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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. Important information for participation in Parish Masses, commencing on 6 & 7 June: All members of Holy Trinity Parish can rejoice, as the New Zealand Catholic Bishops have said, that we are able to take these first steps towards returning to some semblance of normality. The Parish Pastoral Council has carefully considered the advice of the Bishops in establishing protocols and practices that will enable us to safely recommence Sunday worship, through a Vigil Mass and two Sunday morning Masses. Our start date coincides with the Feast of the Holy Trinity, on 6 & 7 June. Here are the protocols that apply during Alert Level 2 (the Council acknowledges that they may seem severe, but these are the Ministry of Health requirements, as applied by the Bishops and to our Parish circumstances):
If you have not already registered for Mass attendance or to volunteer, please do so now by clicking on this link https://forms.gle/d3qFRao9beKh6Xz6A or contact the Parish Office ([email protected] ; 04 388 6953). Please help anyone you know without access to the internet; with their permission, you can register them. Acts 2, 1-11; 1 Cor 12, 3-7. 12-13; Jn 20, 19-23 A Promised Fulfilled: The Spirit Of The Lord Is Upon Us! Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. After a period of fifty days of rejoicing over the resurrection of Christ, we have come to the definitive end of Easter Season. Pentecost is a feast which occupies a very important and prominent position in the Church’s history and liturgical calendar. This is because it serves as the bridge between Lenten/Easter Season and Ordinary Time of the year. A great number of scholars have suggested that the feast of Pentecost marks the beginning of the church. Today marks the actual beginning of the church’s missionary endeavour. Given this, what we celebrate today is equally the birthday of the Holy Mother Church. So it suffices to say, happy birthday to all the faithful! The principal actors or agents in today’s celebration include the Lord who today has fulfilled his promise, the Holy Spirit who has heard the voice of Jesus and made himself available, and finally, all believers who with open minds and hearts have welcomed the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we celebrate today a great feast, when Christ filled and equipped his church with the power of his Spirit and sent us out into the world to bring peace, unity, joy, forgiveness, love and eternal life to all humankind. The first reading of this Sunday tells the story of how Christ eventually fulfilled his promise to his disciples who faithfully heeded the injunction, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the advocate comes” (Acts 1, 5). Therefore, today’s celebration is that of a promise fulfilled, and the reward of faithful obedience and steadfastness in prayer. Like the early disciples, every true believer has been empowered specially by the Holy Spirit. We have been refilled with a new unction for function and therefore, must like them also, welcome and appreciate the various gifts made available to us by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Dear sisters and brothers, one must be careful in exercising or claiming to have received this gift by fabricating and learning all forms of “junk and mock speeches” that cannot be understood, interpreted or explained by anyone. The danger inherent in this is, sinning against the Holy Spirit. We must note Jesus’ warning: “Any sin against the Son will be forgiven but…against the Holy Spirit will not” (Mt 12, 31-32). It is important therefore that we grasp very well Paul’s teachings on the issue of gifts and speaking in tongues in Cor 12 and 14. It is a gratuitous gift from God and does not come through learning and practicing. It was not given to them to boost their ego, for their own personal or selfish interests, or to break away and found their own Churches. Instead, it was given to them to pass on the message of eternal life on to others. In the second reading of today, Paul makes a very important statement: “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” What this means is that it is God himself that enables us through the gifts we received today to recognize the lordship of Christ, as Christ equally tells us: “No one comes to me except the Father draws him” (Jh 6, 44). Recognizing the lordship of Christ is one task that was very difficult for Satan the tempter, because, he was without the Holy Spirit. The obvious fact is that when Paul uses the phrase “say Jesus is Lord”, he is not simply referring to the literary pronouncement of the lordship of Jesus as one could easily pay lip service to it. Instead, what Paul means by “say” here is, making Jesus the Lord of one’s life. The spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8, 15-16). In the gospel we see the synergy of the Trinitarian God in action, each doing and completing His action. They operated as though they were involved in a relay race where each hands over the baton to the other. However, in spite of this hand over, none of them becomes passive. To say others are passive at a time could amount to one falling victim to the heresy of millenarianism as did Joachim of Fiona who thought that there were three eras, each dominated by a particular member of the Trinity while others went to bed or into passivity. Jesus says “as the Father sent me so I am sending you, receive the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit we received today has in no way come to replace Christ. Rather, as he was with Christ, He has come to help us achieve what he helped Christ achieve. For example he has come to help us forgive the sins of one another, for without his aid we can do this. This is why having breathed the Spirit on his disciples, Jesus commissioned them as ministers of the Sacrament of Penance, “…whoever sins you forgive are forgiven…” This day therefore, the Spirit we have received commissions and empowers us to move out in full force yet, with wisdom and gentility in order to testify to the lordship of Christ. Today we have a new Pentecost. Let us therefore beckon on the Lord: “Send forth your spirit O Lord and renew the face of the earth. Fr Ephrem Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return … In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May. Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am Thurs 7pm Sunday 10.30am To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga) If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Michael Lynch and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Ricky Popple, Matthew Manion and Margot Chrustowski. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish. our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. 