19th february 2017

Called to be saint
Dear friends in Christ, if I am attentive, I am given numerous opportunities each day to judge poorly, act selfishly, explode in anger, or make short-sighted decisions. If I’m observant, I notice the same for others. There is no shortage of opportunities to choose poorly. At times, it is obvious that decisions are motivated by greed or fear. Racism, ageism and all those other attitudes of intolerance may be subtle or blatant. Sometimes folks plan their revenge within hearing distance. Whether in our own homes or across the globe, we have many opportunities each day to forget who we are. We have many excuses for “forgetting” who God is and our knowledge of how God acts in our world and particularly in our life! 
Each of today’s readings, in one way or another, asks us to remember who we are, to whom we belong, how to act as brothers and sisters and not to use others’ behaviour as an excuse for our own! Though written long ago for a people half way across the world, these speak to us today, right now.
Jesus’ directive is not to be passive nor to endure exploitation or abuse, but rather to reject the temptation to retaliate or exact revenge. Jesus invites us to remember who we are – that we are human beings, dependent on Grace to be “whole,” “holy” and “blameless” and much more, called to be saint. Be merciful as God is merciful. 
Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us.” Who has shown us kindness and mercy? To whom have I been kind and merciful today? There is the kingdom of God.                                                                                      Fr Ephrem
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.

Ash Wednesday Timetable for the Parish – Wednesday 1st March
St Anthony’s Church - 9am
Holy Cross Church – 9.30am at Holy Cross Church and 7pm at St Aidan’s Anglican Church
St Patrick’s Church – 11am

Holy Trinity Parish Mass – 10am Sunday 12th March at Holy Cross School Hall
We will be celebrating Mass together at Holy Cross School Hall.  We look forward to seeing as many parishioners there as possible.  There will be morning tea available afterwards in the hall, so please bring a plate of food to share. For those who are unable to be at this Mass, there will be the 5.30pm Vigil at St Patrick’s Church.  Please note: These will be the only two Masses in the Parish that weekend.

Replacement piano for St Patrick’s Church
Next time you're in St Patrick's Church you'll see our "new piano".  Our old one had to be replaced and we were lucky enough to be offered a piano for $2000 by an elderly couple who were moving to a retirement village.  
Luck stayed with us and Simon Manning from Harbour City Funeral Home, has paid half.
 If you would like to make a donation towards the remaining cost, please put it in an envelope marked “Piano Donation” and your planned giving number, or if you are not on the planned giving but would like a donation receipt, put your full name and address in the envelope along with your donation and place in the collection basket next week.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE FORUMS 
As you may be aware, the Finance Committee established a property committee to review all the buildings and property in the Holy Trinity Parish and to make recommendations on the best configuration to meet the future needs of the Parish.
A revitalized set of buildings that better meet the parish needs with reduced maintenance costs, is the property sub-committee’s vision for the parish.  This also supports the Holy Trinity Parish vision agreed last year.  The sub-committee invites you to join it at one of the following forum:
 

• Holy Cross - after 9am Mass 19 February
• Good Shepherd - after 8.30am Mass 26 February
• St Anthony's - after 10.30am Mass 26 February                             

             
 
At the forum, there will be a presentation of what the committee is hearing the needs of the parish to be and possible options for meeting them.  There will be time to ask questions and time to make feed-back. 
You can read the Committee’s thoughts being circulated through this month’s parish magazine.  The parish magazine is also available at www.holytrinity.parish.nz/magazine. 
Your questions, comments and suggestions are an important part of the Committee’s work.  In addition to the forum you can make comments and suggestions to [email protected] or leave your written comments and suggestions in the boxes to be placed at the back of our churches.
 
Why are we having to change?
The Parish suffered a cash loss last year, its operating budget is very tight, building maintenance has been deferred, and our financial situation has needed review.  As the review has unfolded it has become clear that our current set of buildings don’t necessarily meet the changing needs of our Parish.  Whilst we do have financial constraints we need to look at the changes as a great opportunity.
 
