Dear brothers and sisters,
Jesus’ invitation to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness is actually a call to live in the present moment to stay in the Now, which is the only time available to us. It is the Kairos – the chance to discover the kingdom by striving to live consciously the ordinary circumstances of our day. Tomorrow does not belong to us, and projecting ourselves to it brings only preoccupation, because we cannot act in a moment-of-time that does not exist yet. Now is God’s time, and Jesus calls us to make it our time too. Very soon we are entering the Holy Season of Lent. Lent is the yearly celebration by the Church of its corporate conversion in Jesus Christ. During Lent, the liturgy prepares catechumens to celebrate the Paschal Mystery through the various stages of Christian initiation. Lent also prepares the faithful to celebrate the Paschal Mystery as they recall their baptism and do penance in preparation for the greatest feast of the year. Wish you all a grace filled Lenten season, Ch rist Encounter – Resurrection Fr Ephrem The first and last Friday of Lent are days of fasting and abstinence 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. Ash Wednesday Timetable for the Parish – Wednesday 1st March St Anthony’s Church - 9am Holy Cross Church – 6.30am at Holy Cross Church 9.30am at Holy Cross School Hall 7pm at St Aidan’s Anglican Church St Patrick’s Church – 11am Those who have blessed palms from last year, can leave them in the back of the church. Thank you Lenten Mass – 1st March – 8th April There will be 6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Church from Monday – Saturday during Lent Stations of the Cross – Thursdays during Lent Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church starting on 2nd March through to 6th April Fr Gregory will be away from 9th – 23rd March. During this time, the weekday Mass timetable for the Parish will be as follows: Holy Cross Church - Friday 10th 9.30am & Saturday 11th 9am St Patrick’s Church – Monday 13th 9am & Tues 14th 9.30am St Anthony’s Church – Wednesday 15th 9am & Thurs 16th 11.30am Holy Cross Church – Friday 17th 9.30am & Saturday 18th 9am St Patrick’s Church – Monday 20th 9am & Tues 21st 9.30am St Anthony’s Church – Wednesday 22nd 9am & Thurs 23rd 11.30am Friday 24th March – timetable reverts back to normal weekday Mass schedule Holy Trinity Parish Mass – 10am Sunday 12th March at Holy Cross School Hall We will be celebrating Mass together at Holy Cross School Hall. We look forward to seeing as many parishioners there as possible. There will be morning tea available afterwards in the hall, so please bring a plate of food to share. For those who are unable to be at this Mass, there will be the 5.30pm Vigil at St Patrick’s Church. Please note: These will be the only two Masses in the Parish that weekend. There will be a music practice at Holy Cross Church 7.30pm on the 8th March for the one Parish Mass. Singers and musicians welcome Holy Cross Happy Hour – Weds 1st March 11am in the Parish Centre. Seniors are reminded of our next meeting. Come join us for bingo. Please bring a small plate of finger food to enjoy with our tea/coffee. All welcome. St Anthony’s Sacramental progrmme – A reminder the parent’s meeting will be Tuesday 28th February in the Gascoigne Room 7.30pm. Replacement piano for St Patrick’s Church Next time you're in St Patrick's Church you'll see our "new piano". Our old one had to be replaced and we were lucky enough to be offered a piano for $2000 by an elderly couple who were moving to a retirement village. Luck stayed with us and Simon Manning from Harbour City Funeral Home, has paid half. We have also had a generous donation from the Parish for $500. If you would like to make a donation towards the remaining cost, please put it in an envelope marked “Piano Donation” and your planned giving number, or if you are not on the planned giving but would like a donation receipt, put your full name and address in the envelope along with your donation and place in the collection basket PROPERTY COMMITTEE FORUMSAs you may be aware, the Finance Committee established a property committee to review all the buildings and property in the Holy Trinity Parish and to make recommendations on the best configuration to meet the future needs of the Parish. A revitalized set of buildings that better meet the parish needs with reduced maintenance costs, is the property sub-committee’s vision for the parish. This also supports the Holy Trinity Parish vision agreed last year. The sub-committee invites you to join it at one of the following forum:
