18 february 2018

Genesis 9:8-15    1 Peter 3:18-22    Mark 1:12-15
Lent a favourable time
Harmonious living with entire creation is the call of the day.  It was lost when human beings misunderstood the order to dominate and subjugate over the animal world and the whole creation.  This was due to the innate vices of greed, selfishness and egoism. Unlimited exploitation of earth, water and sky has been done through the centuries.  As a result today we face imbalance on earth and global warming as common phenomenon.  The best way to understand man as the crown of creation is as a responsible steward who has been entrusted to the entire creation to till and preserve it (Gen 2:15).  This is possible when we allow the prince of peace, who could dwell in a friendly atmosphere with entire animal world, who could inspire and encourage beating the swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks (Is. 2:4).  We are told in the Gospel that same prince was with wild animals and the angels waited on him.
            During these 40 days, Jesus invites us to accompany him in the wilderness to be tested and to deal sternly with the wild beasts within us.  The book of Numbers tells that Israel failed to live up to their God-given vocation which lead them to chaos and destruction.  Jesus living with wild animals is at last there is a human being who is ‘good news’ for all of creation.  He is the one who brings about that harmony with creation that is the God-given task of the human beings.  Whole creation is groaning …and waiting for her redemption. Rom.8:22-23. The wild beast which Jesus had to face during 40 days is still active and haunting us throughout our life in various forms i.e. immorality, impurity, hatred, jealousy, violence, anger, ambition, division envy etc. (Gal. 5: 19-21) is to be dealt with seriously.  This beast is potentially the most destructive creature in creation.  Lent is an invitation to accept the power-filled, life-giving love of Jesus that alone can transform our lives.  We must therefore make the best use of the present time that is granted to us. As St. Paul tells us, this is the favourable time and the right moment to return to the Lord God.                                                                                                      Fr Paul
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like to say a BIG Thank You to all those who made the ashes, who supported in organising Ash Wednesday programmes and all who participated in the ceremonies. We had 5 Masses and one Ecumenical Prayer service and all were well attended. At the Anglican service, the majority were our parishioners. I am very happy to see our collaboration with other denominations.  Fr Gregory

Lenten Mass – 14 Feb – 24 March 2018
There will be 6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre from Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross – Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church starting on 15th Feb – 22nd March 2018

St Patrick’s Church – Good Friday. Volunteers needed. I am looking for both children and adults to read a station for the “Way of the Cross” procession from St Patrick’s Church to All Saints Church on Good Friday morning at 10am.     Contact me Clare on 021 227 8363

Anti-Euthanasia submissions are vitally needed to oppose David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill. One sentence is enough, more is even better!
 Closing date: 20 February, but please act as soon as possible to help protect Life
Information: see www.parliament.nz under Parliamentary Business, then search for the Bill.

Fr John Rea will conduct a Healing Service in St Teresa`s Church, Karori Tues 20 Feb 7.30 pm. This is open to all.  Please bring those who need Jesus` healing. Come and hear testimonies of those who have been healed.

Join with 40 Days for Life. If you are able to stand in prayer for just one hour this Lent for the unborn and their mothers, please join the peaceful vigil on the footpath outside Wellington Hospital by signing up your hour at  www.fli.org.nz/40daysforlife or text “40 Days” to 021 5112205. If you are not able to do that, please pray and fast where you are for an end to the tragedy of abortion and a new respect for life from conception to natural death.

Age Concern Wellington in conjunction with the Seatoun Village Hall will be hosting SAYGo classes  (Steady As You Go) This fabulous class is aimed at people 65+ with the aim of fall prevention. The classes are made up of special exercises that help the elderly improve their balance and muscle strength. f you would like to attend please call Ana Frka on 021 955 331 to register. starts Tues Mar 6, 11am. $2 per session.

Engaged Encounter - weekend experience for couples intending to be married 17 - 18 March, 14 - 15 July, 3 - 4 November. Registrations close 2 weeks prior. Karori Presbytery, Karori. More details www.cee-wellington.co.nz  or phone Kate & Simon Olsen 801 6192, or email Simon and Kate at  [email protected]

I urge the members of the Church to take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting and prayer. If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the heart of God! He constantly gives us a chance to begin loving anew.             Pope Francis: Message for Lent 2018

Teaching Night @ St Anne’s Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown Hosted by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Wednesday 28th February, at 7:30pm.  Speaker: Gordon Copeland Theme: The gift of Wisdom.   Evening includes Praise & Worship, group discussion and fellowship.  Everyone is welcome!

Contemplative Prayer Series Starts Wed 21 Febr 10am sessions are repeated at 7pm. 5 weeks of sessions with topics which include; Our image of God, Growth in Prayer, Meditation & Contemplation, Inner Healing, The influence of St Ignatius Loyola. All welcome to attend any of the sessions. To register your interest, please contact [email protected]   or 383 7769

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Nancy Koopmanschap, and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Gemowefa Plewinski, Doreen Murdoch, Agnelo do Rego, Patricia Wallace, Johannes Van Dyk, Mary Dawson and Mary Shirley.  Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, Graeme Adams and Steve Kuzmicich and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.