Our Lady of the Mission

Next Sunday is: The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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. 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.

Saturdays 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Lord, you have a plan for each one of us; help us to seek you with our whole hearts.

Introduction:

Following Jesus, taking on his mission of service and putting others before ourselves, is not an easy option. Today is Sea Sunday and, in a special way, the Gospel can be applied to seafarers and their families.

First reading Amos 7:12-15 – God called Amos away from caring for sheep and sent him to shepherd the people of Israel.

Second reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 – God chose and blessed us even before creating the world.

Gospel Mark 6:7-13 – Jesus sends his disciples out on a mission with no guarantees of personal safety and comfort.

Antiphon to the Psalm:

Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.

Please offer your prayers this week for Graham Anderson, Jenny Anna Phua, Fred Zuzarte, Herbert Schaub, Mr & Mrs Vo Van Lieu, Rodney Brachen, Vladko Lukakova, 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.

Today’s readings are bout being chosen and sent. The prophet Amos was chosen by the Lord and sent to use his talents for the people of God. The Gospel recounts the story of the sending of the twelve. In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that we, too, are chosen. For what have I been chosen? To whom have I been sent.

1. Parish Monthly Healing Mass: Our next Healing Mass will be next Saturday, 27th July at 8.00am. Please plan to join us for prayer and anointing of the sick. Remember to invite your family and friends to come along.

2. Ministry Leaders: Please email the Parish office a list of all volunteers in your group ASAP if you haven’t done so already. All leaders and volunteers must complete a Safeguarding Induction course and sign a Safeguarding declaration form. Forms can be found in the Sacristy, Robing room and Information desk. Induction course information can be found in the Safeguarding section of the newsletter. Thank you for your help with this matter.

3. First Holy Communion (FHC) Commitment Masses: All our young people making their FHC this year are kindly requested to attend a commitment Mass on 27th July at 6.30pm; or on 28th July at 8.00am,10.00am or 5.45pm. Please bring your completed prayer and commitment cards to Mass.

4. Golden Jubilee Celebration Booklet: to commemorate 50 years of our Parish, we are inviting all parishioners, past and present, to submit any articles and/or photos that may be of interest to others that can be included as part of the celebrations in October. Please submit any material to the Parish Office, 08 9307 2776 or whitford@perthcatholic.org.au.

5. Wedding Anniversary Couples 2024: This year we invite couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary to celebrate this special Anniversary at our Parish Golden Jubilee Mass on the 20th October with Bishop Donald Sproxton. A sign-up sheet can be found on the information desk or contact the Parish office with your details, 9307 2776 or whitford@perthcatholic.org.au. Please Note: there will be NO Wedding Anniversary Mass this year due to the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

6. Birthday Celebrations - Golden Jubilee Mass: We invite all persons who have turned 50 or are turning 50 this year to celebrate this milestone birthday at our Parish Golden Jubilee Mass with Bishop Donald Sproxton on 20th October 2024. A sign-up sheet can be found on the information desk or contact the Parish office with your details, 9307 2776 or whitford@perthcatholic.org.au.

7. Family Choir: We are welcoming new members to join our vibrant Family Choir! Whether you prefer a flexible commitment on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, we would love to have you with us. Our rehearsals are a fun and relaxed way to prepare songs for our Mass. We rehearse before Mass at 5:30pm. We are excited to welcome singers and musicians, including piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Come along and be a part of our musical family! If you have any questions, please contact Fran 0433852967

8. Eucharist Adoration: Please join us Wednesday and Friday for prayer. We especially need somebody for Friday prayer from 12-1pm. Please use this link for inspiration: The Power of Eucharistic Adoration - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon - YouTube. Please contact 0407 471 256 or medjugorje1981@gmail.com for more information.

9. The Word Among Us: NOW AVAILABLE – JULY/ AUGUST 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

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

14. The First-Class Relic of St Mariae Goretti: 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.

15. 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.

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

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

1. 24:7 Whitford Parish Youth Group: We invite and encourage 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 gathering is on Friday, 19th July 2024. Please contact Caleb on 0409 682 923 for Jasmine on 0480 179 390 or more information.

2. ALPHA Course: An Alpha course for Whitfords' youth (from 16-22) has commenced and will occur weekly. Meetings will take place in Meeting Room 1, from 7:30-8:30pm with some optional snacks till 9pm. For additional information please contact Eliza Boylen at 0402 642 887.

NEWSLETTER NOTICES DEADLINE: Wednesday at 12pm Noon.

RELIGIOUS GOODS STALL: Bernadette Nadham/ Cecilia Araya/ Mirella Augustin/ Mary McGrath-Yek.

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD: Elizabeth Shibu & Kerry Roberts/ Tamara McGougan & Edith R-Thomas/ Mirella Augustin & Lyne Acacio/ Sally Paice & Eliiza Boylen.

COUNTERS: Sunday 21st July 2024: Vicky Ryan/ Judy Cavanagh/ Clare Alexander/ Senol Bonny/ Amanda Cross.

CLEANERS: Friday 19th July 2024: Nicole Cornwall/ Shannon Davies/ Teresa Fitzpatrick/ Emma Cochrane/ Stella Griffiths/ Cristina Tonelli/ Regaine Tokimatsu.

GLORY BE CAFÉ: Sunday 21st July 8.00am: Monica Majano/ Maria Majano.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: Patricia Alves & Mark Burton/ Horace Rosario & Holly Metcalf/ Adam O’Neill, Myriam Torres & Sandy Williamson/ Brad Prentice & Susan Dowling.

