Acts 5, 12-16; Apo 1, 9-13. 17-19; Jn 20, 19-31 Doubting comes from being out of communion
Dear sisters and brothers, as you know Thomas, one of the twelve apostles was not with the disciples when Jesus came. Other disciples reported him of the Risen Lord. But he was firm in touching and seeing him himself and would not believe. When Thomas finally witnessed Jesus a week later, responded saying,“ My Lord and my God!” He was reprimanded by Jesus to stop doubting but believing. Greater emphasis is put on those who have not seen yet believe. Perhaps most of us fall in this category. Thomas due to sadness and grief lost hope. Perhaps he was afraid of persecution and decided to move away from the community. I guess, the doubt arose due to separation from his brothers. He separated himself from the believing community that made him week in his faith. Perhaps we too, begin to have doubts and stop going to the church. Out of communion resulting loss of affection, crippling doubt assails us. By His out pouring of Peace, Jesus calms the fear of his decuples and heals the doubt of Thomas in one stoke. Jesus restores us back in communion with him. Jesus invites you and me to look at his wounds and touch him and includes in his communion. His love for us supersede all our fear, doubt and separation. With his gift of peace sends forth the gift of Holy Spirit which help us forgive one another and our own sins through the sacrament of reconciliation. We are called to be communion restorers and bridge builders. Peace be with you. 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. Safeguarding in our Parish – Thursday May 9th St Patrick’s Parish Centre 7pm The Archdiocese will be running a workshop on the 9th May regarding the polcies, standards and code of conduct regarding safe practices within the Church. Everyone is invited to attend but this is compulsory for certain groups including Parish Council, employees, sacramental programme, children’s liturgy, SVdP, Legion of Mary, Secular Franciscians, Apostolate of St Joseph, Communion to the Sick, RCIA and anyone who is engaged with children, young people or vulnerable adults. Cup of tea at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. RSVP 388 6953 or [email protected] by 3rd May Holy Trinity Parish Catholic Book Club – Sunday 28th April: Explore the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic faith through its great books! At Holy Cross Church Parish Centre, 6-7pm. Light supper will be provided. Connect with fellow passionate Catholics for like-minded discussion. For enquiries, contact 3882-840 or [email protected] If you would like Father to bless your home or your family please send through your contact details to [email protected] HOLY CROSS CHURCH CARPARK Please only park in the designated parks. The accessway to the presbytery at the back needs to remain clear at all times. This applies to both weekend and weekday Masses. Do you have any memories/photographs/information from the early days of our 3 churches? Trisha would love to hear from you. She is compiling a history of the churches in the Eastern Suburbs in relation to the upcoming centenary for St Patrick’s Church . lease contact her 04 934 3179 to share any information you have. Thank you in advance If God exists, it changes everything! Alpha talks are designed to engage guests and inspire conversation. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christian faith, addressing questions like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and how do I pray?” and “How does God guide us?”. The sessions are available again this year. There are two sessions one starting at 4pm and the other starting at 7pm in the Holy Cross School Staffroom from Wednesday 22 May. To enrol please call or email the parish office or text Dave Monastra on 0274477280. Feel free to bring family members and friends. How religion (our faith) and science work together. Free Workshop by Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ. Director of the Vatican Observatory. Wed 8th May. St Anne’s Hall, 22 Emmett St, Newtown. 1-4pm. RSVP by May3rd Mary-Ann Greaney [email protected] or 04 496 1784 (Please leave a message.) Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Newtown, over five Thursday evenings – 2-30 May 7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or information contact Sarah Dench 04 9733 501 or 021 0814 4424 or [email protected] Healing Service There will be a Healing Service with Fr John Rea at Sacred Heart Church, Petone, 41 Britannia St. on Wednesday 1 May beginning at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. Please bring those who need Jesus` healing. Go you are sent to fellow Christians (9) Have shared events on neutral territory e.g. picnics, BBQ’s We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Ian Murray, Audrey Wearne, I Kapelielu and J Avery. Our prayers are also 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.
