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Tena koutou ka toa ete whanau, kia ora
A story is told about three priests discussing what language they speak in heaven. One said, Latin because that is the language of the Church. One said English because that is the language widely used everywhere. The other said it is Chinese because everything new is made in China. To cut the story short, the three priests died and went to heaven. There at the pearly gates they were welcomed by St Peter, “Ete whanau, Kia Ora!” My dear friends, each one of you is invited by God to use the language of love. You are being sent to proclaim Jesus and His teachings by the way you live your life. This year Mission Sunday’s theme is “whom shall I send?” Pray and say to God “Here I am, send me!” Let me paraphrase the words of St Therese of the child Jesus. “Christ has no body on earth but yours no hand but yours, no feet but yours yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good yours are the hands with which He is to bless the people And with Padre Pio “Pray, hope and don’t worry! Fr Mario Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Margaret Mansell, Barney Scully, Hazel Kingston, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Gerard Birss, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and those recovering at home including Eddie Wilkins. And we pray 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; Danziel Kalolo-Apolinario, Zita Milne, Russell Stuart, Angela Panettieri, Jarlath Dooley and Robert Gates. St Vincent de Paul New Members Commissioning, Holy Trinity Parish St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Conference extends its warm appreciation to all parishioners who offered prayerful support to the commissioning by Fr Ephrem of 10 new members of the Society at the 10.30am Mass in St Patrick's Church Kilbirnie on Sunday 11 October 2020. We have been blessed by these members putting their faith into action in the service of those in need in our communities. I am also pleased to advise on behalf of all our members that Andrew Bridgman, an experienced member of our Conference, has been unanimously elected as President of Holy Trinity Eastern Suburbs Conference to now succeed me after my nine faith-filled and fruitful years serving you in this role. (Contact: Brendan Quirk, 021 236 5695) A family in our Holy Trinity Parish needs urgently in good working condition a washing machine and some beds, i.e. 2 bunk beds, 1 queen & 1 double. They are currently struggling due to living on a single limited income and one of the parents is still coping with a health challenge. They lost most of their household items a while ago due to a flood and rodent infestation. If you can donate such items in good condition, please urgently contact Tina Quidilla SVDP on 021 159 2412 or email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz With Many Thanks. Finance Committee Meeting – 20th October 7pm, St Patrick’s Meeting Room Parish Council Meeting – 4th November 7pm, Gascoigne Room St Anthony’s Calling for volunteers. A form will be available in the coming weeks asking for more volunteers. This will include all ministries and such duties as setting up before Mass. Please consider now the ways in which you can best use your talents and help our community. Gascoigne Educational Scholarship. This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2021 and beyond at a tertiary level and who meet the qualifying criteria which are included in the terms and conditions. For an application form (including terms and conditions) email the parish office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or download a copy from the website http://www.holytrinity.parish.nz/ Closing date: 31 October 2020 Columban Calendar to give away! – only 1 left!! Two Columban Calendars have been very kindly donated by one of our parishioners and one has already gone. Contact the Parish Office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953 The little blue book for Advent and Christmas Seasons 2020 – 2021 – 2 copies left!! 5 copies of the little blue book have been very kindly donated by a parishioner. If you would like one of the remiaing 2 copies contact the Parish Office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953 2021 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each. You can either put your money or cheq (made out to Holy Trinity Parish) in an envelope with your details and pop in the collection basket, email, phone or drop into the Parish Office. Alternatively pay by internet banking to Holy Trinity Parish 02-0536-0185031-00 and use CALENDAR as the reference. When you have paid, email the office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz with the following details: your name, the amount paid, the number of calendars ordered, which Church you will collect your calendars from or if you would like to collect them from the office. Once payment has cleared, the Calendars will be left for you in the back of your chosen Church or in the office for you to collect. Bernadette Hyland also has them available for sale at St Patrick’s Church REAL CHRISTMAS CARDS St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas