Rejoice with the Lord and with One Another
Somebody asked me, “Father, why are you always smiling?” My answer was simple, “because I got three beautiful, understanding and reliable friends, Mercy, Grace and Joy!”
We had just ended the Jubilee Year of Mercy, and we have experienced so much the effects of mercy in our Christian life. This is a graceful moment to enjoy the loving and compassionate care of God for us. In this third Sunday of Advent, which we call “Gaudete Sunday”- Joyful Sunday, the church invites us to celebrate with JOY.
J = we are preparing for the three-comings of Jesus. Jesus coming in history! Jesus coming in mystery! Jesus coming in majesty! Jesus is the centre of all our celebration. Let us focus on Him and let us know more about Him by prayer, and listening to His words. Let Him lead us in all our endeavours! He should always be the priority in our lives.
O = we need people in our lives! We have our neighbours and the nearest neighbours we have are the members of our family. Are we building bridges among them or we build walls? Let us also open ourselves to others so that we really create a community built in love, understanding and acceptance. Remember that acceptance breeds understanding; understanding breeds love; and when there is love, there are always great miracles!
Y = what kind of personal preparation you are doing at the moment? You are so much gifted and God has blessed you with so many graces! How will you translate them into good deeds and create a beautiful you! “Aspire to inspire before you expire!”
Placing Jesus as the focus of everything we do, then creating an awesome community or family as our significant others and yourself at the end, will make Advent a real JOYful celebration!
                                                                                                                          Fr Mario
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.

Christmas Novena 15 – 23rd December - St Patrick’s Church 7.30pm
All are welcome to come join us praying a novena for the nine days leading up to Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve Children's Mass at Holy Cross   
There will be a music practice for this Mass at 7.30 pm on Wednesday the 14th of December in Holy Cross Church. All singers and musicians who wish to take part are very welcome.
 

St Patrick’s Church -   If you are able to do a ministry ----Reader, Offertory, Eucharistic Minister, altar server at the Christmas Masses of 11.30pm Christmas Eve or 10am Christmas Day please fill in the sheets in the Church porch this Sunday or next Sunday so the roster can be prepared.   Thank you
 

St Patrick’s School end of year Mass Wednesday 14th December 6.30pm (St Patrick’s Church – Fr Gregory)
St Anthony’s School end of year Mass Thursday 15th December 6pm (St Anthony’s Church – Fr Sanele)

Singing practices for anyone thinking of attending the 11.30pm Christmas Eve Mass at St. Patrick's Church (and the preceding carol service at 11pm).  These will be on Thurs 15 Dec and Thurs 22nd Dec, 6-7pm at St. Patrick's Church (prior to Reconciliation and Novena).  You don't have to be a fantastic singer - if you enjoy singing, please come along, you'll be warmly welcomed.

St Patrick’s Children’s Christmas Eve Mass 5.30pm  if you have a child that would like to  actively participate in this Mass and the Play  please contact Clare Lundon –  (04) 934 2981

Final Life Teen Mass – 11 December at 5.30pm at St Patrick’s
The Life Teen Youth Ministry warmly invite you to come and share in a final Mass and some refreshments on the 11th of December at 5:30pm at St Patrick's church, Kilbirnie, to thank the Parish for the 15 years of support.  We also take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in so many ways over the years: for saying Mass, helping us with food preparation, giving rides to our youth, praying for us and encouraging us with words and smiles.  You have meant so much to us and we are so grateful for each one of you!
We are hoping to still be able to collaborate with Holy Trinity Parish in the future as Wellington South Parish is only just over the hill. Thank you again for all your support and we hope to thank you in person on the 11th of December at 5.30pm.                                                                                        The Life Teen Leadership Group

