10th september 2017

Eze. 33:7-9; Rom. 13:8-10; Mt. 18: 15-20
Conflicts as opportunity for growth
How to reach out to the people in the catholic faith who are not leading a life according to Jesus’ teaching? Jesus invites us to make the first move to speak out to the person with a very respectful way, in a calm way, without accusing him/her, without being angry or aggressive.  If your brother or sister listens to you, you have own over your brother or sister.   But if s/he doesn’t listen, then you have one more step to take. You call friends from the assembly, friends from the Christian community that you are living with, reputed, watchful, good persons who will understand your case.  Bring it once again to the offending party brother or sister who has offended you.  And let them be witnesses to this experience of you who is trying to convert your brother/sister.  If doesn’t succeed go one step farther, this could be PPC or diocesan tribunal, may be still better understanding with the authorities the church. Explain once again to the person.  To the one who is incorrigible, Jesus uses very strong words to treat the person as publican. At the same time, he does not condemn them.  Leave them in the hands of God.  Jesus himself is present amidst two or three. This does not refer to only to the praying community; it also refers to moments when our prayer becomes life. Conflict is the perfect example where our prayer and our life become a challenge. 
Therefore, Jesus is fully present in a moment of conflict when we are trying to resolve our conflicts through a kindness, a respect for other, and through our dialogue with others.  We are challenged therefore to really dialogue.  Don’t give up on our brothers and sisters.  Do not give up on our faith that Jesus can make change the person through this dialogue.  We are called precisely to do this practically every moment of our life because conflicts take place so often.   Conflicts should not divide us. Conflicts should not make us more angry or stressed.  Conflicts are opportunities where we go beyond. At the same time let us be watchful not to invite conflicts and misunderstanding in our relationship. We get to know our defects; where we get to know how difficult it is to live together.  That is precisely a great challenge of being Christian in the world today.  May the good Lord bless each of us especially in these moments when there are trials, difficulties and moments of conflicts in our lives.                                                                                                                                                                                                              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.

Thursday 14th September 9.30am
9.30am Morning Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church.
Come and join us as we celebrate the feast day for the Church.
 

St Patrick’s Church will begin their First Holy Communion preparation on 10th September with an overview for parents in the St Patrick’s meeting room 2 - 3pm.
Holy Cross begins on the 1st of October and and St Anthony’s the 15th October. 

Social Justice Week: 10th – 16th Sept - Weaving bonds of belonging: Knowing our neighbours
“I wish to insist that love always proves more powerful. Many people… are able to weave bonds of belonging and togetherness which convert overcrowding into an experience of community in which the walls of the ego are torn down and the barriers of selfishness overcome.” – Pope Francis
Each year in September, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference promotes Social Justice Week. During this week we apply Catholic social teaching to one particular issue of social justice in New Zealand. This year the theme for parishes is Weaving bonds of belonging: Knowing our neighbours. Pope Francis highlights that many of the social issues we face today reflect a decline in social connectedness. This Social Justice Week, we invite everyone to take up the challenge to creatively reach out and weave deeper bonds of belonging in our whānau, our parish, and our wider community.

Meet the Candidates Meeting (Rongotai Electorate)
Monday 11th September 7.30pm   33 Park Road, Miramar (Gateway Baptist Church)
 

St Vincent de Paul Memorial Mass, 7pm, Thurs 21 September 2017, Holy Trinity Parish. Parishioners in St Anthony's, Holy Cross and St Patrick's Church communities are warmly welcomed to join your St Vincent de Paul Society members from the Wellington Area
and our colleges for the annual memorial Mass at
7pm, Thursday 21 September 2017, in St Anthony's Church, Seatoun.  
The Mass celebrates our patron saint and prays for all Vincentians, our clients, and our supporters. Supper after.  

St Patrick’s Church - A refresher course is offered to our Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist.
These will be held directly after Mass on Saturday 23rd September after the 5.30 Vigil Mass; on Sunday 24th September after 7.30 Mass and after 10am Mass.   These sessions will be 15 to 20 minutes long with a handout and are designed to ensure that all readers and all Ministers of the Eucharist know  exactly what to do at all times and what is expected of them.  