cards will be on sale soon in our Church foyers after Sunday Masses at Holy Cross, St Anthony's and St Patrick's churches, same price as last year's. Religious-theme cards "Keeping Christ in Christmas", $2.50 per pack of 5 cards with envelopes. Proceeds to our local St Vincent de Paul Conference activities in the eastern suburbs. Contacts: Holy Cross Church (Julian Knap, ph 970 3905), St Anthony's Church (Andrew Monahan, ph 021 772 350), and St Patrick's Church (Frank Quirke, ph 387 4977) or from the office Isaiah 6:8 Today many people, especially children, are victims of poverty. This not only affect their health conditions, but also their education, social integration, and even their faith development. The missionary work of the Church is an effort to make human life regain value and dignity. Poverty in a developing country shortens the lives of many. Today, in our MISSIO-NZ Newsletter, you will read the story of children like Zyrhrie who is affected by malnutrition but are assisted by missionaries, lay and religious. You can support the missionary work of the Church in more needy places outside New Zealand. Your gift of prayers and financial help will fund community and child‑focused programs run by the Church in countries like the Philippines. Your one‑off gift TODAY or your regular monthly gift made through MISSIO-NZ is very much appreciated and will make a great difference to those in need in the Philippines and around the world. http://www.missio.nz/missionunday (09) 489 6549 Age Concern are hosting their next monthly Pop-Up Hub, light lunch and a cuppa in Seatoun on Tuesday 20th October 12 - 2pm at the Seatoun Village Hall. * Free social gathering for 65+ * Enjoy a cuppa and make new friends *No need to register, just turn up *Bring your laptop & cell phone if you have questions or need help * Therapy dogs will come for a short visit Call 04 4996648 to find out more The October 18-31 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Our 600th issue. Some headlines are: Pope issues new encyclical on fraternity and social friendship. Former NZ seminary rector farewelled. Extraordinary form ordinations in Auckland. Christchurch ordination after many delays. Election Weekend Latin Masses Three Latin Masses will be celebrated by newly ordained Auckland Priest Fr Roger Gilbride FSSP on the weekend of the national election. All are welcome. Sunday 18 October at St Mary of the Angels, 7.30pm – Missa Cantata in Solemnis, then Rosary Monday 19 October at Sacred Heart (Petone), 9.30am – Low Mass, Rosary, then morning tea in the church foyer. All enquiries to Neil Coup at 021 896 924 Lord, our God, help us to walk with you On the pathway to the beatitudes and To live out your mission in today’s world. Bind us to all men and women of our time So that altogether we may bring the Good news to the ends of the earth. Open our hearts and our Christian communities To the needy, the afflicted, the oppressed. May we radiate the Living Christ And transform our lives in the hope of the Resurrection This prayer we make to you Who is the living God, now and forever. AMEN FINAL CALL; an oppportunity to make a new start! Men’s One-Day Retreat at Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, Island Bay on Saturday 31st October 2020, 8:30am – 5:00pm Theme: "Don't Worry. Trust in Jesus" Retreat Leader is Fr James Lyons Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 email: joshua.wgtn@gmail.com Online Session (Evening): Mary and the Reformation – Mary, full of Grace with Br Kieran Fenn who has a wonderful way of bringing Scripture alive.Tuesday, 20 October, 7-8.30pm. Fee: Koha/Donation. ZOOM.For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nzSee also: https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-teaching-mary-in-the-reformation/Online Session (Retreat Day): Who am I ? – Reflecting on our Identity in God with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 28 November, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. (Please note new Date!) For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nzhttps://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-who-am-i/ Online Session (Retreat Day): Who am I ? – Reflecting on our Identity in God with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 24 October, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-who-am-i/ Vacancies for Engagement Assistants We're looking for team players in the Wellington region who feel passionately about social justice and advocating for a world free of poverty and injustice. You may be a recent graduate or school leaver. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the New Zealand Catholic Bishops' agency for justice, peace and development. We play an integral part in the worldwide Caritas network of 165 Catholic relief, development, and social service organisations.We want to broaden our Wellington team who are working with our international partners, our donors and supporters, parishes, schools and the wider Catholic community. The assistant roles we are seeking to fill will be instrumental in providing support to our engagement and programmes work, ensuring we continue our mission in delivering aid, supporting development and advocating for justice around the world. These are fixed term positions. Hours can be full or part-time. We want people with an understanding of and commitment to the values of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're interested in making a difference and would like to find out more about any of these positions visit www.caritas.org.nz or contact recruitment@caritas.org.nz . Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand invites you to remember two significant dates in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history: The Declaration of Independence, signed on October 28th , 1835 and invasion of Parihaka on the 5th of November 1881. The Declaration of Independence was initiated by northern Rangatira. It is considered the first constitutional founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand and is thus the first recognition of New Zealand as an independent entity. The Parihaka invasion is significant in that it is the first known case of nonviolent resistance in the world. Mahatma Gandhi heard about Parihaka while in South Africa and it inspired him to nonviolent resistance action in India which effectively led to the independence of India in 1947. We ask you to remember these events in your prayers and to pray for the protection and safety of all peace makers and peace builders around the world.
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Is 25, 6-10; Phil 4, 12-14. 19-20; Mt 22, 1-14
Our God is a God who forgives and gives life Dear sisters and brothers, today the church asks us to celebrate “Respect life Sunday 2020”. What does it mean to us in the context we live? The world is experiencing unprecedented fear due to Covid-19 which is threatening human life. New Zealand is voting for its next government for three years: there are couple of issues referendum is enforced upon us, one is legalising recreational weed and the other is Euthanasia that is voluntary choice to end life at the recommendation of the couple of doctors. One hand the sickness is taking away our life and on the other we are trying to make a law that will allow us to end life. So, we are saying, that the weak, vulnerable, defenceless (in the womb, in the advanced old age and sickness) no right to live. So, the “respect life” Sunday becomes all the more significant for us to realise the culture we live, of use and throw; saying, either you are inconvenience to me or burden to the society. Prophet Isaiah begins the scripture passage with the image of the messianic banquet, the banquet which the LORD is preparing for the end of time, an image which Jesus takes up in the gospel story of the wedding feast. After the first lines the image changes to the removal of the mourning-veil and the destruction of death, every tear wiped away. Gradually Israel comes to realise that God’s love is so enveloping and so enduring that God cannot desert or abandon his faithful even in death. Death hastens our union with God in the messianic everlasting wedding banquet. Here we see the permanent, saving strength of God’s love expressed. Speaking to the Sadducees (who did not believe in the resurrection) Jesus says, “god is the God not of the dead but of the living”. Saint Paul would say, “neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” A wedding is a time of joy and completion after long preparation, a time of love and of complete satisfaction. In Judaism at the time of Jesus the coming of the Messiah is often compared to a wedding feast. The marriage feast at Cana must have been some party! At Mary’s request Jesus produced 200 gallons of wine. The letter to the Ephesians teaches that the love in a human wedding is only a pale shadow of Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. In this story of the royal wedding, however, two things go drastically wrong. First, the original wedding guests refuse to come. Not only do they refuse, but they brutally maltreat the innocent messengers, and the king (who must stand for God) relentlessly burns down their city. This must be a adjustment to Jesus’ story, applying it to the Sack of Jerusalem, captured and burnt by the Romans in 70AD, a few years before Matthew was writing. Secondly, the man who has no wedding garment is slung out. A wedding garment is a standard Jewish image for works of generosity expected of every faithful Jew. For us Christians, too, the story constitutes a double warning. Dear sisters and brothers, first reading confirms our hope of life and existence, God intends to give us in abundance. that would be fulfilled in Jesus’ feast of wedding banquet. God invites every one of us, you and me to the wedding feast. He gives equal opportunity to the priests and elders of the people, to the invited guests and to the people on the crossroads. There are people who work tirelessly to bring joy and happiness into the lives of the people; but there are people who choose to bring harm and destruction into the lives of the people. And refuse to come to the wedding banquet (life) and choose (death). Paul recognises God’s providence and strength in his letter to the Philippians. Calls upon them glory of God and blessings. This is our