180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the lockdown, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society. Should you know of any others who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish. Here is a link to the fifth digital edition of NZ Catholic. I have also attached a cover graphic. Please share and forward as widely as you can. https://indd.adobe.com/view/23d41d66-f30e-439b-83e0-95cf162f4fdd Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25, Sky Channel 201 Sundays – 2pm The Sunday Mass on Shine TV Channel 25 from Auckland Diocese has been warmly received around New Zealand by Catholics who don't have an internet connection to watch an Online Mass, and by many others, including people who were unable to go to Mass for health and other reasons even before Covid-19 stopped public Mass celebrations. Bishop Pat says: "Shine TV is now offering us a 45-minute slot (rather than 30 minutes) and have been impressed by the number of viewers which the broadcast Masses have been attracting. Perhaps this is one of the unexpected fruits of the pandemic experience?" Check the website: https://www.shinetv.co.nz/ St Catherine’s College Open Night Thursday 25th June. Tours start at 6pm. BOOK A TOUR: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/ CODE: tqnwc St Mary’s College Open Day Tuesday 30 June For more information see the St Mary's College Website:stmw.school.nz. Enrolments are open for more information email: [email protected] Science Laboratory Technician St Mary’s College is seeking a highly organised, reliable lab technician who shows initiative, works well independently and with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The position requires a mix of practical and administrative tasks completed on a daily basis. Chemistry Lab experience is essential. The job involves purchasing and preparing chemicals as well as maintenance and preparation of science resources to be used in labs and classrooms. An understanding of the Guidance to the Code of practice for School Exempt Laboratories, 2016, and current health and safety standards is an advantage. The position is part-time, in school term-time only, for 20 hours per week. Remuneration is aligned with the NZEI Support Staff in Schools’ Collective Agreement and dependent on the candidates background and experience. Upholding the special character of St Mary’s College as a catholic mercy college and being able to work collaboratively as part of our high performing Sciences team. Applications close Friday 12 June 2020 at 12 noon.Please send a letter of application and your C.V. to [email protected] with a cc to Head of Science, Trevor Keough at [email protected] Learner Support Assistant St Mary's College is seeking a self motivated well organised Learner Support Assistant who shows initiative, works well independently and with others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. You will need to be able to relate to young people and have an enthusiasum for teaching and learning. Previous experience in this type of role would be an advantage. This position is a part time fixed term position for 20 hours per week starting in term 2 and finishing in term 4. Renumeration is aligned with the NZEI Support Staff in Schools' Collective Agreement and dependent on the candidates background and experience. The successful applicant will be supportive of the special character of St Mary's College as a catholic mercy college. Applications close Friday 12 June at 12 noon. Please send your cover letter and C.V. to Meg Doile by emailing [email protected] Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time, abandoning for a moment our eagerness for power and possessions in order to make room for the creativity that only the Spirit is capable of inspiring. Pope Francis: Extraordinary moment of prayer, 27 March 2020 RE: Kahungunu Appeal Thank You! The poor remind us how we should live the Gospel Instead of feeling annoyed when they knock on our doors, let us welcome their cry for help as a summons to go out of ourselves, to welcome them with God’s own loving gaze” Pope Francis World Day of the Poor. On the 5th of May Catholic Social Services sent out the call across the Archdiocese to once again help us support Kahungunu Whānau Services to house nine households this month of May. Once again you responded with incredible generosity. Offers of complete house lots, beds, dining tables, linen, blankets, kitchen and household appliances and even money. We cannot begin to thank you enough, especially when we know that some of you are facing uncertain times ahead. The volume of gifts you have given was such that we almost ran out of storage. Fortunately the Wellington South Parish generously gave us a temporary solution while Kahungunu Whanau Services set up homes for their vulnerable whanau. This current appeal is now finished. Once everyone is settled into their homes we hope to share with you stories of what your generosity has meant to them. Stories from the men and women who finally have a place to call home and from the staff at Kahungunu who have committed themselves to finding those homes as well as working to sustain their tenancies. On behalf of the whole team at Catholic Social Services and our partners at Kahungunu Whanau Services we thank you. Thank you for hearing the cry for help as a summons to go out beyond ourselves, welcoming people with great needs with “ God own loving gaze”. E te A tua e manaaki ki a koutou katoa, Karen Holland Kaiarahi Catholic Social Services COVID 19 The country remains at Alert Level 2 and we are still all encouraged to maintain careful and safe practices which are appropriate to our particular situations. Life is beginning to return to our “new normal”. For some this may initially be a difficult time due to significant changes in circumstances. For others it may be a positive challenge or opportunity to develop things in a new or different way. Whatever lies ahead, let’s all remember the positive experiences and learnings we have had over our lockdown times. Here’s our challenge: Can we carry some of these experiences to our new and maybe better normal? Plus, of course, SPIRITUALITY – our prayer, reflection and meditation. As you’ll have seen, we’ve received the news that gatherings of 100 people are now allowed, with some conditions for minimising risk. So very soon up to 100 people at a time, who are able, not compromised by health conditions and feel comfortable to do so, may physically attend Sunday Mass, initially at St Patricks and Holy Cross churches. For those who cannot attend, there is still an option of live streaming as per the past two months and also a wealth of prayer and reflection opportunities for you to continue at home or with other people in your safe bubble. This weekend we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. We remember the call to the followers of Christ to accept the Spirit and be strong and constant in our witnessing of the Gospel. Dan Schutt has prepared a Novena for Pentecost accessible at: https://www.danschuttemusic.com/wordpressstore/pentecost-novena/ Make it all or just part and in your own time! Below links to a good reflection and prayers AND the bonus section in te reo Māori. https://www.nlo.org.nz/news-and-events/media-releases/feast-of-pentecost-31-may-2020/ Some links for Mass: https://www.facebook.com/fretigga https://www.youtube.com/c/MCSHWellington (Cardinal John) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsuh9V3w-WRG7yEAnAf_FA (P North) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqfwCqh8NbWENaNQHQGQbA (Hamilton) https://www.youtube.com/user/cathnews/videos (Australia) PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, Please come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you now, as if you were already there and I unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen A few other links: Laudato Si Here are two rather thought provoking articles relating to Pope Francis’ document and his ongoing call to care for our earth:
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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. Preparation for re-start of Sunday Masses: The Parish Pastoral Council and Father Ephrem are continuing to work on plans to manage the health and safety of parishioners under the government requirements for Level 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management of hygiene protocols and the ability to contact-trace are key to meeting the health and safety requirements. Therefore, the Parish Pastoral Council has decided on the following measures:
Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 Salvation of the world in your hand Dear sisters and brothers today is a special day, the celebration of the Ascension of Jesus our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. I’m sure you all remember that after Jesus died on the cross, he was buried in the tomb of a friend. And everybody who loved him went into mourning and were in shock. Of course, the rest of the story you know well. This year Jesus’ Passion week has a profound effect on the whole world due to Corona Virus Pandemic followed by lockdown. It is one those moment in my life that profoundly confirms God’s reign on us and His unconditional love. After his resurrection, the Risen Lord appears a number of times to his disciples under a variety of circumstances. His final appearance is his leading them back to Galilee where, in happier days, he had preached the Gospel and formed his little company of disciples to continue his work. This is the place where he first called his disciples to follow him. Their life has come full circle. Now he brings them to a mountain top to say goodbye. But, of course, to a mountain top! Are not the mountain tops the places where vows are taken, sacred covenants exchanged, holy promises made and where people reach out to touch God? This is the experience of God-with-us, mission towards God and his creation. Dear sisters and brothers remember in the days long past, when Moses led the Children of Israel to Mt. Sinai where the sacred Covenant with God was carved in stone. And it was on the hill-top of Calvary where Jesus, the Messiah, offered himself on the cross, to gain for us all eternal life. Paid the price for our disobedience and reconciled with the Father. He won for us victory over death and sin. His mission accomplished, the Son returns today to his Father in triumphant glory and a warm embrace. And the whole world changes. Fr. Hanley notes a charming story often told about Jesus when he returns home to heaven’s gates. The Archangel Gabriel greets him at the door and welcomes him saying: “Back so soon?” Jesus replies, “Yes, I wanted to stay longer, but they crucified me.” Gabriel’s reply: “Ah, then your mission was a failure!” “Well, not exactly,” Jesus says. “Before I left, I trained a whole group of followers to carry on my work.” “Oh?” says Gabriel, “And what if they fail, too?” Jesus ponders for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders and replies: “But I have no other plans.” Dear sisters and brothers, the story is plain and simple and directed at us here today: Jesus says to us, “It’s your turn now. It’s all in your hands now. I have no other plans.” Today as Jesus ascends into heaven, Jesus says this: “My little children, don’t be afraid. You are not alone. I am with you all days even to the end of the world” and has promised to send us the Holy Spirit who will make us know what he has taught. In this assurance we assume our mission in full knowledge that Jesus has not left us but remains with us as a constant presence to direct and to guide us until his work is done. Without his presence, the mission would be folly; with his presence, all things are possible, even the salvation and healing of the whole world. Christ has done His work, now it is for you and me to continue His mission to the end of this earth. Fr Ephrem Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return … In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May. Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am Thurs 7pm Sunday 10.30am To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga) If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Fr Micheal O’Dea and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Agnes Ashby, Wyn Kean, Faileaso Tuilaepa and Francisco Sevilla. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish. our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. 180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the lockdown, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society. Should you know of any others who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish. FINANCES: Even though our church buildings are closed, we have ongoing financial matters to deal with including: power, insurance, rates, ongoing maintenance costs, support of our Parish Priest, wages for parish staff, and funds to the Archdiocese. We are very grateful for those of you who are still gift-giving via your automatic payments, or by internet banking. This is appreciated because we know that some of you may well be facing additional financial pressure at this time. However, a reminder: • If you usually put cash in the collection if you can, please change to online payments. Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000 Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference. • Put your cash in your gift-giving envelope each week as normal but hold on to your envelopes until the Church reopens or a secure collection place is available. Your ongoing support of Holy Trinity Parish in whatever form is what keeps us alive and viable. Planned Giving Your receipts and envelopes have either been emailed, posted or delivered. Thank you to Colleen Restieaux, Leona Foster and Francie Dwyer for helping to distribute these. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the parish office [email protected] Peter’s Pence Collection A reminder this annual collection, usually taken up on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June, will be transferred throughout the world to Sun 4 October. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 25-31 May 2020 Dear friends During this week between Ascension and Pentecost Sundays the Christian churches make a special effort to pray for Christian unity. The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian unity is “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28.2), which refers to the reception given to Paul and companions when they were shipwrecked on the island of Malta. There is much to reflect upon in this theme in the light of our experience of the last few weeks with COVID-19. We have been urged to “Be kind” and to “Stay united”. The pandemic has been the equivalent of a shipwreck for many people, and “unusual kindness” is needed as never before. Over centuries the Christian churches have moved from hostility and aggression towards one another to working together on the many things we have in common, especially our assistance for those who are most vulnerable. Kindness can unite us as Christians. We have already seen how it can unite us as Kiwis. Please take part in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in some way. If gathering is not possible or risky, then use the Eight Days of Prayer for Christian Unity leaflet