Catholicsm – journey around the world and deep into the faith All parishioners are invited to watch a ten part documentary series by Rev Robert E Barron to be screened after the 5pm Mass starting on the 24th September in the Parish Centre at Holy Cross Church Miramar over 10 weeks.  The Catholic faith as you’ve never experienced it before – witness the most significant story ever told. Journey with acclaimed author, speaker and theologian Fr Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 15 countries. 

Evening Prayer, Adoration and Prayer for vocations every Wed 6-7pm at St.Patrick's Church.
Adoration Saturday at Holy Cross Church after 9am Mass surgery

Gascoigne Educational Scholarship 2017.  This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2018 and beyond at a tertiary level and who meet the qualifying criteria which are included in the terms and conditions. For an application form (including terms and conditions) email the parish office [email protected] download a copy from the website  http://www.holytrinity.parish.nz/  or copies available from the back of each Church.  Closing date: 31 October 2017

Vigil for the Unborn: Saturday 16th Sept. St Anne's Church, Newtown. 10 am Mass. Followed by Exposition & Rosary Procession to front of Hospital. Ends at Noon with a shared lunch. Come and pray for the Unborn Child, families and the culture of life. For information contact Family Life International NZ 237834

Bishop’s statement on 2017 General Election  Our bishops have provided a statement which outlines principles and topics to consider when you are deciding how to vote in the upcoming election. You are encouraged to take one with you after Mass today. It is also available online at www.catholic.org.nz under ‘Bishops Statement’

This week’s reflection from the Catholic Bishops’ statement on the General Election: We support efforts to bring about affordable housing. Excessive rents and inflated house prics are leaving families homeless and young couples despondent. Without effective policies to support regoinal and provincial economic development and consequent employment we miss opportunities to alleviate this problem, which is worst in our biggest cities.      

Supper and Auction Evening by St Mary's College with guest speaker, ex-Black Cap, Richard Petrie.  Friday, 15 September from 7pm-10pm at the school hall. Tickets $25 at [email protected]  See https://www.facebook.com/SMC.Wgtn.PTFA for details.

CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAMME (CLP): Renew your Spirit. Enrich your Christian life...Strengthen your Marriage   and Family ties... Couples for Christ Wellington cordially invites married couples and singles to a Christian Life Programme.  Orientation & Talk 1 is on 16 Sept at St Francis de Sales Church. Registration starts at 1.30pm. Participation is free of charge and afternoon tea will be served. For   more information, please contact Donald & Tin Elemento 027 877 4488 or Roman & Lorna Zarate 021 118 7925, www.couplesforchristwellington.nz

The Bach Choir and guest conductor Maaike Christie-Beekman will present a concert of music at St Andrews on the Terrace on Sunday 17th September.  The programme includes works by Mozart, Brahms, Rheinberger and Bruckner, with piano accompaniment by Douglas Mews and Emma Sayers. Tickets $30 general, $25 concession, available on Eventfinda, from Marsden Books, choir members, and door sales on the day.

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington Come along and join us on Thurs 21st of Sept at 7:30pm for fellowship and prayer in CONNOLLY HALL, Thorndon (behind Sacred Heart Cathedral). Speaker: Fr Peter Ewart sm, the Joshua Wellington chaplain on “The Holy Spirit” Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or email: [email protected]

“Current of Grace’ Conference “Celebrating the diverse fruits and family of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in New Zealand” Friday 22 – Sunday 24 September  Distinction Hotel and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North Guest presenters include Bishop Denis Browne, Fr John Rea, Diana Ingle CCRNZ Chairperson.  Ann Brereton from ICCRS will share on 2017 Vatican report Pope Francis’s exciting new plans for us all! For information and to register visit www.ccrnz.org/register2017 or contact Val Morrison Tel: 07 542 5537

  Grace Anointing Retreat 2017 A Catholic spiritual healing retreat led by Fr Dominic Valanmanal- International Catholic preacher. From Wed 27th  - Thurs 28th    September from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. at St Teresas Catholic Church, Karori. Only street parking available on 27th  Sept - Cardinal John Dew will be celebrating Holy mass at 9:30 am.  For further information contact Ted Jordan  [email protected].