God who forgives and gives life in abundance. Remember, each one us is important, precious, and valuable. You and I are created in the image and likeness of God. It is by His will we are here, and it is He who will call us in His time. Our life span has God’s purpose. Bless you Fr Ephrem Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Margaret Mansell, Barney Scully, Hazel Kingston, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Gerard Birss, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and those recovering at home including Eddie Wilkins. And we pray 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; Danziel Kalolo-Apolinario, Zita Milne, Russell Stuart, Angela Panettieri, Jarlath Dooley and Robert Gates. There will be no adoration or confession next Saturday 17th October St Vincent de Paul New Members Commissioning, Holy Trinity Parish We are delighted to say that our Holy Trinity Eastern Suburbs Conference has welcomed 10 new active members: Mary Blair, Catherine McLauchlan, Leeroy Pinto, Irene Beamish, Alan Robinson, Cecilia Stipkovits, David Williams, Neal Swindell and Andrew and Annette Bridgman. Several other parishioners have offered assistance. We are grateful for the support of parishioners, parish council and Fr Ephrem to now fully extending our mission to people in need in the Kilbirnie community and the wider eastern suburbs. To offer prayerful support and allow for dedication of our members to serve humbly and practically, commissioning prayers by Fr Ephrem and these new members will be included after communion in the 10.30am Mass at St Patrick's Church on Sunday 11 October (Contact: Brendan Quirk, SVDP Eastern Suburbs, 021 236 5695). Farewell to the Capuchin Friars You are invited to a Farewell and Thanksgiving Mass for the Capuchin Friars who are withdrawing from work in the Wellington Archdiocese at the end of 2020. The Friars have been involved in Parish and Mission work since 1958. They will be sadly missed. The Mass will be celebrated on: Sunday 18th October 9.30am at St Patrick’s Church , Childers Tce, Kilbirnie, Wellington To be followed by a cup of tea in St Patrick’s Church Hall. Plesae bring a plate of food to share and leave in the hall prior to Mass We need volunteers to help with the cup of tea for the Capuchin Farewell Mass on the 18th. If you are available to help set up, be there for the food drop off before Mass, serve or clean up, please contact the office 388 6953 or holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz Finance Committee Meeting – 20th October 7pm, St Patrick’s Meeting Room Parish Council Meeting – 4th November 7pm, Gascoigne Room St Anthony’s Calling for volunteers. A form will be available in the coming weeks asking for more volunteers. This will include all ministries and such duties as setting up before Mass. Please consider now the ways in which you can best use your talents and help our community. Gascoigne Educational Scholarship. This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2021 and beyond at a tertiary level and who meet the qualifying criteria which are included in the terms and conditions. For an application form (including terms and conditions) email the parish office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or download a copy from the website http://www.holytrinity.parish.nz/ Closing date: 31 October 2020 2021 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each. You can either put your money or cheq (made out to Holy Trinity Parish) in an envelope with your details and pop in the collection basket, email, phone or drop into the Parish Office. Alternatively pay by internet banking to Holy Trinity Parish 02-0536-0185031-00 and use CALENDAR as the reference. When you have paid, email the office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz with the following details: your name, the amount paid, the number of calendars ordered, which Church you will collect your calendars from or if you would like to collect them from the office. Once payment has cleared, the Calendars will be left for you in the back of your chosen Church or in the office for you to collect. Bernadette Hyland also has them available for sale at St Patrick’s Church 2 Columban Calendar to give away! Two Columban Calendars have been very kindly donated by one of our parishioners. If you would like one of these please contact the Parish Office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953 The little blue book for Advent and Christmas Seasons 2020 – 2021 5 copies of the little blue book have been very kindly donated by a parishioner. If you would like one of these please contact the Parish Office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953 REAL CHRISTMAS CARDS St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas cards will be on sale soon in our Church foyers after Sunday Masses at Holy Cross, St Anthony's and St Patrick's churches, same price as last year's. Religious-theme cards "Keeping Christ in Christmas", $2.50 per pack of 5 cards with envelopes. Proceeds to our local St Vincent de Paul Conference activities in the eastern suburbs. Contacts: Holy Cross Church (Julian Knap, ph 970 3905), St Anthony's Church (Andrew