20 october 2019

Ex 17, 8-13; 2 Tim 3, 14-4,2. Lk 18, 1-8
 “Mom, can I have this? I’m starving.”
“What are we having for dinner?”
“When do we eat?”
It’s a nightmare – the checkout aisle in a grocery store with two kids. It’s more than an hour to dinner, stuck behind someone who last shopped six weeks ago. I tune out the non-stop “petitions” for the junk food within easy reach. Whew! Glad those days are done!!!! Says a mum.
If this is how God feels about our endless prayers for things that are the spiritual equivalent of junk food. Does He care if All Black wins Rugby world cup?
Today’s gospel from Luke invites us to reflect on how we communicate with God. “I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.” Jesus invites us to freely and persistently tell God about our needs, often our only form of prayer. But if this is what Jesus wants us to do, why does it seem that our prayers go unanswered? If only praying were like ordering a pizza. You tell God what you want and He delivers it.
Of course, it’s more complicated. Eileen Wirth says, “I spent 25 years teaching students that “communication” is two-way. You have to listen as well as talk and that’s true of communicating with God. Even a seeming non-response IS a response. It’s often a way of saying I heard you but I’m not doing what you ask and I have my reasons, like a mom turning out requests for chocolate in the grocery store” to her child.
Students who were devastated not getting a job that they had prayed for were often elated when God seemingly sent them something better. Most of us have experienced the failures that led to later success. Today’s gospel suggests that a listening, loving God answers our petitions but not necessarily in the way we seek. There will always be mysteries about answers to prayers. Why do children die of cancer? Why are there wars or droughts? Why do people suffer despite our bombarding heaven on their behalf?
There may be no good answers in human terms but we need to trust Jesus’ promise that if we ask God for help persistently, he will respond in some way. Blessed be God forever.                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.
 
PARISH PROPERTY UPDATE Holy Trinity Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee
We again thank those who have contributed through attending the consultations and making submissions regarding the future of our parish properties.  
The Pastoral Council and Finance Committee follow-up from your feedback has involved collating and summarising the information, discussion and meetings.  The final report to the Cardinal for 30 October is currently being prepared.
An overview of the consultation and the revised recommendations that will be made to the Cardinal will be shared with parishioners during the weekend of 26-28 October.  The overview and recommendations, and the summaries of the submissions, will also be available on the parish website for those unable to attend Mass that weekend or who may wish to review them in more detail.
We ask that you continue to pray for Holy Trinity Parish as we continue to move into our future, full of hope.

 October 2019 is an Extraordinary Month of Mission. Pope Francis has called for a celebration of missionary work and its importance to our faith. In this video we meet two New Zealanders doing incredible work teaching at a school in Ranong, Thailand; Father Frank Bird SM and Katie Fisher.  https://youtu.be/rBJxO3rWFj4

To be said by all at the end of the prayers of the faithful
Heavenly Father,
when your only Begotten Son Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He instructed His followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations.”                                                                                                               
Your Holy Spirit has led us to understand that through our Baptism we are called and sent to share in this mission of the Church.
 
Empower us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be courageous and zealous in bearing witness to the Gospel,
so that the mission entrusted to the Church, which is still  continuing, may find new and productive expressions that bring life and light to the world.
 
Help us make it possible for peoples to experience the saving love and mercy of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,One God, forever and ever.                    Amen.

 MASS SCHEDULE  FOR HOLY TRINITY PARISH
Friday 1st November
 9am  St Patrick’s Church                                          9.30am  Holy Cross Parish Centre

 MASS SCHEDULE FOR HOLY TRINITY PARISH
Saturday 2nd November
 9am         Holy Cross Church                                     11am       St Patrick’s Church

6 week Spirituality Awareness course starting Tuesday 22nd ?? Limited spaces available. If you are interested Contact Leona 973-3958

Holy Trinity Parish Catholic Book Club – next meeting Sunday 27th October:  Explore the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic faith through its great books! At Holy Cross Church Parish Centre, 6-7pm. Light supper will be provided. Connect with fellow passionate Catholics for like-minded discussion. For enquiries, contact 3882-840 or [email protected]