which is available on www.catholic.org.nz or your diocesan website. Everything you do towards Christian unity counts. John A Cardinal Dew Archbishop of Wellington See the 8 day prayer attachment sent out with the newsletter Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25, Sky Channel 201 Sundays – 2pm The Sunday Mass on Shine TV Channel 25 from Auckland Diocese has been warmly received around New Zealand by Catholics who don't have an internet connection to watch an Online Mass, and by many others, including people who were unable to go to Mass for health and other reasons even before Covid-19 stopped public Mass celebrations. Bishop Pat says: "Shine TV is now offering us a 45-minute slot (rather than 30 minutes) and have been impressed by the number of viewers which the broadcast Masses have been attracting. Perhaps this is one of the unexpected fruits of the pandemic experience?" Check the website: https://www.shinetv.co.nz/ The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (paragraph 12), 2015 COVID ALERT LEVEL 2 Level 2 is seeing some changes for us but the constant throughout is the call from the MoH and Government to Play it Safe. Guidance for at-risk people at Alert Level 2 [PDF, 64 KB] LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 2020 https://laudatosiweek.org/ A reminder of Laudato Si’ Week, Pope Francis’ challenge to us: “care for our common home”. As mentioned last week, there is a wealth of support resources to encourage thought, action and the change of heart that Pope Francis is asking of us. https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_communit y/laudato-si-anniversary/ Here you will find some short reflections from the Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission’s Integral Ecology Committee on how the encyclical inspires change and action for them. This Mercyworld site https://www.mercyworld.org/library/resources-for-engaging-withlaudato-si323/ has a series of summaries, articles, videos, reflections and more. One of them is a summary article by James Martin, S.J. the Top Ten Takeaways from ‘Laudato Si’. His 10 points are below. If you’re interested in his thoughts on one or more of them (to maybe choose for some action of your own) here’s the link: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2015/06/18/top-ten-takeaways-laudato-si 1. The spiritual perspective is now part of the discussion on the environment.
Common prayer for the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’ Loving God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them, You created us in your image and made us stewards of all your creation, of our common home. You blessed us with the sun, water and bountiful land so that all might be nourished. Open our minds and touch our hearts, so that we may attend to your gift of creation. Help us to be conscious that our common home belongs not only to us, but to all future generations, and that it is our responsibility to preserve it. May we help each person secure the food and resources that they need. Be present to those in need in these trying times, especially the poorest and those most at risk of being left behind. Transform our fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation into hope so that we may experience a true conversion of the heart. Help us to show creative solidarity in addressing the consequences of this global pandemic, Make us courageous to embrace the changes that are needed in search of the common good, Now more than ever may we feel that we are all interconnected, in our efforts to lift up the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN See too: https://catholicclimatemov ement.global/wpcontent/uploads/2015/08/ Aprayerforourearth.pdf http://livelaudatosi.org/ A meditative rosary: https://drive.google.com/fi le/d/1X53spMlbd7pasdkwxIALTPoPKPKSk8p/view In some places people have chosen to read this special prayer at noon each day. Across the world on Sunday 24th at noon (our time) is the formal International Global Prayer. An ongoing challenge to each of us now is – what else to do personally and in our communities? 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. Further to the letters you received on Wednesday from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops and I, in consultation with the Parish Council, I wish to inform you that all churches in the Holy Trinity Parish will remain closed until we can complete all health and safety requirements for any and all types of church use. Our primary focus must be the safety of our church community. I appreciate this is a challenging time for us all and thank you for your continued patience and support. I commit to updating you all next week with regard to how we are progressing with the health and safety requirements and the logistics required to support these requirements. With lots of prayer of gratitude and blessing. Fr Ephrem Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Pet 3:15-18 John 14:15-21 I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever. Dear sisters and brothers today is the sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth who strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. The message we bear is not false, rather, it comes from the Advocate. Our first reading is a continuation of the frantic efforts the Disciples of Christ are making in order to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. On this day, Peter performed his Episcopal function by laying hands upon the new converts. Since Philip baptized these new converts, why did he not confirm them? Why was it necessary for Peter and John to travel that long distance, in order to lay hands on, (or confirm) the new converts already baptized by Philip? An understanding of our Catholic Catechism is very important here. What Philip did by inviting Peter (the chief Shepherd of the Apostles), was absolutely in line with the Church’s teaching on Confirmation: “The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the bishop. If the need arises, He may grant the faculty to priests, although, it is fitting that he confers it himself mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporarily separated from baptism for this reason. Bishops are the successors of the apostles” (CCC 1313). The Samaritans needed the Holy Spirit as much as we do today because, it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes one a true soldier of Christ (CCC1303-4). He helps us to bear witness to the truth without fear: “You have not received the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of sonship. The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s Children” (Rom 8, 15-16). It is this same Spirit that resurrected Christ, that gives life to our mortal body (Rom 8: 11). As the principal agent of evangelization, He confirms the truth we preach. In the second reading, Peter encouraged us to have reverence for Christ. Also, he admonished us to treat with respect even those who despise the gospel we preach. Hence, he reminds us of the animating power of the Holy Spirit even in the life of Christ: “In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.” It is the same spirit that raised Jesus that sustains us in the truth. This means that once the Spirit of God comes upon us, we become active for Christ, because: “What gives life is the spirit of God (John 6, 63). Dear sisters and brothers, as we are a couple of weeks away from Pentecost, in today’s gospel, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. However, He gives a condition for receiving the Advocate: “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” When we do this, he adds: “I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that spirit of truth…I will not leave you orphans.” What is this commandment that we must keep in order to receive the Spirit of truth? It is: “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk 16: 15). It is also, a command to love both God, and our neighbour (Luke 10, 25-27). When we do these, we are certainly preaching the good news of truth. The advocate will come to strengthens us in the way of truth. He will also come to confirm that in deeded, we are sons of God. So, let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. alleluia. Fr Ephrem Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return … In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May. Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am Thurs 7pm Sunday 10.30am To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga) If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25 (please note change of time) Sundays – 2pm https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/ Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Fr Michael O’Dea, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Ian McKinnon and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Maria Peters, James Leach and Margaret Walsh. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Spirituality of Service Programme to be available for all Members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee began the Spirituality of Service Programme in March 2020, intending to complete it over the Lentern Season. As with so many things, COVID-19 interrupted those plans, but we will recommence the Programme as soon as we are able to get together again, as it provides such a wonderful experience for us. The Parish Pastoral Council is developing a Plan for offering the Spirituality of Service Programme to all the Parish. Watch this spot for more information as the Plan comes together. You can review the Programme Outline under the Resources tab on the Archdiocesan website ( https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/) or via this link, or contact Parish Pastoral Council member Margaret Bearsley at: [email protected] or ph 021 344 356 for more information. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish. our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. 180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the last six weeks, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society. Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish. Latest edition of the NZ Catholic online: https://indd.adobe.com/view/a27756d2-341a-4d87-a28e-cdbf07465386 The risk is that we may be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference. A virus spread by the thought that life is better if it is better for me, and that everything will be fine if it is fine for me. It begins there and ends up selecting one person over another, discarding the poor, and sacrificing those left behind on the altar of progress. The present pandemic, however, reminds us that there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. Pope Francis: Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, 19 April 2020 Laudato Si Week 16-24 May Pope Francis renews his urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis: “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to children who are growing up? The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor cannot continue… I would like to invite you to participate in Laudato Si' Week from 16-24 May 2020. It is a global campaign on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the encyclical letter Laudato si': On the care of our common home.” “Let's take care of creation, a gift of our good Creator God. Let's celebrate Laudato Si' Week together.” Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from 25-31 May (Ascension Sunday to Pentecost Sunday). See next Sunday’s newsletter for all the details and resources COVID - ALERT LEVEL 2 At Alert Level 2, there is more freedom to move around and reconnect with close family, whānau and friends. If you are an at-risk person, you’ll need to take extra care when doing this. Reminders to help you to stay safe: Ø Reconnect with smaller groups of close family, whānau and friends. Ø Try not to interact with too many people outside of your own social circle as it won’t be easy to do contact tracing if necessary. Ø Keep a 2 metre distance from people you don’t know in public places and take extra care with hygiene practices. Ø Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily and wash and dry your hands before and after you leave home. Ø Wipe keys, handrails and other regularly touched surfaces. Ø Avoid passing around your mobile phone to others. Ø Remember soap and water are your friends Ø And possibly more. . . There is more detailed guidance available for people who are at higher risk of COVID-19 at Alert Level 2. This guidance includes advice on shopping, work, socialising, travel and recreation: Guidance for at-risk people at Alert Level 2 [PDF, 64 KB] ONGOING HELP and SUPPORT St Vincent de Paul continues to do a great job throughout the area. (Always welcoming new members) The local Saint V de P account for donations is: A/c No. 02 0576 0017 817 006, reference “Donation”. If you want a receipt of the donation for tax purposes, do please contact our Treasurer, Maria Pene, ph 022 428 0247 Thank you again for those of you who have been able to continue ongoing financial support for the parish, especially the increase in on-line giving. Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000 Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference. When the Churches are re-opened for Mass there will be Collection boxes inside the church for you to place your offerings and envelopes. Food basket collection baskets will most likely be placed there too. A final HUGE THANKS to all those who have put themselves on the line over past weeks to keep the rest of us as safe as can be. Thank you too, to all the family members who’ve cared for and supported their families, friends, neighbours and others. LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 16 – 24 MAY It’s rather interesting that as we’ve moved into Alert Level 2 with an ongoing health and safety challenge to opening our Churches to larger groups we are also moving into Laudato Si’ Week with a challenge from Pope Francis to “care for our common home”. https://laudatosiweek.org/ We are invited to join in an International Global Prayer at noon on Sunday 24th. Attached to this week’s newsletter is the prayer card and further relevant information from the Archdiocese. The Marist Messenger has a thought provoking article: https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/05/01/laudato-si-week-16-24-may/ In addition to prayer and reflection, let’s each do what we can to help make our world a better place maybe even just by reducing, re-using and re-cycling in our everyday lives! These sites may be helpful in this: Ø https://sustaintrust.org.nz/ Ø https://sustainableliving.org.nz/actions.aspx Ø https://www.oneplanet.org.nz/environmental-awareness-calendar As we take steps towards our new normal – let’s