2 Kings 4, 8-11. 13-16; Rom 6, 3-4. 8-11; Mt 10, 37-42
Hospitality Each one of us feel happy and comfortable in a place people are friendly, cheerful, welcoming and look after our needs and comfort. We love to visit those places again and again and cherish those moments. We have wonderful example of hospitality in the gospel. “anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me” and gives even a cup of water will be rewarded. In the 2nd book of the kings, Shunamite woman who welcomed and gave hospitality to the prophet Elisha foreshadows the promise contains in the gospel for those who ‘welcome a prophet because he is a prophet’. A small room on the roof of the house, containing not only a bed, but also a table, a chair, and even a lamp. These basic gestures of hospitality offered simply out of respect for a man of God and with no thought of a reward receive in fact a wonderful reward. The following year they hold a son in their arms with her husband; author of life notices every little act we do and rewards them accordingly. Dear sisters and brothers, today as we earnestly pray for God’s mercy at the time of Corona Virus Pandemic, every little kind gesture means life giving. As I write this message there are 9,296,202 confirmed cases globally, 479,133 deaths (who 25 June, 2,25pm). Every one of you walking in the path of mercy and compassion and putting them into action has a great sense of comfort on the other end of a phone, call or gesture; especially, St Vincent de Paul in our parish rose to the occasion and were in a war footing to reach out to the needy. Day in and day out, it did not matter whether it was night or day adhering to the protocol given by govt and relevant served without hope of any return. Their leadership is praiseworthy and surly God will reward their generosity. I have my prayerful support unconditionally. Equally, In the parish, the parish leadership team and all of you, the parishioners walking extra miles and continue to do so to reach out one another in this time of pandemic; I believe, no help is small or great but equally important. Challenges are nothing comparing to the love that we have for Christ and his creation. But then have a glance at our newspapers or television screens makes clear that this was not simply a challenge for the first generations of today. Even many Christian communities where inter community divisions with a religious basis are intense has deeper relevance in today’s gospel of loving our own. The word of God challenges us to move out of our comfort zone and limitedness and calls to walk in the path of unconditional love of service without return. God knows we are comfortable in our skin. God is with us and welcomes us into play. One of the truly striking features of Matthew’s gospel is the sense of ‘Emmanuel – God with us’ which attends the presentation of Jesus from beginning to end. It comes to climax, of course, in the parable of the great Judgment in chapter 25, 31-46 where, over and over again, we hear the refrain, ‘as often as your did it (failed to do it) to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it (or failed to do it) to me. Challenge before us is enormous: the stranger who stands before us comes not simply as an emissary and representative of Christ but the Father who sent Christ into the world. Dear sisters and brothers, St Paul stresses the radicality of the change effected in baptism: it is really a ‘death’ to an old existence dominated by selfishness and sin and an entrance into the world of the new creation inaugurated by the resurrection of Christ. There, in union with him, on ‘lives for God’ caught up in the rhythm of his self-sacrificial love. Today the whole creation stands as penitent and seeks God’s forgiveness and mercy at this time of Pandemic, Corona Virus, COVID-19. Fr Ephrem Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Hazel Kingston, 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 Henk Hofsteenge and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Patrick Sweeney, Dorothy Dunn and Mary Hannan. The following measures will remain till further notice:
Silence before the Mass: GIRM 45 (2010) The parish Liturgy committee at its last meeting on 2nd of June 2020 recommends silence before Mass. The committee has put a slide on the powerpoint before Mass from Saturday 13th June. “Even before the celebration itself, it is a praiseworthy practice for silence to be observed in the Church, in the Sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.” Thank you Fr. Ephrem We would like to thank St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish in their response to COVID-19 by checking in with those who were isolated, vulnerable or in need of food support or essential items throughout the lockdown. We appreciate how they continue to “share God’s love” to those who are experiencing ongoing hardship and we encourage you to support them in any way you can. Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish . In our local eastern suburbs communities, many families are now experiencing ongoing hardship from COVID-19, such as going short of food, losing their job, cut backs in hours of work, digging into savings, debt, and difficulty clothing and equipping kids back at school. Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Your SVDP Conference in Holy Trinity Parish is helping people in strict confidence if we hear who needs help, " following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society" . Should you know of any households in need of emergency food, winter bedding, clothing items or simple friendly support, do please arrange contact with Tina Quidilla, local SVDP Conference, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Also, if you wish to donate to your local Holy Trinity St Vincent de Paul group to purchase groceries, living essentials and student uniforms and items for families suffering hardship in the Eastern Suburbs, please pay online to: " St Vincent de Paul Society, Seatoun & Miramar Conference, BNZ Kilbirnie, Account No. 02 - 0576 - 0017817 - 06", or contact Maria Pene, our local SVDP Treasurer, ph 022 428 0427, email: [email protected] Vinnie’s Shop Miramar needs more volunteers!! Have you got some time to spare? Do you want something worthwhile to get involved in? Why not volunteer at the Miramar Vinnie’s shop. Contact Cathie on 0278412268 This year, St Mary's College is holding open day tours for prospective families on Tuesday 30 June. There will be three time slots offered 11.30 am, 2pm, 4pm. The tours will be one hour with a maximum of 100. Whānau will be divided into small tour groups of 10 people each, with a maximum of three per whānau. Whānau will be required to register using schoolinterviews.co.nz. the booking code is 3te25 If your space is limited please ask them to visit our website stmw.school.nz A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Father Michael O’Dea in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday 7 July at 5.30pm with a time of remembering after in the foyer of the Cathedral. Michael died in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 17 May. A requiem Mass was celebrated on 20 May (Level 2 of lockdown) and he was buried at the Hawera Cemetery on Thursday 21 May. All are welcome to attend this Mass. Please RSVP to Tania Halliday [email protected] your attendance for catering purposes. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience for couples intending to be married. Remaining weekends for 2020 are 18 & 19 July and 14 & 15 November. Venue is Otari Parish presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington. Registrations close 2 weeks before. For more details go to the website http://www.cee-wellington.co.nz/ Phone Kate and Simon Olson. 04 801 6192 or email [email protected] Healing Service Fr John Rea sm will conduct a Healing Service at St Bernadette`s Church, 194 Naenae Rd, Naenae on Wednesday 8 July beginning at 7.30 pm. Please invite all who need Jesus` healing. All are welcome. Enquiries Ph 8198323. The Coast to Coast Rosary for Life and Faith will be held this year on Saturday 15th August at 3 pm. Please help lead or join a group in your parish or community. For more information, please go to www.coasttocoastrosary.co.nz or phone Clare 022 1912 886 SACRED HEART SCHOOL 125th CELEBRATIONS Sacred Heart School opened 125 years in North East Valley in October this year. A variety of functions have been put together to encourage past pupils, teachers and friends of the school to attend and celebrate this milestone at Labour Weekend 2020.If you’ve been associated with Sacred Heart School, you are invited to email your committee at [email protected] or phone the school on 03 473 8362. A Registration Form will be available for you to download soon. Sunday Coordinator. Working for the Catholic Parish of Christchurch West We need leaders who have energy, vision and creativity that want to work as a member of our Parish Senior Leadership Team to help all to live with and in the Spirit, for the Father. To apply, one must have an education in Catholic Theology, ability to plan or vision, desire to Evangelise, experience with a parish and/or diocese. It is a full time position. To apply for one of the vacancies (contact Christchurch West parish for further details), please send us your: • CV • a response to the Job Description (three – page limit) • a statement about your personal approach to ministry Applications can be sent to [email protected] Please turn in all applications before July 11th, 2020 The June 28 – July 11 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Bishop Basil Meeking laid to rest. Principal joins coalition against legalising cannabis. Theological college considers new Auckland home. This planet, our home, after Covid-19. By loving humbly, serving freely and joyfully, we will offer to the world the true image of God. Pope Francis: Homily for Pentecost 2020 Parish Council Meeting: Wednesday 1st July 7.30pm Gascoigne Room St Anthony’s Church
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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. Jer 20, 10-13; Rom 5, 12-15; Mat 10, 26-33 Be my witness Dear sisters and brothers, the whole chapter of Matthew brings together and sums up what Jesus has to say to his apostles about declaring his teaching in the face of hostility and persecution. In the first reading, God delivered the prophet Jeremiah from the deadly plots and hands of evil men. Our world is full of threats against the righteous and innocent, colour and creed, young and old. Hardly would a day pass without one hearing news of atrocities and violence. This is the cause of great fear for many, especially, for those whose trust is solely on this world rather than being in God. However, for those who like the prophet, Jeremiah realize that the Lord is on their side, God will surely not disappoint them. As a mighty hero, He will surely act. The threats and gravity of these terrors and fears might appear overwhelming. However, they are certainly not greater than what God has handled in the history of humanity. The second reading has a lot in common with the first. First, while the prophet was innocent of all the accusations and threats against him, humanity inherited death through the sin of disobedience of her progenitors (Adam and Eve). In a similar way, while God delivered the innocent prophet Jeremiah from the plots and terrors of his enemies; Paul recounts how Christ delivered humanity from the terrors and shackles of death. Thus, Paul draws our attention to a very important aspect of our salvation history. This is especially, with regards to the relationship between sin and death; and of course, the relationship between the consequences of Adam’s disobedience and that of Christ’s obedience. For, while Adam’s disobedience and sin brought us death, Christ’s obedience brought us life. Through his sacrificial death and obedience to his father’s will, He dissipated the fear that threaten our life and restored our peace. Thus, He delivered us from ruin due to the sin, and the fall of Adam and Eve. Jesus exhorts us: “Do not be afraid, for everything that is now covered will be uncovered.” This includes the plans of the evil ones who are always threatening to persecute and destroy the just. It suffices to note that, Christ knows that fear and the threat of death can paralyse one. As the Lord of the living and the dead, He knows that physical death is not the end. Rather, it is a transition to eternity. Hence, he further exhorts us: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell fire.” In these comforting and assuring words of Christ, rest our hope and future as Christians: “Every hair on your head has been counted. So, there is no need to be afraid!” They simply indicate that the Lord is on our side. He is ready and capable to deliver us from both the consequences and harmful effects of sin, as well as from all the threats that we face in our daily life. Finally, all we need to do to merit the protection Christ promised us today, is simply to be on his side by trusting him. This, calls for being just and innocent in our ways and actions. It means being true Christians. Of course, it also means submitting completely to Christ, His witnesses. Peace be with you! Fr Ephrem 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 and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Michalina Bogacki, Thomas (Tony) Hayes, Maurice Gunn, Eithne Williams and Margaret Scott. Prayer for the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers to be said by everyone at the end of the prayers of the faithful. Lord God, Master of the Vineyard, Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard to provide for their families but still have trouble making ends meet. Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited and help us speak for just wages and safe conditions, the freedom to organize, and time for renewal. For work was made for humankind and not humankind for work. Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation but a radiant expression of our human dignity. Give all who labour listening hearts that we may pause from our work to receive your gift of rest. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that you might work through us to let your justice reign. Amen. Pandemic Mass on 27/28 June The parish council agreed to celebrate “DECREE on the Mass in Time of Pandemic” on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28 June 2020 at all three Masses next weekend. “In virtue of the faculties granted to it by the Supreme Pontiff FRANCIS, gives permission to celebrate the Mass in Times of Pandemic.” Prot. N. 156/20. May I request leaders of Choirs in the parish to take note and prepare accordingly. The following measures will remain till further notice:
Silence before the Mass: GIRM 45 (2010) The parish Liturgy committee at its last meeting on 2nd of June 2020 recommends silence before Mass. The committee has put a slide on the powerpoint before Mass from Saturday 13th June. “Even before the celebration itself, it is a praiseworthy practice for silence to be observed in the Church, in the Sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.” Thank you Fr. Ephrem Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish . In our local eastern suburbs communities, many families are now experiencing ongoing hardship from COVID-19, such as going short of food, losing their job, cut backs in hours of work, digging into savings, debt, and difficulty clothing and equipping kids back at school. Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Your SVDP Conference in Holy Trinity Parish is helping people in strict confidence if we hear who needs help, " following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society" . Should you know of any households in need of emergency food, winter bedding, clothing items or simple friendly support, do please arrange contact with Tina Quidilla, local SVDP Conference, ph 021 159 2412, email: [email protected] Also, if you wish to donate to your local Holy Trinity St Vincent de Paul group to purchase groceries, living essentials and student uniforms and items for families suffering hardship in the Eastern Suburbs, please pay online to: " St Vincent de Paul Society, Seatoun & Miramar Conference, BNZ Kilbirnie, Account No. 02 - 0576 - 0017817 - 06", or contact Maria Pene, our local SVDP Treasurer, ph 022 428 0427, email: [email protected] Vinnie’s Shop Miramar needs more volunteers!! Have you got some time to spare? Do you want something worthwhile to get involved in? Why not volunteer at the Miramar Vinnie’s shop. Contact Cathie on 0278412268 St Catherine’s College Open Night Thursday 25th June. Tours start at 6pm. BOOK A TOUR: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/ CODE: tqnwc This year, St Mary's College is holding open day tours for prospective families on Tuesday 30 June. There will be three time slots offered 11.30 am, 2pm, 4pm. The tours will be one hour with a maximum of 100. Whānau will be divided into small tour groups of 10 people each, with a maximum of three per whānau. Whānau will be required to register using schoolinterviews.co.nz. the booking code is 3te25 If your space is limited please ask them to visit our website stmw.school.nz A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Father Michael O’Dea in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday 7 July at 5.30pm with a time of remembering after in the foyer of the Cathedral. Michael died in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 17 May. A requiem Mass was celebrated on 20 May (Level 2 of lockdown) and he was buried at the Hawera Cemetery on Thursday 21 May. All are welcome to attend this Mass. Please RSVP to Tania Halliday [email protected] your attendance for catering purposes. In today’s world, messages multiply but the practice of listening is being lost. Yet it is only through humble and attentive listening that we can truly be reconciled. In 2020, silence has reigned for weeks in our streets. A dramatic and troubling silence, but one that has given us the opportunity to listen to the plea of the vulnerable, the displaced and our seriously ill planet. Pope Francis: Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2020 Prison Chaplain for Rimutaka and Arohata prisons We are seeking to employ a suitably qualified person to work as a member of the Prison Chaplaincy Services Aotearoa New Zealand Chaplaincy Team, which delivers Ecumenical Chaplaincy services to persons in prison at Rimutaka and Arohata. The Position is a permanent position of 37.5 hours per week. The Catholic Prison Chaplaincy service is a separate but integrated ministry which promotes and shares the Gospel message, provides for the celebration of the Sacraments, pastoral care, counsel and support. The person we are looking for will come from a committed Catholic ministry background, have undertaken ongoing formation and had at least two years of pastoral ministry. For a copy of the role description and application forms for this vacancy, please email: [email protected] . Please send your completed application forms, cover letter and CV to Karen Holland at: [email protected] Quote for the Year of Mission: 1 Corinthians 3: 6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. Mid winter Christmas – 12 days of light in the darkness. 21 June – 2 July Light up your neighbourhood with love. This is an iniative by the combined churches of the Miramar Peninsula. https://www.midwinterchristmas.nz/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwinterchristmas.nz instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwinterchristmas.nz/ Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 23 June 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. Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience for couples intending to be married. Remaining weekends for 2020 are 18 & 19 July and 14 & 15 November. Venue is Otari Parish presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington. Registrations close 2 weeks before. For more details go to the website http://www.cee-wellington.co.nz/ Phone Kate and Simon Olson. 04 801 6192 or email [email protected] Healing Service Fr John Rea sm will conduct a Healing Service at St Bernadette`s Church, 194 Naenae Rd, Naenae on Wednesday 8 July beginning at 7.30 pm. Please invite all who need Jesus` healing. All are welcome. Enquiries Ph 8198323. Parish Finances During Lockdown some people were able to change to Automatic Payments OR on-line banking for donations to support the parish. The Finance Committee encourages you to sign up for APs or to donate on-line if possible as it is a safe way and also cuts down work for the few counters that we have and for Marianne in the parish office. Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000 Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference. Or for further detail contact the parish office: [email protected] For the next while there will be no collection at our Masses but we have monitored donation boxes at each church for those who wish to donate using their planned giving envelopes or cash. Thank you for your ongoing support. Food Bank Donation Baskets These are now back in our Churches. Every little contribution you can make is gratefully received. “He has told you, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6: 8 Strange Times Our world is in a sad situation. Including unjust practices by Governments and Institutions, protests by thousands across the globe, illness, starvation, poverty, major ecological challenges impacting on communities and environments, millions fleeing their homelands and being killed or detained with little hope of a safe future. In our prayers and in our actions we can show solidarity and sometimes support. Lord, give your people your peace that we may shine brightly in today’s dark world. Grant us the courage to live faithfully even in the midst of hard times. May our faith in you and the innate good of humankind be the strengthening of wisdom and courage in us, rather than allowing fear of the world to drive our actions.Help us to live fully in the midst of a world that needs to know you. Show your mercy and heal those who are suffering in your fallen creation. Most of all Lord, strengthen us to work to restore the world you have made and to make all things new. We pray that your will would be done through our actions. We ask this through Christ, your son. AMEN “I have always been distressed at the lot of those who are victims of various kinds of human trafficking. How I wish that all of us would hear God’s cry, ‘Where is your brother?’ (Gen 4:9). Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? Let us not pretend and look the other way. There is greater complicity than we think. This issue involves everyone!” Pope Francis, 2013, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference promotes a special Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants on the Sunday closest to the World Refugee Day on 20 June. This year it falls on Sunday 21 June 2020, which is the twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme, “Where is your brother or sister?”, was taken from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium where he speaks of his distress about the various forms of human trafficking. He quotes the book of Genesis and challenges us not to look the other way but to recognize our migrant brothers and sisters who are experiencing exploitation. Migrants and refugees are part of our community, but they may not always be seen or heard. This theme is particularly topical given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as migrant communities will be among the most vulnerable to the impacts. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy worldwide, here in New Zealand, the government has been quick to offer emergency benefits to New Zealanders – however one big chunk of the workforce who are missing out are migrant workers. In New Zealand, about one in ten of the workforce is an overseas worker on a temporary visa1. With fragile visa situations, unfamiliarity with the culture and language, and the pressure to financially provide for family back in their homeland, losing their job or their income makes them the most vulnerable for worker exploitation. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant worker exploitation had been a serious problem that even the government had acknowledged by holding a review: www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/immigration/temporary-migrant-workerexploitation-review. Pope Francis has always seen the importance of this issue, in all its forms. In 2017, the Migrants & Refugees (M&R) Section was established by Pope Francis himself and tasked to address human trafficking as well as migrant and refugee matters. In 2018, the M&R Section held consultations with Church leaders, scholars, and organisations working in the field, to address trafficking. A resource for dioceses, parishes, and schools was put together and can be found on their website: migrants-refugees.va. Pope Francis acknowledges that the task of overcoming human exploitation takes “courage, patience and perseverance”, but it is a task that we all must take part in. He challenges us “to open our eyes, to see the misery of those who are completely deprived of their dignity and their freedom, and to hear their cry for help.” ______________________________ 1 RNZ. (2020, April 30). Covid-19: Jobless immigrants face poverty, deportation, exploitation- immigration adviser. Retrieved from https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/415473/covid-19-jobless-immigrants-face-poverty-deportation-exploitation-immigration-adviser A bridge for migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty across the world and Aotearoa, but especially to the temporary migrant workers in our community. The Filipino Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Wellington quickly realised this and wanted to reach out and help. Outreach Ministry Head, Jofferson Gonzales said, ”We understood that there would be people who won’t be able to go to shops, or new migrants who are anxious and confused