8 september 2019

Wis. 9:13-18; Phil. 9-10,12-17; Lk. 14:25-33
The cost and nature of Christian discipleship
Today’s readings challenge us to total commitment to the will of God, putting God first in our lives.  Today’s Gospel reminds us to count the cost of being a Christian, because the cost is high.  Christian discipleship requires one to "renounce" both possessions of the earth and possessions of the heart (i.e., one's relationships).  In Luke's Gospel, Jesus lays out four "trip wires" for true Christian discipleship: i) renouncing the attachment to family; ii) severing the attachment to possessions; iii) accepting the hard consequences of discipleship which may involve even losing one’s life; and iv) calculating the cost involved. The first reading instructs us to ask for the gift of discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit in order to obey the will of God as a disciple. The second reading teaches us that detachment and renunciation are necessary for a true disciple of Christ.
Once we are aware of the nature of Christian discipleship, we also become aware of the cost one needs to pay, is substantially high.  The Christian discipleship necessitates a complete detachment from existing relationship, the ones that we hold dear, especially the family, so highly valued in the society of Jesus’ time.  Jesus used a very strong word “hate” (love lees) preferring him above other relations which might become an obstacle to follow him intimately. One can’t fit the love of Jesus into our world as ‘another relationship’.  Secondly by inviting us to carry our daily cross and go after Jesus requires complete commitment to him.  Once we make our relationship to Jesus the center of our life, then all other relationships will find their proper place.  Priorities in our relationships are to be set right. That is why Jesus says, “Set your hearts first on the Kingdom of God and His justice and all these things will also be given to you” (Mt. 6:33). If we truly commit ourselves to God’s cause, all the rest we need for our happiness will be given to us.                                                                  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.
 

8th – 14th September – Social Justice Week.
Fair, you say? He Tika, Ki Tȯ Titiro?
 
And what is tenderness? It is the love that comes close and becomes real It is a movement that starts from our heart and reaches the eyes, the ears and the hands”. – Pope Francis, TED talk, 2017
 
Na, ko ngā mea katoa e pai ai koutou, kia meatia e ngā tāngata ki a koutou, meatia hoki e koutou kia a rātou. Matiu 7:12            Do unto others what you would have them do to you. Matthew 7:12

Holy Trinity Parish Property Proposal
In response to Cardinal John's Directive issued in February this year, a property review document was presented at all Sunday masses last weekend.

Three options have been detailed at length for discussion within our parish, one of these being preferred as the most viable. 
​There will be opportunity to discuss the paper at the next parish community meeting on 10th September at St Patrick’s Church 7.30pm.
 
Parishioners will have till 10am Monday 23rd September to think about their responses and email those to [email protected]. or post them Holy Trinity Parish PO Box 15-256 Miramar Wellington 6243. These responses will be taken into account in preparing the parish’s recommendation to Cardinal John.

​If there are parishioners who do not have access to email, the PPC and FC will consider alternative arrangements to ensure their feedback is captured. Simply phone the parish office, 388-6953.

Thanks to all the altar servers, their parents and other parishioners who attended the Thankyou Mass and dinner on 22 August at St Patrick’s Church.  It was great to celebrate the feast day of St Tarcisius as he is the Patron Saint of Altar servers.  It was the Parish’s way of saying thank you to the young people who serve at our Masses.

Tongan Mass with Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi 12pm St Patrick’s Church 21 September 2019.
All parishioners are invited to come celebrate Mass and join the community for a cup of tea afterwards in the hall.

Gascoigne Educational Scholarship.  This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2020 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 2019

In the leadup to the St Patrick’s centenary Mass on the 17th November, we will include an interesting fact about the former Parish each week.
 
FACT  The Spanish Flu epidemic hit New Zealand worst in November 1918 and 9,000 people died. In November the death rate in Kilbirnie and Lyall Bay was 15.6%;  with a population of just 2,237 people this was the highest death rate in the greater Wellington area.

2020 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, 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.

