Our Lady of the Mission

Whitford Parish - 3rd November 2024

This Sunday is: The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Next Sunday is: The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

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. Over the past fifty years, Whitford Catholic Parish remains 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 these our young people and endeavor to have their voices heard at every level of our administrative and pastoral engagements. We are ever grateful to the many individuals and groups that volunteer in various ministries of our parish life. To one and all, know that you are valued and appreciated in your own right. We cannot be what we are without you. A special mention to all those who in various ways were instrumental in the brainstorming, planning and celebration of our parish’s Golden Jubilee. 20th October 2024 was marked with great joy by all; thanks to the love of God, your prayers, kind counsel and practical support. We can truly look forward to the years ahead with great confidence and meaningful hope. As always, 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, 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.

Reconciliation Times

Saturdays 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Prayer of the Week

May the prayers of the Saints assist us. May their example be our guide, and may we come at last to the Father’s house where we will share with them eternal life.

Readings

Introduction:

As Jesus comes to the end of his public career, he sums up his teaching in the great commandments: to love God above all things and to love our neighbour as ourselves. How can this succinct message become the foundation of all our lives?

First reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Second reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Christ’s power to save is utterly certain.

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Jesus gives us the two great commandments.

Antiphon to the Psalm:

I love you, Lord, my strength.

Death & Anniversary

Please offer your prayers this week for Patrick O’Brien, Kevin Halliday, Joseph Villas, Arken Gareno, John Cullen, Patricia Mc Carthy, Fr Joe, John Baptist An, 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.

Stewardship Corner

What percentage does God ask of me as a good steward? All of my heart, all of my soul, all of my mind, and all of my strength!

New Parishioner to our Parish?

We would love to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our priests Fr. Cyp and Fr Francis. Pick up a Parish census card from one of our priests or the information desk, once received a welcome pack will be sent to you.

The Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for LifeLink will be held next weekend on 9/10 November 2024.

Please collect your copy of the Archbishop’s Appeal Letter after Mass this weekend, read his message and please give generously to support the valuable work of the Church’s social service agencies.

You may mail your gift in the reply-paid envelope provided or return your envelope and donation for a Special Collection which will be held at Mass next weekend.

You may also donate (securely) online by credit card: www.lifelink.com.au

PARISH NOTICES

1. PREP Sacraments: We congratulate all our students and their families from PCPS, WCPS and Prep who made their First Reconciliation this week. Please keep these students and families in your prayers.

2. November Mass Offerings: In November the church encourages us to pray and offer Masses for all Holy Souls. We are all on a pilgrimage, journeying with all the faithful followers of Christ living, as well as departed; our prayers assist each other to focus in walking towards God so that we all may be united with our loving God one day in Heaven. November is the month dedicated for all Souls. Mass offerings for all the departed can be written on the November envelopes. These envelopes will be collected and placed directly at the foot of the Altar. Throughout this November month, your priests are offering all their Masses for your family’s loved ones and intentions.

3. Book of Life: The book will be in its special place in the sanctuary during the month of November. You may add the names of those who have died during the past year. Please do not repeat names that have already been recorded in previous years.

4. Parish AGM: We invite all our parishioners to our 2024 parish AGM on Wednesday, 20th November from 6.30pm in the parish centre. Ministry leaders are kindly requested to hand in their reports to the parish office as soon as possible.

5. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be next Saturday, 30th November 2024. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick. Remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

6. LINE DANCING: Come and join in the fun of line dancing commencing Tuesday, 12th November, in the Parish Hall at 10.15am. No partners required. All Welcome. No experience required. Full teach and practice. Only $5. Contact Alma for more information, 0414 061 237.

7. Overseas Mission: Plant Sale Surplus – Please take a plant from outside the Church and make a donation using the tin on the information desk at the back of the Church. All proceeds go to OLM Overseas Mission Ministry.

8. Whitford St. Vincent de Paul: Christmas card packs are now available on the desk near the Church entry. Packs of 5 cards are for sale at $5 each pack. Please place the money in the poor box.

9. St Vincent de Paul Christmas hampers: We hope to offer festive hampers again this Christmas. Lists of various size families are now available on the shelf at the rear of the church, with suggested hamper items. Generous people, families and friends can donate a hamper to struggling people we have helped in recent months. Please sign up, provide your contact details and take the numbered information sheet matching your selected family.

