21 june 2020

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.

Jer 20, 10-13; Rom 5, 12-15; Mat 10, 26-33
Be my witness
Dear sisters and brothers, the whole chapter of Matthew brings together and sums up what Jesus has to say to his apostles about declaring his teaching in the face of hostility and persecution.
In the first reading, God delivered the prophet Jeremiah from the deadly plots and hands of evil men. Our world is full of threats against the righteous and innocent, colour and creed, young and old. Hardly would a day pass  without   one hearing news of atrocities and violence.   This   is   the   cause   of   great   fear   for   many, especially, for those whose trust is solely on this world rather than being in God.
However,   for   those   who   like   the   prophet, Jeremiah realize that the Lord is on their side, God will surely not
disappoint them. As a mighty hero, He will surely act. The threats and gravity of these terrors and fears might
appear overwhelming.  However, they are certainly not greater than what God has handled in the history of
humanity.
The second reading has a lot in common with the first. First, while the prophet was innocent of all the accusations   and   threats   against   him,   humanity inherited death through the sin of disobedience of her progenitors (Adam and Eve). In a similar way, while God delivered the innocent prophet Jeremiah from the plots and terrors of his enemies; Paul recounts how Christ delivered humanity from the terrors and shackles of death.
Thus,   Paul   draws   our   attention   to   a   very   important aspect of our salvation history. This is especially, with
regards to the relationship between sin and death; and of course, the relationship between the consequences
of Adam’s disobedience and that of Christ’s obedience. For, while Adam’s disobedience and sin brought us death, Christ’s obedience brought us life.
Through   his   sacrificial   death   and   obedience to his father’s will, He dissipated the fear that threaten our life and restored our peace. Thus, He delivered us from ruin due to the sin, and the fall of Adam and Eve.
Jesus exhorts us: “Do not be afraid, for everything that is now covered will be uncovered.” This includes the plans of the evil ones who are always threatening to persecute and destroy the just. It suffices to note that, Christ knows that fear and the threat of death can paralyse one. As the Lord of the living and the dead, He knows that physical death is not the end. Rather, it is a transition to eternity. Hence, he further exhorts us: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.   Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell fire.”
In these comforting and assuring words of Christ, rest our hope and future as Christians:  “Every hair on your head   has   been   counted.   So,   there   is   no   need   to   be afraid!” They simply indicate that the Lord is on our side. He is ready and capable to deliver us from both the consequences and harmful effects of sin, as well as from all the threats that we face in our daily life.
Finally, all we need to do to merit the protection Christ promised   us   today,   is   simply   to   be   on   his   side   by trusting him. This, calls for being just and innocent in our ways and actions. It means being true Christians. Of course, it also means submitting completely to Christ, His witnesses.      
                                                   Peace be with you!                                  Fr Ephrem

Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, 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 and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Michalina Bogacki, Thomas (Tony) Hayes, Maurice Gunn, Eithne Williams and Margaret Scott.

Prayer for the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers to be said by everyone at the end of the prayers of the faithful.
Lord God, Master of the Vineyard,
Help us listen to the struggles of those
who work hard to provide for their families
but still have trouble making ends meet.
Open our eyes to the struggles of those
exploited
and help us speak for just wages and safe
conditions,
the freedom to organize, and time for renewal.
For work was made for humankind
and not humankind for work.
Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation
but a radiant expression of our human dignity.
Give all who labour listening hearts
that we may pause from our work
to receive your gift of rest.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
that you might work through us to let your
justice reign.
Amen.

Pandemic Mass on 27/28 June
The parish council agreed to celebrate “DECREE on the Mass in Time of Pandemic” on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28 June 2020 at all three Masses next weekend. “In virtue of the faculties granted to it by the Supreme Pontiff FRANCIS, gives permission to celebrate the Mass in Times of Pandemic.” Prot. N. 156/20. May I request leaders of Choirs in the parish to take note and prepare accordingly.

The following measures will remain till further notice:

• Commuion only in the hand - NOT on the tongue
• No handshake during sign of the peace – instead speak, bow, nod or smile
• All holy water has been removed from the church
• Please use hand sanisiter before entering the church
• Collection boxes to remain
• No morning tea after Mass
• If you are sick, stay home and contact your doctor or healthline

We appreciate your co-operation

Silence before the Mass: GIRM 45 (2010)
The parish Liturgy committee at its last meeting on 2nd of June 2020 recommends silence before Mass.  The committee has put a slide on the powerpoint before Mass from Saturday 13th June.
“Even before the celebration itself, it is a praiseworthy practice for silence to be observed in the Church, in the Sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.”                                    Thank you      Fr. Ephrem

 Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish .  In our local eastern suburbs communities, many families are now experiencing ongoing hardship from COVID-19, such as going short of food, losing their job, cut backs in hours of work, digging into savings, debt, and difficulty clothing and equipping kids back at school.  Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. 
Your SVDP Conference in Holy Trinity Parish is helping people in strict confidence if we hear who needs help, " following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society" .    Should you know of any households in need of emergency food, winter bedding, clothing items or simple friendly support, do please arrange contact with Tina Quidilla, local SVDP Conference, ph 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz
 
Also, if you wish to donate to your local Holy Trinity St Vincent de Paul group to purchase groceries, living essentials and student uniforms and items for families suffering hardship in the Eastern Suburbs, please pay online to:   " St Vincent de Paul Society, Seatoun & Miramar Conference,  BNZ Kilbirnie,    Account No. 02 - 0576 - 0017817 - 06", or contact Maria Pene, our local SVDP Treasurer, ph 022 428 0427, email: mpene20@gmail.co.nz

Vinnie’s Shop Miramar needs more volunteers!! Have you got some time to spare? Do you want something worthwhile to get involved in? Why not volunteer at the Miramar Vinnie’s shop. Contact  Cathie on 0278412268

St Catherine’s College Open Night Thursday 25th June. Tours start at 6pm.
BOOK A TOUR: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/ CODE: tqnwc
 
This year, St Mary's College  is holding open day tours for prospective families on  Tuesday 30 June.  There will be three time slots offered 11.30 am, 2pm, 4pm.  The tours will be one hour with a maximum of 100.  Whānau will be divided into small tour groups of 10 people each, with a maximum of three per whānau.  Whānau will be required to register using schoolinterviews.co.nz. the booking code is 3te25
 
If your space is limited please ask them to visit our website stmw.school.nz  
 
A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Father Michael O’Dea in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday 7 July at 5.30pm with a time of remembering after in the foyer of the Cathedral. Michael died in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 17 May. A requiem Mass was celebrated on 20 May (Level 2 of lockdown) and he was buried at the Hawera Cemetery on Thursday 21 May.
All are welcome to attend this Mass.
Please RSVP to Tania Halliday t.halliday@wn.catholic.org.nz your attendance for catering purposes.
 
In today’s world, messages multiply but the practice of listening is being lost. Yet it is only through humble and attentive listening that we can truly be reconciled. In 2020, silence has reigned for weeks in our streets. A dramatic and troubling silence, but one that has given us the opportunity to listen to the plea of the vulnerable, the displaced and our seriously ill planet.
Pope Francis: Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2020
 
     Prison Chaplain for Rimutaka and Arohata prisons We are seeking to employ a suitably qualified person to work as a member of the Prison Chaplaincy   Services   Aotearoa   New   Zealand   Chaplaincy   Team,   which   delivers Ecumenical Chaplaincy services to persons in prison at Rimutaka and Arohata. The Position is a permanent position of 37.5 hours per week. The Catholic Prison Chaplaincy service is a separate but integrated ministry which promotes and shares the Gospel message, provides for the celebration of the Sacraments, pastoral care, counsel and support. The person we are looking for will come from a committed Catholic ministry background, have undertaken ongoing formation and had at least two years of pastoral ministry. For a copy of the role description and application forms for this vacancy, please email:  reception@wn.catholic.org.nz .   Please send your completed application forms, cover letter and CV to Karen Holland at: reception@wn.catholic.org.nz
 
Quote for the Year of Mission: 1 Corinthians 3: 6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.
 
Mid winter Christmas – 12 days of light in the darkness. 21 June – 2 July Light up your neighbourhood with love. This is an iniative by the combined churches of the Miramar Peninsula. https://www.midwinterchristmas.nz/facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/midwinterchristmas.nz instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/midwinterchristmas.nz/
 
Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 23 June beginning at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  This Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, singing, times of silence and conclude with Benediction followed by supper.
 
Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience for couples intending to be married. Remaining weekends for 2020 are  18 & 19 July and 14 & 15 November. Venue is Otari Parish presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington. Registrations close 2 weeks before. For more details go to the website http://www.cee-wellington.co.nz/           
Phone  Kate and Simon Olson. 04 801 6192 or email  simonolsen@gmail.com
 
Healing Service Fr John Rea sm will conduct a Healing Service at St Bernadette`s Church, 194 Naenae Rd, Naenae on Wednesday 8 July beginning at 7.30 pm.  Please invite all who need Jesus` healing.  All are welcome.  Enquiries Ph 8198323.

Parish Finances  During Lockdown some people were able to change to Automatic Payments OR on-line banking for donations to support the parish.
The Finance Committee encourages you to sign up for APs or to donate on-line  if possible as it is a safe way and also cuts down work for the few counters that we have and for Marianne in the parish office.
Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000
Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference.
Or for further detail contact the parish office:  holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz

For the next while there will be no collection at our Masses but we have monitored donation boxes at each church for those who wish to donate using their planned giving envelopes or cash.  Thank you for your ongoing support. 