You can read the Committee’s thoughts being circulated through this month’s parish magazine. The parish magazine is also available at www.holytrinity.parish.nz/magazine. Your questions, comments and suggestions are an important part of the Committee’s work. In addition to the forum you can make comments and suggestions to [email protected] or leave your written comments and suggestions in the boxes to be placed at the back of our churches. What process are we following? Most of the committee’s time spent thus far has been spent talking with parish groups (building users) to understand our current and future requirements. Most recently the committee has been considering what options are feasible in meeting these needs so that it can consult with the parish to find out what it is we all need and what the best options are in meeting them. Once the consultation has completed we will develop recommendations, we will consult with the parish on these and finalise them to ask Father Ephrem for his approval and blessing. If he provides this Father will then take the proposal on to our Cardinal. What is the involvement of the Parish Priest? Parish Council and Finance Committee approve and recommend to Father Ephrem who is being informed and consulted all the way and he makes the recommendation to the Cardinal on our behalf. Threaded throughout the process Father has been very keen to see that everyone is consulted and whatever is done supports the future of all groups within the Parish. Father does not want anyone left behind or feeling that they haven’t been listened to. How does this affect me? If you want to see something happen in our parish in relation to its buildings, now is the time to speak up. You are the parish and your needs are important. The St Catherine’s College Service Group is getting underway again, for its 3rd year and invites any parishioners to please contact Fr Ephrem 027 714 9660, the Parish office 388 6953 or St Catherine’s College 939 8988 with details of help required. We are an enthusiastic and reliable group of girls, keen to help with any task, free of charge like gardening, cleaning, shopping or helping at parish functions or working bees. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we’d love to come and help you. Refugee Update - Continuing our Parish journey to help make our Newest Settlers feel Welcome and Safe. 2017 will be another year where we have the opportunity and privilege to welcome former refugees to Wellington. Here's a snapshot of what lies ahead, and how you can help: - we will begin the year by setting-up a family home on 2 March - this involves a team of 4-5 people over a couple of hours to unpack boxes, make beds, set-up kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. All heavy items (sofas and beds) are already in place and our job is to create a homely (and practical) environment that instantly says "welcome" and which offers belonging, relief and hope in the future. If you would like to join our distribution list to receive specific information and requests about helping in this way, please let me know. - Household goods and possibly pantry items will be requested for subsequent family arrivals throughout the year (probably beginning late April and then every two months or so). Trusty volunteers will speak at Masses to let you know exactly when this is happening and exactly what we need and our newsletter will include specific details too. Most needed items are often pots and pans, cutlery, crockery, new sheets and towels, vacuums, and microwaves - so please let us know if you have any of these, or other items we might need, available for collection. - Cash donations are also very welcome as they give us the option to quickly fill the gaps in providing the items we need. In fact, we ended last year with enough money available to buy a FULL household lot of brand new items for a refugee couple (helped enormously by Briscoes Lyall Bay who offered a minimum 50% discount on everything). This also relieved a lot of pressure in the busy Christmas season for our volunteers. If you would like, and are able to, donate money, please place your donations in an envelope marked "refugees" as part of the normal Parish collections. This money is held in a separate account and every penny is spent directly on refugee household goods. Finally, any questions at anytime please do not hesitate to be in touch. We will keep you up to date and we sincerely appreciate your on-going prayers and other support. Annette Bridgman (388 9704 or [email protected]) National Day of Prayer and Penance for victims of violence and abuse in New Zealand: Last year Bishops Conferences throughout the world were asked to find a time to pray and do penance for the victims of violence and abuse. The New Zealand Bishops Conference agreed to make Friday 3 March, the First Friday of Lent, a National Day of Prayer and Penance for victims of violence and abuse in New Zealand. A