Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

Preparation for re-start of Sunday Masses:
The Parish Pastoral Council and Father Ephrem are continuing to work on plans to manage the health and safety of parishioners under the government requirements for Level 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic. Management of hygiene protocols and the ability to contact-trace are key to meeting the health and safety requirements. Therefore, the Parish Pastoral Council has decided on the following measures:

• None of Holy Trinity Parish's church buildings will be opened for private prayer while the 10-person cap remains in force, as this restriction does not make it feasible to re-open. The best way to stay safe is to pray at home.
• An on-line Register is available via this link https://forms.gle/WosKdsfghKwSSU2t6   for when Sunday Masses are allowed to recommence. The sole purpose of the Register is to manage contact-tracing and any limit on the number allowed to attend Mass. Therefore, everyone wishing to attend Sunday Mass will have to be registered before Masses re-start. We will all need to take responsibility to ensure that parishioners not connected to internet or email have the opportunity to go on the Register.
• PLEASE NOTE: you only need to register once. Thank you to all those of you who have already
• Please volunteer your help with ushering and sanitising roles to make Mass attendance safe for everyone. Full instructions will be provided prior to Mass restarting.  The on-line Register includes a Volunteering section, so you could give your details there or please email or phone the Parish Office with your details so we can set up the rosters (holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz ; 04 388 6953).
• Father Ephrem remains available by appointment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Thank you  

Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Salvation of the world in your hand
Dear sisters and brothers today is a special day, the celebration of the Ascension of Jesus our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. I’m sure you all remember that after Jesus died on the cross, he was buried in the tomb of a friend. And everybody who loved him went into mourning and were in shock. Of course, the rest of the story you know well. This year Jesus’ Passion week has a profound effect on the whole world due to Corona Virus Pandemic followed by lockdown. It is one those moment in my life that profoundly confirms God’s reign on us and His unconditional love.
After his resurrection, the Risen Lord appears a number of times to his disciples under a variety of circumstances. His final appearance is his leading them back to Galilee where, in happier days, he had preached the Gospel and formed his little company of disciples to continue his work. This is the place where he first called his disciples to follow him. Their life has come full circle.
Now he brings them to a mountain top to say goodbye. But, of course, to a mountain top! Are not the mountain tops the places where vows are taken, sacred covenants exchanged, holy promises made and where people reach out to touch God? This is the experience of God-with-us, mission towards God and his creation.
Dear sisters and brothers remember in the days long past, when Moses led the Children of Israel to Mt. Sinai where the sacred Covenant with God was carved in stone. And it was on the hill-top of Calvary where Jesus, the Messiah, offered himself on the cross, to gain for us all eternal life. Paid the price for our disobedience and reconciled with the Father. He won for us victory over death and sin. His mission accomplished, the Son returns today to his Father in triumphant glory and a warm embrace. And the whole world changes.
Fr. Hanley notes a charming story often told about Jesus when he returns home to heaven’s gates.
The Archangel Gabriel greets him at the door and welcomes him saying: “Back so soon?”
Jesus replies, “Yes, I wanted to stay longer, but they crucified me.”
Gabriel’s reply: “Ah, then your mission was a failure!”
“Well, not exactly,” Jesus says. “Before I left, I trained a whole group of followers to carry on my work.”
“Oh?” says Gabriel, “And what if they fail, too?”
Jesus ponders for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders and replies: “But I have no other plans.”
Dear sisters and brothers, the story is plain and simple and directed at us here today: Jesus says to us, “It’s your turn now. It’s all in your hands now. I have no other plans.”
Today as Jesus ascends into heaven, Jesus says this: “My little children, don’t be afraid. You are not alone. I am with you all days even to the end of the world” and has promised to send us the Holy Spirit who will make us know what he has taught. In this assurance we assume our mission in full knowledge that Jesus has not left us but remains with us as a constant presence to direct and to guide us until his work is done.
Without his presence, the mission would be folly; with his presence, all things are possible, even the salvation and healing of the whole world.
Christ has done His work, now it is for you and me to continue His mission to the end of this earth.
                                                                                          Fr Ephrem
 
Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return …
In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May.

Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Fr Micheal O’Dea and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Agnes Ashby, Wyn Kean, Faileaso Tuilaepa and Francisco Sevilla.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.  our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time.  180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the lockdown, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society.
Should you know of any others who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz   Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers.  Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish.

FINANCES:    Even though our church buildings are closed, we have ongoing financial matters to deal with including: power, insurance, rates, ongoing maintenance costs, support of our Parish Priest, wages for parish staff, and funds to the Archdiocese.
We are very grateful for those of you who are still gift-giving via your automatic payments, or by internet banking.  This is appreciated because we know that some of you may well be facing additional financial pressure at this time.
 
However, a reminder:
• If you usually put cash in the collection if you can, please change to online payments.
Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000
Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference.
• Put your cash in your gift-giving envelope each week as normal but hold on to your envelopes until the Church reopens or a secure collection place is available.
 
Your ongoing support of Holy Trinity Parish in whatever form is what keeps us alive and viable. 
 
Planned Giving Your receipts and envelopes have either been emailed, posted or delivered. Thank you to Colleen Restieaux, Leona Foster and Francie Dwyer for helping to distribute these. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the parish office holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  
 
Peter’s Pence Collection A reminder this annual collection, usually taken up on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June, will be transferred throughout the world to Sun 4 October.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
25-31 May 2020
 
Dear friends
 
During this week between Ascension and Pentecost Sundays the Christian churches make a special effort
to pray for Christian unity.
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian unity is “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts
28.2), which refers to the reception given to Paul and companions when they were shipwrecked on the
island of Malta.
There is much to reflect upon in this theme in the light of our experience of the last few weeks with
COVID-19. We have been urged to “Be kind” and to “Stay united”. The pandemic has been the equivalent
of a shipwreck for many people, and “unusual kindness” is needed as never before.
Over centuries the Christian churches have moved from hostility and aggression towards one another to
working together on the many things we have in common, especially our assistance for those who are
most vulnerable. Kindness can unite us as Christians. We have already seen how it can unite us as Kiwis.
Please take part in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in some way. If gathering is not possible or
risky, then use the Eight Days of Prayer for Christian Unity leaflet which is available on
www.catholic.org.nz  or your diocesan website.
 
Everything you do towards Christian unity counts.
 
 John A Cardinal Dew
Archbishop of Wellington
 
See the 8 day prayer attachment sent out with the newsletter
 
Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25, Sky Channel 201  Sundays – 2pm The Sunday Mass on Shine TV Channel 25 from Auckland Diocese has been warmly received around New Zealand by Catholics who don't have an internet connection to watch an Online Mass, and by many others, including people who were unable to go to Mass for health and other reasons even before Covid-19 stopped public Mass celebrations. Bishop Pat says: "Shine TV is now offering us a 45-minute slot (rather than 30 minutes) and have been impressed by the number of viewers which the broadcast Masses have been attracting. Perhaps this is one of the unexpected fruits of the pandemic experience?" Check the website: https://www.shinetv.co.nz/

The Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ (paragraph 12), 2015

COVID ALERT LEVEL 2
Level 2 is seeing some changes for us but the constant throughout is the call from the MoH and Government to Play it Safe.
 
 Guidance for at-risk people at Alert Level 2 [PDF, 64 KB]  
 
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 2020  https://laudatosiweek.org/
A reminder of Laudato Si’ Week, Pope Francis’ challenge to us:  “care for our common home”.    