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Act 10, 37-43; Col 3, 1-4; Jn 20, 1-9
Alleluia!!! The Lord is Risen!!! Assigning Peter’s speech to our Easter Sunday readings requires a lot of “fast forward”. There is no way Peter could have spoken like that on Easter Sunday. Like the other apostles, Peter was both scared and discouraged after the Good Friday experience and it took not only repeated manifestations of the risen Lord, but most especially the Pentecost experience, for Peter to have the courage to speak like that. It is quite remarkable that Peter’s catechetical summary almost belabours one point: we are witnesses that he is risen. This is in fact the core of the early apostolic preaching, before distortions necessitated pastoral and theological clarifications. Their witnessing needed to be enabled by a twofold support: love and faith. Their love was there, which is why they were grieving, but their faith had been shaken by the Good Friday events. They hid in the upper room and some started to walk away, as the two Emmaus disciples did. The same is clear in the gospel - Love is alive enough for both disciples to run to the tomb, but their faith had been crushed and finding that the tomb was indeed empty meant nothing to Peter. The beloved disciple’s faith had also been shaken, but his love led him to ponder and remember the words of Jesus. It was this love that awaken his faith. We need both love and faith. We know that faith is gift, but loving God and loving others can awaken in us the gift of faith. Dear sisters and brothers, in his love God has redeemed and made us victorious from our sin. Today is the day to rejoice, shout and cry loud the song of Alleluia: Alleluia, Jesus is Risen: Happy Easter 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. A big thank you to all those involved in Easter preparations and services. We appreaciate all your hard work. We wish all Parishioners a happy Easter. Frs Ephrem and Paul If you would like Father to bless your home or your family please send through your contact details to [email protected] ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25th April ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 11AM On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass. HOLY CROSS CHURCH Please only park in the designated parks. The accessway to the presbytery at the back needs to remain clear at all times. This applies to both weekend and weekday Masses. Thank you to those who turned up to help clean St Patrick’s Church in preperation for Easter. You did a wonderful job and we are grateful for all your help. Do you have any memories/photographs/information from the early days of our 3 churches? Trisha would love to hear from you. She is compiling a history of the churches in the Eastern Suburbs in relation to the upcoming centenary for St Patrick’s Church Please contact her 04 934 3179 to share any information you have. Thank you in advance Safeguarding in our Parish – Thursday May 9th St Patrick’s Parish Centre 7pm The Archdiocese will be running a workshop on the 9th May regarding the polcies, standards and code of conduct regarding safe pracrices within the Church. Everyone is invited to attend but this is compulsory for certain groups including Parish Council, employees, sacramental programme, children’s liturgy, SVdP, Legion of Mary, and anyone who is engaged with children, young people or vulnerable adults. Cup of tea at 6.45pm for a 7pm start. RSVP 388 6953 or [email protected] by 3rd May Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church: SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you. Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair Saturday 27 April: 8am – 4pm and Sunday 28 April: 9am – 3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, 22 Emmett Street, Newtown The Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair is back once again. All books are $2 or less alongside fabrics and recycled haberdasheries from our very own Vinnies Re Sew. The proceeds from the Vinnies Book and Fabric Fair go towards our Vinnies Welfare Programs. From providing food parcels and advocacy support to helping people move into their new homes, combating loneliness and upskilling members of our communities. Interested in joining the Book Fair volunteer team? Contact [email protected] or call 04 389 7122. Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 23 April beginning at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, singing, times of silence and conclude with Benediction followed by supper. Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations You are invited to join in the celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday which is to be held on Sunday 28th of April at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, 301 Karori Road, Karori. The program will take place from 2.00 – 4.15 pm and will include Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Blessing of religious objects, and the Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. Refreshments and nibbles will be served after the service. How religion (our faith) and science work together. Free Workshop by Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ. Director of the Vatican Observatory. Wed 8th May. St Anne’s Hall, 22 Emmett St, Newtown. 