1 september 2019

The common theme of today’s readings is the need for true humility and the blessedness of generous sharing. Today’s Gospel warns us against all forms of pride and self-glorification.  At the same time, humility is presented as a means of opening our heart, our minds and our hands to the poor, needy, disadvantaged and marginalized of society. Thus, humility is both the cause and the result of social awareness and altruism. For Jesus, the daily human needs of the poor are the personal responsibility of every authentic, humble believer. In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ words concerning the seating of guests at a wedding banquet prompt us to honour those whom others ignore. If we are generous and just in our dealings with those in need, we can be confident of the Lord’s blessings. On the other hand, if we act out of pride and selfishness, we can be sure that our efforts will come to nothing.
The first reading today is from the book of Ecclesiasticus.  The teaching is that humility will make a person loved, even more than giving gifts to others.   Humility always places us below others so that we can serve them without resentment and with true love and appreciation.  The higher position that we have in the world, the deeper is our need for humility. Such humility will be shown in having an attentive ear.   Today, we would say that we need to listen to the other person.  Humility is also known in the person who listens attentively to wisdom stories, to proverbs and to real life situations that help us understand others and respect them. The second reading reminds us that our destination is Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the city of the living God.  In this city, only the humble like that of Angels and Saints can dwell there.  Certainly, the proud cannot because a proud heart cannot worship the Lord.  Furthermore, in this city, “everyone is a first born and a true citizen.” Hence, as citizens of this city we must clothe ourselves with humility just like Christ our Mediator.                                           Fr Paul
Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.
 

Holy Trinity Parish Property Proposal Update
In response to Cardinal John's Directive issued in February this year, a property review document will be presented at all Sunday masses.
Three options have been detailed at length for discussion within our parish, one of these being preferred as the most viable. Printed copies of the document will be available after the announcement and Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee members will be available to answer any immediate questions parishioners might have. The document will also be available on the parish website.
There will be opportunities to discuss the paper at parish community meetings on 4th September at Holy Cross Church 7.30pm and 10th September at St Patrick’s Church 7.30pm. Parishioners will have till 10am Monday 23rd September to think about their responses and email those to [email protected]. or post them Holy Trinity Parish PO Box 15-256 Miramar Wellington 6243. These responses will be taken into account in preparing the parish’s recommendation to Cardinal John.
If there are parishioners who do not have access to email, the PPC and FC will consider alternative arrangements to ensure their feedback is captured. Simply phone the parish office, 388-6953.


 
In the leadup to the St Patrick’s centenary,
we will include an interesting fact about the former Parish each week.
 
FACT
The first presbytery for St Patrick’s Parish  was a tent.
The first Parish Priest Fr Connolly pitched it on Catholic land in Seatoun in November 1919.

Parish Council Meeting: Meeting date changed to Thursday 5th September 7.30pm Holy Cross Parish Centre

A CALL TO SERVICE St Patrick’s Church is asking for musicians for Saturday Vigil Mass and Sunday 10am Mass.  The Sullivan Family are moving and we need to fill the large gap they are leaving.  We thank them for their Service and wish them well in their new home.  So, are there Pianists, organists, guitarists, other musicians who would like to play at these Masses?  Guidelines and times for practice will be provided.  If interested please ring Patricia 9343179 or email triciao2285 @gmail .com

St Catherine’s College Enrolments This is just a reminder that enrolments are now open at St Catherine's College.  Enrolments packs can be posted, pick-up or emailed to you.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have, or if you would like to come and talk to one of our staff members. Our contact details are 04 939 8988 [email protected]  or [email protected]
St Catherine's College aims to nurture and empower our young women to be active and creative learners.

St. Mary's College PTFA Fundraiser QUIZ NIGHT Thurs 12 Sept at The Shepherds Arms Hotel on Tinakori Road  Tickets for the PTFA QUIZ night are now on sale, on-line at this link: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/CGS  Tickets are also available from the school office; or email [email protected]  This is one of the PTFA’s major fundraisers for the year to support the College.