Fr Gregory’s timetable 11th – 17th December
Sun 11th  – 7.30am & 10am Mass St Patrick’s, 5.30pm Lifeteen Mass St Patrick’s
Mon 12th – 9am Mass St Patrick’s
Tues 13th – 9.30am Mass St Patrick’s
Weds 14th – 9.30am Mass St Patrick’s, 6.30pm Mass for St Patrick’s School
Thurs 16th – 9.30am Mass St Patrick’s, 11am Mass Rita Angus, 7.30pm – Novena St Patrick’s
Fri 16th Dec – 9am Mass St Patrick’s, 10 – 12.30pm Holy Communion Rita Angus, 6 – 7.15pm Reconciliation St Patricks, 7.30pm Novena St Patrick’s
Sat 17th – 9am Mass Holy Cross, 9.30am Legion of Mary Holy Cross, 6 – 7.15pm Reconciliation St Patricks, 7.30pm Novena St Patrick’s

       Christmas Appeal.  St Vincent de Paul Society Seatoun & Miramar Conference
Place donated items - food items, toiletries, treats and gifts in or beside sign-posted boxes in the foyer any time of the week when the Church is open.  You might even like to make up a hamper. On Friday 16 December 2016 our team of drivers and helpers will deliver the boxes of food and items to over 50 families in the district. 
If you wish to provide a gift could you please wrap it and place a note as to the age and gender the gift would suit
This collection is a practical way we can reach out to bring Christ’s love to the homes of our neighbours who are really struggling and for whom this extra help will alleviate their burden.  Clare Maddock: 388 8548
 

Publication for sale in the Parish
St Patrick’s Church – Tui Motu $7 each and NZ Catholic $4 each 
Holy Cross Church – NZ Catholic $4 each

Columban Calendars available through the office  $12 each
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 [email protected] with the following details:  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.
or for sale at the back of St Patrick’s Church after Mass in November.
Andrew will be selling calendars from the cabinet at the back of the Church. Cash or cheque please. Please make cheques out to Holy Trinity Parish.

To celebrate Christmas and the end of another year, Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington extends an open invitation to men and women both older and younger for Mass followed by supper (Please bring some food to share!) on Thursday 15th of December 2016 at 7:30pm in CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon Celebrant: Fr Peter Ewart (Joshua Wellington Chaplain) Want to know more? contact John Taylor (04) 389-8915, 021-107-8538 or [email protected]

Christmas Carols for Life – Wellington Voice for Life are hosting a Christmas Carol service outside the Parliament Buildings on 20 December. Please come along and bring your friends and family. There will be treats and the evening will be a blessing for all. Date: Tuesday 20 Dec 2016 Time: 7pm - 8pm Location: Outside Parliament Buildings - Seddon statue

Notices from the Filipino Pastoral Council:
 The Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral Council invites you all to the celebration of the Traditional Filipino 9 Day Simbang Gabi from 
 Dec 15 – 23 at 7PM Sacred Heart Church in Petone,Lower Hutt.
 KPF Youth Camp:You are all invited to join us for a KPF (Kapatiran) Youth Camp on January 20-22,2017 at the Magnificat Retreat Centre, Featherstone, Wairarapa. Please call Joel Macaranas 029 5764713 or Ogie Dado 020 40793698. Email [email protected]
Join the Cathedral Choirs, Cathedral Orchestra supported by members of other local choirs for a magical Christmas fundraising concert in the Metropolitan Cathedral Wednesday 14 December at 7:00pm.
 We’re fundraising to kick-start the muchneeded work on the Cathedral’s 111 year old Hobday pipe organ which over the years has developed intermittent electrical issues, and wind leaks which affect the usability and reliability of the instrument, and most recently sustained damage in the earthquake.
 Our programme includes much loved Christmas works such as Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol by Rutter and a stunning arrangement of the Twelve Day of Christmas by Bob Chilcott and much more.
So, please join us an enjoy a truly special concert to usher in the Christmas season. Tkts $30/$25 and $20 concession.

The Missionary  Sisters Of St. Peter Claver are now preparing for their Annual Mission Fair which will  be held on Saturday 18th February 2017 from 10am to 1.00pm  at St. Francis de Sales Church Hall. We will be most grateful for your support and contributions of goods for our stalls and rapid raffles, for children's clothing, fancy goods, crockery, plants, jam, cakes and groceries and especially gift stall goods or a donation towards the Fair. We will be most grateful for your support to make the Mission Fair successful to help Missionaries and the People they serve. Be assured of our prayers asking Our Lord to reward you a hundredfold with His blessings.