be careful, ponder, pray and take positive action for a renewed and better world. PRAYER FOR AN EMERGING FUTURE Wellspring of Compassion, Container of all life, Join us as we lean into a future coming to be through our humble efforts. Lead us into your emerging future. Empower us as we drawdown our harms. Transfigure our despairs, may they become the fertile fields of a world made new. We invoke your Good Spirit to enfold everything in a bounty of blessing. Open to us the life-force of all that lives, encourage us, teach us the art of co-creation in your world. Whaea nui o te Taiao katoa, inoi mō mātou. Mother of the New Creation, pray for us. Keeping safe at level 2 · Keep at home if sick · Keep it quiet · Keep washing your hands · Keep your distance · Keep yourself covered · Keep notes https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/14-05-2020/siouxsie-wiles-toby-morris-simple-rules-to-play-it-safe-at-alert-level-two/ 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. Blessing to Mothers on Mother’s Day All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old. We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great joy. We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways. We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away. We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion. We remember mothers. Grandmothers and great- grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. May Almighty God bless you all through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit one God for ever and ever. Amen. Acts 6, 1-7; 1 Pet 2, 4-9; Jn 14, 1-12 Dear sisters and brothers, on this 5th Sunday of Easter, in a special way, the Church reminds us of who we are: “The chosen race and the royal priesthood, who would be and reign with Christ. Today we have gathered to exercise our royal priesthood by offering a spiritual sacrifice as Christ did. In today’s first reading, the drama that unfolded led to the election of seven deacons in order to take care of the social needs of the believers. We can learn the following lessons from this reading. First, we must not neglect or take the social or material needs of our communities for granted. If left unattended, they could undermine the work of God. Second, we must balance both our spiritual and material needs because both are important. Third, we must not forget who we are or neglect our primary calling. The mundane should not distract us from our mission and vocation as Peter rightly noted: “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food…we will hand over this duty and devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word of God.”If we pay too much attention to material needs, the spiritual will certainly suffer. We cannot do everything by ourselves. We must let others to play their role by helping us. Finally, we must be wise and prayerful in selecting ministers for God’s mission. They must be “men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom.” In the second reading, Peter reminds us of who we truly are: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises if God…” Here, Peter highlights our participation in the priesthood of Christ through the “common or general priest priesthood.” This is certainly by virtue of our baptism (CCC1268). Baptism configures us to become “priests.” Thus, in this pastoral letter, Peter highlights the efficacy of the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) on us as believers. Through this, he reminds us of our priestly and royal heritage. He equally calls us to live it out in a manner that is proper. In order words, if we set ourselves close to Christ our chief priest, we shall live up to expectation. That is, by offering acceptable sacrifices to God. Through this, we become acceptable to God, and we equally become a spiritual house for God. In today’s gospel, Jesus assures us of a place in his kingdom: “Let not your hearts be troubled…there are many rooms in my father’s house…so that where I am you may be too.” This is a clear indication that by virtue of baptism we are truly children of God. This is why he considers us worthy of being where he is going to be. Unfortunately, many of us do not know who we are, or believe that there is a beautiful place being prepared for us by Christ. This is also the reason many of us cannot maximize our priestly and royal potentials. As priests and people of royal decent, we must assert ourselves positively. It takes faith to do this. Therefore, let us ask God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to help us live as members of the royal priesthood. Also, during this this glorious and gracious season of Easter, let us: “Rejoice in the Lord” for what God has done for us. Alleluia, alleluia! Peace be with you all!! Fr Ephrem Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return … In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May. Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am Thurs 7pm Sunday 10.30am To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga) If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25 (please note change of time) Sundays – 2pm https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/ Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Fr Michael O’Dea, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Rae Dawson and Diana Te’o and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Mary McKechnie, Betty-Leah Bolton and Yvette (Fifi) Sood. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Zoom meet and greet - Patricia Lynch from the Parish Pastoral Council will be hosting a Zoom meeting on Thursday 14 May 6pm. The purpose is to have a catch up and see how people are getting on and how they are feeling during these times of online community. Look forward to seeing you on Thursday. Zoom meeting ID: 889 9064 8313 Password: 779295 Spirituality of Service Programme to be available for all Members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee began the Spirituality of Service Programme in March 2020, intending to complete it over the Lentern Season. As with so many things, COVID-19 interrupted those plans, but we will recommence the Programme as soon as we are able to get together again, as it provides such a wonderful experience for us. The Parish Pastoral Council is developing a Plan for offering the Spirituality of Service Programme to all the Parish. Watch this spot for more information as the Plan comes together. You can review the Programme Outline under the Resources tab on the Archdiocesan website ( https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/) or via this link, or contact Parish Pastoral Council member Margaret Bearsley at: [email protected] or ph 021 344 356 for more information. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish. our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. 180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the last six weeks, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society. Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish. Catholic Social Services provides support to Kahungunu Whanau Services, a Kaupapa Maori social service agency, and Housing First Provider. Over the lockdown period Kahungunu has continued to place individuals and families without homes into permanent or transitional housing . They have secured 9 properties for permanent housing over the next few weeks. Because of the large number of people they have settled recently (150 people) Kahungunu have used up their store of donated goods and other possible sources of supply have been put on hold. The following is a list of items urgently needed * Double or queen beds with mattress and base * Drawers * Pots and pans * Couches * White ware (if possible) * Microwaves * Linen and blankets Pope Francis has spoken about "the saints who live next door” . We don’t have to look far to see them . It is agencies like Kahungunu Whanau Services, Challenge 2000, Compassion Soup Kitchen and St Vincent de Paul , and that are among our “saints next door” . They deserve our help. If you are able to help at all it would be very much appreciated. To offer any help please contact Catholic Social Services Community Facilitator Paul Alsford on 021754145 [email protected] to arrange a contactless pick up. You might like to join in this Prayer of Praise: https://youtu.be/PUtll3mNj5U (It’s on You Tube and you’ll need to exit the ads) OUR THANKS IS EVERLASTING Many of you will know of Fr Chris Skinner S.M. He’s sharing a sweet gratitude song on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxNVIB_1hpI&feature=youtu.be We may soon be moving into Alert Level 2 of our Covid 19 response plan. Keep an eye out for a mid-week newsletter for relevant updates. Not Everything is Cancelled Sun is not cancelled Spring is not cancelled Relationships are not cancelled Love is not cancelled Reading is not cancelled Devotion is not cancelled Music is not cancelled Imagination is not cancelled Kindness is not cancelled Conversations are not cancelled Hope is not cancelled FINANCES: Even though our church buildings are closed, we have ongoing financial matters to deal with including: power, insurance, rates, ongoing maintenance costs, support of our Parish Priest, wages for parish staff, and funds to the Archdiocese. We are very grateful for those of you who are still gift-giving via your automatic payments, or by internet banking. This is appreciated because we know that some of you may well be facing additional financial pressure at this time. However, a reminder: · If you usually put cash in the collection if you can, please change to online payments. Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000 Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference. · Put your cash in your gift-giving envelope each week as normal, but hold on to your envelopes until the Church reopens or a secure collection place is available. Your ongoing support of Holy Trinity Parish in whatever form is what keeps us alive and viable. Planned Giving Those who use envelopes and are expecting tax receipts will have them delivered over the next week or two. Peter’s Pence Collection We have received information from Rome via Cardinal John, that this annual collection, usually taken up on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June, will be transferred throughout the world to Sun 4 October. For charitable donations: https://www.vinnies-wellington.org.nz/donate OR donations can be made directly to: Account - St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington
Email Vinnies ([email protected]), with your full name and contact details if you would like a tax receipt. Some other good causes:
If you find that your circumstances have changed don’t hesitate to ask for help from a relevant person or organisation. Don’t forget to start preparing your pets ready for a change to Alert Level 2 ! As mentioned a few weeks back we are coming up to the anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for our Common Home. Beginning 16-24 May Pope Francis invites us to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week. The theme is “everything is connected.” The aim for the week is to launch us on a journey of transformation, as we grow through the current world crisis by praying, reflecting, and preparing together for a better world to come. How might we respond? See here: https://laudatosiweek.org/ Dear brothers and sisters, in this time so many thoughts and worries lead us to turn inwards into ourselves... Let us ask for the grace to recognise and follow the voice of the good Shepherd, who brings us out of the enclosures of selfishness and leads us to the pastures of true freedom. Pope Francis, 3 May 2020 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. Acts 2, 14. 36-41; 1 Pet 2, 20-25; Jn 10, 1-10 Why do I do what I do? Importance of Good Shepherd Dear sisters and brothers, today we celebrate vocation Sunday: the Good Shepherd Sunday. I must tell you that we are familiar with the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, the Son of Man to take to himself is amazing. For me the only time I saw the shepherds in my native place is when from North India shepherds brought hundreds of sheep to our place in winter leading to summer after the monsoon, for green pastures. I had hardly any chance even to see in the movies, having no television or cinema halls in my place. But now after growing up in a Christian family, worshipping with parish community, it feels like I have grown with it and feel completely at home. I would like to focus on the Shepherd rather than the gate. So, let’s have a look in this saying of Jesus, “I am the shepherd. My sheep know me and I know my sheep, and I give my life, life itself.” Why do we need something like that kind of help? Tolstoy tells this story about a group of Russians, sitting in an inn, drinking. A friend asked, “Ivan, do you love me?” “of course, I love you,” replied Ivan. The friend said, “Ivan, why are you saying you love me when you don’t even know me? You do not know what I need, what I hunger for, all the things that are important to me and you can’t give me one thing.” So, Ivan says, “you’re drunk, that’s why you’re sad.” But the friend says, “No, I’m sad because I’m sober and all alone.” Remember, God is with us. These few things I bring to your attention as we reflect on Good Shepherd, our own vocation. The Son of Man is a Shepherd who gives life, his own life and be with us always. This realisation comes not through knowledge or understanding but through encounter with reality in the person of Jesus Christ. Corona Virus and all other sicknesses show us the grave importance of in the words of Prime Minister gave a call to all of us to grow in, “Empathy, kindness and care for all.” Just one person’s word or action can derail all the gain of control we have on this pandemic; and so too can happen in our spiritual life. My words have the power to change you; my actions have the power to inspire you. When I say these, I mean in incredibly positive way which brings and enhances our life of happiness. All that shepherd does is to lead us to green pasture, quenches us with clean water, keeps us protected in secured gate. To these to happen we have to listen to his voice and follow it. When Peter is talking in the first and second readings: he is calling to listen to the words of Jesus as he proclaims with a repentant heart. Repentance leads us to conversion and promise to life of happiness and truth in baptism. So, Baptism is to acknowledge Jesus as your shepherd for eternity; to grow in empathy, kindness and care for all. On 25th April we stood at the driveway paying respect to the armed forces who fought to protect us to establish external peace in the world and internal peace for our country. We called