​Today’s gospel from John brings out the essence of life in its simplicity.  Jesus gives us one commandment:  love one another.  There is a need for a certain kind of strategy which is to be ever aware of God’s love for us so we can love one another.  Such a simple one at the same time such a demanding commandment.
The strategy to love is to listen, persevere, obey and become his disciples.  Paul and Barnabas supported the disciples by reminding them to persevere in faith which can be very challenging at times.  We all as disciples need to be reminded of the Lord’s commandment:  love one another as I have loved you.  Listening for and appreciating the love of God allows us to live the commandment to love others.
Today I am called to appreciate God’s love for me and in that appreciation show love to others in simple and meaningful ways.  A challenge I continually face is to stay in the present and meet others where they are.  How can I really hear what someone is trying to say?  How can I show patience for someone who is getting in the way of my goal?  How can I help someone feel the ever present love of God?  Sometimes showing love for another is so easy to do neglecting oneself the love of God. God’s love is equal to you and to others.  So support one another and live in the love of God.
Father Ephrem
SURVEY ON MASS TIMES FOR HOLY TRINITY PARISH - extension
The survey deadline has been extended and is now Sunday 1st May 2016. Thank you to those who have already returned their surveys but it is important we receive as many responses as possible. Your views will provide information which will enable the Parish Council to make informed decisions. Please take care to only identify ONE preferred Mass time on the weekend and other weekdays you wish to attend Mass.
Available in Church, on the website or via email.
Deadline for returning form: 1st May 2016
 

As part of the Year of Mercy, Sr Elizabeth Julian will be giving a presentation
 at St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie 7pm Thursday 26th May 2016

The topic is: The Works of Mercy: Biblically Speaking
 
Pope Francis has asked us to practise the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
 during the Year of Mercy.
This presentation will look at biblical examples of these works and what they might say to us today.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE
25th April
ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 9.30AM
Followed by a cup of coffee and biscuits in the meeting room. On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass.
St Patrick’s Church Altar Server Training
If you have completed the sacramental programme and would like the opportunity to be an altar server at St Patrick’s Church, the training session is Thursday 28th April at 10am in Church. This session is for new and current servers. Contact Senior Altar Server Andrew Greening 3861233 for more details

Ever wanted to ask challenging questions about our faith? 
Alpha is a fun and relaxed course that has been attended by over 25 million people around the world.  We start with dessert and follow-up with a video.  The video leads into small group discussion.  Each night looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith.  Join us for the first of seven nights at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 May in the Gascoigne Room.  To enrol text or call Ruth 0276700365 or Kim 0222426288.  Everyone is welcome. 

Planned Giving Receipts
Planned giving receipts will be available at the back of each Church next weekend unless you have stipulated otherwise.
Thank you for your patience while the Archdiocese has been organising the new charities number for our Parish. Confirmation of our new number has now been received so your receipts can be issued.
If you have not done so already, please contact the office if you would your receipt emailed or collected from either the office or another Church. 

Holy Hour
You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 26 April beginning at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  The Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, times of silence and concluding with Benediction followed by supper.  This is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quiet time at the end of a busy day.
St Vincent de Paul Society Book Fair
We have thousands of books for sale and all our books are just $2 or less! We have a huge range of fiction and non-fiction books for you to peruse. You can find a great bargain while
directly giving back to your local community. All the proceeds go towards funding our welfare programs.
vinnies-wellington.org.nz  Sunday 24th April 9AM-3PM St Anne’s Hall Emmett Street Newtown

Calling all Young Adults
A Life Changing Seminar at St Thomas More Church, 1 Worcester St Wilton. 4 May – 8 June, 6 consecutive Wednesday nights from 7.30 pm – 9 pm.Enquiries and registration webstermerrin@gmail.com  Ph. 9386655
Quiet Days with Suzanne Aubert:
10.30am-2.30pm, 5 May
Join the Sisters of Compassion for a day of prayer and reflection on the life of Suzanne Aubert at Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, Island Bay.
Suggested offering including lunch: $30.  To register contact islandbay@compassion.org.nz or phone 383-7769 Quiet Days for 2016 are: 5 May, 2 June, 7 July, 4 August, 1 September, 6 October

Mary Potter Hospice –   Volunteer Street Collectors needed for 20th & 21st May
See notice at back of the church or sign up at street.appeal@marypotter.org.nz  

Catholic Lawyers-The St Thomas More Society
is holding its annual Mass at St Thomas More Church 36 Worcester St Wilton at 6pm on 2 June 2016 with its annual Dinner to follow at the Wellington Club afterwards. All Catholic lawyers and law students are invited to attend. Anyone interested please email secretary@barristerscomm.com or phone Pam on 914 1050 for further details by 27 May.
Young Adults – Life in the Spirit Seminar
A Life in the spirit Seminar will be held in St Thomas More Church, 1 Worcester St Wilton from 4 May till 8 June, 6 consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm till 9 pm.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral Prayer Group in collaboration with the ICPE team from St Gerard`s Monastery will host this seminar.  See notice board for more details.
Enquiries and registration contact Merrin Webster at webstermerrin@gmail.com or Ph. 9386655.