St Vincent de Paul is seeking help from parishioners particularly from St Patrick’s area. They would like 6-8 people who could assist with helping people living in our parish area with tasks such as – cooking a meal, cleaning a house, visiting an aged or sick person. They would like someone who could perhaps coordinate this type of activity and not just be available to complete a task. Hopefully with a number of willing hands these activities could take place within our parish but would not be restricted to Catholic’s but available to anyone needing a helping hand. Your assistance for these needy people would be very much appreciated. If you think you could help please email Ray Whelan [email protected]  or phone 04 3883667.

ABORTION LAW REFORM in NEW ZEALAND: ‘Have Your Say by 19 September’. Please take an information sheet from the back of the church.
Make Your Submission by Letter or Online (Please note that email submissions are not accepted)
Submission Closing Date: THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Letter: On a covering sheet, write: “Submission on Abortion Legislation Bill” + “This submission is from [full name]
and/or [organisation] + contact details: contact address, contact phone, & signature.
On a separate piece of paper write your submission. Enclose TWO copies of your submission. Post to:
Committee Secretariat, Abortion Legislation Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington - stamp required
Online: https://www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/52SCAL_SCF_BILL_89814/CreateSubmission
(or search for “Abortion Legislation Bill New Zealand Parliament” and follow the steps)
Tips: Begin by stating clearly your position; give your reasons; use your own words; be respectful & constructive.
Please state in your submission if you wish to make an oral submission
Material prepared by The Nathaniel Centre – the New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre – www.nathaniel.org.nz

Safeguarding training. For those who weren’t able to make the training session in May on Safeguarding there are four more sessions at the Catholic Centre (Level 1, room 2)
 
•           Monday 9 September  10.30am                             •           Tuesday 10 September  2.30pm
•           Tuesday 8 October   12pm                                    •            Wednesday 9 October   12pm
           
This training is compulsory if you are involved in any of the following ministries.  Please make sure you attend one of these if you are involved in the following ministries and have not attended.
- Parish Council
- Children’s Liturgy
- Trainer Altar Servers Roles
- Extraordinary Ministers of Communion to the Sick
- Sacramental Programme Leaders
If you are not able to travel into town, you are welcome to join the meeting by ZOOM Conference from your computer at the above time and date. To do this they need to send Brendy your email address and parish you belong to and you will be sent the login details. Contact Brendy Weir Safeguarding Adviser, Archdiocese of Wellington (04) 496 1768 or 021 1958 307 [email protected]

Each year the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand set aside a week in September for Social Justice Week, inviting us to reflect and take action on a current social justice issue.  This year from the 8th to the 14th of September we focus on fairness.
Na, ko ngā mea katoa e pai ai koutou, kia meatia e ngā tāngata ki a koutou, meatia hoki e koutou kia a rātou. Matiu 7:12            Do unto others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12

Celebrating Creation - An Ecumenical Event. A very warm invitation is extended to all to an ecumenical service celebrating the Season of Creation in St Anne’s Church, Newtown on Thursday 5 September. The service will begin at 7pm but will be preceded by hospitality in the Hall at 6pm. Please bring your takeaway so we can have tea together. Tea and coffee will be provided. 

Archdiocese of Wellington Social Justice Week event   Wednesday 11 September, 6.00-7.30pm, Connolly Hall, Thorndon, Wellington Come join us this Social Justice Week, as we explore fairness and unfairness in our Diocese. This is an opportunity to learn about the experiences of Wellington Filipino healthcare and construction workers, and the courageous and practical response of the Barangay Assumpta (Kapiti) Servant Team/Filipino Chaplaincy. Speakers include:
•        Representatives of the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta/Filipino Chaplaincy Outreach Ministry
•        Cardinal John Dew
•        Hon. Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety
For more information, please contact Lisa Beech [email protected]

Pease join us for the Stewardship Network Meeting at Sacred Heart School Hall, Petone. 1-4pm on Saturday 21st September. Three dynamic speakers including Cardinal John Dew, Afternoon Tea followed by small group discussion. Please register by September 18th with Ann Williams at [email protected] or telephone 04-496 5182.

Quiet Days with Suzanne Aubert An invitation to spend time resting and reflecting on an aspect of the life and vision of Suzanne Aubert. Led by Sr Sue Cosgrove. Join us on September 12th, 10am - 2pm, The Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington. Simple lunch included. Suggested contribution $20.00. Registration is required. Email: [email protected] or Ph. (04) 383 7769. 

