28 april 2019

Acts 5, 12-16; Apo 1, 9-13. 17-19; Jn 20, 19-31                           Doubting comes from being out of communion
Dear sisters and brothers, as you know Thomas, one of the twelve apostles was not with the disciples when Jesus came. Other disciples reported him of the Risen Lord. But he was firm in touching and seeing him himself and would not believe. When Thomas finally witnessed Jesus a week later, responded saying,“ My Lord and my God!” He was reprimanded by Jesus to stop doubting but believing.
Greater emphasis is put on those who have not seen yet believe. Perhaps most of us fall in this category. Thomas due to sadness and grief lost hope.  Perhaps he was afraid of persecution and decided to move away from the community.  I guess, the doubt arose due to separation from his brothers. He separated himself from the believing community that made him week in his faith. Perhaps we too, begin to have doubts and stop going to the church. Out of communion resulting loss of affection, crippling doubt assails us.
By His out pouring of Peace, Jesus calms the fear of his decuples and heals the doubt of Thomas in one stoke. Jesus restores us back in communion with him. Jesus invites you and me to look at his wounds and touch him and includes in his communion. His love for us supersede all our fear, doubt and separation.
With his gift of peace sends forth the gift of Holy Spirit which help us forgive one another and our own sins through the sacrament of reconciliation. We are called to be communion restorers and bridge builders.
Peace be with you.                                                                                         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.

Safeguarding in our Parish – Thursday May 9th St Patrick’s Parish Centre 7pm
The Archdiocese will be running a workshop on the 9th May regarding the polcies, standards and code of conduct regarding safe practices within the Church.
Everyone is invited to attend but this is compulsory for certain groups including Parish Council, employees, sacramental programme, children’s liturgy, SVdP, Legion of Mary, Secular Franciscians, Apostolate of St Joseph, Communion to the Sick, RCIA and anyone who is engaged with children, young people or vulnerable adults. Cup of tea at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.
RSVP 388 6953 or [email protected] by 3rd May

Holy Trinity Parish Catholic Book Club – Sunday 28th April:  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]

If you would like Father to bless your home or your family
please send through your contact details to [email protected]

HOLY CROSS CHURCH CARPARK
Please only park in the designated parks.
The accessway to the presbytery at the back needs to remain clear at all times.
This applies to both weekend and weekday Masses.  

Do you have any memories/photographs/information from the early days of our 3 churches? Trisha would love to hear from you. She is compiling a history of the churches in the Eastern Suburbs in relation to the upcoming centenary for St Patrick’s Church .  lease contact her 04 934 3179 to share any information you have. Thank you in advance

If God exists, it changes everything!  Alpha talks are designed to engage guests and inspire conversation. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christian faith, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?” and “How does God guide us?”.  The sessions are available again this year.  There are two sessions one starting at 4pm and the other starting at 7pm in the Holy Cross School Staffroom from Wednesday 22 May.   To enrol please call or email the parish office or text Dave Monastra on 0274477280.  Feel free to bring family members and friends.


How religion (our faith) and science work together. Free Workshop by Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ. Director of the Vatican Observatory. Wed 8th May. St Anne’s Hall, 22 Emmett St, Newtown. 1-4pm. RSVP by May3rd
Mary-Ann Greaney [email protected] or 04 496 1784 (Please leave a message.)
 

Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ   The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Newtown, over five Thursday evenings – 2-30 May 7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or information contact Sarah Dench   04 9733 501  or  021 0814 4424  or [email protected]

Healing Service There will be a Healing Service with Fr John Rea at Sacred Heart Church, Petone, 41 Britannia St. on Wednesday 1 May beginning at 7.30 pm.  Everyone is welcome. Please bring those who need Jesus` healing.

 Go you are sent to fellow Christians (9) Have shared events on neutral territory e.g. picnics, BBQ’s

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Ian Murray, Audrey Wearne, I Kapelielu and J Avery. Our prayers are also 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.