An Abrahamic Celebration of the Year of Mercy will be held over two days in May:
Wednesday 18 May – an Abrahamic Panel (Jewish, Christian and Muslim speakers) on Mercy in our Sacred Scriptures, 6.30pm at St Joseph’s, Mt Victoria;
and a multi-faith service day, putting the Works of Mercy into Practice, on Saturday 21 May from 9.30am, with lunch generously provided by the Wellington Islamic Centre.
For further information, please see the poster on the church noticeboard, or contact  Sister Catherine Jones  c.jones@wn.catholic.org.nz  or Sharron Cole   colefam@ihug.co.nz

What are we doing on earth for Christ’s sake?
Come along and hear Australian Jesuit, Richard Leonard, share through stories what it means to be Catholic in our time. Richard is an excellent communicator. His talk will pay particular attention to the challenges facing young Catholics today. This lecture is promoted by the Catholic Institute and Good Shepherd College.
Sunday 15 May at 4pm. Loaves and Fishes hall, cnr Molesworth and Hill sts, Thorndon.
Soup and rolls served. Entry $10.
Contact Catherine Gibbs for more information   c.gibbs@tci.ac.nz
 

Are you (or someone you know) a migrant working in New Zealand?
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand wants to talk with migrant workers who have faced unfair treatment at work in the past or currently AND people who have supported migrant workers facing issues around unfair treatment at work.
We are doing a small qualitative research project aimed at helping us to know how community groups can better support migrant workers and how we can advocate for the protection of migrant workers in New Zealand.
The interview will be completely confidential and should take about one hour. Participants will be given a $30 supermarket voucher as a thank you. We can arrange a place that suits you for the interview.
Please txt Cathy at 022 659 8942, free call 0800 22 10 22, or email at cathyb@caritas.org.nz if you are interested or if you have any questions by the 20th of June 2016.
 

​  Talofa Lava and Welcome
 
We, all of us who have been baptised in Jesus, are the church. We all of us, are missionaries. We are sent like Jesus with a mission into the world. Our work, and in fact the sole purpose of the church, is to bring the kingdom of God into the world.
We are all members of the same body, the church but we have different functions as men and women, youth and children. Our particular function is necessary for the total good of the church. All of us have equal dignity but with different responsibilities. One of the characteristic signs of our time is the cry for recognition of dignity of each person and every people. And moreover, to recognise this dignity of people by their participation in the life of the church and society.
We are reminded also that ministry is for service and let us beware of thinking and using ministry for power. Yes, ministry is for service, to humbly serve the needs of people.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CHILDREN 
WHO RECEIVED THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION - MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
 
Father Sanele
SURVEY ON MASS TIMES FOR HOLY TRINITY PARISH
 
From this Sunday 17th April, the Parish Council will be seeking the views of parishioners on possible changes to the number and times that Mass is celebrated on Sundays and Weekdays. This survey will provide information which will enable the Parish Council to make informed decisions.
This survey will available from Sunday 17th April
in Church, on the website or via email.
Deadline for returning form: 24th April 2016

Fr Ephrem celebrated the anniversary of his ordination
on Thursday 14th April.
We congratulate him and wish him well.

St Patrick’s Church Mix and Mingle Luncheon
11.30 – 1.30pm in the St Patrick’s Parish Centre 3rd Thurs of each month.
We will be celebrating with Fr Ephrem, the
 anniversary of his ordination so come and join us.
Couple $15 and Single $7 All age groups welcome.
Ring Andrew on 386 1233 by Tues 19th April for catering purposes
 

Preparation for the celebration of Mass – St Patrick’s Church
If you are rostered for a particular ministry at Mass (except commentator/music) please gather 5 – 10 mins prior to the beginning of Mass at the entrance with the celebrant for a quiet moment of prayer and reflection. 
There if growing confusion as to who has turned up for their ministries be they readers, extraordinary ministers, offertory etc...  Please read the roster and make yourself known prior to Mass.
 

As part of the Year of Mercy, Sr Elizabeth Julian will be giving a presentation
 at St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie 7pm Thursday 26th May 2016

The topic is: The Works of Mercy: Biblically Speaking
 
Pope Francis has asked us to practise the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
 during the Year of Mercy.
This presentation will look at biblical examples of these works and what they might say to us today.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25th April
ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 9.30AM
Followed by a cup of coffee and biscuits in the meeting room.
On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass.
St Patrick’s Church Altar Server Training
If you have completed the sacramental programme and would like the opportunity to be an altar server at St Patrick’s Church, the training session is Thursday 28th April at 10am in Church. This session is for new and current servers. Contact Senior Altar Server Andrew Greening 3861233 for more details

Ever wanted to ask challenging questions about our faith? 
Alpha is a fun and relaxed course that has been attended by over 25 million people around the world.  We start with desert and follow-up with a video.  The video leads into small group discussion.  Each night looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith.  Join us for the first of seven nights at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10 May in the Gascoigne Room.  To enrol text or call Ruth 0276700365 or Kim 0222426288.  Everyone is welcome. 