​ Christmas Mass Times
Holy Trinity Parish
 
 
St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie
15 – 23 Dec          7.30pm Christmas Novena    
Christmas Eve     5.30pm Childrens Mass
11pm Carols followed by 11.30pm Mass
Christmas Day    10am Mass
 
 
 
 
Holy Cross Church, Miramar
Christmas Eve     6.30pm Childrens Mass
Christmas Day    9am Mass

 
 
 
St Anthony’s Church, Seatoun
Christmas Eve   11.30pm Carols followed by
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day    10.30am Mass

 
 
 
Mass Times Holy Trinity Parish
26 December 2016 – 4 February 2017
All Churches - Confession by appointment
St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie
31st Dec     10pm         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament                    followed by 11pm Mass
Weekdays 9am           Monday & Friday
9.30am       Tuesday & Thursday
Weekends 5.30pm       Saturday Vigil
                  10am         Sunday
There will be no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during this holiday period. Exposition will resume Tuesday 7th February 2017 after 9.30am Mass
 
Holy Cross Church, Miramar
Weekdays  9.30am       Wednesday & Friday
                  9am           Saturday
Weekend   9am           Sunday
 
St Anthony’s Church, Seatoun
31st Dec     Midnight Mass       Tongan Community
Weekdays      9am       Tuesday - Thursday
Weekend   10.30am     Sunday
Good Shepherd Hall, Strathmore
Weekend   8.30am         Sunday 

​

Prepare the Way of the Lord
What kind of preparation we are doing for the coming of Jesus? WATCH and pray!
W = let us watch for our words! Words can destroy or build! What kind of words you do utter everyday? People need words of encouragement, inspiration, affirmation or words of acceptance.
A = let us watch for our actions! Action speaks louder than words. If we have nothing good to say, let our good actions communicate message of comfort, peace, love and understanding! Good actions translated into good deeds will wipe away all evil in our family, in our community and in our country.
T = let us watch our thoughts! Words and action are products of our mind. “Nothing that goes inside will make a person unclean, but what comes from within!” If your mind is full of beautiful and inspiring ideas, your words and actions would create an atmosphere of joy, peace and rapport in the community.
C = let us watch our character! Thoughts, words and actions combined together will form who you are and what you are! Your good character will win you your life! What kind of character you have at the moment? Examine yourself now!
H = let us watch our Heart now! Is your H.E.A.R.T. full of hatred, envy, anger, revenge or timidity? Or your heart is filled with humility, empathy, acceptance, rapport or thankfulness?
Let us pray that in this season of Advent we can prepare always to welcome Jesus! When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, He makes our heart His living Tabernacle. Let us always WATCH!!!
                                                                                                                          Fr Mario
 
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.

Father Brian Fletcher, who was a previous Parish Priest at Holy Cross, and Monsignor John Broadbent both passed away last Sunday 27th November.
We remember them both in prayer and commend them to God.

Happy Hour – Holy Cross Church
Seniors are reminded that the next Happy Hour will be on Wednesday, 7th December at 11:30 am.
This will be a Christmas Lunch, there will be no bingo. So come along and bring a nice lunch dish,
 and also a small gift (value $5) to exchange. Hope to see you there- Margaret.

Christmas Novena 15 – 23rd December - St Patrick’s Church 7.30pm
All are welcome to come join us praying a novena for the nine days leading up to Christmas Eve

St Patrick’s Children’s Christmas Eve Mass 5.30pm
if you have a child that would like to  actively participate in this Mass and the Play
please contact Clare Lundon –  (04) 934 2981There will be 2 Christmas
 

St Patrick’s Church -   If you are able to do a ministry ----Reader, Offertory, Eucharistic Minister, altar server at the Christmas Masses of 11.30pm Christmas Eve or 10am Christmas Day please fill in the sheets in the Church porch this Sunday or next Sunday so the roster can be prepared.   Thank you
 

Singing practices for anyone thinking of attending the 11.30pm Christmas Eve Mass at St. Patrick's Church (and the preceding carol service at 11pm).  These will be on Thurs 15 Dec and Thurs 22nd Dec, 6-7pm at St. Patrick's Church (prior to Reconciliation and Novena).  You don't have to be a fantastic singer - if you enjoy singing, please come along, you'll be warmly welcomed.