time to explore a possible calling from God to become a Sister of Mercy. Single women are invited to attend an event at Mercy Centre, Thorndon, Wellington on Sunday 9 April from 11.45am – 5pm, lunch included. Bookings are necessary. Please contact Sister Stephanie on 04-8198312 or [email protected]. Come along and bring a friend! Ecumenical Healing Service with Fr John Rea at Tawa Intermediate Hall, 1 Ranui Terrace Tawa., on Tuesday 28 February beginning at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Please come and bring all who need Jesus` healing. A Caring Space An Invitation to spend a few hours exploring with God the blessings and burdens of the caregivers role. This time is offered to those who care for a loved one at home. Led by Gill Schaap and Veronica Parton Venue: Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington Date: Thursday 2nd March Time: 11am - 2pm - hot drinks provided, please bring your own lunch Cost: $10 For more details and to register contact Veronica Parton [email protected] or 021 238 6675 Introduction to Christian Life Community: CLC is an international lay organisation inspired by the spirituality of St Ignatius Loyola. For those interested a 7 week introductory course will run Tuesdays 28 Feb, 7, 14, 21, 28 March & 4, 11 April, 7:30-9pm. Contact Maureen McKillop. [email protected] Ph: 475-5972 or 021-1349-370 40 Days for Life - More than 13,000 preborn children are aborted every year in New Zealand. That is 36 Children every single day. Women are hurt – physically, mentally and spiritually. Men regret their lost fatherhood. 40 Days of Life is a local solution where people unite in prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities in order to end abortion. Please join your local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil March 1st to April 9th. Together, with God’s grace, we will bring about an end to abortion in New Zealand. Visit fli.org.nz/40daysforlife for more information or ph 04 237-8343. Join Cardinal John Dew in Mass for Life to open 40 Days for Life Tuesday 28th February 6.30pm St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Public meeting to Open 40 Days with Matt Britton Board Chair for 40 Days for Life. Come and be inspired and hear about 40 Days for Life, where ordinary people can make a difference! Thursday 2 March 7pm St Anne’s Hall, Newtown. Light refreshments served at 6.45pm Wellington Eucharistic Convention: St Patrick's College, Silverstream on Sunday 5th March 2017. Starts 8.30 am (Morning Prayer) and concludes with Mass about 5.30pm. Theme: "Pray, Pray A Lot!" (Our Mother's message to the Fatima children 100 years ago). Includes 6 talks and Reconciliation. $25 adults; $20 beneficiaries; Children under 16 free. Spirituality Seminar—Fr Eddie Condra We are not living an era of change but a change of era’ Pope Francis Living in this time of rapid and radical change many seek to find some constant—a sacred thread which can assist us to weave our way through life. Spirituality is that thread, empowering and transforming us to give meaning to change and to life itself. You are invited to come and explore. Everyone is welcome. Format: each session will involve input, small-group discussion, a time for questions and period of meditation DATES: March 7, 14 and 21 TIME: 7.30—9pm VENUE: SS Peter and Paul Church hall, Knights Rd, Lower Hutt to register email [email protected] or call Megan 04 477 6827 Taizé Prayer service The Sisters of Compassion offer a Taizé Prayer service on the first Friday of every month. The next service is on 3rd March at 7pm-8pm , Crombie Chapel, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street (off Murray Street), Island Bay, Wellington. There is plenty of parking available and the Chapel is a short walk from the nearest bus stop by Dee Street on The Parade in Island Bay (route number 1). Phone 04 383 7134 or 04 383 7769 for information. Young Angel Voices - Thursdays 4.30pm. Boys and girls 8 – 12 welcome. Come for an hour of fun, instruction and beautiful music. Community Room – St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott St. Fun with voices ♪ learn lots of songs ♪ part-songs & rounds, ♪ learn to read music, ♪ singing technique Visit the website for Youtube links www.smoa.org.nz and click the ‘Music’ tab or contact…. Robert Oliver (04) 934 2296; mob 021 0257 4375 [email protected] Christian Meditation A day of reflection and meditation will be held in Anam Cara,150 Rangiuru Road, Otaki on Saturday 4th March ,10 am to 2.30 pm Please bring a lunch and a donation to cover expenses. All welcome. phone Hugh 042989370 If you would like to receive the newsletter by email contact the parish office [email protected] with newsletter in the subject line and you will be added to the list.
