16th july 2017

​God is continually calling us to a better life, to live up to our own dignity as his sons and daughters. But He doesn't force us. Rather he invites us. He sends his words to each one of us. And compares this word to a seed which a man goes and sows in the ground. That seed is a wonderful thing, for it has within it the capacity to grow. 
God plays his part beautifully well. The question is how man plays his part? How he co-operates with the grace of God? Here each man has to answer to these questions. I think some people take the word of God (seed) very seriously and produce good fruits. While others too, hear the same message but they take them very casually or they accept them for a while and then give them up and as a result they produce very little fruits. Have I no potential or capacity to produce good fruit?                                                             Fr Gregory
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.

Parish Council Meeting: Wednesday 19th July 7.30pm in the Parish Centre, Holy Cross Church Hall

Mass of Obligation – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Tuesday 15th August
9am – St Anthony’s Church
9.30am – Holy Cross School Hall
9.30am - St Patrick's Church
6pm – St Patrick’s Church

If God exists, it changes everything!  Alpha discussion allows people to share their thoughts and questions about video talks on faith without being corrected or judged. The trained hosts and helpers are there to facilitate this discussion time and keep it a positive and comfortable experience for guests.  The discussions are available again this year starting at 7.00pm in the Holy Cross School Staffroom on Tuesday 25 July. To enrol please call or text Dave Monastra on 0274477280 or Celeste Hastings on 3887189.  Feel free to bring a friend who may not be a member of the school or parish.
 We will be showing a 20-minute intro video at 10am next Sunday 23 July at Holy Cross Church
 so you can see a glimpse of Alpha - All are welcome.

Catholic and Anglican Housing Forum – 9 August Cardinal John Dew and Bishop Justin Duckworth are hosting a housing forum at the Anglican Cathedral on Wednesday 9 August at 6.30pm Please come and hear: Christian perspectives on our current housing crisis - Stories from people in the community. Responses from political parties, Music and light refreshments available from 5.45 pm.

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 2017 General Election: We hope for positive, pro-life attitudes and policies. Love and care for the unborn, the vulnerable, the disabled, the elderly and the different, are marks of a compassioinate society, as are well-funded palliative care services. Legislation of assisted suicide undermines trust in a medical profession and puts vulnerable groups in our society at risk.

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington Come along and join us on Thursday 20th of July 2017 at 7:30pm for fellowship and prayer in CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind Sacred Heart Cathedral). Speaker: David Monastra, previous Leader of Joshua Wellington on “Jesus Healer, make me whole” Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or email: jnjtaylor@paradise.net.nz

St Catherine's College 2018 Scholarships Educating Young Women since 1950 
Apply now to office@scc.school.nz or phone 04 939 8988  Applications close 25 August 2017

Welcoming Strangers in a World of Global Migration Thursday 27 July 7pm Lecture. 6.30pm refreshments. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Thorndon. Hear Julianne Hickey, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand speak on global migration, Kiwi immigration policies, as well as the biblical obligation to welcome the stranger.
This lecture is part of the Keeping Faith in Politics 2017 election series.

Nowadays it is sad to see that land, housing and work are ever more distant for the majority.  It is strange but, if I talk about this, some say that the Pope is communist.  They do not understand that love for the poor is at the centre of the Gospel.  Land, housing and work, what you struggle for, are sacred rights.  To make this claim is nothing unusual; it is the social teaching of the Church. Pope Francis, 2014

Wanted – Flat to Rent: One of our lovely Holy Trinity pensioners is looking for a 1 bedroom flat to rent with small outdoor area if possible, on the flat in Miramar or Strathmore so she can stay close to her family. Will consider Kilbirnie or Seatoun if nothing available closer but must be on the flat as she does not drive and either walks or uses public transport. Ring Bev 388 3821

Healing Service Fr John Rea will conduct a Healing Service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday 18 July beginning at 7.30 pm.  All are welcome. Please bring those who need Jesus` healing.

The Friends of Sacred Heart Cathedral School has teamed up with Jenny Hale from The Parenting Place to present Raising Happy, Confident and Resilient Children. This seminar is on Tuesday 1 August at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm), in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thorndon. This is a fundraising event, with all proceeds going towards the new school playground. Tickets are $25 and are available online at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/raising-happy-confident-and-resilient-children-tickets-35336832417