Sat 30 Sept Retreat: ‘Writing the Soul Home’, New Zealand poetry meditation, reading, and writing. Facilitator, Anne Powell,  10am‒4pm, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine St, Island Bay, Wellington. Register at [email protected] or Ph. 04 383 7769.

Sat 7 Oct Pilgrimage within Wellington: Srs Jo Gorman and Sue Cosgrove will lead a pilgrimage around Wellington to the places special to Suzanne Aubert. This will begin at Island Bay and will include following in the footsteps of the remarkable Suzanne Aubert. 9am-4pm, starting from Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine St, Island Bay, Wellington. More information: [email protected]

Sat 14 Oct Invitation: You are invited to gather for the Karakia Whakatūwheratanga the Rededication of Our Lady’s Home of Compassion and the Blessing of the Final Resting Place of Ko te Kaurangi nei a Meri Hōhepa the Miha to celebrate the 125th founding of the Sisters of Compassion by the Venerable Suzanne Aubert.  6am-3pm, 6am-6.15am gather for the Karakia Whakatūwheratanga (Dawn ceremony) to commence at 6.30am, 11am Miha (Mass), breakfast and lunch provided, rsvp by 30 Sept: [email protected] or 383 7769.

Last Marriage Encounter Opportunity for 2017  Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend Fri 6th Oct – Sun 8th Oct being held for the first time at Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt. Book your place now  0800 362 686

EXALT MUSIC CONFERENCE 2017 EXALT  is for all musicians, lovers of music, art, dance, film and photography to meet people who share the same passions and grow in their gifts given intentionally to them by God to beused for His glory, organised by the Diocese of Christchurch. 5.00pm Fri 20 October – Sun 22 October St Bede’s College, Main North Road, Christchurch $159 per person, group discount available.        
Please contact Jessica Bond if you require financial assistance for your registration cost. Online registration and information:www.exalt.cyt.org.nz or Jessica Bond: [email protected] (Registration closes 15 Sept)

Engagement Manager, Catholic Enquiry Centre (CEC) We are looking for a creative and innovative person to help take the message and mission of the Catholic Church into the digital continent!
The Catholic Enquiry Centre (CEC) connects people to the message and mission of the Catholic Church and has been helping people for nearly 60 years! We're moving from a reliance on print and television advertising to a focus on digital and social forms of media and we need someone to lead us through the implementation of a new strategy. The Engagement Manager will work closely with the NZCBC Communications Adviser and will require expertise in digital media and communications, project management skills, and the ability to build relationships, influence others and champion change.  For more details on the role or to apply contact Amanda Gregan at [email protected] or on 021 611 052 Applications close on Monday, 18 September.

Wanted – Flat/room to rent: Working male, 50 plus, seeks accommodation in Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay or Hataitai area. Please call Mike (021 0472 141).

Wanted – Flat to Rent: Pensioners seeks a 1 bedroom flat to rent with small outdoor area if possible, on the flat in Miramar or Strathmore. Ring Bev 388 5821

Every life is precious!  40 years since the passing of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act almost 500,000 preborn New Zealanders have been aborted and countless women have been wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually.  There is an increasing call for abortion laws to be liberalised for social reasons right up to birth.   Join pro-life New Zealanders in Wellington Saturday 9th December 2017 at 2pm for a National March for Life.  Be a voice for the voiceless and let New Zealand know that we love them both!  Limited cost effective accommodation available.  The March starts at the Civic Square and will end in the Parliament Grounds. More information at marchforlifenz.org.nz and Facebook or phone/text Michael Loretz 021 825 955

We wish to offer thanks to the loving Creator for the noble gift of creation and to pledge commitment to its care and preservation for the sake of future generations… An objective of our prayer is to change the way we perceive the world in order to change the way we relate to the world. The goal of our promise is to be courageous in embracing greater simplicity and solidarity in our lives.
Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Message on the World Day of Prayer for Creation, September 2017
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