about the information from government, and may not be familiar with how things work in New Zealand.” “Migrant workers won’t complain but it was our role to listen and help voice their concerns,” said Joey Domdom, one of the chaplaincy’s ministry heads. “They’re exploited in systems that are clearly taking advantage of them and the lockdown showed how disadvantaged they were.” The chaplaincy’s goal is to help Filipino migrants become a part of the local Church community in Aotearoa. Knowing that they would be hesitant to ask for help, the chaplaincy did a round of phone calls to temporary migrant workers that they knew of to ask how they were, how they could help, or just to be a listening ear. They worked with Catholic Social Services and Challenge 2000 to dispatch goods, like food and winter clothing, to their migrant brothers and sisters. “Our role was to identify these vulnerable people and their needs, and to become a link to other church agencies who had the supplies and were capable of doing the legwork – we sort of became like a bridge,” Gonzales said. When asked what our parish communities could do, Domdom replied with a simple suggestion - just start a conversation. “Just be aware of the migrant workers in our community. Ask them how they are; how is their work; how is their family back home?” This is precisely what Pope Francis was implying when he said, “Who is your brother or sister?” 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. The following measures will remain in till further notice:
Deu 8, 2-3. 14-16; 1 Cor 10, 16-17; Jn 6, 51-58 My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink Dear sisters and brothers, today we gather in the house of the Lord with trust and confidence. Today we celebrate the wonderful Sacrament, the sacred mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ, the means of our salvation. Dear friends, I would like to congratulate all of you for being so patient and obedient to all the directions from government and church authorities given to you in the present time. It is never an easy thing to do for each one of us, but we did it together. This is a new chapter in our life. Let us continue to grow in our new spiritual adventures we have acquired. Surf the parish web pages and you will find some more adventures, the celebration of Mid-Winter-Christmas produced by Eastern Suburbs pastors association. 1st Reading recalls God’s infinitive love and care for Israelites, leading them through desert to the Promised Land. He fed them ‘bread from heaven’, and that has become the model for the Eucharistic bread. The manna became the symbol and reminder of God’s unfailing care for his people throughout their journey, just as the Eucharist is the expression of God’s care for his people today. St Paul, in writing to that difficult and divided community at Corinth, chides them for their disunity and selfishness. In the strongest terms Paul insists that the Eucharist must be the symbol and expression of unity, and that those who prevent it being so are making themselves ‘answerable for the body and blood of the Lord’. This passage from John’s gospel is the last of the Bread of life discourse. It moves on from seeing Christ as the wisdom of God, who must be accepted and believed, to the sacrament of eating the bread of life. These correspond to the two halves of the Mass, first the service of the Word, then the Eucharistic banquet. We are all so diet-conscious nowadays that it is quite obvious that the food we eat affects us. By eating Christ we are assimilated into him. But here is a catch, ‘just as, if I am sick, food does me no good and can even harm me, so if I eat Christ Sacramentally without wanting to be moulded into him, is does me no good at all. Blood is the sign of life and if there is no blood there is no life. So dear sisters and brothers, reception of the sacrament of body and blood of Christ is accepting God’s divine life, the divine gift within us. We all live with the same life’s blood. Do I really share my life, my talents, my goods with others knowing that I share the same bloodstream? Fr Ephrem 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 and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Hilikia Lefao, Marcella (Colleen) O’Donovan and Patricia Galvin. Vinnie’s Shop Miramar needs more volunteers!! Have you got some time to spare? Why not volunteer at the Miramar Vinnie’s shop. Contact Cathie on 0278412268 2020 Open Day at St Patrick’s College WELLINGTON Open Day is a chance for parents of Year 8 students to visit our College and learn about the opportunities and experiences that we offer across Years 9-13. Due to the 100 person gathering limit we have changed our Open Day format this year from one large gathering to a number of smaller groups who will meet our Rector and receive a tour of the College. To attend an Open Day1 hour tour of the College, bookings are essential. For COVID-19 contract tracing purposes we will require your contact details when you make your booking. How to Book a College Tour: Please make a booking by phoning the College on 939 3070 and advising which of the six tour options you would prefer: Tuesday 16 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm Thursday 18 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm Friday 19 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm St Catherine’s College Open Night Thursday 25th June. Tours start at 6pm. BOOK A TOUR: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/ CODE: tqnwc This year, St Mary's College is holding open day tours for prospective families on Tuesday 30 June. There will be three time slots offered 11.30 am, 2pm, 4pm. The tours will be one hour with a maximum of 100. Whānau will be divided into small tour groups of 10 people each, with a maximum of three per whānau. Whānau will be required to register using schoolinterviews.co.nz. the booking code is 3te25 If your space is limited please ask them to visit our website stmw.school.nz Mid winter Christmas – 12 days of light in the darkness. 