|
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. 1kg 3, 5. 7-12; Rom 8, 28-30; Mt 13, 44-52 Am I with Jesus inside the house in this journey!!! On this 17th Sunday of ordinary time, the Church reminds us that the greatest of all treasures is the Kingdom of God. In his love, God himself has chosen us, and prepared it for us before time. So, the holy mother church encourages us to pray for wisdom as Solomon did, to enable us to discern the true value and mysteries of God’s kingdom. Lat two Sundays we have seen Jesus after sowing the seeds had gone inside the house to engage himself with His disciples explaining the mystery of God’s kingdom. This helped his disciples to immerse in the mission of Jesus. There is nothing more than to grow in the goodness and commandments of God learning from the master himself. Today’s first reading began in a remarkably interesting way. If you were Solomon what would you ask for? Some of us would, ask for more cars, houses, foods, money, power, children and much more! On the contrary, Solomon asked for wisdom for the benefit of both his kingdom and God’s kingdom. He begged God to give him understanding: “Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil.” I would say there is nothing greater than to be with the Lord in his house and learn to be with Him. An understanding heart is God’s gift (Prov 2:6). We need it every day, and in all aspects of our life, family, work, studies, sports, and in all life’s decisions to succeed. So, the Apostle James encourages us: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously…and it will be given to you (Jas 1:5). Wisdom was given to Solomon because he asked for it. However, God expects us to ask wisely, reasonably, and not selfishly. In the second reading, Paul reminds us that: “In everything, God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” God is leading us through the storms of life towards our home, and towards his kingdom. Carefully, He orders all the events of our lives to lead us there. This is what we call providence. Simply put, that God’s powerful hand is active in all the circumstances of our lives. “Everything” is utterly inclusive and comprehensive. It has no qualifications or limits. Therefore, neither this verse nor its context allows for restrictions or conditions. “All things” is inclusive in the fullest possible sense. It includes your present trouble, your heavy heart, your poverty, your richness, joblessness, your success and failure, your weakness and strength, as well as your sickness and health. Indeed, “everything” and nothing is left out! Nothing exists or occurs in heaven or on earth without the knowledge of God. By saying that “all things work together for us,” Paul tries to reassure us that there is no discord in God’s providence. This is especially, for those who through their faith in Christ have wisely become God’s friends. He also assures us that, nothing can ultimately work against those whom God has chosen for his Kingdom. Those, who walk faithfully with him and love his commands. Today’s gospel is a continuation of Jesus’ use of parables to teach us about the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is a call to be as wise as Solomon. Without wisdom, we can neither understand the parables of Christ, nor seek the kingdom of God. Today’s good news is also a call to value what is most precious to us, and for which God has chosen us. Parables are intended to instruct us to prefer the kingdom of heaven to this world, and to ensure that nothing prevents us from entering it. Through these parables, Christ reminds us of the excellence and beauty of eternal life. The kingdom of God is indeed a treasure hidden from the wise of this world. Only those who are wise according to God’s standard look for it and find it. To find it, we must first value it, and when we have found it, we must hide it in our hearts. Therefore, let us ask God for understanding and wisdom as Solomon did, so that we may be wise enough to discern what is good for us, and to make God’s kingdom our priority. Am I with Jesus inside the house in this journey!!! Fr Ephrem Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Hazel Kingston, 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; Mollie and Jack O’Donnell, Judith Mary Wallace, Emmett Myers, John Seamer, James Todd, Simamao Taofinuu, Mary Walsh and Francis Mallia . No confession Saturday 1st August - Fr will be attending the Chrism Mass Chrism Mass 2020; this year’s Chrism Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Kāpiti Church, Milne Drive, Paraparaumu on Saturday 1 August at 10.30am. All are welcome. We will also be joined by some of the Clergy and laity from the Diocese of Palmerston North for this Mass of Chrism Fr Ephrem’s birthday is Saturday 1st August. The Parish wishes him every blessing and best wishes on his special day. Please remember him in your prayers. Holy Trinity Confirmation Please pray for our children as they prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in August The toilet key has been found and returned to the sacristy. Thank you. The following measures will remain till further notice:
We would like to congratulate Denise Johnson on becoming principal of St Anthony’s School. Denise and her family have a long association with St Anthony’s Church and School communites. The Parish would like to welcome her into her new role and also congratulate Francesca von Lanthen, a past pupil, on being appointed deputy principal. St Anthony’s School Grandparents Mass – Friday 31st July 11.30am Grandparents Mass/ Pōwhi ri to welcome our new families will be held on Friday 31 July at 11: 30 am. This will be followed by a time of sharing and light lunch. All welcome to join in this celebration. 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 1Chronicles 16:24 “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” The kingdom is here, it returns, it struggles to flourish anew. Christ’s resurrection everywhere calls forth seeds of that new world; even if they are cut back, they grow again, for the resurrection is already secretly woven into the fabric of this history. Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium paragraph 278 United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – 30th July, 2020 "On this World Day against Trafficking in Persons, let us reaffirm our commitment to stop criminals from ruthlessly exploiting people for profit and to help victims rebuild their lives." -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres People trafficking and modern day slavery is a massive world-wide problem with very few countries immune. The United Nations has set aside this day annually to raise awareness and increase prevention. Human Trafficking Statistics
Home of Compassion Island Bay Winter film screening Gardening with Soul – 5 & 8 August 11am Join us for the feature length documentary following a year in the garden with 90-year-old Sister Loyola Galvin. The film will be introduced by Sr Sue Cosgrove. The Cloister Café will be open for refreshments. Bookings are required – phone (04) 282 1953 or email [email protected] Parish Office Support Roles - Wellington South Parish We are seeking to employ suitably qualified persons to join our Parish Office Support Team in administration and finance roles. Both are part-time, and the parish is open to one person with suitable skills doing both. For a copy of the job descriptions please email [email protected]. Please send your application and CV to Fr Doug Shepherd: [email protected] The Coast to Coast Rosary for Life and Faith will be held this year on Saturday 15th August at 3 pm. Please help lead or join a group in your parish or community. For more information, please go to www.coasttocoastrosary.co.nz or phone Clare 022 1912 886 Apply now – The Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship is open Tertiary students in the Archdiocese of Wellington and the Diocese of Palmerston North who are entering into their third year or more of study are invited to apply for a Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship. Each student selected receives $3,000 towards their third year of tertiary study. For more details contact Kevin Crighton at [email protected] https://compassion.org.nz/latest-news/suzanne-aubert-tertiary-scholarship/ for application. Closes on 16 October 2020. The July 26 – August 8 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Small change to Opening Prayer at Mass. Mercy sister was hospice pioneer. Dunedin bishop returns to duties. Answering Jesus’ call – vocations feature.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
If you want to find out whats going on Contact the office at: Archives
October 2020
Categories |
RSS Feed