Eco Theology book launch 8pm Sun 17 April
We are delighted to invite anyone from the parish to attend the launch of ‘Living in the planet earth: Faith communities and ecology’ edited by Fr Neil Darragh and published by Accent. The launch will follow the 7pm Mass at the Wellington Catholic cathedral in Hill St.
Drinks and finger food provided. Contact Catherine Gibbs    c.gibbs@tci.ac.nz for more information.
St Vincent de Paul Society Book Fair
We have thousands of books for sale and all our books are just $2 or less! We have a huge range of fiction and non-fiction books for you to peruse. You can find a great bargain while
directly giving back to your local community. All the proceeds go towards funding our welfare programs.
vinnies-wellington.org.nz  Sunday 24th April 9AM-3PM St Anne’s Hall Emmett Street Newtown

The Archdiocesan Young Church Ministries team invites all young adults to The Rising Tide: The Black Dog at St Joseph’s, Mount Victoria.  Monday 18th April.  Doors open at 6.30 pm and event starts a 7.00pm.  Discussion will explore the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety, and what Jesus might offer in light of that. For more information contact Emily Bruce 496 1701 e.bruce@wn.catholic.org.nz  

St Mary’s College, Open Day
Wednesday 25 May 2016
8.30am – 10.00am   
OR 
10.45am – 12.20pm

 
St Patrick’s Church Morning Tea roster available at the back of the church for collection
Catholic Lawyers-The St Thomas More Society is holding its annual Mass at St Thomas More Church 36 Worcester St Wilton at 6pm on 2 June 2016 with its annual Dinner to follow at the Wellington Club afterwards. All Catholic lawyers and law students are invited to attend. Anyone interested please email secretary@barristerscomm.com or phone Pam on 914 1050 for further details by 27 May.

Mary Potter Hospice –   Volunteer Street Collectors needed for 20th & 21st May
See notice at back of the church or sign up at  street.appeal@marypotter.org.nz  

New Zealand Community for Christian Meditation
 A day of meditation and reflection will take place in The Home of Compassion, Island Bay on Saturday 23rd April from 10 am to 2.30 pm Please bring lunch and a donation for expenses. tea and coffee supplied All welcome.

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington extends an open invitation to both men and women to come along and join us on Thursday 21st April 2016 at 7:30pm in CONNOLLY HALL, Guilford Terrace, to hear Fr Emile Frische, Mill Hill priest (Ministered to survivors & families in New York City following the “9-11” terrorist attacks in 2001. Also, active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement.)
Theme: “Whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me” Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or e-mail:jnjtaylor@paradise.net. nz
Young Adults – Life in the Spirit Seminar
A Life in the spirit Seminar will be held in St Thomas More Church, 1 Worcester St Wilton from 4 May till 8 June, 6 consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7.30 pm till 9 pm.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral Prayer Group in collaboration with the ICPE team from St Gerard`s Monastery will host this seminar.  See notice board for more details.
Enquiries and registration contact Merrin Webster at webstermerrin@gmail.com or Ph. 9386655.
 
 

Grandparents' Ministry
“How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society!” 
- Pope Francis
Are you a grandparent? Have you ever wondered how you can help pass on the faith to your grandchildren in our world today? The Centre for Marriage and Family would like to invite you to a ministry to promote the role of grandparents and to support and value them in its mission of Passing on the Faith and to Keep Prayer at the Heart of Family Life. There will be a meeting on Thursday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.  at 29 Guadeloupe Crescent Grenada Village, Wellington. We hope for your prayers and/or presence as we look towards forming this new ministry to help pass on the faith to future generations of New Zealanders through the ministry of grandparents.

Deaf Cafe - for Deaf and hearing impaired people.  Deaf Cafe is for anybody – just turn up. You can meet and chat with new people or catch up with old friends over a cuppa and cake and biscuits.  Deaf Cafe is free.  When: Wednesday 20th April.  Time: 10am to 12pm. At:  St Peter and Paul’s Hall, 60 Knights Road, Lower Hutt.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY
BENEFIT IMPACT WEEK IN THE HUTT VALLEY
Do you want to lend a hand?
 
The Benefit Impact Week will be held from the 9th-13th of May and will be hosted at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Hutt.  The week will be organised by Benefit Educational Services Trust, Caritas and Catholic Social Services.  Benefit Impact Week is when benefit advocates assist people who are on a benefit and Work & Income to check if they are receiving the full benefit they are eligible for.
As a volunteer there are different roles people might consider taking on.  They include benefit advocates, runners, supporters and hospitality.  Anyone who wishes to volunteer as a benefit advocate will need to commit to the training on the 9th May and have some availability during that week.  Experienced Advocates will be available for support.  Other roles will require only a briefing on the days you are available from the 10th- 13th May.
 