Meet the Candidates
(Greater Wellington Regional Council)
7.30pm Tuesday 10th September 2019
Gateway Baptist Church, 33 Park Rd Miramar.
 
Meet the Candidates
(Eastern Ward, Wellington City Council)
7.30pm Tuesday 17th September 2019
Gateway Baptist Church, 33 Park Rd Miramar.

St Catherine’s College Enrolments This is just a reminder that enrolments are now open at St Catherine's College.  Enrolments packs can be posted, pick-up or emailed to you.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have, or if you would like to come and talk to one of our staff members. Our contact details are 04 939 8988 [email protected]  or [email protected]
St Catherine's College aims to nurture and empower our young women to be active and creative learners.

St. Mary's College PTFA Fundraiser QUIZ NIGHT Thurs 12 Sept at The Shepherds Arms Hotel on Tinakori Road  Tickets for the PTFA QUIZ night are now on sale, on-line at this link: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/CGS  Tickets are also available from the school office; or email [email protected]  This is one of the PTFA’s major fundraisers for the year to support the College.

Joshua Catholic Fellowship Wellington invites men to come along and join us on Thursday 19th September 2019 at 7:30pm(Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral).  Talk: Brendan Malone on video "Pornography: harms and safeguards" Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or email: [email protected]

Safeguarding training. For those who weren’t able to make the training session in May on Safeguarding there are four more sessions at the Catholic Centre (Level 1, room 2)
 
•           Monday 9 September  10.30am                             •           Tuesday 10 September  2.30pm
•           Tuesday 8 October   12pm                                    •            Wednesday 9 October   12pm         
This training is compulsory if you are involved in any of the following ministries.  Please make sure you attend one of these if you are involved in the following ministries and have not attended.
- Parish Council
- Children’s Liturgy
- Trainer Altar Servers Roles
- Extraordinary Ministers of Communion to the Sick
- Sacramental Programme Leaders
If you are not able to travel into town, you are welcome to join the meeting by ZOOM Conference from your computer at the above time and date. To do this they need to send Brendy your email address and parish you belong to and you will be sent the login details. Contact Brendy Weir Safeguarding Adviser, Archdiocese of Wellington (04) 496 1768 or 021 1958 307 [email protected]

ABORTION LAW REFORM in NEW ZEALAND: ‘Have Your Say by 19 September’. Please take an information sheet from the back of the church.
Make Your Submission by Letter or Online (Please note that email submissions are not accepted)
Submission Closing Date: THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Letter: On a covering sheet, write: “Submission on Abortion Legislation Bill” + “This submission is from [full name]
and/or [organisation] + contact details: contact address, contact phone, & signature.
On a separate piece of paper write your submission. Enclose TWO copies of your submission. Post to:
Committee Secretariat, Abortion Legislation Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington - stamp required
Online: https://www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/52SCAL_SCF_BILL_89814/CreateSubmission
(or search for “Abortion Legislation Bill New Zealand Parliament” and follow the steps)
Tips: Begin by stating clearly your position; give your reasons; use your own words; be respectful & constructive.
Please state in your submission if you wish to make an oral submission
Material prepared by The Nathaniel Centre – the New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre – www.nathaniel.org.nz

PILGRIMAGE FOR LIFE 1-18 September NZ wide On 1 September, a group left with the Immaculate Heart of Mary statue, from Cape Reinga, and another group with the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, from Bluff. The two statues will travel through the country and meet in Wellington on 18 Sept, the day before the Abortion Legislation Bill submissions close. Our Lady of Hope Parish Tawa-Titahi Bay will host the North Island pilgrims on: Tuesday 17 Sept. Mass will be celebrated at 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Tawa followed by a time of silent prayer until 9 pm.  On Wednesday 18 Sept Rosary will be recited at 8.30 am, followed by 9 am Mass. The pilgrims will then move to St Francis de Sales Church, Island Bay for a final Mass at 7pm that evening. VIGIL FOR THE UNBORN: Sat 21st Sept. St Anne's Catholic Church, Newtown. 10 am with Mass. Ends at 12pm For more information contact Family Life International NZ PH: 021 231 7954

