Our Lady of the Mission
Whitford Parish - 27th November, 2022
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 are now returning to pre Covid-19 arrangements starting this summer. 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. 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 commend 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 - 28th November 2022 to 4th December 2022
Prayer of the Week
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:
Advent invites us to open our hearts to the hope that the Lord gives us as we celebrate once again his birth and look forward to his coming at the end of time.
First Reading Isaiah 2:1-5
The prophet Isaiah speaks of the pilgrims climbing up to Jerusalem and finding peace. We are called to make our home in Christ and in his kingdom where there will be peace, justice and joy. The Church shows us the way.
Second Reading Romans 13:11-14
In a stark warning, St Paul calls us to amend our lives and return to the way of the Lord.
Gospel Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus warns against complacency and summons us to focus on Christ and his life.
Antiphon to the Psalm:
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Heart of the Disciple - $5 from the Piety Stall
Parish Notices - Sunday 27th November, 2022
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 starting this summer. 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. An Evening of Carols – 1st December 2022: We are delighted to welcome you once again to this year’s Parish/Schools’ Evening of Carols on Thursday, 1st December from 6.00pm on the oval. We shall have a sausage sizzle, soft drinks and water on sale (by donation to Overseas Mission Ministry) for your picnic dinner prior to the Carols. Please plan to bring your family, friends and colleagues to this exciting community event. A great way to kick off our summer and Christmas seasons.
3. November Mass Intentions & Book of Life: Throughout this November, we will offer as is our tradition, Masses for all our deceased loved ones. The Book of life will also be in its place in the sanctuary for you to add names of all your loved ones who have died in the last twelve months. Please see parish newsletter for more details.
4. Parish Advent/Christmas Reconciliation: We will have our Advent/Christmas Second Rite of Reconciliation on Wednesday, 14th December at 7.00pm here in the Church. Please join us as we prepare for a meaningful Christmas celebration.
5. Christmas Flyers: Please grab a bundle of Advent/Christmas program flyers and invite your family, friends and neighbours to our parish liturgies and celebrations.
6. St Vincent de Paul Whitford: will hold our parish Christmas appeal for the poor this weekend. Those unable to help local struggling families with a hamper program this year, may wish to donate to our Christmas appeal via our envelopes in the pews today. Donations may be put in the poor box or our retiring collection. Many thanks to our generous supporters. There are still some families seeking a Christmas hamper sponsor. Details are on the shelf at the rear of our church. All hampers need to be returned to the parish centre after any Mass next week (3rd & 4th Dec) for distribution.
7. Return of Holy Water Stoups: As of the first weekend of December 2022, we will return Holy Water Stoups at both entrances to our Church. This is not an indication or rather a suggestion that Covid-19 risks are over. When this time comes, we strongly recommend that you make your own informed decision about the use of these stoups. Holy water is readily available in the flower room if you would like to carry your own little holy water bottle. Just speak to one of our priests and or our sacristans who can assist you.
8. Plant Sale Thank you: A huge THANK YOU from the Overseas Mission, for all the donations of plants, & supporting our fundraiser plant sale/s. Many Thanks to Fr Cyp & Fr Francis for looking after the plants, still available for sale. Plant money tin is on the information table, at back of church or can drop any plant money into the office.
9. Overseas Mission Christmas Raffle: Tickets on sale after all weekend Masses starting December 3rd and 4th, until drawn on Sunday 18th December, after 11am Mass. Ticket cost 3 for $5. All prize winners will be notified, prompt collection is appreciated, as the Church is prepared for Christmas celebrations. We thank you for your support and generosity. We wish you a Merry Christmas and New Year.
10. Adoration Christmas Closure: Adoration is now closed for Christmas and will resume on Wednesday, 18th January 2023.
11. Baby Jesus – Christmas Masses: We are seeking babies to help us celebrate our Christmas Masses this year. Masses available are: Christmas Eve - 9pm and 12pm, Christmas Day - 8am, 9.30am and 11am. Each baby will receive a special certificate as a memento. Please find sign-up sheet on the information desk at the back of Church or kindly contact the office on 9307 2776 to provide details of your baby.