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Called to be saint
Dear friends in Christ, if I am attentive, I am given numerous opportunities each day to judge poorly, act selfishly, explode in anger, or make short-sighted decisions. If I’m observant, I notice the same for others. There is no shortage of opportunities to choose poorly. At times, it is obvious that decisions are motivated by greed or fear. Racism, ageism and all those other attitudes of intolerance may be subtle or blatant. Sometimes folks plan their revenge within hearing distance. Whether in our own homes or across the globe, we have many opportunities each day to forget who we are. We have many excuses for “forgetting” who God is and our knowledge of how God acts in our world and particularly in our life! Each of today’s readings, in one way or another, asks us to remember who we are, to whom we belong, how to act as brothers and sisters and not to use others’ behaviour as an excuse for our own! Though written long ago for a people half way across the world, these speak to us today, right now. Jesus’ directive is not to be passive nor to endure exploitation or abuse, but rather to reject the temptation to retaliate or exact revenge. Jesus invites us to remember who we are – that we are human beings, dependent on Grace to be “whole,” “holy” and “blameless” and much more, called to be saint. Be merciful as God is merciful. Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us.” Who has shown us kindness and mercy? To whom have I been kind and merciful today? There is the kingdom of God. 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. Ash Wednesday Timetable for the Parish – Wednesday 1st March St Anthony’s Church - 9am Holy Cross Church – 9.30am at Holy Cross Church and 7pm at St Aidan’s Anglican Church St Patrick’s Church – 11am Holy Trinity Parish Mass – 10am Sunday 12th March at Holy Cross School Hall We will be celebrating Mass together at Holy Cross School Hall. We look forward to seeing as many parishioners there as possible. There will be morning tea available afterwards in the hall, so please bring a plate of food to share. For those who are unable to be at this Mass, there will be the 5.30pm Vigil at St Patrick’s Church. Please note: These will be the only two Masses in the Parish that weekend. Replacement piano for St Patrick’s Church Next time you're in St Patrick's Church you'll see our "new piano". Our old one had to be replaced and we were lucky enough to be offered a piano for $2000 by an elderly couple who were moving to a retirement village. Luck stayed with us and Simon Manning from Harbour City Funeral Home, has paid half. If you would like to make a donation towards the remaining cost, please put it in an envelope marked “Piano Donation” and your planned giving number, or if you are not on the planned giving but would like a donation receipt, put your full name and address in the envelope along with your donation and place in the collection basket next week. PROPERTY COMMITTEE FORUMS As you may be aware, the Finance Committee established a property committee to review all the buildings and property in the Holy Trinity Parish and to make recommendations on the best configuration to meet the future needs of the Parish. A revitalized set of buildings that better meet the parish needs with reduced maintenance costs, is the property sub-committee’s vision for the parish. This also supports the Holy Trinity Parish vision agreed last year. The sub-committee invites you to join it at one of the following forum:
At the forum, there will be a presentation of what the committee is hearing the needs of the parish to be and possible options for meeting them. There will be time to ask questions and time to make feed-back. You can read the Committee’s thoughts being circulated through this month’s parish magazine. The parish magazine is also available at www.holytrinity.parish.nz/magazine. Your questions, comments and suggestions are an important part of the Committee’s work. In addition to the forum you can make comments and suggestions to [email protected] or leave your written comments and suggestions in the boxes to be placed at the back of our churches. Why are we having to change? The Parish suffered a cash loss last year, its operating budget is very tight, building maintenance has been deferred, and our financial situation has needed review. As the review has unfolded it has become clear that our current set of buildings don’t necessarily meet the changing needs of our Parish. Whilst we do have financial constraints we need to look at the changes as a great opportunity. Why can’t we stay as we are? “If you always do what you’re always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got” - Henry Ford "There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction." -Winston Churchill. "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." -Robert C. Gallagher How will this tie in with the future of our Parish? We as a Parish have decided on our vision, and the Parish Council has been working on ideas to help us achieve our vision. It is important that our property supports our efforts in reaching the vision. The particular needs arising from the vision are encouraging our youth back into the church, improving the church/parish relationship with the schools, and catering for a more diverse parish congregation. It is becoming clear that if we don’t aim to grow the number of parishioners in our churches, its future is uncertain. Is this a done deal? While the property committee members have their own personal views these are left at the door because the only view that matters is what will benefit the parish and the growth of our faith. What we have so far is the initial response to the