24th september 2017

Is. 55:6-9; Phil. 1:20c-24, 27; Mt: 1-16
Is God fair and just?
How often do you hear the cry “It isn’t fair?” It is, of course, a complaint you hear many times from children and teens. Students complain their teachers aren’t fair with their exams. Some adults and parents complain that giving grades on performance isn’t fair. How often do parents tell us that teachers aren’t fair? And what about university admissions policies, are they fair or unfair? The Hurricane Katrina disaster brought forth a host of concerns about fairness. It it the repeated earth quacks, tsunami and follow-ups from other natural disasters fair? Capitalism, we are told, isn’t fair. In the name of fairness, socialism and communism were tried and found not to be fair. The Church, we are often told, isn’t fair. The way it treats women isn’t fair, we are told. The way it appoints bishops isn’t fair. The way it treats victims of abuse isn’t fair, nor is the way it deals with priests who have broken the law and grievously sinned. The way Jesus Christ rewarded Mary and ignored Martha’s complaint wasn’t, according to Martha, very fair. Life isn’t fair – bad things happen to good people. Finally, we hear the ultimate complaint – God isn’t fair! These words were on the lips of the laborers in today’s Gospel parable. 
God through the prophet Isaiah says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways.” God in the parable did not wrong anyone; he just decided not to consider the merits. He gave everyone according to their needs. That's the surprise of God; that is his strange way of conceiving and practicing justice.  Many of us still think what we consider to be fair is the ultimate standard, measuring God’s fairness by our standards of fairness. For us, here today, we need to once again set aside our pride and arrogance and turn to the mind and heart of God. For His ways are not our ways. For if we let God be God, He will give us everything else that we could ever want or need. In the end, it’s a good thing God is God and that He is the ultimate judge of fairness.                                                                      
Fr Paul
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.

Thank you to those members of our Parish who attended the Synod last weekend.
 Fr Ephrem will be in contact with you all soon to reconvene this group to continue working on building iniatives for the Parish.

Feast of St Francis of Assisi: Wednesday 4th October 2017 9.30am Mass – Holy Cross Church
Please note: this will be the only Mass in the Parish on this day

Annointing Mass at St Patrick’s Church has been changed to Wednesday 11th October at 11am due to the Feast of St Francis.
 

St Patrick’s Church - A refresher course is offered to our Readers and Ministers of the Eucharist.
These will be held directly after Mass on Saturday 23rd September after the 5.30 Vigil Mass; on Sunday 24th September after 7.30 Mass and after 10am Mass.   These sessions will be 15 to 20 minutes long with a handout and are designed to ensure that all readers and all Ministers of the Eucharist know exactly what to do at all times and what is expected of them.  

Catholicism – journey around the world and deep into the faith All parishioners are invited to watch a ten-part documentary series by Rev Robert E Barron to be screened after the 5pm Mass starting on the 24th September in the Parish Centre at Holy Cross Church Miramar over 10 weeks.  The Catholic faith as you’ve never experienced it before – witness the most significant story ever told. Journey with acclaimed author, speaker and theologian Fr Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 15 countries. 

St Patrick’s Church flower roster – If you are unavailable for your rostered week, please organise with one of the others on the roster to do a swap. There is an updated roster on the noticeboard at the back of the Church. There are gaps for the 8th Oct, 19th Nov and 7th Jan so if anyone is available to cover these days, just put your name in.
St Patrick’s Church rosary statue roster – A reminder that those who are on the roster to have the statue for the coming month are responsible for contacting the person who currently has it and arranging the transfer.
 
UPDATED MASS ROSTER FOR BIBLE SUNDAY – 29TH OCTOBER
updated roster for Bible Sunday included at the back of this newsletter.
Please check to see if you are rostered on.

A reminder to contact the office if any of your details change so we can update your records. Thank you to those who have passed on your new email addresses.