21 June – 2 July Light up your neighbourhood with love. This is an iniative by the combined churches of the Miramar Peninsula. During the 12 days we are encouraging our neighbours on the Peninsula to place a Christmas tree in their street-facing windows, and to light them up for the 12 days from Sunday 21 June (the shortest day) to Thursday July 2nd. Each day we will provide ideas for family fun, ways to bless your neighbours, and a range of opportunities to engage in conversation and contemplation. Our hope is to bring community spirit to our neighbourhoods, to produce an outpouring of practical support and love to those who are struggling in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, and to engage our neighbours in meaningful conversations based on the traditional christmas themes. Why a mid-winter Christmas? Well firstly, it’s fun! We love that! But also, Christmas is the time we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We believe that in Jesus, God is revealed to us, not as one who is distant from us in our sorrows and pain, but as one who comes to us, entering into our suffering, to redeem it through his. He is the “light that enters the darkness”. This was good news 2000 years ago and we believe it’s good news today as we contemplate deeper questions of life in the midst of a global pandemic. Whatever your faith, we hope these 12 days will create joyful memories for your family, a greater connection with your neighbours, and rich and meaningful conversations. Website: https://www.midwinterchristmas.nz/ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwinterchristmas.nz instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwinterchristmas.nz/ Joshua is on again. Come and enjoy fellowship with other men and share your Lockdown stories on Thursday 18th June 2020 at 7:30pm (Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral). Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or email: [email protected] The Eucharist is not a sacrament “for me”; it is the sacrament of the many, who form one body, God’s holy and faithful people… The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity. Whoever receives it cannot fail to be a builder of unity, because building unity has become part of his or her “spiritual DNA”. Pope Francis, Feast of Corpus Christi 2017 NZ Catholic available online at the following link https://indd.adobe.com/view/b3afc3f1-9e7a-4f50-bdf9-d5783300bd46 Dean sought for newly formed Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College The newly formed Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is seeking a highly qualified Dean to be its Auckland- based academic face and voice. Te Kupenga is casting its net locally and internationally for the dean, who will lead the college, established on 1 January by a merger between the two Catholic tertiary education providers – Good Shepherd College in Auckland and The Catholic Insitute of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCI). The college itself is part of the new umbrella organisation Te Kupenga Catholic Leadership Institute, also formed on 1 January.Te Kupenga (The Net) has three operating units – Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College (for tertiary courses and qualifications),the National Centre for Religious Studies, and the Nathaniel Centre for Catholic Bioethics. Te Kupenga Chief Executive Dr Areti Metuamate said the new dean would build on past work to ensure there was an integrated, academically sound and high - performing community of scholars.“ This academic community will be central to achieving the Bishops’ vision for skilled and collaborative education, leadership, ministry, witness and voice in and from the New Zealand Catholic Church,” said Dr Metuamate.“ The Dean will be the academic face and voice for the Catholic Theological College and will need a high level of personal credibility and academic reputation.” Interested applicants can look at the position description and find contact details for Dr Metuamate at this link: www.catholic.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Dean-CTC-role- description-01062020.pdf Prison Chaplain for Rimutaka and Arohata prisons We are seeking to employ a suitably qualified person to work as a member of the Prison Chaplaincy Services Aotearoa New Zealand Chaplaincy Team, which delivers Ecumenical Chaplaincy services to persons in prison at Rimutaka and Arohata. The Position is a permanent position of 37.5 hours per week. The Catholic Prison Chaplaincy service is a separate but integrated ministry which promotes and shares the Gospel message, provides for the celebration of the Sacraments, pastoral care, counsel and support. The person we are looking for will come from a committed Catholic ministry background, have undertaken ongoing formation and had at least two years of pastoral ministry. For a copy of the role description and application forms for this vacancy, please email: [email protected] . Please send your completed application forms, cover letter and CV to Karen Holland at: [email protected] Yes - we are back to our new normal for now! But each of us needs to be responsible and thoughtful, not just for ourselves, our families and friends, but also for those who may be at risk health-wise. Alert Level 1 - this means the risk of COVID-19 has been managed.While there are no restrictions at Alert Level 1, Public Health advice is:
Advice for at-risk people - Ministry of Health advice for at-risk people(external link) People with underlying medical conditions, especially if not well-controlled, and some older people are at higher-risk of severe illness from COVID-19. At all Alert Levels, when you leave the house you should maintain physical distancing and good hygiene practices. Keep in touch with your GP or specialist if you need advice regarding your level of risk. Continue to access care for your condition. The Golden Rules for everyone at Alert Level 1
PRAYING WITH GRATITUDE One of the forms of personal or family prayer is gratitude or thankfulness. Sometimes the simple or mundane things in our lives are not appreciated - an example, the everyday meals we consume or care given. In an article Table Grace in a World Struggling with Climate Change by Willard Metzger, are some ideas for what we used to call, grace before meals and a reminder of the interrelatedness of things in our lives. Without you, oh Lord, there is no fullness of life. You have created the earth and all its fullness. By it we are fed and nourished. Forgive us when we see ourselves as the centre of all life, and neglect our responsibility to care for the rest of life. In gratitude for this food, help us care for all the earth, that we may bring you fullness of joy. AMEN This food does not come to us without cost. It comes to us through human effort – and we are thankful. But even more so, this food comes to us as a gift of the earth. Creation has given itself so that our lives can be sustained – and we are thankful. In our gratitude, oh God, we acknowledge the true cost of this food. In our worship of you, help us renew our commitment to care for the earth. AMEN All we have is what you have given us, Lord. Life is a gift. Food is a gift. This earth is a gift. Help us live lives that express our gratitude for all your gifts – life, food, and the beauty of this earth. AMEN Loving God, in your wisdom, you have made us dependent on our environment. Our well-being is linked to the health of the earth. Without you, oh God, we have no hope. And without a healthy environment, we have no future here. In humble recognition of our need, we receive this meal with thanksgiving, and respect our environment in praise. Keep our bodies strong and our environment healthy, so both will bring you praise. Amen. 