feedback on what parish groups have said our needs are plus some possible options that arise. We now need your full input before we start developing recommendations. Who can we trust? The Wellington East Area Pastoral Council put together a development committee to bring our three parishes together, the property sub-committee was appointed by that. On top of this we have representatives from the Pastoral Council, and the finance committee. When forming the sub-committee from across the spectrum of our parish governance, we would involve the current people. However the committee welcomes approaches from other parishioners keen to get involved. The current group it was felt that for continuity and background knowledge, as well as getting views Who makes the ultimate decision? The Cardinal. We have had some initial consultation with the Archdiocese office, which has strongly reinforced the need for us to consult within the parish Refugee Update - Continuing our Parish journey to help make our Newest Settlers feel Welcome and Safe. 2017 will be another year where we have the opportunity and privilege to welcome former refugees to Wellington. Here's a snapshot of what lies ahead, and how you can help: - we will begin the year by setting-up a family home on 2 March - this involves a team of 4-5 people over a couple of hours to unpack boxes, make beds, set-up kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. All heavy items (sofas and beds) are already in place and our job is to create a homely (and practical) environment that instantly says "welcome" and which offers belonging, relief and hope in the future. If you would like to join our distribution list to receive specific information and requests about helping in this way, please let me know. - Household goods and possibly pantry items will be requested for subsequent family arrivals throughout the year (probably beginning late April and then every two months or so). Trusty volunteers will speak at Masses to let you know exactly when this is happening and exactly what we need and our newsletter will include specific details too. Most needed items are often pots and pans, cutlery, crockery, new sheets and towels, vacuums, and microwaves - so please let us know if you have any of these, or other items we might need, available for collection. - Cash donations are also very welcome as they give us the option to quickly fill the gaps in providing the items we need. In fact, we ended last year with enough money available to buy a FULL household lot of brand new items for a refugee couple (helped enormously by Briscoes Lyall Bay who offered a minimum 50% discount on everything). This also relieved a lot of pressure in the busy Christmas season for our volunteers. If you would like, and are able to, donate money, please place your donations in an envelope marked "refugees" as part of the normal Parish collections. This money is held in a separate account and every penny is spent directly on refugee household goods. Finally, any questions at anytime please do not hesitate to be in touch. We will keep you up to date and we sincerely appreciate your on-going prayers and other support. Annette Bridgman (388 9704 or [email protected]) A time to explore a possible calling from God to become a Sister of Mercy. Single women are invited to attend an event at Mercy Centre, Thorndon, Wellington on Sunday 9 April from 11.45am – 5pm, lunch included. Bookings are necessary. Please contact Sister Stephanie on 04-8198312 or [email protected]. Come along and bring a friend! Ecumenical Healing Service with Fr John Rea at Tawa Intermediate Hall, 1 Ranui Terrace Tawa., on Tuesday 28 February beginning at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Please come and bring all who need Jesus` healing. A Caring Space An Invitation to spend a few hours exploring with God the blessings and burdens of the caregivers role. This time is offered to those who care for a loved one at home. Led by Gill Schaap and Veronica Parton Venue: Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington Date: Thursday 2nd March Time: 11am - 2pm - hot drinks provided, please bring your own lunch Cost: $10 For more details and to register contact Veronica Parton [email protected] or 021 238 6675 Introduction to Christian Life Community: CLC is an international lay organisation inspired by the spirituality of St Ignatius Loyola. For those interested a 7 week introductory course will run Tuesdays 28 Feb, 7, 14, 21, 28 March & 4, 11 April, 7:30-9pm. Contact Maureen McKillop. [email protected] Ph: 475-5972 or 021-1349-370 40 Days for Life - More than 13,000 preborn children are aborted every year in New Zealand. That is 36 Children every single day. Women are hurt – physically, mentally and spiritually. Men regret their lost fatherhood. 40 Days of Life is a local solution where people unite in prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities in order to end abortion. Please join your local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil March 1st to April 9th. Together, with God’s grace, we will bring about an end to abortion in New Zealand. Visit fli.org.nz/40daysforlife for more information or ph 04 237-8343. Join Cardinal John Dew in Mass for Life to open 40 Days for Life Tuesday 28th February 6.30pm St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Public meeting to Open 40 Days with Matt Britton Board Chair for 40 Days for Life. Come and be inspired and hear about 40 Days for Life, where ordinary people can make a difference! Thursday 2 March 7pm St Anne’s Hall, Newtown. Light refreshments served at 6.45pm Wellington Eucharistic Convention: St Patrick's College, Silverstream on Sunday 5th March 2017. Starts 8.30 am (Morning Prayer) and concludes with Mass about 5.30pm. Theme: "Pray, Pray A Lot!" (Our Mother's message to the Fatima children 100 years ago). Includes 6 talks and Reconciliation. $25 adults; $20 beneficiaries; Children under 16 free. Dr Philip G. Ney (Canada) Retired Child and Family Psychiatrist and Developmental Child Psychologist Speaking at two Events in Wellington on Wednesday 22nd February. Workshop: 1-3 pm at St Patrick's Parish Centre, Childer's Terrace, Kilbirnie. "Scientific Facts About Abortion and Abuse and What you can do about it." Public Meeting: 7 pm at St Anne's Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown " The real reasons women choose abortion and (what damages need to be addressed for Post Abortion healing)" Collection taken to help defray expenses. For his bio or more details contact Family Life International. 