Mother Aubert’s Anniversary of Death – Sunday 1st October
When Suzanne Aubert died in 1926, her funeral was the largest ever witnessed for a New Zealand woman. Humble yet determined she had made an extraordinary impact on society, and thousands – from the upper echelons to the very poor - lined the streets of Wellington to pay their respects as her body was drawn through the city. For 66 years of her life she had brought hope and courage in our land of Aotearoa New Zealand to all especially to the needy. Today Mother Aubert continues to inspire us by her writings and example. Many of the social challenges and injustices Suzanne faced are still with us now. This anniversary prompts us therefore to ponder deeply our response to the social, health and educational needs of Māori, Pākehā and indeed all those who today call New Zealand home.  Suzanne Aubert founded the Sisters of Compassion in 1883 and still today the Sisters continue her pattern of service founded on faith, love and compassion. Please pray today for the Sisters and may our nation be blessed   through   further   vocations   to   the   Sisters   of   Our   Lady   of Compassion.
There will be a short video presentation played at Mass next weekend
 
Refugees - Help required one last time, please.
Our two-year commitment to the settlement of former refugees in Wellington is nearing its end - there is just one last collection of goods required (October), and one house to physically set-up in December.  So, we are asking for you, our Parish, to please once again show your generosity and stamina as we pull together to fit-out the first home in NZ for a Mother, Father and their 9 year old daughter, in early October.  What we need, please:
(1) Cash donations are wonderful to allow us to purchase larger items such as a microwave and rice cooker and also cover any other items we don't collect; financial donations, including cheques to "Holy Trinity refugee collection", can be placed in a clearly marked envelop in any collection up to 1 October.
(2) We also need specific items to ensure the home is functional and pleasant from day one.  In particular we need: KITCHEN: pots and stock pot, cutlery and crockery, glasses, cups, rubbish bin, electric jug, rice cooker, serving spoons, electric blender/beater. BATHROOM/LAUNDRY: ironing Board, iron, washing basket and pegs; vacuum cleaner; broom, dust pan and brush and three new hot water bottles with covers.  TOYS, BOOKS, PUZZLES suitable to a 9 year old girl (but no soft toys, please). NO LINEN OR BEDDING is required a we collected surplus items last time.  Please leave any clearly labelled "refugee" donations in the Church foyer no later than Sunday 8 October, mid-day.

Gascoigne Educational Scholarship 2017.  This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2018 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 2017

  Grace Anointing Retreat 2017 A Catholic spiritual healing retreat led by Fr Dominic Valanmanal- International Catholic preacher. From Wed 27th - Thurs 28th    September from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. at St Teresa’s Catholic Church, Karori. Only street parking available on 27th Sept - Cardinal John Dew will be celebrating Holy mass at 9:30 am.  For further information contact Ted Jordan  [email protected].

Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 26 September 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, times of silence, praise and worship and conclude with Benediction followed by supper.

A time to explore a possible calling from God to become a Sister of Mercy. Single women are invited to attend an event at Te Wāhanga Atawhai Mercy Conference Centre, Guildford Tce, Thorndon, Wellington  on Saturday 30 September from 1.30pm – 5pm. For enquiries, please contact Sister Stephanie on 04-8198312 or [email protected]. Come along and bring a friend!

Sat 30 Sept Retreat: ‘Writing the Soul Home’, New Zealand poetry meditation, reading, and writing. Facilitator, Anne Powell,  10am‒4pm, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine St, Island Bay, Wellington. Register at [email protected] or Ph. 04 383 7769.

Vinnies is hosting our bi-annual book fair, Saturday 30 September – Sunday 1 October, at St Anne’s church hall (Emmett Street, Newtown). You are all invited to join us for a browse through the collection OR if you are available to assist during the event please email Ana, [email protected] ; we appreciate the ongoing support and being generous with your time.

KIWI ATHLETIC CLUB, Opening and Enrolment for 91st Season ,4th October 5pm, Newtown Stadium. For college age to adults. Ideal for newcomers, winter coders, and returnees. Contact Peter Jack, 3886224.