Monahan, ph 021 772 350), and St Patrick's Church (Frank Quirke, ph 387 4977). Looking for flat to rent. Single, quiet, professional lady in her 50s looking for a small 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom flat with possibility of storage to rent in the Eastern Suburbs up to $350pw. References available. Contact details jackiryan1966@gmail.com 04 386 4484 or 021 709 270 Joshua Don’t forget the Joshua men’s meeting this Thursday 15th October 2020 at 7:30pm (Note: cuppa from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start). Note: venue ‘Loaves and Fishes’ next to Anglican Cathedral, corner Hill and Molesworth Streets. Speaker: Fr Peter Ewart on “What can we learn from Teresa of Avila about prayer and trusting in Jesus” Also, keep Saturday 31st October free for Men's Retreat at Home of Compassion, Island Bay Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or email: joshua.wgtn@gmail.com The Bishops’ 2020 Election Statement-Whakapuaki Pōti has just been published. Printed copies of the Election Statement are available at the back of the church. The Statement online here: www.catholic.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Catholic-Bishops-Election-Statement-2020.pdf A link to it is also on the NZCBC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/ And a media statement about it is online here: www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/bishops-election-statement-2020/ Respect Life Sunday 2020 on 11 October invites us to value and protect vulnerable members of our families, communities, society and nation in all we do. Quoting Pope Francis, the theme reminds us: “We are all frail, all equal, all precious”. Respect Life Sunday falls a week before the New Zealand General Election, in a year in which we face old and new questions about the way we value lives through the Covid-19 pandemic, abortion legislation and the euthanasia referendum. Sincere and humble worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the welfare of all. Pope Francis: Fratelli Tutti, 3 October 2020 The CLC Kohanga community will shortly be running 7 weekly sessions to introduce new people to CLC and Ignatian spirituality. They welcome anyone interested to join with them. These are information sessions, there is no obligation to continue at the end of the 7 weeks, and they are free! The introductory evenings will be held at 7:30 pm every Tuesday from 13 October 2020 at a home in Hataitai. If you know anyone who is interested please ask them to contact: Chris Kelly on 0272942983 or email chriskelly7@xtra.co.nz or Andrea Havell on (04) 9721042 or 022 0925445 Election Weekend Latin Masses Three Latin Masses will be celebrated by newly ordained Auckland Priest Fr Roger Gilbride FSSP on the weekend of the national election. All are welcome. Saturday 17 October at St Mary of the Angels Chapel of Our Lady, 9.00am - Low Mass, then Rosary Sunday 18 October at St Mary of the Angels, 7.30pm – Missa Cantata in Solemnis, then Rosary Monday 19 October at Sacred Heart (Petone), 9.30am – Low Mass, Rosary, then morning tea in the church foyer. All enquiries to Neil Coup at 021 896 924 About to get married A wedding is a day, marriage is a lifetime. Could you successfully run a marathon without preparing for it? Of course not! So too marriage. The next opportunity to prepare for your lifetime together by attending a Engaged Encounter weekend marriage preparation course is 14th and 15th November. This is the final one for the year. For more details go to the website http://www.cee-wellington.co.nz/ Phone Kate and Simon Olson. 04 801 6192 or email simonolsen@gmail.com Online Session (Evening): Mary and the Reformation – Mary, full of Grace with Br Kieran Fenn who has a wonderful way of bringing Scripture alive. Tuesday, 20 October, 7-8.30pm. Fee: Koha/Donation. ZOOM.For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz See also: https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-teaching-mary-in-the-reformation/ Online Session (Retreat Day): Who am I ? – Reflecting on our Identity in God with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 28 November, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. (Please note new Date!) For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-who-am-i/ Isaiah 6:8 Next weekend our parish will be holding the Pontifical Mission (MISSIO-NZ) Church Appeal. This year we are invited to partner with the needy Church in the Philippines. They reach out to those who have been affected by poverty and disability. They give them hope and support to live a fulfilling life. Zyrhrie Costales is a seven years old girl but weighs only 7kgs when the team of Sr Maris found her. In recent months Zyrhrie has also been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The reach-out program of the diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines led by the Canossian Sisters and their teams worked hard to help bring integral development of mind, body, and soul of the children of the Diocese. Zyrhrie represents the many children who longs to live with top health. The Missionary Canossian Sisters and their team need your help. Next week you will be offered the opportunity