth

• Program Facilitator: Family Life Education – CFJSS – Maximum Term, Part-time

3. 'St. Monica's Tears': Praying for our children, grandchildren and loved ones who have lapsed from their Catholic Faith. 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. The Knights of the Southern Cross WA: invite all Catholic men and women over 18 to join them for A Knights Leadership Breakfast with Margaret Court AC, MBE on Thursday 9th of July at Fraser’s Kings Park. Register now at https://go.kscwa.au/9july26-lead

5. Aid to the Church in Need: Founded in 1947, ACN is a pontifical foundation and provides vital aid for pastoral projects, religious education, and emergency relief in areas affected by conflict and poverty. For many years we have partnered with parishes to share news of our work in bulletins to let parishioners know about these projects. ACN operates solely on benefactor donations, with no funding from Church or State. Learn more on our website: www.aidtochurch.org

First reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13

He has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men

Jeremiah said: I hear so many disparaging me, ‘“Terror from every side!” Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’ All those who used to be my friends watched for my downfall, ‘Perhaps he will be seduced into error. Then we will master him and take our revenge!’ But the Lord is at my side, a mighty hero; my opponents will stumble, mastered, confounded by their failure; everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs. But you, O Lord of Hosts, you who probe with justice, who scrutinise the loins and heart, let me see the vengeance you will take on them, for I have committed my cause to you. Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 68(69):8-10,14,17,33-35

Response: Lord, in your great love, answer me.

It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame covers my face, that I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons. I burn with zeal for your house and taunts against you fall on me. R.

This is my prayer to you, my prayer for your favour. In your great love, answer me, O God, with your help that never fails: Lord, answer, for your love is kind; in your compassion, turn towards me. R.

The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains. Let the heavens and the earth give him praise, the sea and all its living creatures. R.

Second reading: Romans 5:12-15

The gift considerably outweighed the fall

Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned. Sin existed in the world long before the Law was given. There was no law and so no one could be accused of the sin of ‘law-breaking’, yet death reigned over all from Adam to Moses, even though their sin, unlike that of Adam, was not a matter of breaking a law. Adam prefigured the One to come, but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift.

Gospel Acclamation: John 15:26,27

Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord, and you also will be my witnesses. Alleluia.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:26-33

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops. ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So, there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows. ‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

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 (cf. Mt 10:26-33) the Lord Jesus, after having called and sent the disciples on mission, teaches them and prepares them to face the trials and persecutions they will have to endure. Going on mission is not like tourism, and Jesus cautions them: “you will find persecutions”. So he exhorts them: “have no fear of them; for nothing is covered that will not be revealed.... What I tell you in the dark, utter in the light.... And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (vv. 26-28). They can only kill the body; they do not have the power to kill souls: do not fear this. Jesus’ dispatch [of the disciples] on mission does not guarantee their success, just as it does not protect them from failure and suffering. They have to take into account both the possibility of rejection and that of persecution. This is somewhat frightening but it is the truth.

The disciple is called to conform his life to Christ who was persecuted by men, knew rejection, abandonment and death on the cross. There is no Christian mission marked by tranquillity! Difficulties and tribulations are part of the work of evangelization and we are called to find in them the opportunity to test the authenticity of our faith and of our relationship with Jesus. We must consider these difficulties as the opportunity to be even more missionary and to grow in that trust toward God, our Father who does not abandon his children during the storm. Amid the difficulties of Christian witness in the world, we are not forgotten but always assisted by the attentive concern of the Father. For this reason, in today’s Gospel, a good three times Jesus reassures the disciples, saying: “Do not fear!”.

Even in our day, brothers and sisters, persecution against Christians is present. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted and we praise God because, in spite of this, they continue to bear witness to their faith with courage and faithfulness. Their example helps us to not hesitate in taking the position in favour of Christ, bearing witness bravely in everyday situations, even in apparently peaceful contexts. In effect, a form of trial can also be the absence of hostility and tribulation. Besides [sending us out] as “sheep in the midst of wolves”, the Lord even in our times sends us out as sentinels in the midst of people who do not want to be woken from their worldly lethargy which ignores the Gospel’s words of Truth, building for themselves their own ephemeral truths. And if we go to or live in these contexts, and we proclaim the Words of the Gospel, this is bothersome and they will look at us unkindly.

But in all this, the Lord continues to tell us, as he did to the disciples of his time: “Do not fear!”.

Let us not forget these words: always, when we experience any tribulation, any persecution, anything that causes us to suffer, let us listen to the voice of Jesus in our hearts: “Do not fear! Do not fear! Go Forth! I am with you!”. Do not fear those who mock you and mistreat you and do not fear those who ignore you or respect you “to your face”, but fight the Gospel “behind your back”. There are so many who smile to our face, but fight the Gospel behind our backs. We all know them. Jesus does not leave us all alone, because we are precious to him. That is why he does not leave us all alone. Each one of us is precious to Jesus and he accompanies us.

May the Virgin Mary, example of humility and courageous adherence to the Word of God, help us to understand that success does not count in the witness of faith, but rather faithfulness, faithfulness to Christ, recognizing in any circumstance even the most problematic, the inestimable gift of being his missionary disciples.

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