28 july 2019

Gen.18:20-32; Col. 2:12-14; Lk.11:1-13
Today’s readings tell us what to pray and how to pray. The main themes of today’s scripture are the power of intercessory prayer, the ideal prayer, Our Father and the necessity of persistence and perseverance in prayer with trusting faith and boldness.  The first reading from the book of Genesis gives us a model of intercessory prayer provided by Abraham in his dialogue with God. Although Abraham seems to be trying to manipulate God through his skillful bargaining and humble and persistent intercession, God is actually being moved to mercy by the goodness of a few innocent souls. The responsorial psalm “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me” is a hymn of hope and trust in the Lord, reminding us that God is close to the humble of heart and to all those who call upon Him in their need. The second reading from the Letter to the Colossians does not deal with prayer directly, but it provides a basis for all Christian prayers, especially for liturgical prayer. In the Gospel passage, after teaching a model prayer, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray to God their heavenly Father with the same boldness, daring, intimacy, conviction, persistence and perseverance as Abraham did and as the friend in need in the parable did. He gives us the assurance that God will not be irritated by our requests or unwilling to meet them with generosity.
In two parables, Jesus impressed on the disciples that prayer is not to be a one-shot attempt, but continuous and persistent pleading with God for our needs of body and spirit.  If we must persistently pray, it is not because God enjoys making us wait but because in persistent prayer, we get greater faith-clarity and depth in our petitions.  As praying and missionary disciples how is our prayer life?  Do we knock at the door of Jesus persistently who always invites all who are heavily laden with burden with the promise of rest?                                                                                        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.

August Mass Roster incorrect readings for August  Copies have been reprinted and left in the back of the churches. Here are the correct readings for the month
18th Sunday of Ordinary Time (4 Aug 2019)   Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23  Colossians 3:1-5. 9-11   Luke 12:13-21
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time (11 Aug 2019) Wisdom 18:18:6-9             Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-19     Luke 12:32-38
20th Sunday of Ordinary Time (18 Aug 2019) Jeremiah 38:4-6. 8-10       Hebrews 12:1-4              Luke 12:49-53
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time (25 Aug 2019)  Isaiah 66:18-21                 Hebrews 12:5-7 11-13    Luke 13:22-30     

FEAST of ASSUMPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY  -  15TH AUGUST
This is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION  MASS TIMES ARE:
9.30am    Holy Cross School Hall (light morning tea after Mass)
9.30am    St Patrick’s Church
11am       Rita Angus Retirement Village Chapel
11.30am  St Anthony’s – Thursday Friends
2pm         St Patrick’s Church – St Catherine’s College
                                   6.30pm    St Anthony’s Church

Church and property update
The Parish Council and Finance Committee continue to progress work on Cardinal John’s February directive which was to review the total operation of our parish and its property.  
 
We had hoped to provide an update to parishioners this month but the valuations of some properties took longer than expected. We now expect to have this update to you by mid-August. 
 
Considerable information has already been gathered and evaluated, and we are now finalising the analysis to have fully reasoned options for consultation. Once we are at this point, a meeting for all parishioners will be arranged. 
 
Our deadline to advise Cardinal John of our preferred option remains at 31 October 2019.  
 
Thank you for your patience.

A Funeral Eucharistic Service is being held in remembrance of the life and soul of Gary Maddock, at 3pm on Tuesday 30 July 2019 in Holy Cross Church, Miramar, celebrated by Fr Paul.  Gary died in Queensland, Australia on 12 July 2019 after illness and a funeral service has been held there.  Our Eucharistic celebration in Holy Cross Church on 30 July 2019 will console Clare and her extended family who are attending, in the company of their family, friends, and parishioners in our parish where they lived over 50 years.  Parishioners are warmly welcomed to give them your prayerful support.

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

Catholic Ministries Appeal
"Every person shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God."  Deut 16:17
There is a deep desire among our people to do more to bring the Good News to others, and to provide the services that our Archdiocesan ministries can offer. Cardinal John invites you to join him in providing financial support to these important Catholic ministries, to consider volunteering your time and to commit to pray for the work of the Archdiocese.  For more information and ways to donate, pick up a Catholic Ministries Appeal envelope today. 

People in Need?
St Vincent de Paul Society Seatoun & Miramar Conference welcomes parishioners   to   let   us   know   confidentially   if   you   or   someone   needs   assistance   in   the Miramar/Seatoun/Strathmore area.   Our group visits people who are in hardship, sickness, loneliness or housebound, in order to share God’s love and compassion and see if we can assist in any way, even as simple as having a coffee and chat (Contacts: any of our members listed in the Church foyers).
If you wish to donate to assist your local Conference purchase food, clothing, house items etc for families in most need in the eastern suburbs, please consider making a direct online donation to our account which is:-BNZ Kilbirnie, St Vincent de Paul Seatoun & Miramar Conference, A/c No. 02 0576 0017 817 006, reference "Donation". If you want a receipt of the donation for tax purposes, do please contact our Treasurer, Trish Herzog, ph 04 388 3842

St Catherine’s College Gala Auction Come and join us for a wonderful night of fun, friendship and fundraising. 7 pm Thursday 1st August The Pines, 50 The Esplanade, Houghton Bay $30 per ticket (includes a complimentary drink) Items for auction include art, food and drink, accommodation, experiences. For tickets, email: [email protected]

Join the St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington team.
Job vacancy: Altar Bread Manufacturing Supervisor / Full-time
We are looking for a full-time Manufacturing Supervisor to join our team based at the Vinnies Welfare & Services office in Newtown, Wellington.
You will be leading a team of people with intellectual disability to cook, cut, sort, package and distribute altar bread to our customers throughout New Zealand.
You must be confident within your leadership, empathetic to your team's needs and knowledgeable of the manufacturing and food safety standards to efficiently run the kitchen.
Applications close: Wed 31 July  Contact: Millie at [email protected] for the full job description or find it on SEEK.co.nz

Go you are sent to  find leaders (3) Define the needs and identify leadership roles needed within the parish

Seasons for Growth    is an education programme which explores the effects of change, loss and grief.  Using the imagery of the four seasons, the programme is a safe and proven way to help people process and adjust to changing experiences.  A programme for adults will be offered: six weekly sessions, starting on Sunday 18 August, 2.00 – 4.30pm, in the Emmaus Centre, St Christopher’s Anglican Church, 167 main Road, Tawa.  Cost $25 for the workbook.  For more information, or to register, please contact Bridgett on 934 1811 or email:  [email protected]     

The July 28 – August 10 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Reaction to proposed Christchurch parish changes. Bishop Dunn looks back – and to the future. What is needed to renew the NZ church. NZ youth workers meet Pope Francis.

​Our prayers are with those who are unwell especially Denis Clarke, 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 Amir Aziz and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Molly and Jack O’Donnell, Patsy Hardgrave, Marie Burgess, Marie Hopkins, Margaret Cheetham, William (Bill) Bowman, James Todd, Simamao Taofinuu, Mary Walsh and Francis Mallia.