As mentioned last week, there is a wealth of support resources to encourage thought, action and the change of heart that Pope Francis is asking of us.  
 
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_communit y/laudato-si-anniversary/   
Here you will find some short reflections from the Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission’s Integral Ecology Committee on how the encyclical inspires change and action for them.
 
This Mercyworld site https://www.mercyworld.org/library/resources-for-engaging-withlaudato-si323/ has a series of summaries, articles, videos, reflections and more.
 
One of them is a summary article by James Martin, S.J.  the Top Ten Takeaways from
‘Laudato Si’.  His 10 points are below.  If you’re interested in his thoughts on one or more of them (to maybe choose for some action of your own) here’s the link:
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2015/06/18/top-ten-takeaways-laudato-si 1. The spiritual perspective is now part of the discussion on the environment.

1. The poor are disproportionately affected by climate change.
2. Less is more.
3. Catholic social teaching now includes teaching on the environment.
4. Discussions about ecology can be grounded in the Bible and church tradition.
5. Everything is connected—including the economy.
6. Scientific research on the environment is to be praised and used.
7. Widespread indifference and selfishness worsen environmental problems.
8. Global dialogue and solidarity are needed.
9. A change of heart is required.

 
 
Common prayer for the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’
 
Loving God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them,  You created us in your image and made us stewards of all your creation, of our common home. 
You blessed us with the sun, water and bountiful land so that all might be nourished. 
Open our minds and touch our hearts, so that we may attend to your gift of creation. 
Help us to be conscious that our common home belongs not only to us, but to all future generations, and that it is our responsibility to preserve it. 
May we help each person secure the food and resources that they need. 
Be present to those in need in these trying times, especially the poorest and those most at risk of being left behind. 
Transform our fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation into hope so that we may experience a true conversion of the heart.  Help us to show creative solidarity in addressing the consequences of this global pandemic, Make us courageous to embrace the changes that are needed in search of the common good, 
Now more than ever may we feel that we are all interconnected, in our efforts to lift up the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.  AMEN

See too: https://catholicclimatemov ement.global/wpcontent/uploads/2015/08/
Aprayerforourearth.pdf
 
http://livelaudatosi.org/ A meditative rosary:
https://drive.google.com/fi le/d/1X53spMlbd7pasdkwxIALTPoPKPKSk8p/view
In some places people have chosen to read this special prayer at noon each day.  Across the world on Sunday 24th at noon (our time) is the formal International Global Prayer.
An ongoing challenge to each of us now is – what else to do personally and in our communities?   
 

  Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.
Further to the letters you received on Wednesday from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops and I, in consultation with the Parish Council, I wish to inform you that all churches in the Holy Trinity Parish will remain closed until we can complete all health and safety requirements for any and all types of church use. Our primary focus must be the safety of our church community.
I appreciate this is a challenging time for us all and thank you for your continued patience and support. I commit to updating you all next week with regard to how we are progressing with the health and safety requirements and the logistics required to support these requirements.
With lots of prayer of gratitude and blessing.                                             Fr Ephrem
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Pet 3:15-18 John 14:15-21
I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.
Dear sisters and brothers today is the sixth Sunday of Easter. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, the Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth who strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. The message we bear is not false, rather, it comes from the Advocate.
Our first reading is a continuation of the frantic efforts the Disciples of Christ are making in order to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. On this day, Peter performed his Episcopal function by laying hands upon the new converts.
Since Philip baptized these new converts, why did he not confirm them? Why was it necessary for Peter and John to travel that long distance, in order to lay hands on, (or confirm) the new converts already baptized by Philip? An understanding of our Catholic Catechism is very important here.
What Philip did by inviting Peter (the chief Shepherd of the Apostles), was absolutely in line with the Church’s teaching on Confirmation: “The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the bishop. If the need arises, He may grant the faculty to priests, although, it is fitting that he confers it himself mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporarily separated from baptism for this reason. Bishops are the successors of the apostles” (CCC 1313).
The Samaritans needed the Holy Spirit as much as we do today because, it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes one a true soldier of Christ (CCC1303-4). He helps us to bear witness to the truth without fear: “You have not received the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of sonship. The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s Children” (Rom 8, 15-16). It is this same Spirit that resurrected Christ, that gives life to our mortal body (Rom 8: 11). As the principal agent of evangelization, He confirms the truth we preach.
In the second reading, Peter encouraged us to have reverence for Christ. Also, he admonished us to treat with respect even those who despise the gospel we preach. Hence, he reminds us of the animating power of the Holy Spirit even in the life of Christ: “In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.” It is the same spirit that raised Jesus that sustains us in the truth. This means that once the Spirit of God comes upon us, we become active for Christ, because: “What gives life is the spirit of God (John 6, 63).
Dear sisters and brothers, as we are a couple of weeks away from Pentecost, in today’s gospel, Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. However, He gives a condition for receiving the Advocate: “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” When we do this, he adds: “I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever, that spirit of truth…I will not leave you orphans.”
What is this commandment that we must keep in order to receive the Spirit of truth? It is: “Go into the whole world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk 16: 15). It is also, a command to love both God, and our neighbour (Luke 10, 25-27). When we do these, we are certainly preaching the good news of truth. The advocate will come to strengthens us in the way of truth. He will also come to confirm that in deeded, we are sons of God. So, let us pray: Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. alleluia.                          
                                                                                           Fr Ephrem
 

Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return …
In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May.
Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email
Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
(please note change of time)  Sundays – 2pm
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/
Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Fr Michael O’Dea, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Ian McKinnon and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Maria Peters, James Leach and Margaret Walsh.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.
 
Spirituality of Service Programme to be available for all  Members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee began the Spirituality of Service Programme in March 2020, intending to complete it over the Lentern Season. As with so many things, COVID-19 interrupted those plans, but we will recommence the Programme as soon as we are able to get together again, as it provides such a wonderful experience for us. The Parish Pastoral Council is developing a Plan for offering the Spirituality of Service Programme to all the Parish. Watch this spot for more information as the Plan comes together. You can review the Programme Outline under the Resources tab on the Archdiocesan website ( https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/) or via  this link, or contact Parish Pastoral Council member Margaret Bearsley at: margaret.bearsley@gmail.com or ph 021 344 356 for more information.
Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.  our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time.  180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the last six weeks, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society.
 
Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz   Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers.  Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish.
Latest edition of the NZ Catholic online: https://indd.adobe.com/view/a27756d2-341a-4d87-a28e-cdbf07465386
The risk is that we may be struck by an even worse virus, that of selfish indifference. A virus spread by the thought that life is better if it is better for me, and that everything will be fine if it is fine for me. It begins there and ends up selecting one person over another, discarding the poor, and sacrificing those left behind on the altar of progress. The present pandemic, however, reminds us that there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. Pope Francis: Homily for the Second Sunday of Easter, 19 April 2020
Laudato Si Week 16-24 May  Pope Francis renews his urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis: “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to children who are growing up? The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor cannot continue… I would like to invite you to participate in Laudato Si' Week from 16-24 May 2020. It is a global campaign on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the encyclical letter Laudato si': On the care of our common home.” “Let's take care of creation, a gift of our good Creator God. Let's celebrate Laudato Si' Week together.” 

 
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from 25-31 May (Ascension Sunday to Pentecost Sunday).
 