Stewardship calls us to embrace a vision for what it means to be a disciple of Jesus every day.

Pope Francis has designated October as the Extraordinary Missionary month. The Parish Leadership Team is hoping to offer a 6 session programme Developing a Spirituality of Service in every parish in October. We need to gauge the interest level so please register with Chris Walkerdine at  [email protected] or telephone on 04 496-1706.

Greenstone Doors is holding a Brand New Shoe Sale at St Peter and Paul Church Hall, Knights Rd, Lower Hutt on Sat Sept 21st 10am-1pm Branded kids shoes, quality women's shoes and a few men's shoes priced from $5-$50 Payment by cash or eftpos

Please join us for the Stewardship Network Meeting at Sacred Heart School Hall, Petone. 1-4pm on Saturday 21st September. Three dynamic speakers including Cardinal John Dew, Afternoon Tea followed by small group discussion. Please register by September 18th with Chris Walkerdine at  [email protected]  or telephone 04 496-1706.

Mass for those affected by Divorce or Separation Cardinal John extends a warm welcome to any and all who are affected by separation and divorce to join him in the celebration of Mass at Ss Peter and Paul Church, 60 Knights Road, Lower Hutt, 7pm, Wednesday 25 September 2019, followed by a glass of wine and light refreshments. For more information or if you would like to help in any way with the Mass, please contact Felicity at the Marriage, Family and Young Church Ministries Office (04) 496 1719 or email [email protected]

Wellington Theological Consortium conference on “Lament, Listening, Healing, in response to the sexual abuse crisis in our Church Communities.” Learn about Circle Process and Restorative Justice. 13 - 14 September 2019 at St Joseph’s Church, 154 Brougham Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington. For more information http://wellingtontheology.org.nz/

UnPlanned the movie will be screened at The Penthouse Cinema, 205 Ohiro Rd., Brooklyn on Wednesday 16th October at 6.00 p.m. The movie starts at 6.00 p.m. sharp. Unplanned is the true story of Abby Johnson a former Director of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. It is a story of hope and inspiration that is touching lives wherever it is viewed. Now is a pertinent time for New Zealanders have this opportunity. To purchase a ticket got to https://fan-force.com/screenings/unplanned-penthouse-cinema-cafe/     To find other venues and times visit the Fan Force website

Jesus says: “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you”. This means choosing gratuitousness rather than self-seeking and calculating to obtain a reward, seeking interest and trying to increase your wealth. Indeed, the poor, the simple, those who ‘don’t count’, can never reciprocate an invitation to a meal. In this way Jesus shows his preference for the poor and the excluded, who are the privileged in the Kingdom of God. Pope Francis, Angelus 28 August 2016

This month’s masthead, on page 1, reads NauMai in support of MĀORI LANGUAGE WEEK – TE WIKI O TE REO MĀORI, 9‒15 SEPTEMBER 2019 | 9‒15 MAHURU 2019. KIA KAHA TE REO MĀORI.

• Cardinal John preaches at Te Raa Koroneihana – Coronation 2019.
• The Kīngitanga and the Catholic Church – Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard.
• Abortion a health issue and a justice issue – NZ Catholic Bishops.
• International Day of Sign Languages – a whole approach at St Theresa’s School, Plimmerton.
• The Rosary: Faith, Hope and Love at Your Fingertips– Fr James Lyons.
• Hāto Pāora College  feature – a unique Catholic Māori Education for boys.
• Hikoi of Faith - Ngā Tangata o te Awa Tupua – People of the River.
• Te Wā o te Orokohanga, 1 Mahuru – 4 Oketopa 2019 – The Season of Creation, 1 September – 4 October.
• News and events – local, national and from overseas.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, DUNEDIN - 125th CELEBRATIONS, 2020 All Ex-pupils and former Teachers are advised that at Labour Weekend 2020, the School will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its opening in North East Valley, Dunedin. Everyone interested in attending these celebrations should
email: [email protected]

​Our prayers are with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Mary Orchard and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Barbara Ah Mu and Nola Foley.