12. Marian Movement of Priests: Meet 3 mornings per week Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in Adoration space immediately following morning Holy Mass. The aim of the MMP is to pray for our priests. Our prayer time includes Recitation of Holy Rosary, Reading of Our Blessed Mother's words through inner locutions to Fr. Gobbi from book To the Priests Our Lady's Beloved Son's. Concluding with Act of Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. Attendance varies from 8 - 12 members on each day. Each month we have a guest speaker and meet in room 2 of hall.
13. Just Faith Advertising Vacancies: If you would like to advertise in our Christmas edition of our Just Faith magazine, please contact the office on 9307 2776. As well as promoting your business through our community, you will be helping to support this publication. Rates are very reasonable.
14. Newsletter Advertising Vacancies: If you would like to advertise your business on the back of our newsletter, please contact the office on 9307 2776. The newsletter is emailed to over 2000 parishioners each week and is put on our Facebook page. A limited number of hard copies are also produced. Advertisements run for three-month periods in line with our seasons. Our Summer Season will start on 4th December. As well as promoting your business through our community, you will be helping to support this publication. Rates are very reasonable.
15. Statue of Fatima: any family wishing to have the Statue in their home, for a week, can have their name put on the roster for 2023. Please contact Shirley-Ann on 0424 813 890 by 11 December for more information. Thank you.
16. The Word Among Us: The ADVENT EDITION for 2022 IS HERE! 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. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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 enquires and book.
20. 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.
21. 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 - 4th December, 2022
NEWSLETTER NOTICES DEADLINE: Wednesday at 12pm Noon.
RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Hyacinth Adie/ Fera Widodo/ Lyn Smale/ Vilma Batt/ Samantha Thompson.
READERS: Jenna dÓliveira & Francis dÓliveira/ Trish Smith & Anne Dale/ Carol Wright & Volunteer/ Gisela Boston & Rachel Boston/ Sharon Milne & Dan Cutler.
COUNTERS: Sunday, 11th December: Jennifer Lalani/ Connie Sanders/ Liz Williams/ Rachel Hargrave/ Antoinette Monisse-Redman.
CLEANERS: Friday, 3rd December: Callum Chambers/ Jessica Nogheredo/ Margarita Tranquille/ Suzan Crompton.
STATUE OF FATIMA: From 3rd December to 10th December: the Statue is with the Eagle family in Ocean Reef. Those wishing to say the Rosary with the family can call 08 9300 4415 to arrange. From 10th December to 17th December the Statue will be with the Zdunek family in Craigie.
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 2nd December, 2022.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Adoration is held every Wednesday & Friday from 9.30 am – 7 pm.
BAPTISM: We welcome Ariah Callaghan and Tiffany Wang 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.
Death & Anniversary
All the Masses this week will be offered especially for all those names mentioned in the Book of Life and whose name lies beneath the Altar and all our departed loved ones Holy Souls, all those recently deceased and those who have their anniversary around this time.
Stewardship Corner
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.
Youth News
1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: Our parish youth group; young people in years six-twelve gather every first, third and fifth Fridays of the month in the parish centre at 7.00pm. Please plan to join us at our next gathering on Friday, 9th December at 7.00pm. Youth Leaders are Stefan Fernando & Trinity Reed.
2. Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) Invitation: SUMMIT is a space for teens and young adults to encounter Christ and community through Mass, Adoration and Fellowship. SUMMIT happens weekly on a Wednesday, alternating between South and North parishes.