See next Sunday’s newsletter for all the details and resources
 
COVID - ALERT LEVEL 2
At Alert Level 2, there is more freedom to move around and reconnect with close family, whānau and friends.
If you are an at-risk person, you’ll need to take extra care when doing this.
Reminders to help you to stay safe:
Ø  Reconnect with smaller groups of close family, whānau and friends.
Ø  Try not to interact with too many people outside of your own social circle as it won’t be easy to do contact tracing if necessary.
Ø  Keep a 2 metre distance from people you don’t know in public places and take extra care with hygiene practices.
Ø  Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily and wash and dry your hands before and after you leave home.
Ø  Wipe keys, handrails and other regularly touched surfaces. 
Ø  Avoid passing around your mobile phone to others.
Ø  Remember soap and water are your friends
Ø  And possibly more.  .  .

There is more detailed guidance available for people who are at higher risk of COVID-19 at Alert Level 2. This guidance includes advice on shopping, work, socialising, travel and recreation:
Guidance for at-risk people at Alert Level 2 [PDF, 64 KB]
 
 
 
ONGOING HELP and SUPPORT
St Vincent de Paul continues to do a great job throughout the area. (Always welcoming new members) The local Saint V de P account for donations is:  A/c No. 02 0576 0017 817 006, reference “Donation”. If you want a receipt of the donation for tax purposes, do please contact our Treasurer, Maria Pene, ph 022 428 0247
 

Thank you again for those of you who have been able to continue ongoing financial support for the parish, especially the increase in on-line giving.
 
Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000
Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference.


 
When the Churches are re-opened for Mass there will be Collection boxes inside the church for you to place your offerings and envelopes.  Food basket collection baskets will most likely be placed there too.

 
 
A final  HUGE THANKS to all those who have put themselves on the line over past weeks to keep the rest of us as safe as can be.
Thank you too, to all the family members who’ve cared for and supported their families, friends, neighbours and others.
 
 
 

 
 
 
LAUDATO SI’ WEEK 16 – 24 MAY 
It’s rather interesting that as we’ve moved into Alert Level 2 with an ongoing health and safety challenge to opening our Churches to larger groups we are also moving into Laudato Si’ Week with a challenge from Pope Francis to “care for our common home”.  https://laudatosiweek.org/
 We are invited to join in an International Global Prayer at noon on Sunday 24th.  Attached to this week’s newsletter is the prayer card and further relevant information from the Archdiocese.
 
The Marist Messenger has a thought provoking article: 
https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2020/05/01/laudato-si-week-16-24-may/

 
In addition to prayer and reflection,  let’s each do what we can to help make our world a better place maybe even just by reducing, re-using and re-cycling in our everyday lives!
 
These sites may be helpful in this: 
Ø  https://sustaintrust.org.nz/
Ø  https://sustainableliving.org.nz/actions.aspx
Ø  https://www.oneplanet.org.nz/environmental-awareness-calendar



As we take steps towards our new normal – let’s be careful, ponder, pray and take positive action for a renewed and better world.
PRAYER FOR AN EMERGING FUTURE
Wellspring of Compassion,
Container of all life,
Join us as we lean into a future coming to be through our humble efforts.
Lead us into your emerging future.
Empower us as we drawdown our harms.
Transfigure our despairs,
may they become the fertile fields of a world made new.
We invoke your Good Spirit to enfold everything in a bounty of blessing.
Open to us the life-force of all that lives,
encourage us,
teach us the art of co-creation in your world.
Whaea nui o te Taiao katoa, inoi mō mātou.
Mother of the New Creation, pray for us.

 

Keeping safe at level 2 
·        Keep at home if sick
·        Keep it quiet
·        Keep washing your hands
·        Keep your distance
·        Keep yourself covered
·        Keep notes
 
 
 
 
https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/14-05-2020/siouxsie-wiles-toby-morris-simple-rules-to-play-it-safe-at-alert-level-two/

 

Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

Blessing to Mothers on Mother’s Day
All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old.
We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and
tend to our every need; May they be blessed with patience and
tenderness to care for their families and themselves with great
joy.
We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for
us; May they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children
because of war, poverty, or conflict; May they feel the loving
embrace of our God who wipes every tear away.
We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers. Grandmothers and great-
grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.
May Almighty God bless you all through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

Acts 6, 1-7; 1 Pet 2, 4-9; Jn 14, 1-12
Dear sisters and brothers, on this 5th Sunday of Easter, in a special way, the Church reminds us of who we are: “The chosen race and the royal priesthood, who would be and reign with Christ. Today we have gathered to exercise our royal priesthood by offering a spiritual sacrifice as Christ did.
In today’s first reading, the drama that unfolded led to the election of seven deacons in order to take care of the social needs of the believers. We can learn the following lessons from this reading. First, we must not neglect or take the social or material needs of our communities for granted. If left unattended, they could undermine the work of God.
Second, we must balance both our spiritual and material needs because both are important. Third, we must not forget who we are or neglect our primary calling. The mundane should not distract us from our mission and vocation as Peter rightly noted: “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food…we will hand over this duty and devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word of God.”If we pay too much attention to material needs, the spiritual will certainly suffer. We cannot do everything by ourselves. We must let others to play their role by helping us. Finally, we must be wise and prayerful in selecting ministers for God’s mission. They must be “men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom.”
In the second reading, Peter reminds us of who we truly are: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises if God…” Here, Peter highlights our participation in the priesthood of Christ through the “common or general priest priesthood.” This is certainly by virtue of our baptism (CCC1268). Baptism configures us to become “priests.”
Thus, in this pastoral letter, Peter highlights the efficacy of the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) on us as believers. Through this, he reminds us of our priestly and royal heritage. He equally calls us to live it out in a manner that is proper. In order words, if we set ourselves close to Christ our chief priest, we shall live up to expectation. That is, by offering acceptable sacrifices to God. Through this, we become acceptable to God, and we equally become a spiritual house for God.
In today’s gospel, Jesus assures us of a place in his kingdom: “Let not your hearts be troubled…there are many rooms in my father’s house…so that where I am you may be too.” This is a clear indication that by virtue of baptism we are truly children of God. This is why he considers us worthy of being where he is going to be.
Unfortunately, many of us do not know who we are, or believe that there is a beautiful place being prepared for us by Christ. This is also the reason many of us cannot maximize our priestly and royal potentials. As priests and people of royal decent, we must assert ourselves positively. It takes faith to do this.
Therefore, let us ask God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to help us live as members of the royal priesthood. Also, during this this glorious and gracious season of Easter, let us: “Rejoice in the Lord” for what God has done for us. Alleluia, alleluia!
Peace be with you all!!                                                                Fr Ephrem

 
Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return …
In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May.

Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
(please note change of time)  Sundays – 2pm
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/

Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Fr Michael O’Dea, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Rae Dawson and Diana Te’o and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Mary McKechnie, Betty-Leah Bolton and Yvette (Fifi) Sood.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.
 
Zoom meet and greet - Patricia Lynch from the Parish Pastoral Council will be hosting a Zoom meeting on Thursday 14 May 6pm. The purpose is to have a catch up and see how people are getting on and how they are feeling during these times of online community. Look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Zoom meeting ID: 889 9064 8313
Password: 779295

Spirituality of Service Programme to be available for all  Members of the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee began the Spirituality of Service Programme in March 2020, intending to complete it over the Lentern Season. As with so many things, COVID-19 interrupted those plans, but we will recommence the Programme as soon as we are able to get together again, as it provides such a wonderful experience for us. The Parish Pastoral Council is developing a Plan for offering the Spirituality of Service Programme to all the Parish. Watch this spot for more information as the Plan comes together. You can review the Programme Outline under the Resources tab on the Archdiocesan website ( https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/) or via  this link, or contact Parish Pastoral Council member Margaret Bearsley at: margaret.bearsley@gmail.com or ph 021 344 356 for more information.