Christmas Cards Sold Out!  St Vincent de Paul Seatoun & Miramar Conference warmly thanks parishioners for supporting our sales this month of our religious-theme Christmas cards, raising $250 nett for assisting people in need in our area.  Thanks to our helpers Julian, Andrew, Frank, Trish, Paul and Marianne for Keeping Christ in Christmas. 

       Christmas Appeal.  St Vincent de Paul Society Seatoun & Miramar Conference
Place donated items - food items, toiletries, treats and gifts in or beside sign-posted boxes in the foyer any time of the week when the Church is open.  You might even like to make up a hamper. On Friday 16 December 2016 our team of drivers and helpers will deliver the boxes of food and items to over 50 families in the district. 
If you wish to provide a gift could you please wrap it and place a note as to the age and gender the gift would suit
This collection is a practical way we can reach out to bring Christ’s love to the homes of our neighbours who are really struggling and for whom this extra help will alleviate their burden.  Clare Maddock: 388 8548
 

St Anthnoy’s Bazaar 2017  -   We are looking for pre-loved garden and building tools to sell at its White Elephant stall.  Please leave clean, usable items in the boxes provided in the church foyer.
Drop off day at St Anthony’s School – Sunday 11th December Rain or shine!
See notice at the back of the Church for details

Publication for sale in the Parish
St Patrick’s Church – Tui Motu $7 each and NZ Catholic $4 each 
Holy Cross Church – NZ Catholic $4 each

Columban Calendars available through the office  $12 each
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 [email protected] with the following details:  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. 
or for sale at the back of St Patrick’s Church after Mass in November.
Andrew will be selling calendars from the cabinet at the back of the Church. Cash or cheque please. Please make cheques out to Holy Trinity Parish.
 

To celebrate Christmas and the end of another year, Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington extends an open invitation to men and women both older and younger for Mass followed by supper (Please bring some food to share!) on Thursday 15th of December 2016 at 7:30pm in CONNOLLY HALL, Fr Peter Ewart (Joshua Wellington Chaplain) Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or
e-mail: [email protected]
 

VOLUNTEERS sought for help with new mothers and their babies. If you are might be able to help please call Family Life Pregnancy Centre ph. 2378343.
 

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace and Development, is currently seeking applications for the role of Advocacy & Research Manager. To view the position description please visit http://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/work-us For further information please contact Catharina Vossen at MICAH Partners on phone: (04) 499 4749 or email your resume and covering letter to: [email protected]
 

Archdiocesan Justice Peace and Development Commission . Let us walk together taking care of each other and of creation, our common home. Pope Francis.

WelCom December (final issue for 2016 year) is being delivered this week for Sunday 4 December. (Next issue is February 2017.)
 
Join the Cathedral Choirs, Cathedral Orchestra supported by members of other local choirs for a magical Christmas fundraising concert in the Metropolitan Cathedral Wednesday 14 December at 7:00pm.
 We’re fundraising to kick-start the muchneeded work on the Cathedral’s 111 year old Hobday pipe organ which over the years has developed intermittent electrical issues, and wind leaks which affect the usability and reliability of the instrument, and most recently sustained damage in the earthquake.
 Our programme includes much loved Christmas works such as Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol by Rutter and a stunning arrangement of the Twelve Day of Christmas by Bob Chilcott and much more.
So, please join us an enjoy a truly special concert to usher in the Christmas season. Tkts $30/$25 and $20 concession.
 

