Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 5th February, 2023
The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Message from Fr Cyp
Greetings and welcome; parishioners and visitors!
Fr Francis 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. Whitford Catholic Parish is home to over seventy 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 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. Following the end of Western Australian State of Emergency and State government’s removal of all mandatory restrictions in relation to Covid-19, we have since returned to pre Covid-19 arrangements. However, we must highlight the fact that Covid-19 is still in the community and so all immune compromised individuals need to take relevant precautions to protect themselves from any adverse effects from this virus. Let us all continue to look out for each other by minding our hand hygiene and physical contact with each other. Sincere thanks to one and all for your cooperation as we have navigated the last few difficult years. Fr Francis 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; as always, 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.
MASS TIMES - 6th February 2023 to 12th February 2023
Prayer of the Week
We thank you Lord for constantly watching over us. We ask that you keep us safe always, for our trust is in you.
Introduction:
Life isn’t about “me” and my wants. Life is about noticing the vulnerable people around us and sharing our time and energy to support them. We are called to be the voice for those who do not find the justice that they need to live in dignity and peace.
First Reading Isaiah 58:7-10
If we are prepared to share even life’s essentials with others and to act with justice, then we will be very close to God.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Our faith should not be placed in human wisdom, but in God’s power.
Gospel Matthew 5:13-16
If we are truly the salt of the earth and the light of the world, people should be able to see Jesus alive and active in us.
Antiphon to the Psalm:
A light rises in the darkness for the upright.
Parish Religious Education Program 2023 Enrolment
Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish offers the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) for children who are attending Non-Catholic Schools from PP/Year One through to Year Six.
PREP is a comprehensive developmental and sequential religious education program mandated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and includes the preparation of children to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist & Confirmation.
PREP classes have now commenced. Enrolment for PREP 2023 is still open. PREP classes are held every Thursday during school term from 3.45 pm to 5.00 pm. PREP Enrolment Forms are available at the Church Foyer and Parish Office. Please complete the enrolment form and submit it to the Parish Office.
For more information, kindly contact the Sacramental Coordinator on 93072776 or email sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Parish Notices - Sunday 5th February, 2023
1. COVID-19 Update: Following the end of Western Australian State of Emergency and State government’s removal of all mandatory restrictions in relation to Covid-19, we are now returning to pre Covid-19 arrangements. However, we must highlight the fact that Covid-19 is still in the community and so all immune compromised individuals need to take relevant precautions to protect themselves from any adverse effects from this virus. Let us all continue to look out for each other by minding our hand hygiene and physical contact with each other. Sincere thanks to one and all for your cooperation as we have navigated over the last three years.
2. Parish e-Newsletter Subscription: We encourage all parishioners who have access to email facility to subscribe to our weekly Parish Newsletter if you’ve not done so already. Parish Newsletter has weekend readings, prayers and all-important messages from the Parish and is sent out every Friday afternoon. If not subscribed, please send your name and email address to the parish office at whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
3. WCPS School Opening Mass: WCPS will celebrate their school opening Mass next Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 9am in the Church. All welcome to join.
4. Parents’ Information Night: We invite all parents with children celebrating First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and or Confirmation this year to please join us for an information evening on Wednesday, 15th February at 7.00pm. At least one parent per family ought to try and make it.
5. Daily Reflections: From Ashes to Hope – Daily Reflections book for Lent and the Easter Octave is NOW available from the Piety Stall at the back of the Church after all Masses for only $5.
6. Eucharistic Adoration Resumed: Our Wednesday & Friday Eucharistic Adoration has resumed. We would love for more people to come on the roster; spending Just One Hour with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Please liaise with Eileen the coordinator on 0407 471 256 for more info. Thank you.
7. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Thank you to all those who joined us at our Healing Mass on 28th January. Our next Healing Mass will be on Saturday, 25th February at 8.30am. Please mark your diaries and plan to join us.
8. Communion on Tongue: If you are keen on receiving communion on tongue, we kindly request that you consider coming last in the queue and please approach the priest; NOT acolytes or special ministers. Thank you for your cooperation
9. Pastoral visits by Invitation: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Francis can now 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. Thank you.
10. Fr Justin Meditation Group: The meditation group has resumed. Come join us for deep relaxation that is beneficial for inner peace and healing held every Monday, from 1 pm – 2 pm in the Church Hall.
11. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: The Relic donated to the Parish by Pat Fraser, is ‘housed’ in a Reliquary. Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes, keep it as long as required and then return it to the Church. Please call the office 9307 2776 or Shirley-Ann 0424 813 890 to make enquiries and book.
12.The Word Among Us: The FEBRUARY edition is 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.
13. Padbury Catholic Primary School: Padbury Catholic Primary School is a welcoming, inclusive and faith-filled community which caters for students from Pre-Kindy (3ry olds) to Year 6 in a double-stream setting. Please visit our website www.padcath.wa.edu.au, Facebook page, Instagram or call 9404 4000 for further information. We are currently taking expressions of interest and interviews for enrolment across the seven year groups.