Why can’t we stay as we are?
“If you always do what you’re always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got” - Henry Ford
"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction." -Winston Churchill. "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." -Robert C. Gallagher
How will this tie in with the future of our Parish?
We as a Parish have decided on our vision, and the Parish Council has been working on ideas to help us achieve our vision. It is important that our property supports our efforts in reaching the vision.
 
The particular needs arising from the vision are encouraging our youth back into the church, improving the church/parish relationship with the schools, and catering for a more diverse parish congregation.  It is becoming clear that if we don’t aim to grow the number of   parishioners in our churches, its future is uncertain.
Is this a done deal?
 
While the property committee members have their own personal views these are left at the door because the only view that matters is what will benefit the parish and the growth of our faith.  What we have so far is the initial response to the feedback on what parish groups have said our needs are plus some possible options that arise.  We now need your full input before we start developing recommendations.
 
Who can we trust?
The Wellington East Area Pastoral Council put together a development committee to bring our three parishes together, the property sub-committee was appointed by that.  On top of this we have representatives from the Pastoral Council, and the finance committee.  When forming the sub-committee from across the spectrum of our parish governance, we would involve the current people.  However the committee welcomes approaches from other parishioners keen to get involved.
The current group it was felt that for continuity and background knowledge, as well as getting views
 
Who makes the ultimate decision?
The Cardinal.  We have had some initial consultation with the Archdiocese office, which has strongly reinforced the need for us to consult within the parish
 
 
 

Refugee Update - Continuing our Parish journey to help make our Newest Settlers feel Welcome and Safe.
2017 will be another year where we have the opportunity and privilege to welcome former refugees to Wellington.  Here's a snapshot of what lies ahead, and how you can help:
- we will begin the year by setting-up a family home on 2 March - this involves a team of 4-5 people over a couple of hours to unpack boxes, make beds, set-up kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.  All heavy items (sofas and beds) are already in place and our job is to create a homely (and practical) environment that instantly says "welcome" and which offers belonging, relief and hope in the future.  If you would like to join our distribution list to receive specific information and requests about helping in this way, please let me know.
- Household goods and possibly pantry items will be requested for subsequent family arrivals throughout the year (probably beginning late April and then every two months or so). Trusty volunteers will speak at Masses to let you know exactly when this is happening and exactly what we need and our newsletter will include specific details too.  Most needed items are often pots and pans,  cutlery, crockery, new sheets and towels, vacuums, and microwaves - so please let us know if you have any of these, or other items we might need, available for collection. 
- Cash donations are also very welcome as they give us the option to quickly fill the gaps in providing the items we need.  In fact, we ended last year with enough money available to buy a FULL household lot of brand new items for a refugee couple (helped enormously by Briscoes Lyall Bay who offered a minimum 50% discount on everything).  This also relieved a lot of pressure in the busy Christmas season for our volunteers. If you would like, and are able to, donate money, please place your donations in an envelope marked "refugees" as part of the normal Parish collections.  This money is held in a separate account and every penny is spent directly on refugee household goods.
Finally, any questions at anytime please do not hesitate to be in touch.  We will keep you up to date and we sincerely appreciate your on-going prayers and other support. Annette Bridgman (388 9704 or [email protected])

A time to explore a possible calling from God to become a Sister of Mercy. Single women are invited to attend an event at Mercy Centre, Thorndon, Wellington on Sunday 9 April from 11.45am – 5pm, lunch included. Bookings are necessary. Please contact Sister Stephanie on 04-8198312 or [email protected]. Come along and bring a friend!

Ecumenical Healing Service with Fr John Rea at Tawa Intermediate Hall, 1 Ranui Terrace Tawa., on Tuesday  28 February beginning at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome.  Please come and bring all who need Jesus` healing.