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.  our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference continues to reach out to many local people, within and outside our parish in the eastern suburbs, who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time.  180 homes have been phoned or attempted to phone over the last six weeks, following Jesus present amongst those who suffer or may be excluded from society.
 
Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP, ph 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz   Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers. Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers.  Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish.
 
Catholic Social Services provides support to Kahungunu Whanau Services, a Kaupapa  Maori social service agency, and Housing First Provider.
Over  the lockdown period Kahungunu has  continued to place individuals and families without homes into permanent or transitional housing .
They have secured 9 properties for permanent housing over the next few weeks. Because of the large number of people they have settled recently (150 people) Kahungunu have used up their store of  donated goods and other possible sources of supply have been put on hold.
The following is a list of items urgently needed   * Double or queen beds with mattress and base  * Drawers  * Pots and pans   * Couches * White ware (if possible)  * Microwaves  * Linen and blankets
Pope Francis has spoken about "the saints who live next door” . We  don’t have to look far to see them . It  is agencies like Kahungunu Whanau Services, Challenge 2000,  Compassion Soup Kitchen and St Vincent de Paul ,  and that are  among our “saints next door” . They deserve our help. If  you are able to help at all it would be
very much appreciated. To offer any help please contact Catholic Social Services Community Facilitator  Paul Alsford on  021754145 p.alsford@wn.catholic.org.nz to arrange a contactless pick up.

You might like to join in this Prayer of Praise:   https://youtu.be/PUtll3mNj5U
(It’s on You Tube and you’ll need to exit the ads)
 
OUR THANKS IS EVERLASTING
Many of you will know of Fr Chris Skinner S.M.  He’s sharing a sweet gratitude song on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxNVIB_1hpI&feature=youtu.be  
We may soon be moving into Alert Level 2 of our Covid 19 response plan. 
Keep an eye out for a mid-week newsletter for relevant updates.

Not Everything is Cancelled
Sun is not cancelled
Spring is not cancelled
Relationships are not cancelled
Love is not cancelled
Reading is not cancelled
Devotion is not cancelled
Music is not cancelled
Imagination is not cancelled
Kindness is not cancelled
Conversations are not cancelled
Hope is not cancelled
FINANCES:    Even though our church buildings are closed, we have ongoing financial matters to deal with including: power, insurance, rates, ongoing maintenance costs, support of our Parish Priest, wages for parish staff, and funds to the Archdiocese.

We are very grateful for those of you who are still gift-giving via your automatic payments, or by internet banking.  This is appreciated because we know that some of you may well be facing additional financial pressure at this time.

However, a reminder:
· If you usually put cash in the collection if you can, please change to online payments.
Our details: HOLY TRINITY PARISH BNZ BANK ACC 02-0536-0185031-000
Use your surname and/or envelope number as a reference.
· Put your cash in your gift-giving envelope each week as normal, but hold on to your envelopes until the Church reopens or a secure collection place is available.

Your ongoing support of Holy Trinity Parish in whatever form is what keeps us alive and viable. 
 
Planned Giving Those who use envelopes and are expecting tax receipts will have them delivered over the next week or two.
 
Peter’s Pence Collection We have received information from Rome via Cardinal John, that this annual collection, usually taken up on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on 29 June, will be transferred throughout the world to Sun 4 October.

For charitable donations:
https://www.vinnies-wellington.org.nz/donate
OR donations can be made directly to:
Account - St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington

• Bank – BNZ Account  - 02-0576-0017817-00

Reference - COVID19 Particular – e.g. your Surname to link to tax receipt.
Email Vinnies (info@vinnieswgtn.org.nz), with your full name and contact details if you would like a tax receipt.
 
Some other good causes:

• Catholic Social Services: https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Donate
• Wellington City Mission: https://wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/donate-now/
• Caritas NZ: https://www.caritas.org.nz/donate (a choice on site to specify cause)
• Womens’ Refuge https://womensrefuge.org.nz/

If you find that your circumstances have changed don’t hesitate to ask for help from a relevant person or organisation.

Don’t forget to start preparing your pets ready for a change to Alert Level  2 !

As mentioned a few weeks back we are coming up to the anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for our Common Home.
 
Beginning 16-24 May Pope Francis invites us to celebrate Laudato Si’ Week.  The theme is “everything is connected.”
The aim for the week is to launch us on a journey of transformation, as we grow through the current world crisis by praying, reflecting, and preparing together for a better world to come.   How might we respond?    See here: https://laudatosiweek.org/
 
Dear brothers and sisters, in this time so many thoughts and worries lead us to turn inwards into ourselves... Let us ask for the grace to recognise and follow the voice of the good Shepherd, who brings us out of the enclosures of selfishness and leads us to the pastures of true freedom. Pope Francis, 3 May 2020

Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

      Acts 2, 14. 36-41; 1 Pet 2, 20-25; Jn 10, 1-10
 
Why do I do what I do? Importance of Good Shepherd
 
Dear sisters and brothers, today we celebrate vocation Sunday: the Good Shepherd Sunday. I must tell you that we are familiar with the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, the Son of Man to take to himself is amazing.
 
For me the only time I saw the shepherds in my native place is when from North India shepherds brought hundreds of sheep to our place in winter leading to summer after the monsoon, for green pastures. I had hardly any chance even to see in the movies, having no television or cinema halls in my place. But now after growing up in a Christian family, worshipping with parish community, it feels like I have grown with it and feel completely at home.
 
I would like to focus on the Shepherd rather than the gate. So, let’s have a look in this saying of Jesus, “I am the shepherd. My sheep know me and I know my sheep, and I give my life, life itself.” Why do we need something like that kind of help?
 
Tolstoy tells this story about a group of Russians, sitting in an inn, drinking. A friend asked, “Ivan, do you love me?” “of course, I love you,” replied Ivan. The friend said, “Ivan, why are you saying you love me when you don’t even know me? You do not know what I need, what I hunger for, all the things that are important to me and you can’t give me one thing.” So, Ivan says, “you’re drunk, that’s why you’re sad.” But the friend says, “No, I’m sad because I’m sober and all alone.” Remember, God is with us.
 
These few things I bring to your attention as we reflect on Good Shepherd, our own vocation. The Son of Man is a Shepherd who gives life, his own life and be with us always. This realisation comes not through knowledge or understanding but through encounter with reality in the person of Jesus Christ. Corona Virus and all other sicknesses show us the grave importance of in the words of Prime Minister gave a call to all of us to grow in, “Empathy, kindness and care for all.”  Just one person’s word or action can derail all the gain of control we have on this pandemic; and so too can happen in our spiritual life. My words have the power to change you; my actions have the power to inspire you. When I say these, I mean in incredibly positive way which brings and enhances our life of happiness. All that shepherd does is to lead us to green pasture, quenches us with clean water, keeps us protected in secured gate. To these to happen we have to listen to his voice and follow it.
 
