3 november 2019

Wis. 11:22-12:2; 2 Thess. 1:11-2:2, Lk. 19:1-10
The common theme of today’s readings is the benevolent and forgiving mercy of God for sinners and the response of repentance and conversion expected from us. The first reading reminds us that God who created the universe with His wise and loving concern waits with the same concern for sinners to repent. He “rebukes the offenders little by little,” “warns them of their sins” and reminds them to “abandon their wickedness.” The reading focuses on the love God has for all He has created, the love that overlooks sin and gives time for repentance. In the second reading St. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to persevere in their Christian faith, giving glory to God without idly waiting for the ‘second coming’ of Christ in their lifetime. Today’s Gospel presents the beautiful story of the instantaneous conversion of the tax-collector Zacchaeus. The account describes how Jesus recognized Zacchaeus for exactly what he was, a lost sinner in need of a Savior, and how God’s grace worked in Zacchaeus to lead him from idle curiosity to repentance, conversion and restitution. The episode emphasizes the fact that such a conversion can only result from a person’s fully receiving the love, acceptance and grace of a merciful Lord. 
Zacchaeus is model for us in many ways as he searched the Lord with humility, overcoming hurdles the crowed on his way.  As a sincere seeker he found the Lord and obtained salvation.  The very interaction with the Lord with repentant heart transformed him into a new creation.  From the chief tax collector, he became the chief distributor of his wealth.    We too can receive Jesus by seeking Him with real effort by humbling ourselves. Receive Jesus no matter how sinful we are. Receive Jesus no matter how much hated we are. Receive Jesus as He invites us by our names. Receive Jesus without delay. Receive Jesus by coming down to Him. Receive Jesus into our life, our home. Receive Jesus with repentance and restitution.                                    
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.
 

Please pray for our children as they prepare for First Holy Communion.
 
 
We congratulate our children from St Patrick’s Church as they make their First Holy Communion today
Luisa Basile,  Ceanne Tolentino,  Francis Tu’uga,  Alex Reyes,  Michael Bustamante, 
Charlie Madar-Leuluia,  Jessica D’Souza, Lucas Fernando,  Mavryl Gaspe
 
First Holy Communion dates in our Parish
St Anthony’s 10th November 10.30am

In November we Remember
November is the month dedicated to the rememberance of and prayer for all the faithful departed.
Let us pray the good Lord may grant them eternal bliss forever with Him.
 
Please be aware that names recored in the book of rememberance at St Patrick’s Church are only of those whose funeral was held in Holy Trinity Parish

1 Columban Calendar to give away!
Two Columban Calendars have been very kindly donated by a parishioner – 1 left!
If you would like one of these please contact the Parish Office [email protected] or 388 6953

 St Patrick’s Church centenary Mass is on 17th November at 10 am
All parishioners are welcome to come and join in celebrating the centenary of St Patrick’s Church followed by a cup of tea in the Parish Hall.
Please note: the 5.30pm Vigil will be the only other Mass in the Parish

In the leadup to the St Patrick’s centenary Mass on the 17th November at 10am, we will include an interesting fact about the former Parish each week.
FACT  In December 1989 the plans for a new church were approved and on 14th January 1990 the last Mass was said in the old church. Sunday Masses were then said in St Patrick’s College Chapel and weekday Masses were said in the presbytery. On 28th October 1990 the new church was opened and blessed by Cardinal Williams who had lived in the parish as a boy.

St Patrick’s Church desperately needs musicians.  Do you play the piano?  Is your child learning to play?  Would you be prepared to play one song at Mass on one Sunday or Vigil Mass on Saturday night? Help will be given before you play.  please contact Patricia O’Donnell at 934 3179 or [email protected]

Vinnies Food Bank Appeal Saturday 9 November / 11am – 6pm at Pak n Save Kilbirnie
The St Vincent de Paul Society is holding their final Food Bank Appeal for 2019, collecting food to support individuals and families seeking food assistance over the coming holiday season.
Vinnies provide a choice-based food bank, supporting over 2000 people each year – which is only made possible by the generous donations from our community.
If you can afford to drop a few extra items in your trolley on Saturday 9 November, please look out for our Vinnies collection table.