237 8343. www.fli.org.nz Our Lady of Kapiti Building Project. 'Like so many other parishes we have had to embark on a building programme, as a fundraising endeavour we would like to introduce THE NEWSTALK ZB JUSTIN DU FRESNE MEMORIAL DEBATE/DINNER and AUCTION. The Subject: That cricket a game invented by God to teach the English the meaning of the word Eternity, In the affirmative Pinky Agnew, Tim Gordon and Karl Du Fresne In the negative Kathryn Ryan, Brian Waddle and Mystery Morrison Chairman: Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, Judge: Judge Sir David Carruthers. It will be hilarious The Venue: Marist St Pats Rugby Clubrooms. Hataitai The Date: Friday 24th February, from 6.30pm The Cost: $125 per head, includes full dinner, dinner wines and entertainment BOOKINGS: Ticketek, or corporate or sponsorship opportunities [email protected] or 042933390 Please book early as numbers are limited. Young Angel Voices - Thursdays 4.30pm. Boys and girls 8 – 12 welcome. Come for an hour of fun, instruction and beautiful music. Community Room – St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott St. Fun with voices ♪ learn lots of songs ♪ part-songs & rounds, ♪ learn to read music, ♪ singing technique Visit the website for Youtube links www.smoa.org.nz and click the ‘Music’ tab or contact…. Robert Oliver (04) 934 2296; mob 021 0257 4375 [email protected] CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES STREET DAY APPEAL - Thursday 23rd FEBRUARY 2017 Collectors are needed in Wellington, Newtown, Kilbirnie and Petone. If you are able to give an hour of your time to help, please phone Vivien on Ph 385 8642 or email [email protected] If you would like to receive the newsletter by email contact the parish office [email protected] with newsletter in the subject line and you will be added to the list. Sirach and Matthew’s Gospel reading stress on the importance of the Commandments in Christian living. In I Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God’s revelation is “revealed to us through the Spirit.” For me, it is no accident that the placement of this discourse closely follows the Sermon on the Mount.
The basis for a good moral life, does need structure and a set of directions. Following the moral code of the Old Testament, and the calling to a higher plan of actions as described by Christ in Matthew’s Gospel, brings us closer to understanding and applying the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in our life. I remember story told by a pianist: when my I was learning to play the piano I had to practice finger exercises, know the placement of my fingers on the keyboard, do scales, and learn to read musical notation, and above all, practice and more practice. Many a day it was a struggle for me to get through my practice time. As I improved, practicing was less of a struggle, and eventually playing became a joy for me. I could see it and feel it myself. My attitude changed from one of a struggle and fighting my lessons, to one of joy and contentment. The commandments are the same for us in our spiritual growth. We slowly grow in our faith walk, for the love of God and not as a set of arbitrary rules. As a result, our life becomes more joyous and free. Being a human, failure is an inevitable outcome. The key is getting back up each time with the help of the Holy Spirit. Fr Ephrem PROPERTY COMMITTEE FORUMSAs you may be aware, the Finance Committee established a property committee to review all the buildings and property in the Holy Trinity Parish and to make recommendations on the best configuration to meet the future needs of the Parish. A revitalized set of buildings that better meet the parish needs with reduced maintenance costs, is the property sub-committee’s vision for the parish. This also supports the Holy Trinity Parish vision agreed last year. The sub-committee invites you to join it at one of the following forum:
At the forum, there will be a presentation of what the committee is hearing the needs of the parish to be and possible options for meeting them. There will be time to ask questions and time to make feed-back. You can read the Committee’s thoughts being circulated through this month’s parish magazine. The parish magazine is also available at www.holytrinity.parish.nz/magazine. Your questions, comments and suggestions are an important part of the Committee’s work. In addition to the forum you can make comments and suggestions to [email protected] or leave your written comments and suggestions in the boxes to be placed at the back of our churches. Continued over page Why are we having to change? In issuing his amalgamation letter the Cardinal confirmed that the current churches would continue under their existing names. However, the Parish suffered a cash loss last year and our financial situation has needed review. As the review has ensued it has become clear that our current set of building don’t necessarily meet the changing needs of