If you want to volunteer as a Benefit Advocate contact:
Teresa Homan            529 8108         hvbest@xtra.co.nz
If you want to want to volunteer as a runner, supporter or hospitality, contact:
Maria Noonan 385 8642 or 021982167 maria.noonan@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Please contact us by Friday 22nd April

Are you (or someone you know) a migrant working in New Zealand?
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand wants to talk with migrant workers who have faced unfair treatment at work in the past or currently AND people who have supported migrant workers facing issues around unfair treatment at work.
We are doing a small qualitative research project aimed at helping us to know how community groups can better support migrant workers and how we can advocate for the protection of migrant workers in New Zealand.
The interview will be completely confidential and should take about one hour. Participants will be given a $30 supermarket voucher as a thank you. We can arrange a place that suits you for the interview.
Please txt Cathy at 022 659 8942, free call 0800 22 10 22, or email at cathyb@caritas.org.nz if you are interested or if you have any questions by the 20th of June 2016.


St Catherine’s College Open Day 2016
Tuesday 31 May 11.30am -1.00pm
and 6.30pm – 7.30pm

St Patrick’s College Open Day 2016
Sunday 12th June 2016

TCI Open Lecture 2016 - What are we doing on earth for Christ’s sake?  Fr Richard Leonard SJ
The Catholic Institute (TCI) and Good Shepherd College (GSC) are delighted to invite any parishioners to the annual Open Lecture.
What are we doing on earth for Christ’s sake? is the title of the lecture presented by well-known Jesuit scholar and author on Catholic approaches to film. This will be both an informative and entertaining opportunity to engage with the pivotal question of mission and identity for the Church today.  Sunday, 15 May 4.00 - 6.30pm. Door entry $10.  Discussion will be followed by soup and rolls.  RSVP with Melania office@tci.ac.nz or (04) 819 8380.

“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope,
where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.” -Pope Francis

​And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21
 
I love the story from Acts. I've always been in awe of those Apostles who were so filled with the Spirit that they left this humiliating experience of being hauled up before the religious leaders and left rejoicing - seeing it as a privileged opportunity to share an intimacy with their Lord, in the dishonour of it all. For us the joy of Easter doesn't seem to last, nor does its fire and mission.
Jesus re-calls Peter by repeating the way he called him the first time to follow him - after the resurrection - the same way he first called him. Both times, after a night of fishing, when Peter's abilities didn't get any fish, Jesus' simple direction fills the nets to bursting.
I need to be renewed and re-animated by the memory that Jesus has much more power than I do. And, especially when I sense that my nets are pretty empty, I need to jump in the water and swim to the shore to get closer to the One who can fill any empty nets - the Lord who can fill any emptiness.
 
Father Ephrem
 
We congratulate our children who will receive the sacrament of reconciliation
 
Holy Cross – Saturday 9th 2pm
Maya Rush-Dunn, Lia Leiataua-Rush, Jessica Robinson, Ihaia Masun-Ryan, Sio Telefoni, Tommy Saba, Elijah McKeown, Gem Bouzaid
 
St Patrick’s – Sunday 10th 1.30pm
Lucy Attard, Joshua Gates, Samuel Gates, Lelani Garnons-Williams, Tyla Gray, Caleb Hope, Ryan Johnson, Rave Kim, Mariana Lealamanua, Thais        Meirelles, Tawanda Muteto, Quinsy Peteti, Archie Story, Tyra Tuiavii                 
 
St Anthony’s – Wednesday 13th 7pm
Ari Geor, Bella Small, Brianna Smith, Elise McArley, Eve Williams, Fleur Kingston, Fraser Lindsay, Lola McCartney, Ruby McCartney, Seamus Óg Flood, Siobhán Bolger, Thomas Waddington
 
 

SURVEY ON MASS TIMES FOR HOLY TRINITY PARISH
 
The Parish Council will be seeking the views of parishioners on possible changes to the number and times that Mass is celebrated on Sundays and Weekdays. This survey will provide information which will enable the Parish Council to make informed decisions.
This survey will available from next Sunday 17th April
in Church, on the website or via email.
Deadline for returning form: 24th April 2016
 

Grandparents' Ministry
“How important grandparents are for family life, for passing on the human and religious heritage which is so essential for each and every society!” 
- Pope Francis
Are you a grandparent? Have you ever wondered how you can help pass on the faith to your grandchildren in our world today? The Centre for Marriage and Family would like to invite you to a ministry to promote the role of grandparents and to support and value them in its mission of Passing on the Faith and to Keep Prayer at the Heart of Family Life. There will be a meeting on Thursday, April 28, 7:30 p.m.  at 29 Guadeloupe Crescent Grenada Village, Wellington. We hope for your prayers and/or presence as we look towards forming this new ministry to help pass on the faith to future generations of New Zealanders through the ministry of grandparents.
 
 


We wish to thank all our parishioiners who generously supported
our Lenten and Easter Appeals.