When Peter is talking in the first and second readings: he is calling to listen to the words of Jesus as he proclaims with a repentant heart. Repentance leads us to conversion and promise to life of happiness and truth in baptism. So, Baptism is to acknowledge Jesus as your shepherd for eternity; to grow in empathy, kindness and care for all. On 25th April we stood at the driveway paying respect to the armed forces who fought to protect us to establish external peace in the world and internal peace for our country. We called it, “we are connected through ANZAC Day.” The day the good shepherd sacrificed His life on the cross won for you and me grace of God and eternal life in Him.
 
Dear sisters and brothers, in this sense it is paramount importance to recognise your vocation and be brave to persevere in it. you are not alone; Jesus is walking with you. If you wish to have life, real life, do remember what the disciples at Emmaus did when they offered Him hospitality. No one in this life is a stranger but sent by God for you and me. Offer greatest of hospitality, the vocation you have come to know, you are capable of as we are journeying together. He restores our life by giving himself in every Mass at the breaking of Bread.
Allow God to be with you, at the hour of evening, he will restore your faith. Do not run away if you are called and never underestimate God’s grace working within you, He will make you his disciple.
 
For He goes ahead of us, and we follow hearing his voice.
                                                                               Fr Ephrem

Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return …
In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May.

Vocation Sunday - 3rd May 
In speaking of the Gospel passage that recounts the remarkable experience of Jesus and Peter during a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee (cf. Mt 14:22-33) Pope Francis says, "Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm. We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives."
Good Shepherd Sunday is a special day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Please pray for our seminarians Alfred, Matthew, Kinh and Emilio, for Gerson who is preparing to enter the seminary and for all those discerning the call to priesthood.

Could someone you know become tomorrow’s priest?
Pray for this person.
Invite him to consider priesthood.
Affirm his gifts and qualities.
Encourage him to be open to the possibility of priesthood.

Contact Fr David Dowling, Vocations Director: frdavidd@gmail.com or 021 174 4248.  
Visit www.wellingtonpriests.org     Follow us on Facebook: Wellington Priests 

Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
(please note change of time)  Sundays – 2pm
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/

Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Rae Dawson, Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Raymond (Bob) Becker and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Zofia Czochanska.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.  On behalf of our Holy Trinity SVDP Conference I want to express our prayerful appreciation of parishioners and others who are sharing the love and compassion of Christ, within and outside the parish, with a many local people who may be isolated or vulnerable at this difficult time. Reaching out in this way is practical evidence of a caring parish living out the Church’s teachings.  Pope Frances in his Gaudete et Exsultate (2018) reminds us that "the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others".
 
Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz.  Do please continue to keep the sick, lonely, poor and marginalised in your prayers.  Blessings to all callers, carers and helpers. Brendan Quirk, St Vincent de Paul Conference, Holy Trinity Parish.

WelCom May 2020, is out this week for  Good Shepherd Sunday, 3 May.
 
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, WelCom is not currently being printed and distributed to parishes and schools. 
The May 2020 WelCom for online reading as a double-page version is at this link:
https://issuu.com/dartworks/docs/welcom_382_may_2020
 
The May 2020 issue is also available for online reading as a single-page pdf option at this link:
https://archdiocese-of-wellington.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/WelCom_382_May_2020.pdf
Content for May WelCom includes:

• Worshipping Together in Faith Communities – Cardinal John Dew.
• Reaching out to communities during lockdown – various articles.
• Pray for Vocations – Good Shepherd Sunday, 3 May.
• Laudato si’ – a local reflection, Peter Healy sm.
• The cannabis referendum – Nathaniel Centre.
• The 1918 flu pandemic – Mike Fitzsimons.
• Breathe Life – Pentecost Sunday, Fr James Lyons.
• Local and international news and views.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/1d34fad4-d929-4c6c-aaab-b84fdaeb7459
Yes, we are now at Alert Level 3.However, at every Alert Level people should
still take measures to stay safe and well.
 
 Stay home or work from home if you can
 Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands
 with soap and water then dry them well
 Regularly disinfect well used surfaces
 Stay in your local area
 Don’t cough or sneeze on people
 Look after yourself
 Stay home if you are sick
 Get tested for COVID-19 if you have flu like
   symptoms call your Medical Centre or GP
   OR the Healthline
 Continue to seek primary medical care 
At Alert Level 3 - people at risk of severe illness because of age and/or existing and underlying health conditions still need to be extra careful
 If unsure check with your GP / Medical Centre
 
 
If you’re anxious , stressed or in danger it's OK to ask for help. 
Help is still available.
Go to:  https://safebubble.org.nz/ for the essential services who may help.  They’re there for you.
 
X Keep Safe  
 XPray 
XRead Scripture 
XReflect
XMeditate
XKeep in contact with others
XDo something creative
XBe Grateful  
XExercise
XBe Thankful   
XBe Kind
XPray

Check these out:  https://www.ltp.org/resources-during-crisis      https://gratefulness.org/ 
https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer/    https://www.sacredspace.ie/

COMMUNITY SUPPORT    Many people are showing kindness and Christ’s love in action – keeping in touch with others, offering practical help, holding virtual meetings and gatherings, facilitating prayer and more.
But reports in the media the past few days indicate that Foodbanks and some Charities around the country are under pressure to keep up with current needs.

A reminder that our St Vincent de Paul people are very active in our Parish and wider area. Anyone wishing to make a donation:

• https://www.vinnies-wellington.org.nz/donate  OR donations can be made directly to:

Account - St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington
Bank – BNZ       Account Number - 02-0576-0017817-00
Reference -  COVID19           Particular – e.g. your Surname to link to tax receipt.  
Email Vinnies (info@vinnieswgtn.org.nz ), with your full name and contact details if you want a tax receipt.
Some other donation possibilities:

• Catholic Social Services: https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Donate
• Wellington City Mission: https://wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/donate-now/
• Caritas NZ:  https://www.caritas.org.nz/donate     (a choice on site for you to specify cause)
• Womens’ Refuge  https://womensrefuge.org.nz/

 
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES   ONGOING THANKS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS  (& now some others too)
Many of you are part of Holy Trinity Parish and all your efforts, time and sacrifice are much appreciated by so many.   We couldn’t have done it without you!
 
For the next 6 weeks Pacific communities around Aotearoa can tune in weekly to Pacific language COVID-19 updates.
The updates will be available in English, Cook Islands, Fijian, Kiribati, Niue, Rotuman, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelau and Tuvalu.
 
Available on:
➡️ Wednesday - on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Facebook page.
                 8am - English
                 9am - Cook Islands Maori
               10am - Fijian
               11am - Kiribati
               12pm - Niue
                 1pm - Rotuman
                 2pm - Samoan
                 3pm - Tongan
                 4pm - Tokelau
                 5pm - Tuvalu

➡️ Thursday - on Pacific radio stations across the country.
➡️ Friday - broadcast on television at 4pm – 4.30pm on Three.

People First NZ COVID-19 helpline
We know that things are hard right now for many people with learning disability and their families / whānau.
People First New Zealand is working together with Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust and IHC Advocacy to assist people during COVID-19.
Do you need some help?  Ring the People First New Zealand helpline on 0800 20 60 70.

COVID19.govt.nz  has resources translated into New Zealand Sign, Simplified Chinese, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Fijian, Niuean, Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan and Tokelauan.
 
Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
(please note change of time)  Sundays – 2pm
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/

Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

Acts 2, 14. 22-33; 1 Pet 1, 17-21; Lk 24, 13-35
It is wonderful to walk with Jesus on the way to Emmaus (MASS).
Dear sisters and brothers, “what a privilege for the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to meet Jesus, to listen to him explaining the Scriptures, to share in the Eucharist with Jesus.” It certainly was a wonderful privilege. I say we would love to have been with those two disciples, part of that experience on the road to Emmaus. But, in truth, every time we celebrate the Eucharist here we meet Jesus in the same way. Jesus explained the Scriptures to the two disciples; “he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27) and we also listen to the Scriptures. Then Jesus “took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30) and we partake of the Body of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Let me tell you, it was Jesus who directed the encounter on the road to Emmaus, firstly explaining the Scriptures and then breaking bread with the disciples. The chief celebrant was Jesus. He had the leading role in the encounter. It was he who decided that firstly the Scriptures should be explained and secondly that there would be a Eucharistic meal. Every time we celebrate the sacraments it is Jesus who is the chief celebrant. Jesus is the chief celebrant of that Mass and every Mass. Jesus’ offering of himself on the cross is the same offering now made by the priest during the sacrifice of the Mass when that one sacrifice on Calvary is extended through time to us now. (Vatican II Sacrosanctum Concilium §7) Not only at Mass but in every sacrament Jesus is the one leading us in our celebration. Jesus is the chief celebrant of every sacrament. (Vatican II Sacrosanctum Concilium §7) We would love to have been with those two disciples on the road, love to have been part of that experience on the road to Emmaus. When you come to Mass you meet Jesus just like those two disciples.
(Luke 24:27) Jesus fed the two disciples on the road with a correct interpretation of Scripture and then fed them with his Body and Blood. We have the same experience during every Mass. Jesus is present with us not only in his Flesh and Blood in the Eucharist but also when we listen to the Word of God in the Scripture readings. we are nourished in two ways from one table at Mass, the table of God’s word and the table of the Eucharist,
…the Church has always venerated the Scriptures as she venerates the Lord's Body. She never ceases to present to the faithful the bread of life, taken from the one table of God's Word and Christ's Body. (Catechism of the Catholic Church §103; Vatican II Dei Verbum §21)
We have two candles lighting during Mass symbolizing these two ways in which Christ is present to us in the “one table of God's Word and Christ's Body.” Therefore, as the Scripture readings are proclaimed we want to give them our full attention because we are being fed by God. In fact, it is Jesus himself who is talking to us as the Scriptures are proclaimed to us,
He is present in His word, since it is He Himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church. (Vatican II Sacrosanctum Concilium §7)
What an awesome responsibility on those who proclaim the Word of God to us. Jesus chided the two disciples, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25) I think Jesus would say the same to us if we too were slow of heart to believe that he speaks to us in his Word at Mass.
When we hear the Word of God not only do we hear it with our ears and understand it with our minds but the Holy Spirit works within us to allow the Word of God to heal and renew us just as the Word healed and renewed the two disciples on the road to Emmaus burning their hearts, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32) The disciples did not realize at the time that their hearts were burning within them, it was only later they realized this. Without they realizing it the Holy Spirit had been working on their hearts, changing their hearts and renewing them. The Holy Spirit works on us too when the Word of God is proclaimed every time we gather in Church. We would love to have been with those two disciples on the road, love to have been part of that experience on the road to Emmaus. But every time we come here to celebrate Mass our hearts burn within us even if like the two disciples we don’t realize it.
When Jesus was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. (Luke 24:30-31) It is strange that Jesus vanished immediately but surely Jesus wanted them to understand that he is present with the Church every time it celebrates as they did on that road to Emmaus. During the Last Supper Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) Jesus did the same four things with the bread on the road to Emmaus as he did at the Last Supper; he took it, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. Jesus himself taught them on the road to Emmaus that when they do this in remembrance of him he really is with them and their hearts burn within. From now on every time they do this in remembrance of Jesus he will be with them just as he was with them on the road to Emmaus.
Every time we celebrate a sacrament it is Christ as Priest who bestows the sacrament upon us. Christ as the Priest of the New Covenant is the chief celebrant of every sacrament,
…every liturgical celebration, because it is an action of Christ the priest and of His Body which is the Church, is a sacred action surpassing all others (Vatican II Sacrosanctum Concilium §7)
Rightly, then, the liturgy is considered as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. (Vatican II Sacrosanctum Concilium §7)
This is why only ordained priests can celebrate Mass because they received their priesthood from Christ during their Ordination and their priesthood is a sharing in the one Priesthood of Jesus. Jesus is the One Priest of the New Covenant but during the Last Supper Jesus shared his priesthood with his apostles and they and their successors are the priests of the New Covenant. Every time we celebrate a sacrament it is Christ as Priest who bestows the sacrament upon us.
 
Dear sisters and brothers, every time we celebrate Mass we partake in the walk with Jesus to Emmaus. Yes, “what a privilege for the two disciples and us on the road to Emmaus to meet Jesus, to listen to him explaining the Scriptures to them and us, to share in the Eucharist with Jesus.” Yes, it certainly was a wonderful privilege. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist we meet Jesus in the same way and are nourished from the one table of God’s Word and Christ’s Body.                                                                                     Fr Ephrem

 
Pray Rosary: Month of May: within the cycle of a year, the Church unfolds the whole of the mystery of Christ, from his incarnation and birth until his ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the Lord’s return …
In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, the Church honours with special love Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up and admires the most excellent effect of the redemption and joyfully contemplates, as in a flawless image, that which the Church itself desires and hopes wholly to be (SC 102 & 103). May I call you to reflect our redemption through Rosary with Mother Mary in this holy month of May.
 

A word of encouragement to the parishioners: I greatly appreciate you all for the effort you have made to continue to feed your spiritual hunger by praying together at home as and when time permits, availing spiritual services online and posting your own spiritual exercises online. I encourage you to continue to do so with earnest desire praising and thanking God for His Blessing. Stay Home, Save Life. You care for me, I care for you. I am looking forward to seeing you as soon as we are permitted to assemble. You are all in my prayer. Thank you for calling and checking on me, how I am doing and if I need any help. God is love and He loves us all. Praise be the Lord.
May I suggest, daily you could pray before you retire to bed Psalm no 91 (NRSV).         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; Patricia Nelson, Yuan Nguyen, Ted O’Donovan, Ioelu Fili, June Avery, Audrey Wearne, Margaret Peters and Ian Murray.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.   Our SVDP members and helpers continue to do weekly check-in / social calls but should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a check-in / social phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, then we can still include them in our phone list.  Take Care & God bless. (Contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email:  cquidilla@xtra.co.nz).

This year, Anzac Day will be like no other. 
Let’s all #StandAtDawn — apart, but together as one.
The Anzac spirit has taught us many things; endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour and mateship.
And in these unprecedented times, it’s important we unite together using all of these qualities.
 
On Anzac Day, 25 April 2020
On Saturday, 25 April 2020 we are asking the country to unite and #StandAtDawn (6am) with your bubble, wear your poppy and listen to our special dawn service. You can stand at dawn in front of the TV, in your courtyard, in your driveway, in your garden or even your balcony.
Tune into Radio NZ National (AM & FM frequencies), listen live on the internet or on your phone(download app here) for the official dawn service broadcast commencing at 6am. The morning service includes

• The Last Post
• Ode of Remembrance in Te Reo & English
• National Anthems
• Address by Hon. Ron Mark, Minister of Defence / Minister for Veterans

More details here: www.standatdawn.com
 

For the next 6 weeks Pacific communities around Aotearoa can tune in weekly to Pacific language COVID-19 updates.
The updates will be available in English, Cook Islands, Fijian, Kiribati, Niue, Rotuman, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelau and Tuvalu.
 