Food Bank Donation Baskets
These are now back in our Churches.  Every little contribution you can make is gratefully received.
 
“He has told you, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”   
Micah 6: 8

Strange Times    Our world is in a sad situation.  Including unjust practices by Governments and Institutions, protests by thousands across the globe, illness, starvation, poverty, major ecological challenges impacting on communities and environments, millions fleeing their homelands and being killed or detained with little hope of a safe future.   In our prayers and in our actions we can show solidarity and sometimes support.
Lord, give your people your peace that we may shine brightly in today’s dark world.  Grant us the courage to live faithfully even in the midst of hard times. May our faith in you and the innate good of humankind be the strengthening of wisdom and courage in us, rather than allowing fear of the world to drive our actions.Help us to live fully in the midst of a world that needs to know you.   Show your mercy and heal those who are suffering in your fallen creation.  Most of all Lord, strengthen us to work to restore the world you have made and to make all things new.  We pray that your will would be done through our actions. We ask this through Christ, your son.  AMEN

“I have always been distressed at the lot of those who are victims of various kinds of human trafficking. How I wish that all of us would hear God’s cry, ‘Where is your brother?’ (Gen 4:9). Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? Let us not pretend and look the other way. There is greater complicity than we think. This issue involves everyone!”                                               Pope Francis, 2013, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference promotes a special Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants on the Sunday closest to the World Refugee Day on 20 June. This year it falls on Sunday 21 June 2020, which is the twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The theme, “Where is your brother or sister?”, was taken from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium where he speaks of his distress about the various forms of human trafficking. He quotes the book of Genesis and challenges us not to look the other way but to recognize our migrant brothers and sisters who are experiencing exploitation. Migrants and refugees are part of our community, but they may not always be seen or heard.
This theme is particularly topical given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as migrant communities will be among the most vulnerable to the impacts. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy worldwide, here in New Zealand, the government has been quick to offer emergency benefits to New Zealanders – however one big chunk of the workforce who are missing out are migrant workers.
In New Zealand, about one in ten of the workforce is an overseas worker on a temporary visa1. With fragile visa situations, unfamiliarity with the culture and language, and the pressure to financially provide for family back in their homeland, losing their job or their income makes them the most vulnerable for worker exploitation. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant worker exploitation had been a serious problem that even the government had acknowledged by holding a review: www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/immigration/temporary-migrant-workerexploitation-review.
Pope Francis has always seen the importance of this issue, in all its forms. In 2017, the Migrants & Refugees (M&R) Section was established by Pope Francis himself and tasked to address human trafficking as well as migrant and refugee matters. In 2018, the M&R Section held consultations with Church leaders, scholars, and organisations working in the field, to address trafficking. A resource for dioceses, parishes, and schools was put together and can be found on their website: migrants-refugees.va. Pope Francis acknowledges that the task of overcoming human exploitation takes “courage, patience and perseverance”, but it is a task that we all must take part in. He challenges us “to open our eyes, to see the misery of those who are completely deprived of their dignity and their freedom, and to hear their cry for help.”
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1  RNZ. (2020, April 30). Covid-19: Jobless immigrants face poverty, deportation, exploitation- immigration adviser. Retrieved from https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/415473/covid-19-jobless-immigrants-face-poverty-deportation-exploitation-immigration-adviser
 
A bridge for migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty across the world and Aotearoa, but especially to the temporary migrant workers in our community.
The Filipino Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Wellington quickly realised this and wanted to reach out and help. Outreach Ministry Head, Jofferson Gonzales said, ”We understood that there would be people who won’t be able to go to shops, or new migrants who are anxious and confused about the information from government, and may not be familiar with how things work in New Zealand.”
 “Migrant workers won’t complain but it was our role to listen and help voice their concerns,” said Joey Domdom, one of the chaplaincy’s ministry heads. “They’re exploited in systems that are clearly taking advantage of them and the lockdown showed how disadvantaged they were.”
 The chaplaincy’s goal is to help Filipino migrants become a part of the local Church community in Aotearoa. Knowing that they would be hesitant to ask for help, the chaplaincy did a round of phone calls to temporary migrant workers that they knew of to ask how they were, how they could help, or just to be a listening ear.
They worked with Catholic Social Services and Challenge 2000 to dispatch goods, like food and winter clothing, to their migrant brothers and sisters. “Our role was to identify these vulnerable people and their needs, and to become a link to other church agencies who had the supplies and were capable of doing the legwork – we sort of became like a bridge,” Gonzales said. When asked what our parish communities could do, Domdom replied with a simple suggestion - just start a conversation. “Just be aware of the migrant workers in our community. Ask them how they are; how is their work; how is their family back home?” This is precisely what Pope Francis was implying when he said, “Who is your brother or sister?”