Sunday 17 November 2019. Pope Frances'  3rd World Day of the Poor.  The hope of the poor shall not perish for ever Pope Francis calls on Christians around the world to serve people on the margins with practical assistance and to deepen our connection with people living in all forms of poverty.  As a parish, we will be offering your donations on the day to the  annual Christmas Emergency Food Appeal of the Seatoun & Miramar Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society.  
Please bring along a non-perishable food item on Sunday 24 November 2019 such as dry pasta and rice; canned fish, canned veges and fruit; beans and chickpeas; cereal; canned and packet soup; toothpaste and toothbrushes; sanitary items; soap and deodorant.  There will be a signposted box in the foyer of each of our Churches where you can leave your donation.  May God bless you for what you do.

REAL CHRISTMAS CARDS  St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas cards will be on sale soon in our Church foyers  after Sunday Masses at Holy Cross, St Anthony's and St Patrick's churches, same price as last year's.    Religious-theme cards "Keeping Christ in Christmas",  $2.50 per pack of 5 cards with envelopes. Proceeds to our local St Vincent de Paul Conference activities in the eastern suburbs.   Contacts:  Holy Cross Church  (Julian Knap, ph 970 3905),  St Anthony's Church  (Andrew Monahan, ph 021 772 350), and  St Patrick's Church  (Frank Quirke, ph 387 4977).

Book Launch Invite A book of poems by St Anthony’s parishioner Michael Fitzsimons is being launched on Sunday November 3 at 4pm at the Worser Bay Lifesaving Club, 251 Marine Parade, Seatoun.  The life-affirming poems, entitled Michael I Thought You Were Dead, were written in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. The poems are pragmatic, searching and ultimately hopeful. All poetry-lovers welcome.

LUNCHTIME GATHERING AT PARLIAMENT to OPPOSE THE EUTHANASIA BILL
Submissions on David Seymour's euthanasia bill have been written. People from all walks of life have spoken up in record numbers and said NO. Still, a majority of MPs have been voting it through. Wednesday 13 November is when Seymour's bill is due for its third and final reading. At 12pm , we will be gathering peacefully on the Parliament lawns to show MPs how many New Zealanders say             NOto this bill. IT IS IMPORTANT WE TURN OUT IN NUMBERS – PLEASE SUPPORT THIS GATHERING WITH YOUR PRESENCE  Save the date          ,  book leave & organise transport.    Share this message with people you know!  WHERE:  Parliament Lawn, Wellington            WHEN:  Wednesday 13 November, 12pm

Charismatic Mass To be held on Wednesday 13 November 7.00pm At St Theresa's Parish Plimmerton Celebrant: Fr Kevin Connors ALL WELCOME Prayer Teams & Supper to follow

A Caring Space Quiet Day A Caring Space is an invitation to those who care for a loved one to step away for a few hours to reflect on your role as carer and to explore with God your thoughts and feelings in this role.  At Home of Compassion, Rhine St., Island Bay on Friday 15th November 11am to 2.30pm.   Please contact Veronica Parton 021 238 6675 or email [email protected]  for details and to register.

St Patrick’s Primary School Ethnic Food Fair 5.30 – 7.30 Friday 15th November We are about to launch into preparations for our annual Food Fair. We’d love to include the Holy Trinity parishioners as much as possible. Last year we had some wonderful parishioners who cooked for us, helped run stalls and donated Hoopla jars.

• We need people to serve on the stalls (it’s very easy as we have tickets so money handling is not necessary).
• Hoopla Jars - We would love anyone who is able, to fill a jar with goodies and donate it.
• Ideas for things to put in the jar; stickers, little toys, Lego, balloons, lollies, stationery, jewellery, fudges, - use your imagination.

If you have any suggestions, donations or can help in any way please ring the school Ph 3873370 or email [email protected] Otherwise, please come along and support us by buying our delicious food and tell your friends and family they’re welcome, too.