10. Parish Ministries Thanksgiving Mass: From this year, all our parish ministries will celebrate thanksgiving Mass at 10.00am on Christ the King Sunday; this year being on 24 November. We invite all ministry leaders and their volunteers to join us.

11. An Evening of Carols – 26th November 2024: We are delighted to welcome you once again to this year’s Parish/Schools’ Evening of Carols on Tuesday, 26th November 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.

12. Staff and Volunteers Christmas Gathering: We invite all our parish staff ministry leaders and volunteers to this year’s Christmas gathering on Friday, 29 November from 6.30pm in the parish centre.

13. Kiswahili Mass Launch: After a period of trial and consultation with concerned people, we are pleased to announce the launch of Kiswahili Mass in our parish that will take place once a month on the first Sunday at 2.30pm. This official launch will be on Sunday 1st December 2024 at 2.30pm. You are all welcome to the experience.

14. Parish Advent Reconciliation: Our 2024 Advent reconciliation is scheduled for Wednesday, 11th December 2024 at 7.00pm in the Church. You are all welcome.

15. 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 website and 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 1st December. As well as promoting your business through our community, you will be helping to support this publication. Rates are very reasonable.

16. THANK YOU FROM CATHOLIC MISSION: Thank you for your generous response. The amount raised will go towards helping our missionaries in Mongolia to provide safe haven and support for vulnerable people escaping domestic violence and homelessness. If you are interested in volunteering, or leaving a bequest for the missions, please contact Francis Leong on 6234 1760 or at director.cm@perthcatholic.org.au

17. Eucharistic Adoration: We welcome anyone who would like to devote just one hour for Eucharistic Adoration. Every Wednesday and Friday between 12pm and 3pm (12pm – 1pm, 1pm – 2pm, 2pm – 3pm)

18. The Word Among Us: NOW AVAILABLE – NOVEMBER EDITION. 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.

19. Pastoral visits: Weekly pastoral visits conducted by Fathers Cyprian and Francis 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. Thank you.

20. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: The ongoing Novena on Tuesday starts at 6pm. All welcome to attend.

21. 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.

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

23. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: Parishioners may take the Reliquary to their homes. Please call the office 9307 2776 or Shirley-Ann 0424 813 890 to make enquiries and book.

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

25. Padbury Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Contact the school for further information.

26. Whitford Catholic Primary School: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. To apply, please visit https://whitfordcatholicps.wa.edu.au/apply-online/.

YOUTH NEWS

Youth News

1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: We invite and encourage all our years six-twelve students to join us every 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month in the Parish Centre at 7.00pm. Our next gathering is on Friday, 15th November 2024. Please contact Caleb on 0409 682 923 and Jasmine on 0480 179 390 or more information.

2. Road to Emmaus Youth Group: Meets Thursday 7.30-9.00pm. For ages 16-22. Contact Eliza for details: 0402 642 887.

ROSTERS 9th & 10th NOVEMBER 2024

NEWSLETTER NOTICES DEADLINE: Wednesday at 12pm Noon.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Bernadette Nabham/ Gloria Ougan/ Alice Espiritu/ Sophy Lin.

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Jenna d’Oliveira & Francis d’Oliveira/ Megan Woodall & Celine Chaperon/ PCPS/ Rafaela Rogers & Tessa Rogers.

COUNTERS: Sunday 10th November 2024: Colin O’Neill/ Caroline Mikeska/ Mary McGrath-Yek/ Suyaine Tohovitis/ Jackie Higgins.

CLEANERS: Friday 8th November 2024: Mary Healy/ Suzanne Healy/ Melanie Eales/ Katrina James/ Erica Moore Cornista/ Suyaine Tohovitis.

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 10th November 8.00am: Alma Turner/ Jackie Murphy.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Linda Sweeney & Dulce Nightingall/ Peta Geneste & Tamara McGougan/ Su-Lyn Ta, Ronellie Lenon & Jesse Bouwman/ Christina Davini & Sheila Stritch.