our Parish. Whilst we do have this financial set of constraints we need to look at the changes as a great opportunity. Why can’t we stay as we are? “If you always do what you’re always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got” - Henry Ford How will this tie in with the future of our Parish? We as a Parish have decided on our vision, the Parish Council has been working on ideas to help us achieve our vision, our property has to support our efforts in reaching the vision. The particular needs arising from the vision are encouraging our youth back into the church, help improve the church/parish relationship with the schools, and catering for a more diverse parish congregation. It is becoming clear that if we don’t now aim to grow the church its future is uncertain. HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2017 Children turning 8 before 31st August 2017 or older, who would like to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, are eligible to enrol. Information and enrolment forms are available in the church foyers, from the School Offices or from the Holy Trinity Parish Office. All enrolment forms need to be completed before Monday 13th February, 2017 and either returned to the St Patrick’s, Holy Cross, or St Anthony’s School Offices or to the Holy Trinity Parish Office in Miramar. St Anthony’s Bazaar - Come join the fun at the St Anthony's Bazaar, 10 Ludlum Street, Saturday 18 February from 11am to 3pm. Bring your family and friends and enjoy our bakery, farmer's market, crafts, second hand treasures, entertainment and food stalls. There will be an opportunity to buy St Anthony’s raffle tickets after 10.30am Mass at St Anthony’s this Sunday. Donations of wine and cakes for the Bazaar would be very much appreciated, both can be dropped off at the School on Friday 17 February. St Vincent de Paul Society, Seatoun & Miramar Conference. 2016:THE YEAR OF MERCY The Seatoun and Miramar Conference of St Vincent de Paul, offer a heart-felt thank you to St Anthony’s and Holy Cross parishioners and pupils, parents and staff of both St Anthony’s and Holy Cross schools. Your response to our appeal for groceries, treats and presents for our Christmas boxes, was overwhelming. Also grateful thanks to those kind anonymous parishioners who gave cash for supplies. On Friday 16th December 2016 members and friends of SVDP put together boxes/parcels and delivered them to 58 appreciative families of 180 people who may have experienced a glitch in life, be finding employment hard to come by, or things are getting on top of them and require some extra help at this time of year. Thank you to the packers, drivers and their helpers, who delivered all these boxes. Each and every person was a cog in the wheel of this act of kindness. Once again as in previous years, Paul & Anna Vegas, of New World Miramar, were extremely generous by donating a big range of groceries, toiletries and produce to place in the boxes. Also during the year, anonymous parish donors have contributed significant money to our Conference which has been used to help supply uniform, shoes, stationery and activities to students of Holy Trinity Parish in most need. Around $5,000 was distributed over the last year amongst the primary schools of Holy Cross, St Anthony’s, St Patricks, and to St Catherine’s and St Patrick Colleges. Kind parishioners have donated $11,600 between 2012 and 2016 to assist around 150 students from our most needy families. May God bless you all, good health and happiness for 2017. St Vinnies Kilbirnie in abeyance: Margaret Bearsley has stepped down from the role of President, and with no-one available to take up the role, the Kilbirnie Conference has gone into abeyance. The generous donations made by parishioners from St Patricks have been transferred to the Seatoun/Miramar St Vinnies Conference, so the funds are staying within our Parish to help those in need in our community. If anyone wants to re-start the Kilbirnie Conference, get in touch with Ozanam House in Newtown [email protected] Tel 04 389 7122. CELEBRATE LOVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY! Archbishop John invites you to join him to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Hill St, Wellington on TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY at 7.00 pm followed by a glass of bubbly. Make up a group of friends and parishioners and go out for dinner afterwards! Joanne Gomez, Marriage Programs Co-ordinator 04 496 1719, [email protected] Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington Come along and join us on Thursday 16th of February 2017 at 7:30pm for fellowship and prayer in CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind Sacred Heart Cathedral). Speaker: Ivan Brunton, Joshua man on topic "Letting go of my children" Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or e-mail:[email protected] Dove Wellington invites all women to our meeting from 1.15pm to 3pm on Saturday 18 February at Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, Wellington. This first meeting of the year is going to be a fun one. There is going to be lots of singing and prayer; giving thanks for the year ahead. We invite you to bring your prayer intentions for 2017, also to bring a empty bottle; as you may like to take home with you some of the holy water. It will be a fantastic meeting, filled with caring, sharing and community. We look forward to seeing you there. Please contact Shura Price for any queries on (04) 389 9938. Bethlehem University: NZ Vice Chancellor talks in Wellington "Br. Peter Bray, a New Zealander who is Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, will be speaking on the topic Bethlehem University - called to be prophetic! As an unashamedly Christian university, how should Bethlehem University respond to the situation in Palestine and in the Middle East? This will be an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Christian university under occupation, and what attitudes should be promoted that reflect its Christian dimension in a country with less than 2% Christian and where Muslims make up the majority of the student population. WHEN: Wednesday 15th February at 6pm. WHERE: Connolly Hall Hill St, Thorndon 40 Days for Life - More than 13,000 preborn children are aborted every year in New Zealand. That is 36 Children every single day. Women are hurt – physically, mentally and spiritually. Men regret their lost fatherhood. 