1-4pm. RSVP by May3rd Mary-Ann Greaney [email protected] or 04 496 1784 (Please leave a message.) Say No to the Euthanasia Bill – Care Alliance Petition The Care Alliance has started a nation-wide petition to all MP’s urging them to vote ‘NO” to the End of Life Choice Euthanasia Bill. Some of you have already taken the opportunity to sign this petition. If you have not yet done so, and you will be eligible to vote in next years election, you can still sign online: This petition has the full backing of the NZ Bishops. Go to www.carealliance.org.nz and simply click on the “Sign the Petition” button. Your support for this Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821 Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. Christian Life Community Wellington invites you to attend an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ Participants meet weekly, under the guidance of trained guides, to pray and share in small groups their experience of prayer. The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Emmett St, Newtown, Wellington, over five Thursday evenings - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 2019 7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or for further information contact Sarah Dench 04 9733 501 or 021 0814 4424 or [email protected] New Zealand Catholic Medical Association DATE SAVER: Inaugural Meeting Saturday: 25 May 2019 10am -3pm at St Michael’s School Hall, 6 Beatrice Road, Remuera, Auckland - Cost $25 per person. Will include Blessing and Holy Mass from Bishop Patrick Dunn and provide an opportunity for doctors and others involved in healthcare to find pastoral care, support, encouragement and faith development. We wish to extend an invitation to doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapist, counsellors, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, dentists, health administrators, lawyers and anyone who works in allied roles. Registration is required for catering purposes by 20 May 2019.Event details: newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz/event Contact email: [email protected] Go you are sent to care for creation (8) Have bit sized chunks and reflections on care for creation after communion and in newsletters We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Henry Martin, , Mary Dykes, Ola Lis and Margaret Peters. Our prayers are also 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. Is 50, 4-7; Phil 2, 6-11; Lk 22, 14-23, 56
Palm Sunday, with its palms, processions and readings, is one of the special days that can evoke strong emotional connections in our spiritual history, for those who have been in the church most of their lives. For those who are newer to Catholicism and Christianity, I suspect it still makes an impact because of its uniqueness. I remember how unusual the palms seemed when I was a youngster. They were like nothing else I experienced in church or anywhere in my life—long strips of greenery, kind of chartreuse in colour, that we willingly accepted and then carefully protected on the way home, where they would be tacked behind a crucifix or religious picture or at the door way, in a prominent place in our home for the next 12 months. Jesus’ triumphant entry into the village, amid hosannas and palm-waving, doesn’t allow us to reflect long on the admiration and approval the people had for him. In sync with Jesus’ retort that “even the stones will cry out,” it would be nice to bask in the moment for a bit; it would be pleasant to dare to think about how satisfying and rewarding that afternoon must have been—and how well-deserved. But, almost immediately, we are taken beyond that scene into the rest of what Holy Week is about—the seriousness of the Last Supper, the trials, betrayals, torture and death. Some of those who true disciples were so excited must have legitimately been moved by Jesus and his power and his love. We often feel holier than thou and wonder how they could have possibly been so fickle, so easily swayed, so rootless in our spiritual depth. But we also know how we turn our backs to the good and the righteous when we don’t have all the facts, and even sometimes when we do. Let us linger a little longer amid the palm-wavers. Feel their excitement, their enthusiasm for Jesus and his message. Reflect on his miraculous works and his soul-deep love. And to pray that the reality of the joy that comes from worshipping him will sustain us through the dark times until Easter’s rising, each time we see the palms tucked beneath the cross in our living rooms. 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. Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. With the parish being reduced to 2 priests following Fr Gregory’s return to India it is now only possible to hold 2 Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. The Archdiocese has a directive that Holy Cross Church is to have minimal use due to the building being considered earthquake prone. Following discussion with the Leadership groups within the parish it has been decided not to hold one of these services in this building. We apologise for any inconvenience. Fr Ephrem. Easter Services: Holy Thursday: 18th April (no morning Mass at any Church) St Patrick’s: 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday: 19th April St Patrick’s: 10am Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s Church to All Saints, Hataitai St Anthony’s: 10am Way of the Cross starts and finishes at St Anthony’s 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at St Patrick’s and St Anthony’s Churches Saturday Easter Vigil: 20st April St Patrick’s: 8pm Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor Easter Sunday: 21st April Holy Cross: 9am St Patrick’s: 10am St Anthony’s: 10.30am Singers and Musicians: There will be a practice on the next Monday 7-8pm, St.Patrick's Church, in preparation for Easter. All welcome. St Patrick’s Morning MassTuesday 16th April. Please note: Mass will be at 9am to give our priests time to get to the clergy prayer day at 10am. Holy Thursday Mass Children who made their First Holy Communion in 2018 are invited to take part in the Holy Thursday Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Please contact Leona 021 165 5289 The children will process up to the altar and scatter petals. We will need petals on the day so could you please drop these off to the office on HOLY THURSDAY BEFORE 12PM. Candles for Holy Saturday. Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor. Good Friday Holy Places Collection – This collection will be taken up on during the 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lords Passion . Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church: SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you. Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821 BULLETIN NOTICE: Palm Sunday Candlelight Vigil for the Unborn. Sunday 14 April @ 7pm. Come join caring people from all over Wellington in a peaceful prayer vigil outside Wellington Hospital where more than 1300 babies lose their lives to abortion every year. We mourn their lives and pray for healing for all those impacted by the tragedy of abortion and for the conversion of clinic workers. Riddiford Street, Outside Wellington Hosptial, Newtown Archdiocesan North Island Chrism Mass – the Mass of the oils, Tuesday 16th April 7pm, St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie [email protected] or 0272458859 How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington. OPEN LETTER TO ALL M.P.s RE ABORTION now urgent. Upcoming Legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH. Overseas experience indicates that will be the forerunner to debate on even worse atrocities for the unborn child, including “partial-birth” abortions, “after- birth” abortions, and infanticide. If you wish to add your name to an Inter-Denominational ”Open Letter to all members of Parliament” email [email protected] you will receive a copy of the Letter by return. May God Bless our mutual efforts. Thank you, Don Brebner. Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair Saturday 27 April: 8am – 4pm and Sunday 28 April: 9am – 3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, 22 Emmett Street, Newtown The Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair is back once again. All books are $2 or less alongside fabrics and recycled haberdasheries from our very own Vinnies Re Sew. The proceeds from the Vinnies Book and Fabric Fair go towards our Vinnies Welfare Programs. From providing food parcels and advocacy support to helping people move into their new homes, combating loneliness and upskilling members of our communities. Interested in joining the Book Fair volunteer team? Contact [email protected] or call 04 389 7122. Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations You are invited to join in the celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday which is to be held on Sunday 28th of April at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, 301 Karori Road, Karori. The program will take place from 2.00 – 4.15 pm and will include Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Blessing of religious objects, and the Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. Refreshments and nibbles will be served after the service. With today’s celebration of Palm Sunday we enter a week that we call Holy Week. While every week is holy, in this Holy Week we face death. While some will simply look back two thousand years and recall the historic events of Jesus’ suffering and death, we Christians today make a decision to walk this path to the cross with Jesus. Not that we will necessarily die this week, but every one of us will face death in some way: uncertainly in a relationship, work and home worries, financial insecurity, anxiety about those we love. Each of these unwanted experiences is a taste of death and very week is holy when we remember the cross of Jesus. As a child I recall crucifixes hanging prominently in Catholic homes and classrooms. In recent years we seem to have thought it better to focus on the resurrection, egged-on by an emphasis on positive thinking urging us to look on the bright side of life. But our challenge is to recall that resurrection only makes sense for the one who has died, and death (because of the death and resurrection of Jesus) is no longer the problem in life or the obstacle to growth but the pathway to intimacy with God and others now and eternally. And the Sign of the Cross, the best known of all Catholic prayers, even when signed in silence in a moment of need, is the most simple and profound of all prayers. An Invitation: Take this week ahead, the journey to Easter, as a retreat in daily life. While you maintain all necessary family, work and social commitments, take time every day to sit with the crucifix. Feel with Jesus the pain of being betrayed and abandoned by friends and unjustly punished and crucified. Know that the crucifix is the reminder that our own struggles, anxiety and suffering when lived with Jesus, is our path to the abundant life we seek here on earth and for eternity. Fr. John O’Connor www.foodforfaith.org.nz Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. Christian Life Community Wellington invites you to attend an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ Participants meet weekly, under the guidance of trained guides, to pray and share in small groups their experience of prayer. The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Emmett St, Newtown, Wellington, over five Thursday evenings - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 2019 7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or for further information contact Sarah Dench 04 9733 501 or 021 0814 4424 or [email protected] New Zealand Catholic Medical Association DATE SAVER: Inaugural Meeting Saturday: 25 May 2019 10am -3pm at St Michael’s School Hall, 6 Beatrice Road, Remuera, Auckland - Cost $25 per person. Will include Blessing and Holy Mass from Bishop Patrick Dunn and provide an opportunity for doctors and others involved in healthcare to find pastoral care, support, encouragement and faith development. We wish to extend an invitation to doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapist, counsellors, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, dentists, health administrators, lawyers and anyone who works in allied roles. Registration is required for catering purposes by 20 May 2019.Event details: newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz/event Contact email: [email protected] Help share the heart of the Easter message on mainstream radio CBA has brought together some of NZ’s most respected Christian broadcasters to present the real Easter message on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport. Two nationwide networks. Envelopes avail Phone 0900 80 222 to make a $20 donation or visit cba.org.nz/give Go you are sent …to your peripheries (7) Promote the work of the Marriage Tribunal. We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Daphne Hatchwell, Maria Arlukiewicz, Leonard Maxim, William Corkery, Peter Hopkins and Patrick Connolly. Our prayers are also 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. Is 43, 16-21; Phil 3, 4-18; Jn 8, 1-11 (RCIA year A)