WELCOMING REFUGEES TO WELLINGTON APRIL 2016
 
We have just heard that 13 families will be welcomed to Wellington area later in April. 
Thanks to the generosity for the families who arrived in February and groups who are already committed, we will not need additional household goods for the April Intake.
 
We urgently need help with collecting pantry items
 
There will be collection boxes at the back of each Church from Monday 11th April where you can make your donation.
Interested in helping set up a refugee house? We will be organising a team...If you are available to help or would like to go on our list for helping in the future... contact our Holy Trinity Parish refugee help group co-ordinator Annette Bridgman by the 11th April, phone 3889704 or 021 204 5993, email: bridgie@xtra.co.nz   

Caritas Challenge 2016
 
Lifeteen organised a group from Holy Trinity Parish to take part in this event last weekend at St Patrick’s where teens lived in a cardboard box city on the school veranda (in the rain) and baked goods in the Parish Centre which were sold at the Masses over the weekend. They raised over $1,700 and are to top $2,000 as their donation to Caritas.  We congratulate our Lifeteen group and their leaders.
 

St Vinnies in Miramar/Seatoun and in Kilbirnie:
The St Vinnies groups meet once a month to pray together and to decide on helping people in need in our community.  If you want to join the Miramar/Seatoun Conference, or for more information, contact Brendan Quirk Ph 3889708 or Brendan.quirk@hotmail.co.nz (next meeting Monday 11 April).  If you want to join the Kilbirnie Conference, or for more information, contact Margaret Bearsley 021 344 356 or Margaret.bearsley@gmail.com (next meeting Thursday 14 April).
St Vincent de Paul Society Book Fair
We have thousands of books for sale and all our books are just $2 or less! We have a huge range of fiction and non-fiction books for you to peruse. You can find a great bargain while
directly giving back to your local community. All the proceeds go towards funding our welfare programs.
vinnies-wellington.org.nz  Sunday 24th April 9AM-3PM St Anne’s Hall Emmett Street Newtown

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington extends an open invitation to both men and women to come along and join us on 
Thursday 21st April 2016 at 7:30pm in CONNOLLY HALL, Guilford Terrace, to hear Fr Emile Frische, Mill Hill priest (Ministered to survivors & families in New York City following the “9-11” terrorist attacks in 2001. Also, active in Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement.)
Theme: “Whoever welcomes the one I send, welcomes me” Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or e-mail:jnjtaylor@paradise.net. nz
 
Eco Theology book launch 8pm Sunday 17 April
We are delighted to invite anyone from the parish to attend the launch of ‘ Living in the planet earth: Faith communities and ecology’ edited by Fr Neil Darragh and published by Accent. Some prominent Wellington writers will be in attendance. Guest speaker Professor Jonathan Boston. The launch will follow the 7pm Mass at the Wellington Catholic cathedral in Hill St.
Drinks and finger food provided. Contact Catherine Gibbs    c.gibbs@tci.ac.nz for more information.

St Anthony’s School Recipe Book
Filled with favourite recipes from our school families, these make a great gift to stash away for Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas.  A great everyday recipe book to go to when you are sick of cooking the same old things! Only $20 each.
Support the school by purchasing a book and receive a free bag of homemade biscuits.
A sample book and order forms are in the church foyer or contact Kirsten Bouras 3808 856 bourasfamily@paradise.net.nz to place your order.
 
They will also be available to purchase after
 10am Mass at St Anthony’s on 10th April.
  The Annual Acies (Consecration Service) of the Legion of Mary will take place at
St Joseph's Church Mt Victoria
Sunday 10th April 2016 at 2:00pm.
The Celebrant will be Reverend Father Francis D'Souza, ICPE Mission. All religious, active, auxiliary members and parishioners are warmly invited to attend and once again consecrate themselves to Our Blessed Lady in Honour of the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord.
 

 
Dove Wellington welcomes all women to their meeting on Saturday 16 April, 1.15-3pm, at Connolly Hall, Wellington.  
We are thrilled to invite Melody Nunns as our guest speaker.  Melody is a loving mother with a powerful testimony that shows how, through hearing and being obedient to the will of the God, God can and does make amazing things happen.  If you are concerned for your children, if you are searching for hope where there seems to be little, if you long for God to do amazing things in your life; this is a meeting that you do not want to miss. 
We look forward to seeing you there. Queries to Rachel Blackaby on (04) 233 2553

St Patrick’s Church Altar Server Training
If you have completed the sacramental programme and would like the opportunity to be an altar server at St Patrick’s Church, the training session is Thursday 28th April at 10am in Church. This session is for new and current servers.
Contact Senior Altar Server Andrew Greening 3861233 for more details

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25th April
ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 9.30AM
Followed by a cup of coffee and biscuits in the meeting room.
On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass.

Religious Approaches Inequality.
 