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue will be with the Zdunek family from 2nd - 9th November. Those wishing to join them to say the Rosary can call 0477 243 960 to arrange. From 9th - 23rd November the Statue will be with the Lenon family in East Perth.

BAPTISMS: We Emily O’Connell into God’s family this weekend.

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 November, 2024.

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.

GENERAL NOTICES

1.Reconciliation Times at Surrounding Parishes:

St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef: Tuesday & Friday, 6.30pm/ Saturday, After 8.30am Mass & 5pm – 5.45pm

St Anthony, Wanneroo: Saturday, 4.30pm – 5pm

St Lukes, Woodvale: Saturday, 5pm – 5.50pm

All Saints, Greenwood: Saturday, 9.30am – 10am & 5.30pm – 5.45pm

Our Lady of Grace, North Beach: Saturday, 5 pm – 5.45 pm

2. COMMSSA – Western Australia Inc Christmas Lunch: Sunday 17th November 2024 at 12pm at Bayswater Petanque Club, Wotton Reserve, Embleton. Great cause – Sick Children of Mauritius. Four course meal, $50 per person. Reservations before 9th November – monjac91@gmail.com. For more information, please contact Mirella on 0424 528 439.

3. Fr Vinh Dong will be taking a group to Vietnam and Cambodia from 25th March to 14th April 2025. Those who wish to join please contact Fr Vinh on 0422422773 or vinh.dong@perthcatholic.org.au

4. Campion College Summer Program: January 2025. Our four day program provides the opportunity to reside on campus and meet other young Australians who share your passion for history, literature, philosophy and theology. Learn more and register: www.campion.edu.au/summer-program.

5. Godly Women with Faith Catholic Ministry Gathering: Ladies, come join us, for a fun morning of community building activities, laughter, good conversations, prayer, prizes and delicious food! Saturday 7th December 2024, 10:30am to 12:30pm, 67 Howe Street, Osborne Park. Tickets available on godlywomenwithfaith.com/upcomingevents/.

6. Catholic Mission: Catholic Mission & the Centre for Liturgy invites us all to the 2024 Advent Reflection on Modern Slavery. Titled, ‘A Season for Hope’, this is a beautiful classical & sacred music event, performed by some of Perth’s premier musicians at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday 25 November. Gathering at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. So please book a ticket to this inspirational musical experience by going online to https://www.trybooking.com/CVWHK . We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating together a start to the season of Hope that is Advent.

7. Divine Mercy Shrine: Raffle being held to raise to go towards the completion of the Divine Mercy Shrine, Lower Chittering. Tickets available on-line at: http://divinemercyshrine.com.au/product/divine-mercy-shrine-raffle/. More details on the poster at the back of the Church.

READINGS AT MASS: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

First reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

Moses said to the people: ‘If you fear the Lord your God all the days of your life and if you keep all his laws and commandments which I lay on you, you will have a long life, you and your son and your grandson. Listen then, Israel, keep and observe what will make you prosper and give you great increase, as the Lord the God of your fathers has promised you, giving you a land where milk and honey flow. ‘Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart.’

________

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 17(18):2-4,47,51

Response: I love you, Lord, my strength.

I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my saviour. My God is the rock where I take refuge; my shield, my mighty help, my stronghold. The Lord is worthy of all praise, when I call I am saved from my foes. R.

Long life to the Lord, my rock! Praised be the God who saves me, He has given great victories to his king and shown his love for his anointed. R.

________

Second reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

Christ, because he remains for ever, can never lose his priesthood

There used to be a great number of priests under the former covenant, because death put an end to each one of them; but this one, because he remains for ever, can never lose his priesthood. It follows, then, that his power to save is utterly certain, since he is living for ever to intercede for all who come to God through him. To suit us, the ideal high priest would have to be holy, innocent and uncontaminated, beyond the influence of sinners, and raised up above the heavens; one who would not need to offer sacrifices every day, as the other high priests do for their own sins and then for those of the people, because he has done this once and for all by offering himself. The Law appoints high priests who are men subject to weakness; but the promise on oath, which came after the Law, appointed the Son who is made perfect for ever.

________

Gospel Acclamation: John 14:23

Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them. Alleluia!

________

Gospel reading: Mark 12:28-34

'You are not far from the kingdom of God'

One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him anymore.