If God exists, it changes everything! Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of our faith. Each session looks at a different question, and is designed to create conversation. There’s no pressure, no follow-up and no charge; it’s just an open, informal, and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together. The sessions are available again starting at 7.00pm at St Patrick's Church on Tuesday 17 October. To enrol please call or text John Rogers 0272328488 or Kim von Lanthen 0222426288.
Feel free to bring a friend who may not be a member of the school or parish.

Advent and Christmas Liturgy Workshop – An interactive workshop with Fr Patrick Bridgman, looking at liturgies for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, including symbols and resources.  Registrations to[email protected] before 2nd October.  Workshop, repeated on Thursday 5th October 7-9pm, Lecture Room 1, Catholic Centre, 22 Hill Street, Wellington.  Saturday 7th October 10-12noon, St Theresa’s Parish Hall, 210 St Andrews Road, Plimmerton.
 
David Haas Workshops – David, a musician and composer of contemporary liturgical music, will present three workshops on 13th and 14th October in Wellington.  Please see flyer on the church noticeboard for more information.  Enquiries and registrations by 11 October to [email protected]

Sat 7 Oct Pilgrimage within Wellington: Srs Jo Gorman and Sue Cosgrove will lead a pilgrimage around Wellington to the places special to Suzanne Aubert. This will begin at Island Bay and will include following in the footsteps of the remarkable Suzanne Aubert. 9am-4pm, starting from Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine St, Island Bay, Wellington. More information: [email protected]

Sat 14 Oct Invitation: You are invited to gather for the Karakia Whakatūwheratanga the Rededication of Our Lady’s Home of Compassion and the Blessing of the Final Resting Place of Ko te Kaurangi nei a Meri Hōhepa the Miha to celebrate the 125th founding of the Sisters of Compassion by the Venerable Suzanne Aubert.  6am-3pm, 6am-6.15am gather for the Karakia Whakatūwheratanga (Dawn ceremony) to commence at 6.30am, 11am Miha (Mass), breakfast and lunch provided, rsvp by 30 Sept: [email protected] or 383 7769.

Last Marriage Encounter Opportunity for 2017  Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend Fri 6th Oct – Sun 8th Oct being held for the first time at Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt. Book your place now 0800 362 686

The Sisters of St. Peter Claver are holding a " MULTICULTURAL MISSION CONCERT " on Sun 15 October at 2pm to 4pm at St. Patrick's Parish Hall, Kilbirnie: $5.00 Enquiries: Sisters of St. Peter Claver, 383 8401.

YOU ARE INVITED TO A Silent Retreat with Bishop Basil Meeking Friday 20 - 22 October 2017 VENUE:  
Home of Compassion, Island Bay, Wellington The Society's annual retreat is held over three days.  People are welcome to  attend on a daily basis or to live in accommodation with all meals available at the Home of ompassion.  The Latin Mass will be offered on each day of the retreat, with Prayer of the Office, Adoration, and confession opportunities on Saturday together with inspiring talks from Bishop Meeking on each day of the
retreat. For further information please contact: Neil Coup: 04 589 6924              Mobile: 021 896924
Jan Curran:  07 838 2646            Mobile: 027 6128297 Email:  [email protected]

Blessed are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them: they are hands that bring hope.  Blessed are the hands that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion and nationality, and pour the balm of consolation over the wounds of humanity.  Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange, with no “ifs” or “buts” or “maybes”: they are hands that call down God’s blessing upon their brothers and sisters. Pope Francis, Message for the First World Day of the Poor, 2017

Wellington City Council’s Seniors’ Week 16 – 22 October You are invited to a Seniors’ Week Morning tea Bring your knitting or crocheting if you like! Venue :Seatoun Village Hall, 22 Forres Street, Seatoun
Date:  19 October 2017 Time:  10.00 – 12.00 pm  RSVP toAna on 021 955 331 or [email protected]

2018 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each.
 Calendars will be available for sale from next weekend. 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, or 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:  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.