Please pray for our children as they prepare for First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion dates in our Parish
St Patrick’s 3rd November 10am & St Anthony’s 10th November 10.30am

2 Columban Calendars to give away!
Two Columban Calendars have been very kindly donated by a parishioner.
If you would like one of these please contact the Parish Office [email protected] or 388 6953

Wheelchair for sale in good condition. $400 contact Andrew if interested  [email protected]

Gascoigne Educational Scholarship.  This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2020 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 2019

St Patrick’s Church centenary Mass is on 17th November at 10 am.  Would you like to take an active role as part of the Mass?  Would you like to usher people at the beginning and / or at Communion ?  Would you like to read?  To read a Prayer of the Faithful?  To take part in the Offertory procession?  To be a collector?  We are planning now so if you are interested please contact Patricia O’Donnell at 934 3179 or [email protected]   ASAP.

 St Patrick’s Church centenary Mass is on 17th November at 10 am
All parishioners are welcome to come and join in celebrating the centenary of St Patrick’s Church followed by a cup of tea in the Parish Hall.
Please note: the 5.30pm Vigil will be the only other Mass in the Parish

St Patrick’s Church desperately needs musicians.  Do you play the piano?  Is your child learning to play?  Would you be prepared to play one song at Mass on one Sunday or Vigil Mass on Saturday night? Help will be given before you play.  if you are interested please contact Patricia O’Donnell at 934 3179 or [email protected]

Volunteer to weed a garden for St Patrick’s Primary School We’d love a parishioner to sort the garden down the drive next to what was the video shop. The compost bin is full, and it’d be good to have this dug into the soil.

In the leadup to the St Patrick’s centenary Mass on the 17th November at 10am, we will include an interesting fact about the former Parish each week.
FACT  St Patricks Church had a small bell tower but no bell. In 1929 Fr Connolly bought the Wellington City Fire Board Bell for 35 pounds.  The fire service had just converted to sirens. Fr Connolly dedicated the bell for church use and named it Margaret after his mother

2020 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each.
You can either put your money or cheq (made out to Holy Trinity Parish) in an envelope with your details and pop in the collection basket, email, phone or drop into the Parish Office.
Alternatively pay by internet banking to Holy Trinity Parish 02-0536-0185031-00 and use CALENDAR as the reference. When you have paid, email the office [email protected] with the following details: your name, the amount paid, the number of calendars ordered, which Church you will collect your calendars from or if you would like to collect them from the office. Once payment has cleared, the Calendars will be left for you in the back of your chosen Church or in the office for you to collect. 
Bernadette Hyland will also have them available for sale at St Patrick’s Church.

Safeguarding training. extra Safeguarding workshop on Tuesday 29th October, at 60 Knights Road, Hutt Central, we will gather at 6.45pm for a cup of tea/coffee and the workshop itself will start at 7pm. It’s at the Parish Hall, Te Awakairangi Parish, Sts Peter and Paul Church. Please contact Brendy Weir ASAP if you want to attend. Tel. (04) 496 11768 or email [email protected]            
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 – Legion of Mary

Missionary Sisters of  St. Peter Claver are holding a “MULTCULTURL” on Sunday 20th  October 2019  at 2 pm to 4 pm at St.Patrick’s Parish Hall, 15 – 19 Rongotai Road, Kilbirnie. Admission: $5  Enquiries : 3838401.

Nau mai, Haere mai. Br Matthew from the monastic community at Taize joins us for an experience of community, celebrating 30 years of Taize Prayer at the Home of Compassion.  Weekend - $100  One day - $50 (includes meals)  | Additional $70/night – accommodation. RSVP by 25.10.19  Our Lady’s Home of Compassion Island Bay, ph (04) 383 7769 and ask for Christine or email [email protected]

Stewardship Retreat Day. Treat yourself to a quiet reflective  day before the busyness of Christmas hits you. Be inspired by three young pilgrims who attended the World Youth Day in Panama. Where: St Joseph’s Church Upper Hutt. When: November 2nd Bring your lunch. Please register by October 25th  with Ann Williams at [email protected]

Go you are sent to develop a spirituality of service (2) Organize small group programmes which are relevant for Church seasons and for people’s lives.