14. Whitford Catholic Primary School: Whitford Catholic Primary School is a
community that celebrates faith and achievement and promotes excellence in all we do. Please visit our website www.whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au, our Facebook page or call (08) 9404 4200 for more information. We are currently taking expressions of interest and interviews for enrolment across the seven-year groups.
Rosters - 12th February, 2023
NEWSLETTER NOTICES DEADLINE: Wednesday at 12pm Noon.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Hyacinth Adie/ Cecilia Araya/ Clare Alexander/ Relief/ Relief.
READERS: Margy Reeler & Kerry Roberts/ Megan Woodall & Celine Chaperon/ Corina Gill & Natasha Gill/ Diana Baulch & Sofia Penaranda/ Sharon Milne & Dan Cutler.
COUNTERS: Sunday, 19th February 2023: Jennifer Lalani/ Connie Sanders/ Liz Williams/ Rachel Hargrave/ Antoinette Monisse-Redman.
CLEANERS: Saturday, 11th February 2023: Alma Turner/ Christian Philogene/ Grace Lazuardi/ Helen Gormley/ Roisin Doran.
STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue of Fatima will be with the Giannasi family in Padbury until the 11th February. Those wishing to join the family to recite the Rosary can call 0401 357 303 to arrange. From 11th February – 18th February, the Statue will be with the Gorman 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 the 3rd March, 2023.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30 am – 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.
Death & Anniversary
Our Prayers this week will be offered for Nelia Rebillon, William Stewart, Ly Van Hong, Tony Multari, Greg Davies, Colin Pike, Keith Westerhout, Mick Paral, Emma Anselmet, all Souls in Purgatory, all Doctors, Nurses and Heath Care workers who have died from Covid-19, for all our departed loved ones, all Holy Souls, all victims of Covid-19, all those recently deceased and those who have their anniversary around this time.
Stewardship Corner
In the first reading, Isiah urges us in the name of the Lord to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the naked. If we do so, he assures us, the Lord will hear and answer our cries for help in time of need.
Youth News
1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: Our Parish Youth group gatherings have resumed after Christmas and summer break. We invite all our year six-twelve students to join us every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm. Our next meeting is on Friday, 17th February at 7.00pm. Our NEW Youth leaders are Anthony & Patsy. Please contact 0455 108 885 or 0450 574 435 for more information.
2. Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM): "Child of God" Getaway Weekend [10th Feb – 12th Feb]: Join CYM for another exciting getaway weekend in February 2023 [from 6:00 pm Fri: 10/02 to 3:00 pm Sun: 12/02] with other young adults from around Perth. Held at Advent Park in Maida Vale, there will be lots of music, fellowship, prayer, talks, and discussions, on the baptismal calling of Priest, Prophet, and King. We will explore together what it means to live out our faith as a true Child of God. Registration is $90.00 with the closing date on Tuesday 31st January.
General Notices
1. Medjugorje News: PILGRIMAGE. In the footsteps of St. Mother Teresa. Departing Perth 11th May 2023, visiting 5 Countries. Northern Macedonia. Albania. Montenegro. Croatia. Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Including 9 days in MEDJUGORJE.) Contact email medjugorjewa1981@gmail.com or mob 0407 471 256.
2. HOLY SPIRIT PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND AND/OR ITALY (28th August - 19th September, 2023): Contact Fr Emmanueltv on fremmanueltv@gmail.com; holyspiritp@gmail.com; 0417 999 553 or 08 9341 3079.
3. Employment Opportunity: The Catholic Youth Ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth is seeking two suitably qualified persons to join their team and nurture the faith of youth and young adults across the Archdiocese.
· Media Officer – Fixed Term 12 Months, Full-Time (listed on SEEK)..
· Youth Worker – Casual.
The successful applicants must have an in-depth understanding of the Catholic faith and Church practices, and have experience working with young people. A valid National Police Clearance, Working with Children Check, WA Driver’s Licence and proof of COVID-19 Vaccination (triple dose) will be required.
For details, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm. Email recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au for a copy of the Job Description and the skills/experience required for the roles. Applications close Tuesday 14 February 2023.
Safeguarding Notices
· Safeguarding Commitment Statement: Use the following link to view the Safeguarding Commitment statement - Commitment Statement – Safeguarding Office (perthcatholic.org.au)
· Safeguarding Handbook: Safeguarding_Handbook.pdf (perthcatholic.org.au)
· Safeguarding Prayer: Safeguarding Prayer (perthcatholic.org.au)
· Role of Safeguarding Officer: Please find description on page 4 of the handbook
· Safeguarding Induction ONLINE: We invite ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) to attend an online safeguarding induction on 13th February 2023 at 2 pm and 21st February 2023 at 7 pm. Register online at: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/training/ or phone 9221 7762
· Safeguarding Induction Level 1 FACE to FACE: We invite ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) to attend a face-to-face safeguarding induction at:
1. Our Lady of Mercy, Girrawheen - Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023. Time: 6.30 – 7.30 pm. Venue: Our Lady of Mercy Church, 5 Patrick Court, Girrawheen WA 6064.