General Notices
1. Advent Reflection Journal 2022 – Centre for Life, Marriage & Family:
Advent is just around the corner – now is the time to start planning your spiritual enrichment for the season. These popular, limited-run, A5 journals feature Daily Mass readings, practical prayer and devotional information, meditations from saints, spaces to write, and daily guided reflections. $15 inc. GST. Bulk order discount available upon request. Postage extra. Pick up will be available at our Doubleview office. Preview and order: https://clmfjournal.company.site/ Queries: lifeservices.clmf@perthcatholic.org.au
2. Employment Opportunity: The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth has a number of employment opportunities available for suitably qualified persons to join their team and continue the good work of the Church.
For details, refer to https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Employment.htm.
For a copy of the Job Description and to submit your application please email: recruitment@perthcatholic.org.au
· Manager, Wellbeing, Health and Safety - Permanent, Full-Time (listed on SEEK)
· Manager, Executive Services (Episcopal Services) - Permanent, Full-Time (listed on SEEK)
· Coordinator, Wellbeing, Health and Safety – Permanent, Full-Time
· Finance Officer – Fixed Term (12 Months) Full-Time
· Systems Accountant – Fixed Term (12 Months) Full-Time
3. Catholic Mission: presents Leaning towards the Light. A Christmas Reflection on Modern Slavery. Saturday 10th December 6pm. Bookings essential www.trybooking.com.CDTHF. Adults $40, Concessions $25.
4. City of Joondalup: Let’s Make Joondalup Better Together – Workshop with Town Team Movement. Tuesday29th November from 5.30pm – 7pm at Joondalup Reception Centre, 102 Boas Ave, Joondalup.
KEYS FOUND
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 We invite ALL church workers (volunteers or paid) to attend an online safeguarding induction. 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. To register please visit: www.safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au or phone 9221 7762. The calendar dates are:
o Wednesday, 07 December 2022 at 2 pm
o Thursday, 15 December 2022 at 7 pm
Reading at Mass: First Sunday of Advent - A
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.’
Prayer for our Parish Families
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.
Pope Francis Reflection
Today, the first Sunday of the time of Advent, a new liturgical year begins. In these four weeks of Advent, the liturgy leads us to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus, while it reminds us that He comes into our lives every day, and will return gloriously at the end of time. This certainty leads us to look trustfully to the future, as we are invited to do by the prophet Isaiah, who with his inspired voice accompanies the entire Advent journey.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies that “it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it” (Is 2: 2). The temple of the Lord in Jerusalem is presented as the point of convergence and meeting of all peoples. After the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus Himself revealed himself as the true temple. Therefore, the marvellous vision of Isaiah is a divine promise and impels us to assume an attitude of pilgrimage, of a journey towards Christ, the meaning and end of all history. Those who hunger and thirst for justice can only find it through the ways of the Lord, while evil and sin come from the fact that individuals and social groups prefer to follow paths dictated by selfish interests, which cause conflicts and wars. Advent is the time to welcome the coming of Jesus, Who comes as a messenger of peace to show us the ways of God.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus exhorts us to be ready for His coming: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming” (Mt 24: 42). Staying awake does not mean to have one’s eyes materially open, but to have one’s heart free and facing the right direction, that is disposed to giving and to service. This is staying awake! The slumber from which we must awaken is constituted of indifference, of vanity, of the inability to establish genuinely human relationships, of the inability to take charge of our brother who is alone, abandoned or ill. The expectation of Jesus Who is coming must therefore be translated into a commitment to vigilance. It is above all a question of wondering at God’s action, at His surprises, and of according Him primacy. Vigilance also means, in a concrete sense, being attentive to our neighbour in difficulty, allowing oneself to be called upon by his needs, without waiting for him or her to ask us for help, but learning to prevent, to anticipate, as God always does with us.
May Mary, the vigilant Virgin and Mother of hope, guide us on this journey, helping us to turn our gaze towards the “mountain of the Lord”, the image of Jesus Christ, which attracts all men and all peoples.
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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: Stefan 0406 050 035 or Trinity 0468 375 889
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