Public seminar Wednesday 13 April, 7pm Wellington Islamic Centre, 7 Queens Drive, Kilbirnie
 
Inequality has been around since biblical times – based on economic position, gender, race, and other factors. Our Abrahamic religions have approaches to inequality that have many similarities but significant and interesting differences. Come to this public seminar, and learn more about how religions can contribute to the public discourse about inequality, led by our speakers: Carol Ratnam – Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation Bishop Justin Duckworth – Wellington Anglican Diocese Kerem Caliskan – Pearl of the Islands Foundation All welcome – we look forward to seeing you there! For more information, contact info@abrahamic.nz or ring Dave Moskovitz on 027 220 2202

New Zealand Community for Christian Meditation
 
 A day of meditation and reflection will take place in The Home of Compassion, Island Bay on Saturday 23rd April from 10 am to 2.30 pm Please bring lunch and a donation for expenses. tea and coffee supplied All welcome.

CHILDREN DON’T ARRIVE WITH AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL
  If you would like your family life to be the best it can be, we have a great course coming up.  Whatever your situation, the practical tools you will learn can help you to improve and strengthen your family life.  Over five evenings you will cover: building a strong family centred on love, meet your children’s needs, set effective boundaries, teach healthy relationships and pass on values that are important to you.  This is an international course sponsored by the parish and held in the Gascoigne Room at St Anthony’s 7.30pm from Tuesday 10 May.  To enrol call or text Ruth 0276700365 or Kim 0222426288, babysitting is available.
 
 

 
“We need saints without cassocks, without veils - we need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. We need saints that go to the movies that listen to music, that hang out with their friends (...)We need saints that are open, sociable, normal, happy companions. We need saints who are in this world and who know how to enjoy the best in this world without being callous or mundane. We need saints.”
-Pope Francis

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY
 
BENEFIT IMPACT WEEK IN THE HUTT VALLEY
 
Do you want to lend a hand?
 
The Benefit Impact Week will be held from the 9th-13th of May and will be hosted at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Hutt.  The week will be organised by Benefit Educational Services Trust, Caritas and Catholic Social Services.  Benefit Impact Week is when benefit advocates assist people who are on a benefit and Work & Income to check if they are receiving the full benefit they are eligible for.
As a volunteer there are different roles people might consider taking on.  They include benefit advocates, runners, supporters and hospitality.  Anyone who wishes to volunteer as a benefit advocate will need to commit to the training on the 9th May and have some availability during that week.  Experienced Advocates will be available for support.  Other roles will require only a briefing on the days you are available from the 10th- 13th May.

If you want to volunteer as a Benefit Advocate contact:
Teresa Homan            529 8108         hvbest@xtra.co.nz
If you want to want to volunteer as a runner, supporter or hospitality, contact:
Maria Noonan 385 8642 or 021982167 maria.noonan@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
 
Please contact us by Friday 22nd April
 

MALO E LELEI – TALOFA LAVA – WELCOME
 
Who among us has not wondered whether or not God hears our prayers? Who among us has not had moments when we wondered where God is for us? Who among us has not felt the weight of Jesus’s words as he hung dying on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”.
Thank goodness we encounter Thomas every year at this time – Thank goodness the Church repeatedly sends him to us so that with him we can ponder, quest and find Jesus of Nazareth who, in his resurrection, has become for us Christ the Lord. Thank goodness it was Thomas who cried out: “My Lord and my God”.
What happened on Easter morning and thereafter? We could take doubters to the tomb and they would find it to be empty. But what would that prove? Nothing – except that the tomb was empty. They would not see and encounter the risen Christ. The answer to the question “What happened” is found in the lives of all who down through the centuries, have encountered Christ as He has come to us in others who share our humanity.
What a blessing it is that Thomas was among the twelve. What a blessing it is
 that the gift of the twelve has, down through the centuries, eventually come to us. What a gift it is that God’s Holy Spirit has been manifestly at work throughout our church’s history. What a gift is it that the faith of the church is a gift we can receive and rely upon today, tomorrow, and throughout the days of our lives.
 
Father Sanele
 
St Patrick’s Church Altar Server Training
If you have completed the sacramental programme and would like the opportunity to be an altar server at St Patrick’s Church, the training session is Thursday 28th April at 10am in Church. This session is for new and current servers.
Contact Senior Altar Server Andrew Greening 3861233 for more details
 

 
CHILDREN DON’T ARRIVE WITH AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL
 
If you would like your family life to be the best it can be, we have a great course coming up.  Whatever your situation, the practical tools you will learn can help you to improve and strengthen your family life.  Over five evenings you will cover: building a strong family centred on love, meet your children’s needs, set effective boundaries, teach healthy relationships and pass on values that are important to you.  This is an international course sponsored by the parish and held in the Gascoigne Room at St Anthony’s 7.30pm from Tuesday 10 May.  To enrol call or text Ruth 0276700365 or Kim 0222426288, babysitting is available.
 
 

 
News and Views out this weekend.
 
Would collectors from St Patrick’s please take their copies for distribution from the back of the Church.
Decree from the New Zealand
 Catholic Bishops Conference.
 
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference has sought and obtained from the Apostolic See on 7 January 2016 (cf decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Prot. 702/15) approval for the transfer of the liturgical celebration of St Dominic from 7 August to 3 August with the rank of Memorial in the Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of New Zealand.