to personally partner with the Church in the Philippines and other countries. Your gifts will specifically be directed to support communities and child- focused integral programs. May your generosity be an expression of your care for those less privileged. May your gifts be an expression of your response. Give from your heart. http://www.missio.nz/missionunday (09) 489 6549 KIWI ATHLETIC CLUB (est 1926) opening and enrolment nights 1st two Wednesday in October 5pm, Newtown Stadium. For College age to Veteran adults . Ideal for winter coders, newcomers. Contact Peter Jack 3886224 from 7pm Online Session (Retreat Day): Who am I ? – Reflecting on our Identity in God with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 24 October, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-who-am-i/ Vacancies for Engagement Assistants We're looking for team players in the Wellington region who feel passionately about social justice and advocating for a world free of poverty and injustice. You may be a recent graduate or school leaver. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the New Zealand Catholic Bishops' agency for justice, peace and development. We play an integral part in the worldwide Caritas network of 165 Catholic relief, development, and social service organisations.We want to broaden our Wellington team who are working with our international partners, our donors and supporters, parishes, schools and the wider Catholic community. The assistant roles we are seeking to fill will be instrumental in providing support to our engagement and programmes work, ensuring we continue our mission in delivering aid, supporting development and advocating for justice around the world. These are fixed term positions. Hours can be full or part-time. We want people with an understanding of and commitment to the values of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're interested in making a difference and would like to find out more about any of these positions visit www.caritas.org.nz or contact recruitment@caritas.org.nz . Is 5, 1-7; Phil 4, 6-9; Mt 21, 33-43
“The vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the House of Israel and the men of Judah that chosen plant.” I do not have any experience of preparing of a vineyard. A few times I have visited vineyards (even on 26th September I had a wedding celebration) and winepress where I see a lot of work goes through. Isaiah puts it very clearly in today’s reading that the hosts is the Lord, you and me are chosen vine. Let us take a walk at the vineyard: A vineyard needs a lot of devoted care, pruning, manuring, tying back. In the rocky soil of Israel even more special care is needed, such as gathering the stones to form retaining walls to keep the soil from eroding, building a lookout tower against thieves and a vie-press for crushing the grapes. Then right fruiting-vine has to be grafted onto the sturdy stock, as here the vine-dresser grafts on fine grapes. We see disappointment when host gets for his pains is inedible wild grapes! This haunts the owner the vinedresser. St Francis of Assisi is born at this very point when religious fervour was at lowest ebb in 12th century. God’s call to St Francis was to rebuild his church which was falling into ruins. Today the Franciscan brothers and sisters are working in 153 countries. Dominic V Monti – by 2002 there 31,000 thousand friars and over one Million lay Franciscan following Christ in the spirituality of St Francis. This is how St Francis has taken the rebuilding of the Church. So too we are called to rebuild the church by our very sacrament of baptism, but evangelisation is not easy in todays world. This bring us the celebration of diamond jubilee of Holy Cross church, blessed on 2nd October 1960. This church must produce good and juicy fruits in you and me, the living church. Our relationship with God and his creation builds the church and vineyard. Are we ready to build it? The gospel presents the paradigm of our relationship with the creator. Jesus’ understanding of the sovereignty of God brought him the violent opposition of some of the Jewish leaders. Were they corrupt or just closed to any new way of thinking, so closed that they could not see that Jesus was the promised Messiah? Anyway, Jesus used this story about the tenants of a vineyard to show that they were not leading the people as they should. Everyone would immediately understand the image of the vineyard. The prophet Isaiah -and may others after him – had used this image in a well-known poem eight centuries earlier to show that the vineyard of Israel refused to yield a good harvest to God, whatever care God lavished on it. God expected fairness of judgement and all he found was a shriek of agony. What does it mean for us? Not that we have to follow every new idea. But it does mean that we must be open to the idea that we may be wrong, that our service of the Lord may be faulty that people we find tiresome or unacceptable may have more good in them than we credited. God’s ways are not our ways, and we need to watch out for the bend in the road. Listen to Paul, how he concludes the letter to the Philippians. Dear sisters and brothers, it is warm and