2 february 2020

Mal. 3:1-4; Heb. 2:14-18; Lk. 2:22-40
The readings of the day show Jesus still in his mother’s arms, yet she already offers him to God as a prelude to the offering of his whole life.  As law abiding people Mary and Joseph fulfil the Mosaic law of purification and presentation.  By presenting Jesus in the temple he was consecrated to God and declared His property.  The presentation in the temple openly proclaimed this reality hidden in Jesus.  Simon, a typical product of Old Testament spirituality, waits the consolation of Israel, encounters the Messiah and prophesies about his future as light and salvation to the Gentiles and glory to the people of Israel.
Mary bypasses the ceremony of purification as she was spotless from her conception.  From the day of presentation, we don’t hear much about Mary in the Gospels as Jesus takes the central stage.  Mary recognises fully the right of God over her child and associates herself with his consecration.   This is her first direct participation in the sacrificial offering of Christ which will finally be completed on the Cross. 
Every one of us are consecrated through Baptism, Confirmation and other sacraments.  The Church invites us to remember our consecration and maintain its sanctity and consecrated life.  Today the Church also celebrates the Day of Consecrated Life.  Let us therefore prayer for all religious Brothers and Sister who have consecrated their life for the Church and the world at large.  Pray also for young men and women that they may respond generously to the divine call to work in the vineyard of the Lord.                                                                                                                                                                                                              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.
 

If anyone is interested in becoming a Minister of the Word with Communion for the Parish please contact Fr Ephrem fretigga@gmail.com or 027 7149 660
There will be an information session organised for last week of February.
 

Annointing Mass St Patrick’s Church
11am Wednesday 5th February

New Mass Rosters

• If you were rostered on for the 5.30pm St Patrick’s, 7.30am St Patrick’s or the 10.30am St Anthony’s please contact the office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388-6593 with which Mass you would like to continue your ministry if you have not done so already.  

Thank you to those who have already been in contact.

Greenstone Doors is running the Seasons for Growth six week programme each Tuesday beginning 25th Feb 1pm-2:30pm at 15 Dudley St, Lower Hutt. This is a support programme for adults to explore the effects of grief, change and loss. For more information or to register please call 04 566 5037 or email office@green stonedoors.co.nz Cost $15 (subsidies available)

 Please join us for ”Suzanne Aubert: Intentional disciple” A Stewardship Reflection Day- Feb 15th 10.30am-3.30pm. Home of Compassion Island Bay. Bring your lunch- (café onsite) and walking shoes if you want to do the optional walk to the reservoir. Register now with Ann Williams at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz

From Feb 26 - April 5, you’re invited to join other Christians for 40 Days for Life – 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil on the public footpath outside Te Mahoe in Wellington Hospital. Six babies are known to have been saved at previous vigils in NZ. information or if you’d like to volunteer, please contact: 021 231 7954  fli.org.nz/40daysforlife

 Mission Expo 2020 on March 14th at Viard College and March 21st at Garin College. Put the date in your diary and on your calendar. This is for everyone. Checkout the back page of the February Welcom for more information.

Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women Our Malachi 4:2 inspired meeting will be on Saturday 15th February at Connolly hall Thorndon at 1.30pm,  " But for you who fear my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings".  All women are welcome. Contact:  Shura ph or text 021 0724042

Calling all Irish people, community groups, people of Irish heritage or affinity with Ireland living in NZ. The Embassy of Ireland in Aotearoa, New Zealand, has partnered with the Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies who have designed two short surveys, that we hope, will assist in showcasing the rich Irish history we have in New Zealand, as well as the opportunities for future collaboration and connection. Access the surveys at Friends of Ireland https://friends-of-ireland-nz.multiscreensite.com/survey questions email info@friendsofireland.co.nz

Simeon sees the Child and he sees salvation.  He does not see the Messiah who works miracles, but a small child. He does not see something extraordinary, but Jesus with his parents, who bring a pair of turtledoves or two pigeons to the temple, which is the most humble offering. Simeon sees God’s simplicity and welcomes his presence. He is not looking for anything else, is not asking or wanting for something more; it is enough to see the Child and take him in his arms. God, as he, is enough for him.  Pope Francis: Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, 2 February 2019

WelCom February edition for Sun 2 Feb.  Contents include: New leader for Catholic Tertiary education, Dr Areti Metuamate. *Bishop-elect Michael Gielen, new Auxiliary Bishop for Auckland.* Mission Expo 2020. * Church in New Zealand welcomes Pope’s declaration on sexual abuse secrecy. * Special mass, 29 Febr in Johnsonville, for first two NZ Columban lay missionaries. * Church in Australia responds nationally to bush fire impacts.
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 and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Sr Moyra Dunn RSM, Charles Sutherland, Nicholas Zoet, Jozef Wielgolaswski and Patricia Kelly.