A Caring Space An Invitation to spend a few hours exploring with God the blessings and burdens of the caregivers role.  This time is offered to those who care for a loved one at home. Led by Gill Schaap and Veronica Parton Venue: Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington Date: Thursday 2nd March
Time: 11am - 2pm - hot drinks provided, please bring your own lunch Cost: $10
For more details and to register contact Veronica Parton [email protected] or 021 238 6675

Introduction to Christian Life Community: CLC is an international lay organisation inspired by the spirituality of St Ignatius Loyola. For those interested a 7 week introductory course will run Tuesdays 28 Feb, 7, 14, 21, 28 March & 4, 11 April, 7:30-9pm. Contact Maureen McKillop. [email protected] Ph: 475-5972 or 021-1349-370

40 Days for Life - More than 13,000 preborn children are aborted every year in New Zealand. That is 36 Children every single day. Women are hurt – physically, mentally and spiritually. Men regret their lost fatherhood. 40 Days of Life is a local solution where people unite in prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities in order to end abortion. Please join your local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil March 1st to April 9th. Together, with God’s grace, we will bring about an end to abortion in New Zealand. Visit fli.org.nz/40daysforlife for more information or ph 04 237-8343. Join Cardinal John Dew in Mass for Life to open 40 Days for Life Tuesday 28th February 6.30pm St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Public meeting to Open 40 Days with Matt Britton Board Chair for 40 Days for Life. Come and be inspired and hear about 40 Days for Life, where ordinary people can make a difference! Thursday 2 March 7pm St Anne’s Hall, Newtown. Light refreshments served at 6.45pm

Wellington Eucharistic Convention: St Patrick's College, Silverstream on Sunday 5th March 2017. Starts 8.30 am (Morning Prayer) and concludes with Mass about 5.30pm. Theme: "Pray, Pray A Lot!" (Our Mother's message to the Fatima children 100 years ago). Includes 6 talks and Reconciliation. $25 adults; $20 beneficiaries; Children under 16 free.

Dr Philip G. Ney (Canada) Retired Child and Family Psychiatrist and Developmental Child Psychologist 
Speaking at two Events in Wellington on Wednesday 22nd February. Workshop: 1-3 pm at St Patrick's Parish Centre, Childer's Terrace, Kilbirnie. "Scientific Facts About Abortion and Abuse and What you can do about it." Public Meeting: 7 pm at St Anne's Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown " The real reasons women choose abortion and (what damages need to be addressed for Post Abortion healing)"  Collection taken to help defray expenses. For his bio or more details contact Family Life International. 237 8343. www.fli.org.nz

Our Lady of Kapiti Building Project.
'Like so many other parishes we have had to embark on a building  programme, as a fundraising endeavour we would like to introduce
THE NEWSTALK ZB JUSTIN DU FRESNE MEMORIAL DEBATE/DINNER and AUCTION.
The Subject: That cricket a game invented by God to teach the English the meaning of the word Eternity,
In the affirmative Pinky Agnew, Tim Gordon and Karl Du Fresne In the negative  Kathryn Ryan, Brian Waddle and Mystery Morrison
Chairman: Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger,  Judge: Judge Sir David Carruthers. It will be hilarious
The Venue: Marist St Pats Rugby Clubrooms. Hataitai The Date: Friday 24th February, from 6.30pm The Cost: $125 per head, includes full dinner, dinner wines and  entertainment BOOKINGS: Ticketek, or corporate or sponsorship opportunities 
[email protected] or 042933390 Please book early as numbers are limited.

Young Angel Voices - Thursdays 4.30pm. Boys and girls 8 – 12 welcome. Come for an hour of fun, instruction and beautiful music. Community Room – St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott St.  Fun with voices ♪ learn lots of songs ♪ part-songs & rounds, ♪ learn to read music, ♪ singing technique Visit the website for Youtube links www.smoa.org.nz and click the ‘Music’ tab or contact…. Robert Oliver (04) 934 2296; mob 021 0257 4375 [email protected]

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES STREET DAY APPEAL - Thursday 23rd FEBRUARY 2017
Collectors are needed in Wellington, Newtown, Kilbirnie and Petone.  If you are able to give an hour of your time to help, please phone Vivien on Ph 385 8642 or email [email protected]

If you would like to receive the newsletter by email contact the parish office [email protected] with newsletter in the subject line and you will be added to the list.
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