affectionate little passage Paul concludes his letter. He encourages them in every way to be cheerful in the Lord, but especially to be grateful. If we really appreciate that the Lord is near, we cannot worry, and the peace of God will rest upon us. Then also gratitude and thanksgiving will be our mode of thought, penetrating all our thoughts on every subject. The word Paul uses for ‘thanksgiving’ is the word used for the Eucharist, which is the great prayer of thanksgiving, offered by Christ to the Father in the name of us all. It is the summing up of all prayer, petition, gratitude and admiration. No doubt Paul is thinking of it as the high point of all prayer. Dear friends, we are called to be grateful for the Lord has chosen us to be his right fruiting vine, grafted onto the sturdy stock; tenants who deliver the produce to him at the when the season arrives. May God bless us to be rooted in His Son’s teaching of gratitude and thanksgiving in this Eucharistic celebration. Fr Ephrem Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Margaret Mansell, Barney Scully, Hazel Kingston, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and those recovering at home including Eddie Wilkins. And we pray 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; Angela Panettieri, Frances Shaw, Glynn McArthy, Diane Crowhurst, Norman Paton and Moira Button. The Parish Office will be closed from the 1st to the 5th of October. You can still reach Fr for any urgent matters on the office phone number 388 6953 otherwise the office will open again on the 6th October. Thank you Farewell to the Capuchin Friars You are invited to a Farewell and Thanksgiving Mass for the Capuchin Friars who are withdrawing from work in the Wellington Archdiocese at the end of 2020. The Friars have been involved in Parish and Mission work since 1958. They will be sadly missed. The Mass will be celebrated on: Sunday 18th October 9.30am at St Patrick’s Church , Childers Tce, Kilbirnie, Wellington To be followed by a cup of tea in St Patrick’s Church Hall. (Depending on Covid19 Alert Level) Annointing Mass St Patrick’s Church 11am Wednesday 7th October VENERABLE SUZANNE AUBERT/ MERI HŌHEPA CELEBRATION SUNDAY OCT 4 This Sunday we remember and celebrate the spirituality and good works of Venerable Suzanne Aubert known to Maori as Meri Hōhepa. It’s the one day in the year when we can take time to reflect on what this remarkable woman achieved here in Aotearoa/New Zealand and be inspired and encouraged as we hope and pray that she will soon be formally recognised by the church as New Zealand’s first Saint. Cardinal John Dew received a personal letter last month from the president of the Causes for Saints, confirming the cure attributed to Suzanne’s alleged intercession is right now being closely examined in Rome. If the cure is accepted as miraculous, she will be beatified and known as Blessed. This will be a very significant stage on her journey to Sainthood. One can only wonder what Suzanne Aubert would say about the COVID-19 pandemic but we know she would be working at the coalface ensuring all were cared for during this time of upheaval and stress. Her wairua lives on in the work of the Sisters of Compassion and their co-workers today. To coincide with Celebration Sunday, the Sisters have launched a special video project design for students. Details are on the Suzanne Aubert website. (www.suzanneaubert.co.nz ). You will also find new resources including a video book on her life and a booklet of 35 reflections. Please pray for her beatification and eventual canonisation. And, let us remember her constant prayer. “ Thanks be to God for all He has done and is doing for us.” St Vincent de Paul New Members Commissioning, Holy Trinity Parish We are delighted to say that our Holy Trinity Eastern Suburbs Conference has welcomed 10 new active members: Mary Blair, Catherine McLauchlan, Leeroy Pinto, Irene Beamish, Alan Robinson, Cecilia Stipkovits, David Williams, Neal Swindell and Andrew and Annette Bridgman. Several other parishioners have offered assistance. We are grateful for the support of parishioners, parish council and Fr Ephrem to now fully extending our mission to people in need in the Kilbirnie community and the wider eastern suburbs. To offer prayerful support and allow for dedication of our members to serve humbly and practically, commissioning prayers by Fr Ephrem and these new members will be included after communion in the 10.30am Mass at St Patrick's Church on Sunday 11 October (Contact: Brendan Quirk, SVDP Eastern Suburbs, 021 236 5695). Parish Council Meeting – 7th October 7pm, Gascoigne Room St Anthony’s Finance Committee Meeting – 13th October 7pm, St Patrick’s Meeting Room Gascoigne Educational Scholarship. This scholarship is open to all ages groups who are present members of Holy Trinity Parish and are planning to study for 2021 and beyond at a tertiary level and who meet the qualifying criteria which are included in the terms and conditions. For an application form (including terms and conditions) email the parish office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or download a copy from the website http://www.holytrinity.parish.nz/ Closing