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 liturgy, the Gospel presents a scribe who approaches Jesus and asks him: “Which commandment is the first of all?” (Mk 12:28). Jesus responds by citing Scripture and confirms that the first commandment is to love God; from this one then derives the second, as a natural consequence: to love one’s neighbour as oneself (cf. vv. 29-31). Hearing this response, the scribe not only recognises that he is right, but in doing so, in recognising that he is right, he repeats the same words Jesus had said: “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that…to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself is more than a whole burnt offering and sacrifices” (vv. 32-33).

But, we can ask ourselves, in giving his assent, why did that scribe feel the need to repeat Jesus’ same words? This repetition seems to be more surprising if we think that this is the Gospel of Mark, who has a very concise style. So, what could this repetition mean? This repetition is a teaching for all of us who are listening. For the Word of the Lord cannot be received as any other type of news. The Word of the Lord must be repeated, made one’s own, safeguarded. The monastic tradition, of the monks, uses an audacious but very concrete term. It goes thus: the Word of God must be “ruminated”. “To ruminate” the Word of God. We could say that it is so nutritious that it must be ruminated in every aspect of life: to involve, as Jesus says today, the entire heart, the entire soul, the entire mind, all of our strength (cf. v. 30). The Word of the Lord must resound, echo and re-echo within us. When there is this interior echo that repeats itself, it means that the Lord dwells in the heart. And he says to us, just as he did to that excellent scribe in the Gospel: “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (v. 34).

Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord is not so much looking for skilled Scripture commentators, as he is looking for docile hearts which, welcoming his Word, allow themselves to be changed inside. This is why it is so important to be familiar with the Gospel, to always have it at hand – even a pocket-size Gospel in our pockets, in our purses to read and reread, to be passionate about it. When we do this, Jesus, the Word of the Father, enters into our hearts, he becomes intimate with us and we bear fruit in Him. Let’s take for example today’s Gospel: it is not enough to read it and understand that we need to love God and our neighbour. It is necessary that this commandment, which is the “great commandment”, resound in us, that it be assimilated, that it become the voice of our conscience. This way, it does not remain a dead letter, in the drawer of the heart, because the Holy Spirit makes the seed of that Word germinate in us. And the Word of God works, it is always in motion, it is alive and effective (cf. Heb 4:12). So each one of us can become a living, different and original “translation”, not a repetition but a living, different and original “translation” of the one Word of love that God gives us. This is what we see in the lives of the Saints for example. None of them is the same as another, they are all different, but with the same Word of God.

Today, therefore, let us take the example of this scribe. Let us repeat Jesus’ words, making them resound in us: “To love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength and my neighbour as myself”. And let us ask ourselves: does this commandment truly orient my life? Does this commandment resonate in my daily life? It would be good this evening, before going to sleep, to make an examination of conscience on this Word, to see if we have loved the Lord today and if we have done a little good to those we happened to meet. May every encounter bring about a little bit of good, a little bit of love that comes from this Word. May the Virgin Mary, in whom the Word of God was made flesh, teach us to welcome the living word of the Gospel in our hearts.

SAFEGUARDING

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.

By providing a safe environment, actively identifying and managing risk, and complying with the Safeguarding policy, guidelines and legal obligations, we serve Jesus and uphold human dignity as the foundation of our faith. We aim for our parish to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Our Parish is committed to implementing the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS). We annually undertake a self-assessment (Safeguarding Activities Assessment Tool – SAAT) to continuously improve and monitor the implementation of the NCSS.

You can find out more about the safeguarding program, guidelines, find helpful resources, and protective behaviours resources and story books here: https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/

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. See poster in Church for contact details. Safeguarding Officers: Andrea Clemente: 0405 116 810, Renee Itzstein: 0413 225 560 and Rhonda Sloan: 0422 889 697.

Safeguarding Induction for all Church Workers

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has broadened safeguarding to include adults at risk. 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.

Reporting Abuse

If you have concerns about the safety and well-being of a child or adult within the context of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth or wish to report abuse, you can:

· Contact the Safeguarding Officer

· Submit a Safeguarding Concern Report Form https://safeguarding.perthcatholic.org.au/

· Call the Safeguarding Program Office on (08) 9221 7762.

Other Useful Information

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