2. Our Lady of Lourdes, Nollamara - Date: Sunday, 05 March 2023. Time: 10.15 am. Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes, Nollamara.
Register online at: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/training/ or phone 9221 7762
· Safeguarding Officer Refresher Training: will take place at Our Lady of the Mission Whitford Parish on Tuesday 28th February 2023 from 7-9pm in the Parish centre.
· NB: A church worker is anyone in the parish in any role – paid or voluntary. The session will cover the Safeguarding Policies and Procedures, the importance of Safeguarding in the parish and the role of the Parish Safeguarding Officer. This induction must be done every three years.
Readings at Mass: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - A.
First reading: Isaiah 58:7-10
Then will your light shine like the dawn
Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man you see to be naked and do not turn from your own kin. Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’ If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.
________
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 111(112):4-9
Response: A light rises in the darkness for the upright.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honour. R.
The just man will never waver: he will be remembered for ever. He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. R.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear; open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory. R.
________
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
The only knowledge I claimed was of the crucified Christ
When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.
________
Gospel Acclamation: John 8:12
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; the man who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
________
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Your light must shine in the sight of men
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’
We Pray as One
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 be open 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.
Pope Francis Reflection
In today's Gospel (cf. Mt 5:13-16), Jesus says to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world" (vv. 13.14). He uses symbolic language not so much to give a definition of the disciple but to set out for those who wish to follow Him certain criteria for living their mission in the world.
The first image: salt. Salt is the component that gives flavour and that stores and preserves food from corruption. The disciple is therefore called to keep society away from the dangers, and the corrosive elements that pollute people's lives. It is a question of resisting sin and moral degradation, and bearing witness to the values of honesty and fraternity, without giving in to the worldly enticements of careerism, power and wealth. The disciple is "salt" who, despite the daily failures – because we all have them – rises from the dust of their own mistakes, starting again with courage and patience, every day, to seek dialogue and encounter with others. A disciple is "salt" who does not seek approval and praise, but strives to be a humble and constructive presence, in fidelity to the teachings of Jesus who came into the world not to be served, but to serve. And this attitude is greatly needed!
The second image that Jesus offers to His disciples is that of light: "You are the light of the world." The light disperses the darkness and allows you to see. Jesus is the light that has dispelled the darkness, but it still remains in the world and in individual people. It is the task of the Christian to dispel it further by making Christ's light shine among others and by proclaiming His Gospel. This outpouring of light can come from our words, but it must come mainly from our 'good deeds' (see 16). A disciple and a Christian community are the light of the world when they direct others to God, helping each person to experience His goodness and mercy. A disciple of Jesus is light when he or she knows how to live their faith outside of confined spaces, helping to eliminating prejudices, eliminating slander, and in bringing the light of truth into situations tainted by hypocrisy and lies. You must be the light. But it is not my own light, it is the light of Jesus : we are instruments of Jesus and we must radiate His light to reach everyone.
Jesus invites us not to be afraid to live in the world, even if there are sometimes conditions of conflict and sin in it. In the face of violence, injustice and oppression, Christians cannot shut up within themselves in or hide in the security of their own enclosure; even the Church cannot shut up within herself, she cannot abandon her mission of evangelization and service. Jesus, in the Last Supper, asked the Father not to remove the disciples from the world, to leave them, there, in the world, but to guard them from the spirit of the world. The Church gives generously and tenderly for the least and the poor: this is not the spirit of the world, this is her light, she is salt. The Church hears the cry of the least and the excluded, because she is aware of being a pilgrim community called to extend throughout history the saving presence of Jesus Christ.
May the Blessed Virgin help us to be salt and light in the world, bringing to everyone, in life and word, the Good News of God's love.
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Contact us!
Parish Priest: Fr Cyprian M. Shikokoti
Ph: 0450 464 678
Assistant Priest: Fr Francis Quoc Tran
Ph: 0466 909 282
Parish Office
Secretaries: Christine List & Mary McGrath-Yek
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 9am –4pm
Ph: 08 9307 2776
Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Sacramental Coordinator: Brigid Fredericks
Ph: 08 9307 2776
Email: sacramental.whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Youth and Young Adult Contact Details
Youth Choir: Tara Prentice - 0424 205 011
Youth & Family Choir: Fran Christie Zscherpel - 0433 852 967
24:7 Whitford Youth Group: Anthony 0455 108 885 and Patsy 0450 574 435
Safeguarding Officers:
Rachel Wood 0400 958 513
Margy Reeler 0458 509 054
Andrew DeMaio 0422 236 051
Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Website: olm.myparish.net.au
Location: 270 Camberwarra Drive, Craigie WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9307 2776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-the-Mission-Whitford-Parish-105788500874671/?ref=br_rs