it, “we are connected through ANZAC Day.” The day the good shepherd sacrificed His life on the cross won for you and me grace of God and eternal life in Him. Dear sisters and brothers, in this sense it is paramount importance to recognise your vocation and be brave to persevere in it. you are not alone; Jesus is walking with you. If you wish to have life, real life, do remember what the disciples at Emmaus did when they offered Him hospitality. No one in this life is a stranger but sent by God for you and me. Offer greatest of hospitality, the vocation you have come to know, you are capable of as we are journeying together. He restores our life by giving himself in every Mass at the breaking of Bread. Allow God to be with you, at the hour of evening, he will restore your faith. Do not run away if you are called and never underestimate God’s grace working within you, He will make you his disciple. For He goes ahead of us, and we follow hearing his voice. Fr Ephrem Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return … In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May. Vocation Sunday - 3rd May In speaking of the Gospel passage that recounts the remarkable experience of Jesus and Peter during a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee (cf. Mt 14:22-33) Pope Francis says, "Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm. We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives." Good Shepherd Sunday is a special day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Please pray for our seminarians Alfred, Matthew, Kinh and Emilio, for Gerson who is preparing to enter the seminary and for all those discerning the call to priesthood. Could someone you know become tomorrow’s priest? Pray for this person. Invite him to consider priesthood. Affirm his gifts and qualities. Encourage him to be open to the possibility of priesthood. Contact Fr David Dowling, Vocations Director: [email protected] or 021 174 4248. Visit www.wellingtonpriests.org Follow us on Facebook: Wellington Priests Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am Thurs 7pm Sunday 10.30am To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga) If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25 (please note change of time) Sundays – 2pm https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/ Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Rae Dawson, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community. We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Raymond (Bob) Becker and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Zofia Czochanska. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish. On behalf of our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference I want to express our prayerful appreciation of parishioners and others who are sharing the love and compassion of Christ, within and outside the parish, with a many local people who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. Reaching out in this way is practical evidence of a caring parish living out the Church’s teachings. Pope Frances in his Gaudete et Exsultate (2018) reminds us that "the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others". Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected]. Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish. WelCom May 2020, is out this week for Good Shepherd Sunday, 3 May. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, WelCom is not currently being printed and distributed to parishes and schools. The May 2020 WelCom for online reading as a double-page version is at this link: https://issuu.com/dartworks/docs/welcom_382_may_2020 The May 2020 issue is also available for online reading as a single-page pdf option at this link: https://archdiocese-of-wellington.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/WelCom_382_May_2020.pdf Content for May WelCom includes:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/1d34fad4-d929-4c6c-aaab-b84fdaeb7459 Yes, we are now at Alert Level 3.However, at every Alert Level people should still take measures to stay safe and well. Stay home or work from home if you can Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water then dry them well Regularly disinfect well used surfaces Stay in your local area Don’t cough or sneeze on people Look after yourself Stay home if you are sick Get tested for COVID-19 if you have flu like symptoms call your Medical Centre or GP OR the Healthline Continue to seek primary medical care At Alert Level 3 - people at risk of severe illness because of age and/or existing and underlying health conditions still need to be extra careful If unsure check with your GP / Medical Centre If you’re anxious , stressed or in danger it's OK to ask for help. Help is still available. Go to: https://safebubble.org.nz/ for the essential services who may help. They’re there for you. X Keep Safe XPray XRead Scripture XReflect XMeditate XKeep in contact with others XDo something creative XBe Grateful XExercise XBe Thankful XBe Kind XPray Check these out: https://www.ltp.org/resources-during-crisis https://gratefulness.org/ https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer/ https://www.sacredspace.ie/ COMMUNITY SUPPORT Many people are showing kindness and Christ’s love in action – keeping in touch with others, offering practical help, holding virtual meetings and gatherings, facilitating prayer and more. But reports in the media the past few days indicate that Foodbanks and some Charities around the country are under pressure to keep up with current needs. A reminder that our St Vincent de Paul people are very active in our Parish and wider area. Anyone wishing to make a donation:
Bank – BNZ Account Number - 02-0576-0017817-00 Reference - COVID19 Particular – e.g. your Surname to link to tax receipt. Email Vinnies ([email protected] ), with your full name and contact details if you want a tax receipt. Some other donation possibilities:
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES ONGOING THANKS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS (& now some others too) Many of you are part of Holy Trinity Parish and all your efforts, time and sacrifice are much appreciated by so many. We couldn’t have done it without you! For the next 6 weeks Pacific communities around Aotearoa can tune in weekly to Pacific language COVID-19 updates. The updates will be available in English, Cook Islands, Fijian, Kiribati, Niue, Rotuman, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelau and Tuvalu. Available on: ➡️ Wednesday - on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Facebook page. 8am - English 9am - Cook Islands Maori 10am - Fijian 11am - Kiribati 12pm - Niue 1pm - Rotuman 2pm - Samoan 3pm - Tongan 4pm - Tokelau 5pm - Tuvalu ➡️ Thursday - on Pacific radio stations across the country. ➡️ Friday - broadcast on television at 4pm – 4.30pm on Three. People First NZ COVID-19 helpline We know that things are hard right now for many people with learning disability and their families / whānau. People First New Zealand is working together with Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust and IHC Advocacy to assist people during COVID-19. Do you need some help? Ring the People First New Zealand helpline on 0800 20 60 70. |
If you want to find out whats going on Contact the office at: Archives
October 2020
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