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. Readings: Ex 34, 4-6. 8-9; 2 Cor 13, 11-13; John 3, 16-18. The Lord, is a God of tenderness and compassion After successfully completing a few months of Easter experience in a locked room, the Ascension of Christ into heaven opened the door of heaven. The Holy Spirit then rushed to us as if He got us back in his home like the prodigal son. Today God bestows singular grace to us that the complete God head fills his presence amidst us with kindness and compassion beyond all telling. Moses encounters God’s kindness, compassion, tenderness and faithfulness at Sinai in good times and bad times with Israelites. What Moses and Israelites experienced and gone through is tremendous and their whole life was guided by it. For them it was miss and hit the presence of God. May I have an opportunity to explore the loving relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are eternally one in their loving relationship. It is the Spirit the Lord Comes down and takes flesh in the womb of Virgin Mary, the word brought by the angel. When Mary raised her concern, the angel said to her, “the Spirit of the Lord will overshadow you and you will conceive and bear a son and will name him Jesus.” God the Father in His tender compassion becomes one of you and me. He is a tremendous lover of you and me. In His love he is moved with compassion to be with us in our weakness and sickness. So that we may stand up and be counted to His love in response. Now this Son who was born by the will of God, overshadowed by the Holy Spirit; now after his resurrection as promised returns to his Fatherhood to send the Holy Spirit to be with us always. God continues to raise his people after his heart in every age, and in our age too. Andrea Tornielli records his conversation with Pope Francis in a book, “The name of God is Mercy.” Pope Francis visiting the prison in Palmasola, Bolivia, 2015 made a profound statement about himself saying, “standing before you is a man who has been forgiven for his many sins …” It is truly striking to hear a pope say these things about himself. He has experience God’s mercy; he has seen God’s mercy in action through other people and their life changed for good. 1) We need to respect ourselves and respect others. Our conviction that the Triune God is present within us always should help us to esteem ourselves as God’s holy dwelling place, to behave well in His holy presence, and to lead purer and holier lives, practicing acts of justice and charity. This Triune Presence should also encourage us to respect and honour others as "Temples of the Holy Spirit." 2) We need to be aware of God as the Source of our strength and courage. The awareness and conviction of the presence of God within us gives us the strength to face the manifold problems of life with Christian courage. It was such a conviction that prompted the early Christian martyrs being taken to their execution to shout the heroic prayer of Faith from the Psalms: "The Lord of might is with us, our God is within us, and the God of Jacob is our helper" (Psalm 46). 3) We need to see the Trinity as the model for our Christian families: We are created in love to be a community of loving persons, just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in Love. From the day of our Baptism, we have belonged to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How privileged we are to grow up in such a beautiful Family! Hence, let us turn to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in prayer every day. We belong to the Family of the Triune God. The love, unity and joy in the relationship among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit should be the supreme model of our relationships within our Christian families. Our families become truly Christian when we live in a relationship of love with God and with others. 4) We are called to become more like the Triune God through all our relationships. We are made in God’s image and likeness. Just as God is God only in a Trinitarian relationship, so we can be fully human only as one member of a relationship of three partners. The self needs to be in a horizontal relationship with all other people and in a vertical relationship with God. In that way our life becomes Trinitarian like that of God. Modern society follows the so-called “I-and-I” principle of unbridled individualism and the resulting consumerism. But the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity challenges us to adopt an "I-and-God-and-neighbour" principle: “I am a Christian insofar as I live in a relationship of love with God and with other people.” Like God the Father, we are called upon to be productive and creative persons by contributing to the building up of the fabric of life and love in our family, our Church, our community and our nation. Like God the Son, we are called upon to reconcile, to be peacemakers, to put back together that which has been broken, to restore what has been shattered. Like God the Holy Spirit, it is our task to uncover and teach truth and to dispel ignorance. (Trinitarian spirituality: Fr Ephrem Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every weekday from the prayer room in the presbytery at the following times Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 9.30am Thurs 7pm 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 and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Brendan Murray, Ngaire Durkin, Stjepan Kuzmicich, Brian Vincent and Patricia Reynolds. We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services. Heading towards Alert Level 1 MOVING BEYOND Interesting news that anytime soon we should be moving into Alert Level 1. Regardless, the Ministry of Health is still recommending ongoing care with hygiene and behaviours when out in public and at gatherings, especially among people who may