Notices from the Filipino Pastoral Council:
 
1.  The Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral Council invites you all to the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion on Dec 8,2016 at 6:30PM Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington. Mass celebrant is Cardinal John Dew.
2.  The Filipino Chaplaincy Pastoral Council invites you all to the celebration of the Traditional Filipino 9 Day Simbang Gabi from 
 Dec 15 - 23,2016 at 7PM Sacred Heart Church in Petone,Lower Hutt.
3.  KPF Youth Camp:
You are all invited to join us for a KPF (Kapatiran) Youth Camp on January 20-22,2017 at the Magnificat Retreat Centre, Featherstone, Wairarapa. Please call Joel Macaranas 029 5764713 or Ogie Dado 020 40793698. Email [email protected]

Life Teen Ministry is moving!
The Life Teen Youth Ministry warmly invite you to come and share in a final Mass and some refreshments on the 11th of December at 5:30pm at St Patrick's church, Kilbirnie, to thank the Parish for the 15 years of support.  We also take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in so many ways over the years: for saying Mass, helping us with food preparation, giving rides to our youth, praying for us and encouraging us with words and smiles.  You have meant so much to us and we are so grateful for each one of you!
After careful prayer and discernment, we have decided to shift Life Teen to St Anne’s Church in Newtown and therefore become part of the Wellington South Parish from February 2017.  Life Teen has until now organised a mass at St Patrick's on Sunday evenings but St Anne's has an existing 5pm parish mass into which Life Teen can be integrated.  The move to St Anne’s also brings other important practical advantages and the more centralised location makes it easier for our teens that travel by public transport.
These 15 years in the Saint Patrick's and then Holy Trinity family have been full of blessings, fun and growth in the Catholic faith for hundreds of youth. Life Teen Youth Ministry in Kilbirnie was started in 2001 by a team of passionate Young Adults who wanted to share their great love of God with others.  Giant games of 'pass the parcel', sports, water fights, BBQs, mural painting and 24 hour bake offs for charity (to list a very few) have contributed to the fun and vibrancy of the group.  Life Teen spirituality is both Eucharistic and Marian, and focuses on deepening understanding of the faith, while at the same time encouraging a deep and personal relationship with Jesus.  We are hoping to still be able to collaborate with Holy Trinity Parish in the future as Wellington South Parish is only just over the hill.
Thank you again for all your support and we hope to thank you in person on the 11th of December at 5.30pm.
                                                                                                                                The Life Teen Leadership Group
The Holy Trinity Parish Council supports the move by Life Teen to Wellington South and fully understands the rationale for the shift. The Council is very grateful to Life Teen for the youth and wider activity brought to the Parish and especially St Patricks in Kilbirnie over the years. Parishioners are encouraged to continue to support and attend Life Teen events just over the hill.

​Christmas Mass Times
Holy Trinity Parish
 
 
St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie
15 – 23 Dec          7.30pm Christmas Novena    
Christmas Eve     5.30pm Childrens Mass
11pm Carols followed by 11.30pm Mass
Christmas Day    10am Mass
 
 
 
 
Holy Cross Church, Miramar
Christmas Eve     6.30pm Childrens Mass
Christmas Day    9am Mass

 
 
 
St Anthony’s Church, Seatoun
Christmas Eve   11.30pm Carols followed by
Midnight Mass
Christmas Day    10.30am Mass

 
 
 
Mass Times Holy Trinity Parish
26 December 2016 – 4 February 2017
All Churches - Confession by appointment
St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie
31st Dec     10pm         Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament                    followed by 11pm Mass
Weekdays 9am           Monday & Friday
9.30am       Tuesday & Thursday
Weekends 5.30pm       Saturday Vigil
                  10am         Sunday
There will be no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during this holiday period. Exposition will resume Tuesday 7th February 2017 after 9.30am Mass
 
Holy Cross Church, Miramar
Weekdays  9.30am       Wednesday & Friday
                  9am           Saturday
Weekend   9am           Sunday
 
St Anthony’s Church, Seatoun
31st Dec     Midnight Mass       Tongan Community
Weekdays      9am       Tuesday - Thursday
Weekend   10.30am     Sunday
Good Shepherd Hall, Strathmore
Weekend   8.30am         Sunda