Archdiocese of Wellington Social Justice Week event   Wednesday 11 September, 6.00-7.30pm, Connolly Hall, Thorndon, Wellington Come join us this Social Justice Week, as we explore fairness and unfairness in our Diocese. This is an opportunity to learn about the experiences of Wellington Filipino healthcare and construction workers, and the courageous and practical response of the Barangay Assumpta (Kapiti) Servant Team/Filipino Chaplaincy. Speakers include:
•        Representatives of the Barangay Sta. Maria Assumpta/Filipino Chaplaincy Outreach Ministry
•        Cardinal John Dew
•        Hon. Iain Lees-Galloway, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety
For more information, please contact Lisa Beech [email protected]

Pease join us for the Stewardship Network Meeting at Sacred Heart School Hall, Petone. 1-4pm on Saturday 21st September. Three dynamic speakers including Cardinal John Dew, Afternoon Tea followed by small group discussion. Please register by September 18th with Ann Williams at [email protected] or telephone 04-496 5182.

Pope Francis has designated October as the Extraordinary Missionary month. The Parish Leadership Team is hoping to offer a 6 session programme Developing a Spirituality of Service in every parish in October. We need to gauge the interest level so please register with Chris Walkerdine at  [email protected] or telephone on 04 496-1706.

Greenstone Doors is holding a Brand New Shoe Sale at St Peter and Paul Church Hall, Knights Rd, Lower Hutt on Sat Sept 21st 10am-1pm Branded kids shoes, quality women's shoes and a few men's shoes priced from $5-$50 Payment by cash or eftpos

Please join us for the Stewardship Network Meeting at Sacred Heart School Hall, Petone. 1-4pm on Saturday 21st September. Three dynamic speakers including Cardinal John Dew, Afternoon Tea followed by small group discussion. Please register by September 18th with Chris Walkerdine at  [email protected]  or telephone 04 496-1706.
 

Mass for those affected by Divorce or Separation Cardinal John extends a warm welcome to any and all who are affected by separation and divorce to join him in the celebration of Mass at Ss Peter and Paul Church, 60 Knights Road, Lower Hutt, 7pm, Wednesday 25 September 2019, followed by a glass of wine and light refreshments. For more information or if you would like to help in any way with the Mass, please contact Felicity at the Marriage, Family and Young Church Ministries Office (04) 496 1719 or email [email protected]

Calling all book lovers - Volunteer at the Vinnies Book Fair! The St Vincent de Paul book fair is back again this month. All books are $2 or less with the proceeds going towards the Vinnies welfare and support services.
We’re looking for volunteers to help set-up the Book Fair on Friday 27 September, as well as support and pack-down crew over the weekend of the 28th and 29th September.
 Event details: When:  Saturday 28 Sept/ 8am – 4pm and Sunday 29 Sept/ 9am – 3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall Newtown Interested in joining the team? Call Millie on 04 389 7122 or email [email protected].

Wellington Theological Consortium conference on “Lament, Listening, Healing, in response to the sexual abuse crisis in our Church Communities.” Learn about Circle Process and Restorative Justice. 13 - 14 September 2019 at St Joseph’s Church, 154 Brougham Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington. For more information http://wellingtontheology.org.nz/

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, DUNEDIN - 125th CELEBRATIONS, 2020 All Ex-pupils and former Teachers are advised that at Labour Weekend 2020, the School will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its opening in North East Valley, Dunedin. Everyone interested in attending these celebrations should
email: [email protected]

Following Jesus does not mean taking part in a triumphal procession! It means sharing his merciful love, entering his great work of mercy for each and every person and for all people... The Christian detaches him or herself from all things and rediscovers all things in the logic of the Gospel, the logic of love and of service.
                                                                                                            Pope Francis: Angelus 8 September 2013

​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 Simon Watson and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Caroline Walsh.