be unknown to you. While it does look like the virus may be contained, we have to have regard for those with health issues and compromised immunity, as well as other at risk groups and individuals! We will update you on what Alert Level 1 means for us regarding use of our Churches as soon as the situation becomes clearer. Here’s hoping that so many of the kind and caring contacts and activities that many people have been undertaking over past months in the parish and wider community will continue in some way as we move into our Winter months and beyond. Our St Vincent de Paul Society members are continuing their good works so here’s an update from them and a reminder of their details should you wish to help in anyway: In our local eastern suburbs communities, many families are experiencing ongoing hardship from COVID-19, such as going short of food, losing their job, cut backs in hours of work, digging into savings, debt, and difficulty clothing and equipping kids back at school. Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Your SVDP Conference in Holy Trinity Parish is here to help in strict confidence if we know who needs help, "following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society". Should you know of any households in need of emergency food, winter bedding, clothing items or simple friendly support, please make contact with Tina Quidilla, SVDP 021 159 2412, OR [email protected] KEEP PRAYING and REFLECTING Most of the links to online resources, including Masses, provided in our newsletter in previous weeks are still available. Including daily Mass: with Fr Ephrem: https://www.facebook.com/fretigga from Christchurch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDyKPjjDeYWfpoz_hSDLfw In addition, here is an interesting piece for some reading and reflection from our Vicar General, Msgr Gerard Burns: https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/pandemic-and-religious-freedom/ Also an article from Mary Thorne in the current Tui Motu magazine: https://tuimotu.org/a/jJyK8A9 Plus much great reading (including an article by Fr Joe Grayland) in Welcom, our Archdiocesan newspaper online at: https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_welcom/welcom-june-2020-issue-383/ An app, Bread for Today, developed by the Redemptorists, has a daily topical reflection. Available from the App store or Google play. Friday 5.June was World Environment Day with the theme for 2020 being “Celebrate Biodiversity”. According to a United Nations report on biodiversity last year, around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction in the coming decades. Loss of biodiversity has significant impacts on ecosystems, nutrition, livelihoods, and even health. UN also state: "Recent events, from bushfires in Brazil, the United States, and Australia to locust infestations across East Africa – and now, a global disease pandemic – demonstrate the interdependence of humans and the webs of life, in which they exist.” See too: https://www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/biodiversity/en/ This is another reminder to think again about our response to Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si. This link is to an Ignatian Examen on Reconciling God, Creation and Humanity. It’s very good. http://www.ecologicalexamen.org/ “A Prayer for Our Earth” All powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. (Laudato Si’, n. 246) Thank you for your ongoing financial support for the parish over past weeks. A number of parishioners have moved to Automatic Payments or online giving. From this Sunday and onwards there will be a donation box inside the Church for your offering. There will be no collection or procession during Mass. 2020 Open Day at St Patrick’s College WELLINGTON Open Day is a chance for parents of Year 8 students to visit our College and learn about the opportunities and experiences that we offer across Years 9-13. Due to the 100 person gathering limit we have changed our Open Day format this year from one large gathering to a number of smaller groups who will meet our Rector and receive a tour of the College. To attend an Open Day1 hour tour of the College, bookings are essential. For COVID-19 contract tracing purposes we will require your contact details when you make your booking. How to Book a College Tour: Please make a booking by phoning the College on 939 3070 and advising which of the six tour options you would prefer: Tuesday 16 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm Thursday 18 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm Friday 19 June 11.30am–12.30pm OR 12.30pm–1.30pm 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] Joshua is on again. Come and enjoy fellowship with other men and share your Lockdown stories on Thursday 18th June 2020 at 7:30pm (Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral). Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or email: [email protected] Understanding what God is saying to us at this time of pandemic also represents a challenge for the Church’s mission. Illness, suffering, fear and isolation challenge us. The poverty of those who die alone, the abandoned, those who have lost their jobs and income, the homeless and those who lack food challenge us… The impossibility of gathering as a Church to celebrate the Eucharist has led us to share the experience of the many Christian communities that cannot celebrate Mass every Sunday. In all of this, God’s question: “Whom shall I send?” is addressed once more to us and awaits a generous and convincing response: “Here am I, send me!” Pope Francis: Message for World Mission Day 2020 Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital PJ Appeal online. Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital is still running its annual PJ appeal for children who arrive without pyjamas. However, they cannot accept drop-off s of physical PJs because of their strict visitor policy but you can donate online to Hospi’s Virtual Jammies in June Appeal at www. hospi.org.nz, There is always a signifi cant increase in the number of children admitted to hospital in winter, and the community nursing teams also fi nd children in homes that are often cold and damp, raising the risk of asthma and other respiratory infections. And right now, many Kiwi families in our region face an uncertain fi nancial future, and there may be little leftover money to spend on extras like warm PJs. |
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October 2020
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