STATUE OF FATIMA: The Statue of Fatima is with the Nerva family in Padbury from 13th July to 27th July. Those wishing to join them in reciting the Rosary may call 0432 022 550 to arrange. From 27th July to 3rd August, the Statue will be with the Alexander family in Hillarys, 0410 289 725.

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 August, 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.

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. Rosary Hour: Please join us on Saturday July 20th from 1.30 to 3pm rosary. Followed by afternoon tea. All welcome. Contact Claire Neill – 0450 927 575.

3. Catholic Homeschooling Families: A Catholic NOR homeschool co-op is opening its doors to new families in Term 3. The families meet in Greenwood fortnightly during the school term for classes. If you are interested in joining please contact Frances on 0413413110.

4. Caritas Australia: Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Convocation (12–14 September 2024). Please join us as we spend time together learning and sharing about how we can all care for creation. We will gather online during Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September to engage in keynote presentations, workshops, discussions and spiritual experiences. On Saturday 14 we encourage participants to attend one of 11 diocesan hubs to transform our learnings into action. If there is not a hub near you, we will continue online together. Attend for 1, 2 or all 3 days! Group discounts available. For more information and to register, visit: www.caritas.org.au/soc-convocation

(Registrations close Monday 12 August 2024)

5. MIRACLE PRAYERS: The next Miracle Prayers healing service will be held at St Anthony's Parish, 15 Dundebar Rd, Wanneroo on Wednesday 24 July at 7.30pm. Fr Thomas Zureich will be giving a talk on "Let your 'yes' be YES, and your 'no' be NO." There will be Personal Prayer Ministry, Eucharistic Blessings, Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Cost free and everyone is welcome. Further info; www.youtube.com/@miracleprayersperth or Ph 0404 028 298.

First reading: Amos 7:12-15

'Go, shepherd, and prophesy to my people Israel'

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to Amos, ‘Go away, seer;’ get back to the land of Judah; earn your bread there, do your prophesying there. We want no more prophesying in Bethel; this is the royal sanctuary, the national temple.’ ‘I was no prophet, neither did I belong to any of the brotherhoods of prophets,’ Amos replied to Amaziah ‘I was a shepherd, and looked after sycamores: but it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”’

________

Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 84(85):9-14

Response: Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land. R.

Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven. R.

The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps. R.

________

Second reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

God chose us in Christ before the world was made

Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ. Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence, determining that we should become his adopted sons, through Jesus Christ for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace, his free gift to us in the Beloved, in whom, through his blood, we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins. Such is the richness of the grace which he has showered on us in all wisdom and insight. He has let us know the mystery of his purpose, the hidden plan he so kindly made in Christ from the beginning to act upon when the times had run their course to the end: that he would bring everything together under Christ, as head, everything in the heavens and everything on earth. And it is in him that we were claimed as God’s own, chosen from the beginning, under the predetermined plan of the one who guides all things as he decides by his own will; chosen to be, for his greater glory, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came. Now you too, in him, have heard the message of the truth and the good news of your salvation, and have believed it; and you too have been stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit of the Promise, the pledge of our inheritance which brings freedom for those whom God has taken for his own, to make his glory praised.

________

Gospel Acclamation: Ephesians 1:17-18

Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called. Alleluia!

________

Gospel reading: Mark 6:7-13

'Take nothing with you'

Jesus made a tour round the villages, teaching. Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Do not take a spare tunic.’ And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.’ So, they set off to preach repentance; and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.

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.

The Gospel tells of how Jesus sends his disciples into the world to bring healing, just as He Himself came into the world to heal. To heal the root of sin in us, the original sin.

Healing is a bit like creating from anew. Jesus recreated us from the root and then allowed us to move forward with his teaching, with his doctrine, a doctrine that heals.

But, the first requisite is that there be conversion. Conversion is the first step of healing in the sense that it opens the heart so that the Word of God may enter.

If someone is sick and refuses to go to the doctor he will not be healed.

As Christians, we may do many good things, but if our hearts our closed, it’s only a façade.

In order to proclaim so that people may convert, one requires authority that comes from being like Jesus.

In the Gospel Jesus instructs the Apostles to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick - no food, no sack, no money in their belts. In essence, poverty.

The apostle must be a pastor who does not seek sheep's milk, who does not seek sheep's wool. As expressed by Saint Augustine the shepherd who seeks milk seeks money, and the shepherd who seeks wool likes to dress with vanity.

I invite Christians to follow a path of poverty, humility, meekness. Jesus told the Apostles “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet”, but do so with meekness and humility.

If an apostle, an envoy, one of us goes, with his nose in the air, believing himself superior to the others or because of self-interest looking for some human interest he will never heal anyone, he will never succeed in opening anyone's heart, because his word will have no authority.

After having exhorted to conversion, the Twelve drove out many demons and they could do so because they had the authority to say “This is a demon! This is a sin.”

This authority is not the authority of someone who speaks down to people, but of someone who is interested in people. Demons flee before humility, before the power of Christ’s name with which the apostle carries out his mission, because demons cannot bear that sins be healed.

The Apostles also anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. The anointing is the caress of God, so all apostles must learn this wisdom of God’s caresses.

All Christians can bring healing, not only priests and bishops: “each of us has the power to heal his brother or sister.”

We all need to be healed, and we can all heal others if we are humble and meek: with a good word, with patience, with a glance.

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

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

Mobile: 0434 434 783 (Text only)

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: 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:

Rhonda Sloan 0422889 697

Renee Itzstein 0413 225 560

Andrea Clemente 0405 116 810

Email: whitford@perthcatholic.org.au
Website: Our Lady of the Mission – Catholic Parish of Whitford (whitfordcatholicparish.net)
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