40 Days of Life is a local solution where people unite in prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil outside abortion facilities in order to end abortion. Please join your local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil March 1st to April 9th. Together, with God’s grace, we will bring about an end to abortion in New Zealand. Visit fli.org.nz/40daysforlife for more information or ph 04 237-8343. Join Cardinal John Dew in Mass for Life to open 40 Days for Life Tuesday 28th February 6.30pm St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Public meeting to Open 40 Days with Matt Britton Board Chair for 40 Days for Life. Come and be inspired and hear about 40 Days for Life, where ordinary people can make a difference! Thursday 2 March 7pm St Anne’s Hall, Newtown. Light refreshments served at 6.45pm Wellington Eucharistic Convention: St Patrick's College, Silverstream on Sunday 5th March 2017. Starts 8.30 am (Morning Prayer) and concludes with Mass about 5.30pm. Theme: "Pray, Pray A Lot!" (Our Mother's message to the Fatima children 100 years ago). Includes 6 talks and Reconciliation. $25 adults; $20 beneficiaries; Children under 16 free. Dr Philip G. Ney (Canada) Retired Child and Family Psychiatrist and Developmental Child Psychologist Speaking at two Events in Wellington on Wednesday 22nd February. Workshop: 1-3 pm at St Patrick's Parish Centre, Childer's Terrace, Kilbirnie. "Scientific Facts About Abortion and Abuse and What you can do about it." Public Meeting: 7 pm at St Anne's Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown " The real reasons women choose abortion and (what damages need to be addressed for Post Abortion healing)" Collection taken to help defray expenses. For his bio or more details contact Family Life International. 237 8343. www.fli.org.nz Our Lady of Kapiti Building Project. 'Like so many other parishes we have had to embark on a building programme, as a fundraising endeavour we would like to introduce THE NEWSTALK ZB JUSTIN DU FRESNE MEMORIAL DEBATE/DINNER and AUCTION. The Subject: That cricket a game invented by God to teach the English the meaning of the word Eternity, In the affirmative Pinky Agnew, Tim Gordon and Karl Du Fresne In the negative Kathryn Ryan, Brian Waddle and Mystery Morrison Chairman: Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, Judge: Judge Sir David Carruthers. It will be hilarious The Venue: Marist St Pats Rugby Clubrooms. Hataitai The Date: Friday 24th February, from 6.30pm The Cost: $125 per head, includes full dinner, dinner wines and entertainment BOOKINGS: Ticketek, or corporate or sponsorship opportunities [email protected] or 042933390 Please book early as numbers are limited. Liturgy Committee Formation Workshops - Tēnā koutou katoa, On behalf of Father Patrick Bridgman, Diocesan Liturgy Advisor, I am pleased to be able to confirm details of his up-coming formation workshop for Liturgy Committees being offered at two North Island locations: Catholic Centre Cafeteria, Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, Level 1, Catholic Centre, 5 Palmer Crescent, 22-30 Hill Street, Wellington, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt 7.30-9.00pm 10.30-12.00 noon Thursday 23rd February 2017 Saturday 25th February 2017 This formation session is for both current and possible future members of Liturgy Committees. So, we encourage Leadership Teams to invite people along to the workshop whom they may at a future date invite to join their Liturgy Committee. Please also encourage all members of your current liturgy committee to attend either of the workshops being offered. If you have any queries about the workshops please do not hesitate to contact me. Can you please confirm names and contact email addresses of attendees before Tuesday 14th February to [email protected] 2017 Pilgrimage to the Statue of Our Lady, Paraparaumu CANCELLED Due to the building process of Our Lady of Kapiti and the closing of St Patrick’s church, Paraparaumu in early February this year, the annual pilgrimage to the Statue of Our Lady Paraparaumu will not be happening this year. We apologise to those who make this annual pilgrimage for the inconvenience and look forward to seeing you all again in 2018. Young Angel Voices Thursdays 4.30pm. Boys and girls 8 – 12 welcome. Come for an hour of fun, instruction and beautiful music. Community Room – St Mary of the Angels, 17 Boulcott St. Fun with voices ♪ learn lots of songs ♪ part-songs & rounds, ♪ learn to read music, ♪ singing technique Visit the website for Youtube links www.smoa.org.nz and click the ‘Music’ tab or contact…. Robert Oliver (04) 934 2296; mob 021 0257 4375 [email protected] CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES STREET DAY APPEAL - Thursday 23rd FEBRUARY 2017 Collectors are needed in Wellington, Newtown, Kilbirnie and Petone. If you are able to give an hour of your time to help, please phone Vivien on Ph 385 8642 or email [email protected] |
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October 2020
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