New St Patrick’s Mass roster
Copies available from the back of the Church. 

Life Teen Holy Trinity 2016
Life Teen is a youth movement within the Catholic Church!! It's run on a Sunday night starting with Mass at 5.30pm followed by food and a Life Night ending at 8.30pm. For Teenagers 12-18 and Young
 Adults 18-35! Come and hang out, have fun, make friends, and encounter Jesus!!! If you are interested in being involved as an adult leader, please come and see what we do!
 
40 Days of Life: Amazingly, 516 babies were saved during the recent campaign! While there are no New Zealand babies in the official figures, many graces were definitely poured out in our city.
THANK YOU to everyone who participated by praying, fasting and being a prophetic sign outside the hospital. You are true heroes. FROM the Core Group.

St Anthony’s School Recipe Book
 
Filled with favourite recipes from our school families, these make a great gift to stash away for Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas. 
A great everyday recipe book to go to when you are sick of cooking the same old things!
Only $20 each.
Support the school by purchasing a book and receive a free bag of homemade biscuits.
A sample book and order forms are in the church foyer or contact Kirsten Bouras 3808 856 bourasfamily@paradise.net.nz to place your order.
 
They will also be available to purchase after
 10am Mass at St Anthony’s on 10th April.
 

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25th April
ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 9.30AM
 
Followed by a cup of coffee and biscuits in the meeting room.
On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass.

 
Dove Wellington welcomes all women to their meeting on Saturday 16 April, between 1.15-3pm, at Connolly Hall, Wellington.  
We are thrilled to invite Melody Nunns as our guest speaker.  Melody is a loving mother with a powerful testimony that shows how, through hearing and being obedient to the will of the God, God can and does make amazing things happen.  If you are concerned for your children, if you are searching for hope where there seems to be little, if you long for God to do amazing things in your life; this is a meeting that you do not want to miss. 
We look forward to seeing you there. Queries to Rachel Blackaby on (04) 233 2553

Holy Cross Happy Hour – Weds 6th April 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.

Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2016
10 in-depth days in Medjugorje only.  Excellent value. See your noticeboard or visit www.mirpilgrimages.co.nz  Contact: Patricia Parsons ph: 0274 219 064. 
Email: info@mirpilgrimages.co.nz

Divine Mercy Celebration
You are all invited to join in the Divine Mercy Celebrations to be held on Sunday 3rd April, after the 10.30am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Tawa. Taking place during the celebration are the Blessing of religious objects, the Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image, Anointing for healing and the Chaplet of Diving Mercy. The celebrant will be Monsignor Roman Walczak, deputy head of Mission, Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See. Reconciliation will be available from 9.45am to the start of Mass at 10.30am. Refreshments will be served after the service.
The Annual Acies (Consecration Service) of the Legion of Mary will take place at St Joseph's Church Mt Victoria on Sunday 10th April 2016 at 2:00pm.
 
The Celebrant will be Reverend Father Francis D'Souza, ICPE Mission.
 
All religious, active, auxiliary members and parishioners are warmly invited to attend and once again consecrate themselves to Our Blessed Lady in Honour of the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord.

Religious Approaches Inequality. 
Public seminar Wednesday 13 April, 7pm Wellington Islamic Centre, 7 Queens Drive, Kilbirnie
 
Inequality has been around since biblical times – based on economic position, gender, race, and other factors. Our Abrahamic religions have approaches to inequality that have many similarities but significant and interesting differences. Come to this public seminar, and learn more about how religions can contribute to the public discourse about inequality, led by our speakers: Carol Ratnam – Wellington Progressive Jewish Congregation Bishop Justin Duckworth – Wellington Anglican Diocese Kerem Caliskan – Pearl of the Islands Foundation All welcome – we look forward to seeing you there! For more information, contact info@abrahamic.nz or ring Dave Moskovitz on 027 220 2202

Parish Quiz night is coming!
Start organising your team for a fun night out with the Parish Community.
Details to follow soon.
Does anyone have spare St Patrick’s College uniform in good condition for a Year 9 student?
If you do, can you drop it off in the St Patrick’s Church porch with “Sisters of Compassion” on it please. Thank you.

 If you’d like to receive your copy electronically, email holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  put newsletter in the subject line, and you will be added to our list.
Please remember, if you move or change any of your details, please contact the parish office so your record can be updated Thank you.

​BE MERCIFUL
A Pastoral Letter
from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops
April 2016
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus
 
The Year of Mercy, still in its first quarter, has captured wide interest throughout the Catholic world. When Pope Francis called us to open our eyes to the wonder of God’s mercy, he sparked a flame that is warming hearts as we understand more fully the healing and life-giving power of mercy.
 
Assuring us that The Name of God is Mercy, Pope Francis draws us to shed any fear that guilt might impose, and to approach God with trust and confidence, as a child before a loving parent. This “Year” is giving us an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen or renew our personal relationship with God and with one another.
 