Join us for a FREE Seniors’ Week event to talk about the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. There will be a CPR demonstration Everyone welcome – free afternoon tea provided. Come along for a chance to hear from others and ask questions.    
Strathmore Park Community Centre        Friday 1 November           11.00am – 12.30pm

FUNDRAISING CONCERT BY FR CHRIS SKINNER, SM An afternoon of songs and music on Saturday 2 November, 2:00pm, Sacred Heart Church Petone.  Tickets - $25 each.  Proceeds to support Pacific families to attend the Annual Oceania gathering of the Focolare Movement, 8-12 January 2020.For tickets contact:     David – 04 4787962  or [email protected] Nilda – 021 2321171 or [email protected]

Religious Diversity: Encountering other religions. A workshop, interactive, fun, and challenging for Jewish, Christian and Muslim young adults. Thursday 31 October 2019 4-9pm, at Wellington Islamic Centre, 7 Queen’s Drive, Kilbirnie. Limited space, tickets from Eventbrite.

St Patrick’s Primary School Ethnic Food Fair 5.30 – 7.30 Friday 15th November We are about to launch into preparations for our annual Food Fair. We’d love to include the Holy Trinity parishioners as much as possible. Last year we had some wonderful parishioners who cooked for us, helped run stalls and donated Hoopla jars.

• We need people to serve on the stalls (it’s very easy as we have tickets so money handling is not necessary).
• Hoopla Jars - We would love anyone who is able, to fill a jar with goodies and donate it.
• Ideas for things to put in the jar; stickers, little toys, Lego, balloons, lollies, stationery, jewellery, fudges, - use your imagination.

If you have any suggestions, donations or can help in any way please ring the school Ph 3873370 or email [email protected] Otherwise, please come along and support us by buying our delicious food and tell your friends and family they’re welcome, too.

Catholic Social Services Wellington  Community Facilitator
This is a permanent part time position.  Part time role 22.5 hours  (3 days per week)
We are looking for a suitably qualified person to take on and develop the role of Community Facilitator for the Archdiocese of Wellington.
This role covers some key tasks:

• Supporting Parish project responses to identify issues of Poverty and  Marginalisation in their region.
• Leading the Archdiocese response and working with our key partners in Refugee  settlement in the Wellington region.
• Facilitating the key Synod outcomes related to Catholic Social Services.

This role requires a specialist qualification ora Lay Pastoral qualification. Knowledge and understanding of Catholic Social Teaching. Strong interpersonal and administrative skills.
For a copy of the role description please email [email protected]  
Please send a cover letter, and CV addressed to The Director at 
[email protected]    Closing date:  Friday 1st November 2019

Driving Miss Daisy Wellington East needs drivers. We are  looking for companion drivers in the Wellington East area.
• You will require a p-Endorsement and a  First-Aid Certificate or be willing to obtain these.
• You need to be flexible with work hours and be available   to work some weekends. Call  Julia  today  to discuss  Ph: (04)  384 8344  Mob: (021)  215 3014 Email:  [email protected]  

This missionary mandate touches us personally: I am a mission, always; you are a mission, always; every baptized man and woman is a mission.  People in love never stand still: they are drawn out of themselves; they are attracted and attract others in turn; they give themselves to others and build relationships that are life-giving.  As far as God’s love is concerned, no one is useless or insignificant.  Each of us is a mission to the world, for each of us is the fruit of God’s love.                  Pope Francis: Message for World Mission Day 2019

The Oct. 20 – Nov. 2 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Pope accepts Bishop Drennan resignation. Kiwi Carmelite makes solemn final vows. Extraordinary Month of Mission in October. New Vicar for Maori in Auckland.                          The next issue of NZ Catholic will be published on November 3

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 Zita Milne and James Andrews  and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including .