date: 31 October 2020 2021 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each. You can either put your money or cheq (made out to Holy Trinity Parish) in an envelope with your details and pop in the collection basket, email, phone or drop into the Parish Office. Alternatively pay by internet banking to Holy Trinity Parish 02-0536-0185031-00 and use CALENDAR as the reference. When you have paid, email the office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz with the following details: your name, the amount paid, the number of calendars ordered, which Church you will collect your calendars from or if you would like to collect them from the office. Once payment has cleared, the Calendars will be left for you in the back of your chosen Church or in the office for you to collect. Bernadette Hyland also has them available for sale at St Patrick’s Church Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25 Sundays – 2pm Invitation to a Christian Life Community introductory group The CLC Kohanga community will shortly be running 7 weekly sessions to introduce new people to CLC and Ignatian spirituality. They welcome anyone interested to join with them. These are information sessions, there is no obligation to continue at the end of the 7 weeks, and they are free! The introductory evenings will be held at 7:30 pm every Tuesday from 13 October 2020 at a home in Hataitai. If you know anyone who is interested please ask them to contact: Chris Kelly on 0272942983 or email chriskelly7@xtra.co.nz or Andrea Havell on (04) 9721042 or 022 0925445 DVDs wanted Please donate DVDs to young people living at Remutaka Prison, in the Youth Wing. I need DVDs to give to the prison to provide film evenings. If you have any: please send them to Steve O'Connor: Challenge 2000 PO Box 13059 Johnsonville. Or drop them at our Centre at 1 Wanaka Street Johnsonville. For more information, please phone Steve 021 192 7328. Men’s One-Day Retreat at Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, Island Bay on Saturday 31st October 2020, 8:30am – 5:00pm Theme: "Don't Worry. Trust in Jesus" Retreat Leader is Fr James Lyons Also, Joshua meeting on Thursday 15th October 2020 at 7:30pm in the ‘Loaves and Fishes’ next to Anglican Cathedral, corner Hill and Molesworth streets. Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 mail: joshua.wgtn@gmail.com The Bishops’ 2020 Election Statement-Whakapuaki Pōti has just been published. Printed copies of the Election Statement are available at the back of the church. The Statement online here: www.catholic.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Catholic-Bishops-Election-Statement-2020.pdf A link to it is also on the NZCBC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/ And a media statement about it is online here: www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/bishops-election-statement-2020/ Nau Mai Haere Mai “COME AND SEE” Come and explore a vocation with the Sisters of Mercy Saturday 10th Oct Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm Venue: St Anne’s Parish Hall, 22 Emmett Street, Newtown RSVP for Catering and for more information Sr Fatima - vocations@mercy.org.nz - Ph 021 084 29440 Sr Linda - vocations@mercy.org.nz Ph 021 263 0439 Notices from Titipounamu Study & Joy Ecumenical Day – Presence in Unity with Sarah Hart, Fr Kevin Waldie and Rev Ivica Gregurec. If Auckland is in Level 1, we will have a celebration with biblical, theological, artistic musical input and morning tea at St Columba Centre (Ponsonby, Auckland). If we are in Level 1-4, it will be organised as Zoom event. Saturday, 17 October, 10am-1pm Fee: $10 (if on site at St Columba Centre). Free if by ZOOM. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz or: https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/ecumenical-day/ KIWI ATHLETIC CLUB (est 1926) opening and enrolment nights 1st two Wednesday in October 5pm, Newtown Stadium. For College age to Veteran adults . Ideal for winter coders, newcomers. Contact Peter Jack 3886224 from 7pm Jeremiah 29:11 ”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Online Session (Retreat Day): Who am I ? – Reflecting on our Identity in God with Eamon Butler. Saturday, 24 October, 10.30am-4pm. Fee: $60. For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/virtual-retreat-day-with-eamon-butler-who-am-i/ October WelCom is being distributed to parishes and schools this week for Sunday, 4 October. Content includes:
As some are still at level 2 with various restrictions applied to gatherings, there will be no deliveries of the current print issue of NZ Catholic to parishes. However, the latest version of NZ Catholic is being made available free of charge for you to distribute. A cover graphic is also attached to assist in this. The link to the free issue is below. https://indd.adobe.com/view/698d4346-8ba8-465b-9b90-c612e4d57a8c If you in your family, in your neighbourhood start out with envy, with fights, there will be “war” in the end. Instead, if you start out with love, sharing love, forgiveness, there will be love and forgiveness for everyone. Pope Francis: General Audience 9 September 2020 |
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