The Christian Brothers Past Pupils’ Association, Wellington, is holding its Annual Christmas Buffet  Dinner on Friday, 15 November, at the Quality Angus Inn, Waterloo Rd, Lower Hutt, commencing  from 6.30pm.  Our guest speaker is Michael Potts and the title of his address is “From Sutherland Shire to Wellington the Long Way Round.”  Those interested in attending please contact Kevin McCormack on 478-6792 or [email protected]

Vigil for the Unborn: Saturday 16th November. St Anne's Catholic Church, Emmett Street, Newtown. Starts at 10 am with Mass.Ends at 12.00 p.m. For more information contact Family Life International NZ PH: 021 231 7954

Seatoun Arts & Crafts celebrates its Annual Exhibition and Sale (2019) at the Village Hall, Forres Street, Seatoun Saturday 16th  November 10.00am – 4.00pm and Sunday   17th  November 10.00am – 4.00pm

Mass for Life.   You’re invited to pray for babies, mums, dads and families at a Mass for Life on Friday 6 December, 7pm at St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott Street, Wellington.  Cardinal Dew will be the principal celebrant.  Eucharistic Adoration will follow for one hour after Mass to pray in readiness for the National
March for Life.  For more information please visit fli.org.nz/prolifeevents  or phone Clare 021 231 7954.

National March for Life.  You’re invited to love them both by attending the third annual National March for Life in Wellington on Saturday 7 December.  Join Kiwis from all over NZ in a family-friendly celebration of life which also peacefully protests the practice and legality of abortion.  Gather at Civic Square from 12pm for family-friendly entertainment, sausage sizzle and stalls.  March to Parliament Grounds begins at 2pm.  Concludes at 4pm.  Learn more about this important event at a critical moment in NZ’s history:  marchforlife.nz

Homestay Family needed St Catherine's College are looking for homestay families for the international students from Japan in 2020. They are arriving late January next year and staying here for 9 or 10 weeks till late March or early April. The Homestay fee is $280 weekly. If you have a spare room and would like to host a student, please contact Megan Kim.
Phone no is 021 1279 537 Email address:  [email protected]

St Catherine’s College Sports Coordinator We are seeking a motived person with a passion for engaging teenage girls in physical activity whilst also striving for excellence.  This is a permanent position for 20 hours per week (term time only) commencing 27 January 2020. Good communication and organisation skills, IT skills and basic financial skills are important.  Support of the Special Character of the College is essential. For further information and a job description please contact Chris Perry, PA to Principal on 939-8988. Please forward covering letter, addressed to Steve Bryan, Principal, including the names of two referees to Chris Perry email [email protected]

The Future is Accessible: Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Tuesday, 3 December 2019  Join us to celebrate the gift of disability in our lives and society. 12pm-1pm, including light refreshments Connolly Hall, 10 Guildford Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 Kapiti (Limited accessible parking available on the grounds of Sacred Heart Cathedral School) KEYNOTE PARTICIPANTS: Robyn Hunt ONZM, Members of the L’Arche Community and Mike Gourley An accredited New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter will be interpreting this event. Enquiries: Zachariah Duke, [email protected]

We must ask ourselves: Do we also wish to be disciples of Jesus Christ and Christian stewards of our world and our Church?

Sometimes we try to correct or convert a sinner by scolding him, by pointing out his mistakes and wrongful behaviour. Jesus’ attitude toward Zacchaeus shows us another way: that of showing those who err their value, the value that God continues to see in spite of everything, despite all their mistakes.
                                                                                           Pope Francis: Angelus 30 October 2016

2020 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each.
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, 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: your name, 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. 
Bernadette Hyland will also have them available for sale at St Patrick’s Church.

Marist St Pats RFC – 50TH Jubilee – You are invited to join with past and current players, coaches, managers and supporters over Queens Birthday Weekend. Friday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2020. To register, and for more information, check out the webpage www.msprugby.co.nz

​Our prayers are 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.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Austin Neyland and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.