The call to be merciful like the Father takes us to the heart of the Gospel where every action of
Jesus, the face of God’s mercy, models that call. His life makes visible the eagerness of God to offer everyone the gift of mercy, seeking only that we ourselves be merciful. Jesus endorses this with his promise that the merciful “shall have mercy shown them” [Matthew, 5: 7].
 
Mercy is a way of life. It is not a quality that we adopt depending on the mood of the moment. It I
not a set of clothing kept aside for important outings. The merciful are people in touch with their
own weakness and therefore they do not expect perfection in others.
 
The merciful do not ignore or minimise wrong-doing, but they seek to understand before judging,
and, wherever possible, are ready to excuse. As a way of life, mercy directs our outlook and our
expectations, reflecting a particular view of the world and other people.
 
The strength of gentleness empowers the merciful.
 
The way of mercy flows from the sacred scriptures that tell of God’s love for our world – a love
revealed above all in the gift of Jesus who came not to condemn but to save, not to weigh down but to lift up and set free. He showed this in the way he became involved in people’s lives, touching a leper and the eyes of a blind man, weeping at the death of his friend Lazarus. He suffered with the suffering, compassionately. Mercy becomes possible when the pain of the other becomes your own pain. Jesus illustrates this particularly well in his parables of mercy.
 
The “Good Samaritan” invests considerable expense and time into helping the wounded traveller, and leaves the lesson that unless we do likewise, helping the abandoned and the most desperate, we will not “inherit eternal life” [see Luke 10:25-37]
 
The three “mercy stories” in Luke, chapter 15, reinforce the greatness of God’s mercy. The three
“findings”: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, come after much patient searching and
heart-breaking effort. The sheep, the coin and the son, speak of the animal, mineral and human
world – the whole of creation. God wants nothing to be lost. Seeking out the lost is the mission of Jesus and the mission of all who follow his way.
 
“Be merciful to me” is not a call to “go easy on me” but rather a plea for help to become better,
stronger, more capable of contributing to life. The merciful reach out with encouragement,
recognising the potential for healing and growth.
Pope Francis writes that mercy is “the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his (her) brothers and sisters on the path of life.” [Misericordiae Vultus 2] Mercy is therefore a personal choice, freely opening the heart to let the stream of mercy flow, thereby changing the way we see other people. It is not be an easy choice
 
because it goes against the grain. I have to forgo my “right” to be annoyed, to be angry, to want revenge! Yet it is by letting go of these “rights” that we find true joyfulness in living.
 
As this Holy Year of Mercy continues, we should each give ourselves generously to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, seeing it as an opportunity for wholehearted thanksgiving no less than for sincere sorrow. This is not an encounter to be feared but rather a home-coming to anticipate with joy. You will find a ready welcome from any priest you approach. Remember, God’s mercy, like love, does not come to an end. In Pope Francis’ words, mercy is greater than any sin. [Misericordiae Vultus 3]
 
The Easter season celebrates the power of light over darkness and life over death. The risen Jesus transformed his weak and unfaithful followers with words of hope and pardon. “Peace be with you” replaced their fear and shame with a joyful awareness of how much they were loved. Loved and forgiven, they become unshakeable witnesses to the whole world of the power of love to overcome evil and to forgive without limit.
 
Our diocesan cathedrals each have special “doors of mercy” for this year, thrown open in welcome and thanksgiving. They reveal a path to the risen, glorified Christ waiting to welcome you – whatever your failings – into the presence of love, the presence of mercy. Come and visit with family and friends and other parishioners. Pass through these doors and hear the echo of those words that brought cheer and hope to broken friendships. “Peace be with you!” Let them
transform you into unbeatable witnesses of a God slow to anger and rich in mercy.
 
As you experience and hold the gift of mercy let it become part of your daily life. Don’t be too quick to judge or take delight in another’s misfortune. Be generous with compliments and do not
withhold your forgiveness when the path to forgive is open to you. Knowing the peace that comes with being forgiven, welcome every opportunity to bring that peace to others.
 
William Shakespeare wrote, “The quality of mercy is not strained. It drops as the gentle rain from
heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest. It blesses those that give and those that
take…. Mercy seasons justice”.
 
The gift of mercy is especially God’s gift to us in this Holy Year with the opportunity to both
encounter mercy and share it. With Pope Francis, we, your bishops, look to this time as a way of
revealing “the Church’s deeply maternal and merciful side, a Church that goes forth towards those who are ‘wounded’ who are in need of an attentive ear, understanding, forgiveness and love.” [The Name of God is Mercy p53]
 
Be merciful just as your Father is merciful [Luke 6:36].
 
John Dew                           Patrick Dunn                                  Charles Drennan
Archbishop of Wellington   Bishop of Auckland                         Bishop of Palmerston North
President, NZCBC               Secretary, NZCBC
 
 Stephen Lowe                   Colin Campbell                             Peter Cullinane
Bishop of Hamilton              Bishop of Dunedin Emeritus          Bishop of Palmerston North
 
Fr Rick Loughnan
Administrator, Diocese of Christchurch