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” I hid in the bushes so no one in the crowd dragging my friend Miriam to be stoned could see me. I wanted to stop the horror but didn’t know how because I was just a frightened woman up against powerful religious authorities. Miriam and I were neighbours. We had played together, cared for our younger brothers and sisters together and helped our mothers carry water from the well. Miriam was so stunningly beautiful that she couldn’t go anywhere without men staring at her. On this fateful day, Miriam was missing. I tried to find her. Could our neighbour Jacob, have lured her into his house while his wife was visiting her mother in the next village? I knew that Jacob was unfaithful to his wife but he was charming and Miriam might have thought that his invitation for a cold drink was innocent. I followed at a distance until the crowd encountered a man they called Jesus. The leaders mockingly asked him whether they should stone Miriam as some sort of test. Then the miracle happened. Jesus said that any of them who had never sinned should throw the first stone. I watched in amazement as they slowly dropped their rocks like guilty children and left Miriam with Jesus. He was so kind when he told her that he did not condemn her. I could see how relieved she was and also how changed she was. I wanted to embrace both of them but dared not intrude. But I wondered who is this Jesus who defends a powerless woman against our leaders? Had God sent him to save all of us? After Jesus left, I emerged from the bush and took Miriam to my home. We thanked God for delivering her and for the gift of Jesus. Neither of us would ever be the same again because we had found a God of mercy and compassion who cares equally for all his children. 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. Does anyone have a hedge or bush we could trim for Palm Sunday? If you do, could you please contact the parish office 388 5369 or [email protected] by Tuesday. Thank you HOLY CROSS PALM SUNDAY CELEBRATION procession of the palms will begin from the back entrance of the Church at 8.45am so Mass can begin at 9am. No parking at the back of the church please. RCIA – This evening at St. Patrick’s we have the Third and final Scrutiny for Finn Stallmann. The Gospel tells the story of the raising of Lazarus. The rite focuses on death – and on our faith that the Resurrection of Christ opens the way for our being raised to eternal life. Let us pray that Finn, and all of us, will always have this faith. Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019 6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre Monday – Saturday during Lent Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina Thursdays during Lent Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church 7th March – 11th April 2019 Thursday 11th April 7pm Filipino Community (Thess Ama) Easter Services: Parish Lenten Reconciliation: Wednesday 10th April St Patrick’s: 7pm Holy Thursday: 18th April (no morning Mass at any Church) St Patrick’s: 7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday: 19th April St Patrick’s: 10am Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s Church to All Saints, Hataitai St Anthony’s: 10am Way of the Cross starts and finishes at St Anthony’s 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at St Patrick’s and St Anthony’s Churches Saturday Easter Vigil: 20st April St Patrick’s: 8pm Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor Easter Sunday: 21st April Holy Cross: 9am St Patrick’s: 10am St Anthony’s: 10.30am Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. With the parish being reduced to 2 priests following Fr Gregory’s return to India it is now only possible to hold 2 Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. The Archdiocese has a directive that Holy Cross Church is to have minimal use due to the building being considered earthquake prone. Following discussion with the Leadership groups within the parish it has been decided not to hold one of these services in this building. We apologise for any inconvenience. Fr Ephrem. The International Centennial Pilgram Image of Our Lady of Fatima Theme: “the urgent call for Prayer and Reparation: The Appeal of Our Lady of Fatima” St Patrick’ Church April 8-9. See noticeboard for more details Singers and Musicians: There will be a practice on the next two Mondays 7-8pm, St.Patrick's Church, in preparation for Easter. All welcome. Holy Cross Happy Hour Weds 10th April from 11am in the Parish Centre. Come join us for bingo. Please bring a small plate of finger food to enjoy with our tea/coffee. All welcome St Patrick’s Church Easter clean. Saturday 13th April from 10am – 12pm. If you have some time to spare, come down and help us give the Church a once over. Any help greatly appreciated. St Catherine's Convent School Kilbirnie 1917-1951 Were you a pupil? Do you know someone who was? A book "The School On The Hill" has been written recording pupils' memories. It details with photos the social history of the time, the Flu Epidemic, the pupils' operettas and concerts, what it was like being at school in WW2 and lots more. The Book Launch is on Saturday 13 April at 3pm at St Patrick's Church Parish Centre, Childers Tce, Kilbirnie. You are welcome to attend. Books will available for sale $25 each. For further information email the author Patricia O'Donnell [email protected] St Patrick’s Morning MassTuesday 16th April. Please note: Mass will be at 9am to give our priests time to get to the clergy prayer day at 10am. Holy Thursday Mass Children who made their First Holy Communion in 2018 are invited to take part in the Holy Thursday Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Please contact Leona 021 165 5289 The children will process up to the altar and scatter petals. We will need petals on the day so could you please drop these off to the office on HOLY THURSDAY BEFORE 12PM. Candles for Holy Saturday. Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor. Good Friday Holy Places Collection – This collection will be taken up on during the 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lords Passion . St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial In Nov 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass. A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events. If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to [email protected] This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity. Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church: SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you. Altar servers at St Patrick’s. Please contact the office with your phone number and email as the records are not right and we cant talk to you about your turns. [email protected] or 388 6953 Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821 Pacific People say NO to the Euthanasia Bill Rally at Parliament Tuesday 9 April 2019 11.00 am – 2.00pm MP’s meeting rally at 12pm. Legalised euthanasia could completely change the face of NZ as we know it. We must do something NOW. All parishioners are urged to support this important event. Lenten Prayer for Life to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds April 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 email [email protected] For info see the poster in the church porch. Archdiocesan North Island Chrism Mass – the Mass of the oils, Tuesday 16th April 7pm, St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington invites men to come along and join us on Thursday 11th April 2019 at 7:30pm (Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral). Speaker: Fr Kevin Connors on “You are called to be...” Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or [email protected] Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie [email protected] or 0272458859 How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington. OPEN LETTER TO ALL M.P.s RE ABORTION now urgent. Upcoming Legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH. Overseas experience indicates that will be the forerunner to debate on even worse atrocities for the unborn child, including “partial-birth” abortions, “after- birth” abortions, and infanticide. If you wish to add your name to an Inter-Denominational ”Open Letter to all members of Parliament” email [email protected] you will receive a copy of the Letter by return. May God Bless our mutual efforts. Thank you, Don Brebner. Receptionist Catholic Centre An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right person to take up a client focussed role at the ADW as a Receptionist for the Catholic Centre. We’re looking for a warm, energetic and approachable problem solver who is very customer focused. Has attention to detail, with a calm demeanour and a mature outlook on life. 20 - 30 hours per week, please send your resume and covering letter to [email protected] to receive a job description and application form. Applications close on 9th April 2019. Help share the heart of the Easter message on mainstream radio CBA has brought together some of NZ’s most respected Christian broadcasters to present the real Easter message on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport. Two nationwide networks. Envelopes avail Phone 0900 80 222 to make a $20 donation or visit cba.org.nz/give A few years ago I was asked to prepare a year 13 group to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I began by asking how many considered themselves to be sinners. A couple of hands went up including my own. I then asked again, explaining that my question was a serious one adding that all my friends were sinners. A few more hands were raised. For the next half hour I explained that we are created by God for abundant life, but we sin when our fears lead us to grasp at what is immediate and unsatisfying. I explained that the Sacrament of Reconciliation enables us to experience divine love and mercy in the part of our lives where we most struggle, and that this was a beautiful thing both in a human relationship and even more-so in our relationship with God. I concluded commenting that we are sinners, much more than we think we are, but this is not aproblem for our loving and merciful God. At the end of the class the teacher approached me, very angry, saying “we do all we can to build up our students’ self-esteem, and you shoot it down in one class by telling these young people that they are sinners.” The teacher did not understand that self-esteem is not a human achievement. Healthy self-esteem is the fruit of knowing that we are loved even as imperfect, weak and vulnerable sinners. We know Jesus to be “saviour,” and if we think we can sort our lives by our own efforts then we have no need for Jesus.An Invitation: Our sin, when we acknowledge it and confess it, becomes a privileged place of encounter with God. Make plans this week to set time to go to confession. You may not have been for twenty or more years, but this is no problem. Just do it! I guarantee that afterwards you will be delighted that you took the step. Fr. John O’Connor www.foodforfaith.org.nz Go you are sent …to deepen your bicultural relationship (5) Enable Māori to help parishioners with Te Reo so that it is appreciated in the parish We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Barbara Waterreaus and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Frederick Sparke, Mary Dillon and Francis Galvin. Our prayers are also 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. |
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October 2020
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