Available on:
➡️ Wednesday - on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Facebook page.
                 8am - English
                 9am - Cook Islands Maori
               10am - Fijian
               11am - Kiribati
               12pm - Niue
                 1pm - Rotuman
                 2pm - Samoan
                 3pm - Tongan
                 4pm - Tokelau
                 5pm - Tuvalu

➡️ Thursday - on Pacific radio stations across the country.
➡️ Friday - broadcast on television at 4pm – 4.30pm on Three.
 

People First NZ COVID-19 helpline
We know that things are hard right now for many people with learning disability and their families / whānau.
People First New Zealand is working together with Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust and IHC Advocacy to assist people during COVID-19.
Do you need some help?  Ring the People First New Zealand helpline on 0800 20 60 70.
 
Vocation Sunday - 3rd May 
In speaking of the Gospel passage that recounts the remarkable experience of Jesus and Peter during a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee (cf. Mt 14:22-33) Pope Francis says, "Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm. We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives."
Good Shepherd Sunday is a special day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood. Please pray for our seminarians Alfred, Matthew, Kinh and Emilio, for Gerson who is preparing to enter the seminary and for all those discerning the call to priesthood.

Could someone you know become tomorrow’s priest?
Pray for this person.
Invite him to consider priesthood.
Affirm his gifts and qualities.
Encourage him to be open to the possibility of priesthood.

Contact Fr David Dowling, Vocations Director: frdavidd@gmail.com or 021 174 4248.  
Visit www.wellingtonpriests.org     Follow us on Facebook: Wellington Priests 

WHAT NEXT It was affirming to hear our Prime Minister acknowledge and thank us all for supporting the Government’s Lockdown Alert Level 4 and also for supporting each other during NZ’s efforts to prevent the spread of this Covid-19 virus.  It says a lot about the Kiwi attitude and approach to life.
We know that we’re in this together.  We trust that those essential workers and soon, other workers too, will continue to do their best to keep themselves and us safe. We must play our part to do the same for them – “working together” to ensure the health and safety of everyone as we move into Alert Level 3 on Tues 28th.
 
Golden Rules for life at Alert Level 3

1. Stay home. If you are not at work, school, exercising or getting essentials then you must still be at home, the same as at Alert Level 4.
2. Work and learn from home if you can. It’s best that the majority of people work from home, and children and young people learn from home.

At-risk students and staff should also stay at home, and will be supported to do so. Early learning centres and schools will physically be open for up to Year 10 for families that need them.

1. Make your business COVID-19 safe. COVID-19 has spread in workplaces, so do it in a way that doesn’t spread the virus.
2. Stay regional. You can exercise at parks or beaches within your region, but the closer to home the better.

Activities must be safe – keep 2 metres away from anybody not in your bubble. Make minimal trips.

1. Keep your bubble as small as possible. If you need to, you can expand your bubble a small amount to bring in close family, isolated people or caregivers.
2. Wash your hands often with soap. Then dry them well. Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
3. If you are sick, stay at home and quickly seek advice from your GP or Healthline about getting a test. 
4. Success will come if everyone is willing to play their part

 
To everyone: let us not think only of our interests, our vested interests. Let us welcome this time of trial as an opportunity to prepare for our collective future, a future for all without discarding anyone. Because without an all-embracing vision, there will be no future for anyone.            
Pope Francis: Homily 2nd Sun of Easter

Holy Trinity Finance Committee has met by Zoom to discuss how our finances are going and also how we can continue to keep our buildings secure (at the moment) and safe for all when we get to Alert Levels 2 and 1. 
There is no change at Level 3 – ALL BUILDINGS REMAIN CLOSED.  Be assured we have a plan, guided by expectations from the Government and the Archdiocese.
Thank you for your positive responses at this time – keeping in your Bubble, praying, checking in some ways on others and more.
 
Planned Giving Donations:  If you usually make your donations via planned giving envelopes, during this lockdown time, if you can, please deposit your offering directly into the parish bank account via internet banking or at your local bank. The Parish account details are: Holy Trinity Parish BNZ Bank account number 02-0536-0185031-000.   
Use your planned giving number as the reference so the donation can be allocated correctly to you for your Year End tax receipt.
 
If you usually donate without using planned giving envelopes, and if you are still able to make a donation, we encourage you also to do so via internet banking or at your local bank (using the account details above).
 
Once the Churches are able to be safely opened again there will be a secure giving box available for cash contributions.
 
Planned Giving Tax Receipts:  Your receipts have been processed. An email copy has been sent to those we have an email address for.   Printed receipts will mailed out when possible.
 
Community Support   As you’ll have seen in past few weeks’ newsletters there are many agencies available for support and assistance in addition to what we as individuals or families can do.
St Vincent de Paul is actively helping within our parish and the wider area as well as contacting many parishioners with weekly check-in / social calls. 
Should you know of any person or any families who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of assistance please contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP  021 159 2412  cquidilla@xtra.co.nz
Tina and the team of fifteen others are doing a wonderful job.
 
A few people have asked about donating to worthy causes.  One suggestion of course:
      St Vincent de Paul:  https://www.vinnies-wellington.org.nz/donate  OR donations can be made to this specific COVID 19 account :
Account - St Vincent de Paul Society Wellington
Bank – BNZ       Account Number - 02-0576-0017817-00
Reference -  COVID19
Particular – e.g. your Surname to link to tax receipt.  
Email Vinnies (info@vinnieswgtn.org.nz ), with your full name and contact details if you want a tax receipt.
 
Some other possibilities:
      Catholic Social Services: https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Donate
      Wellington City Mission: https://wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/donate-now/
      Caritas NZ:  https://www.caritas.org.nz/donate
 
Communication  Our newsletter is one  of the main methods of communication with parishioners.  We have discovered that a number of people have not signed up to receive this.  Please check with family, friends and others you may know and encourage them to email the parish office holytrinity.wellington@xtra.co.nz and ask to be added to the email list.
 
A reminder too, to download the Church  App for Holy Trinity Parish from the App store – its free!
  
Essential workers - again this week we thank you all  – we couldn’t have got this far without you !
 
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was Wed 22nd and May will be the 5th anniversary of
Laudato Si, on Care for our Common Home, Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change.  
 
In recent weeks many of us have had time to experience some of the beauty of our environment at home and in our local area made easy by stunning weather.  The increased birdsong, so clear without traffic and aeroplane sound is an added bonus. 
Maybe next time you go for a walk, spend time in your garden or admire some aspect of creation  one of the prayers on this site might helpful to meditate on:
https://www.faithclimateactionweek.org/prayers-and-climate-blessings/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

COVID19.govt.nz  has resources translated into New Zealand Sign, Simplified Chinese, Te Reo Māori, Cook Island Māori, Fijian, Niuean, Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan and Tokelauan.

Let us pray for all those who are unwell especially Nesi Tan, Warren Stevenson, Eddie Wilkins, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.
We also pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Jean Owen and those whose anniversaries occur around this time; Margaret Peters, Stanislawa Biskowiak and Ian Murray.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.

Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
Sundays from 4 April – 1.35pm
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/

Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

Acts 2, 42-47; 1 Pet 1, 3-9; Jn 20, 19-31
Forgiveness of sin
Dear sisters and brothers, today we celebrate the second Sunday of Easter, is also called Divine Mercy Sunday by Saint pope John Paul II. And so it is the Mercy Sunday of the Lord. How does God show us His mercy?
In the gospel we have the encounter of Thomas with Risen Christ. This is significance as it brings the gospel to its close. If you remember, John starts with “the Word was God” and today Thomas declares Jesus saying, “my Lord and my God”. For John, it is God who became human and thus complements the other gospels who show a man who is also God. It is with the divine authority that Jesus confers on his Church the divine power to forgive. Real forgiveness is indeed Godlike. It is not simply ‘forgive-and-forget’, but forgiveness is the knowledge that a hurt has occurred. Just as a bone, broken and merged together again, can be stronger than it was before it was broken, so forgiveness can create a real link of love on both sides, a treasured secret of divine graciousness between forgiver and forgiven.
The letter of Peter is positive, full of optimism of the new Christian movement, the love, confidence and joy of looking forward to the promised inheritance. The baptism we receive is the baptism of repentance for our sins and acknowledgement of Jesus the Lord. It is a new birth into Christ brings with it a promise of an inheritance. It brings with its responsibilities and duties, and the reading mentions the trials which test us like gold in the fire. I know that I, for one, still have a lot of dross which needs to be purged away before I can confidently stand before the Lord and claim my inheritance as a son of God.​
After having heard John and Peter tell us, we draw our attention to Luke the evangelist. He narrates the early life of believers who followed teachings of Christ and lived their daily lives. The event is just after the Pentecost, the birth of the Church. It is a picture of peace, generosity and devotion, summed up in grateful praise of God. we have the quality of a community where the Spirit of God is given free play, an ideal to strive for. It is a community to which
anyone would wish to belong, a community where love prevails, where each member is attentive to the needs of others. It is not surprising that their number was constantly on the increase.
Are the pillars on which it stands the two types of prayer, in the Temple and in the Eucharist, or the resultant human goodness of generosity and joy? Perhaps, as in any community we experience, there were tensions beneath the surface, but the warmth of trust in the LORD breathes through the account and promises a solution to very problem.
Dear sisters and brothers, when we have heard the word of God and been healed from our brokenness (forgiven); we create a community that lives harmoniously with one another and creation. This promises a life of peace, charity and joy and COVID-19 is helping us to build as such one. We are capable of creating a new earth order as the first
followers of Jesus did, for ‘God-is-with-us’.                                                Fr Ephrem
 
Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine.
Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
 

NZ Catholic available online now
 http://www.catholic.org.nz/assets/Uploads/NZ-Catholic-Issue-587-April-19-2021.pdf

THANK YOU for YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT
- Planned Giving Donations:  If you have envelopes during this lockdown time, if you can, please deposit your offering directly into the parish bank account: Holy Trinity Parish BNZ Bank account number 02-0536-0185031-000.  
Use your planned giving number as your reference so the payment can be allocated correctly.
 
- A secure Donation box will be in each of the Church foyers for your contributions once the Churches are able to be safely opened again.
 
- Planned Giving Receipts:  Your receipts will be processed over the coming weeks. An email copy will be sent to those we have an email address for.   If you do not have an email address and/or require a paper copy, receipts will be available once the lock down is over.

 Well done to us all ! 
We’ve had three weeks of our nationwide lockdown.  There have been some lows and some highs but it seems that we are on track to flattening the curve. So let’s keep up the good work.

This poem from Kathleen O’Meara, (pen name Grace Ramsay) an Irish poet who lived 1839-1888 is maybe as relevant for us today as it was back then.
 
And People Stayed Home
 
And people stayed home and read books and listened
and rested and exercised and made art and played
and learned new ways of being
and stopped and listened deeper
 
someone meditated  someone prayed
someone danced  someone met their shadow
 
and people began to think differently and people healed
and in the absence of people who lived in ignorant ways,
dangerous, meaningless and heartless,
even the earth began to heal
 
and when the danger ended and people found each other
grieved for the dead people and they made new choices
and dreamed of new visions and created new ways of life
and healed the earth completely
just as they were healed themselves.
 
During this time of COVID-19 lockdown, we think of and pray for those not in our bubble – family, friends, neighbours, all our essential workers, those anxious or under stress, those who are ill and suffering and those in unfortunate situations.  But it is really important that each of us is also as well as can be, and looking after our own wellbeing too.
 
THERE ARE A SIMPLE THINGS WE CAN ALL DO TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES AND OTHERS. 
Looking after ourselves, friends and whānau  - suggestions  for taking care of ourselves and others especially during this time.
It’s important to be up to date with the latest government guidance on how to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Get the latest government advice here: https://covid19.govt.nz/  (translations available in other languages)
A new website dedicated to providing information for New Zealand’s Pacific communities has been launched to help stamp out COVID-19 preparepacific.nz
If you need someone to talk to, call 1737 to connect with trained counsellors for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• If you want information about COVID-19, make sure you get it from a reliable (government) source.
• Avoid constantly looking at the news for updates. Try checking a reliable source once a day.
• Control the things that you can control e.g. maintain your routine, eat well, sleep, exercise (but not too much!!) and keep doing the things that you enjoy.
• Keep connected to the people who are important to you. Make a phone call. Send a text. Send an email.   UseFace time, Facebook or  Messenger.  Write a letter/card.  Wave to neighbours
• Remind yourself it is okay to feel stressed. It's perfectly normal to feel like this in an abnormal situation.
• Breath deeply.
• Be kind to yourself and others.
• Find enjoyment.  Laugh. Watch a good movie/show or  video clp. 
• Listen to music. Sing. Dance a bit
• Write - a poem or story …
• Read.  Keep a reading log or journal; collect favourite quotes or sayings etc
• Draw or colour in
• Test your skills. Jigsaws, crosswords, quizzes, puzzles
• Resurrect a hobby
• Meditate, pray or read some scripture

Parish Newsletter   If you know of people who are not receiving this by email – please encourage them to email the parish office to be added to the newsletter email  list.
St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish members and helpers make weekly check-in calls.  If you know of any people who would appreciate a phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, we can still include them in our phone list.
Contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP 021 159 2412, email: cquidilla@xtra.co.nz).   
 
Wellington Catholic Social Services 04-385-8642 is available working  by phone, text, email & Zoom.  Referrals call CSS 0274055469 or emailing reception@wn.catholic.org.nz 
 

1. Sir John Kirwan has made Mentemia,  his wellness app free; just download from App store
2. https://www.allright.org.nz/ has some  resources aimed at  support of mental well being. 

Some contacts just in case you or someone you know needs any of these at any time.

1. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-health-advice-general-public/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-resources
2. https://covid19.govt.nz/individuals-and-households/health-and-wellbeing/

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.   Our SVDP members and helpers continue to do weekly check-in / social calls but should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a check-in / social phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, then we can still include them in our phone list.  Take Care & God bless. (Contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email:  cquidilla@xtra.co.nz).

Need Help – Offer Help’ – A COVID-19 Response: Contact details for groups within the Archdiocese of Wellington who are meeting needs and offering social services to support wellbeing during the lockdown is available on the Archdiocese of Wellington website page "Need help, offer help":  https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/need-help-offer-help/ This webpage also includes details of how people can contribute, which is primarily through financial donations at this time, when goods are unable to be offered. Catholic social services (04-385-8642) social workers can also assist in connecting people to appropriate services. The page is regularly updated - please email l.beech@wn.catholic.org.nz  with any updates.

The resurrection of Christ … is the victory of love over the root of evil, a victory that does not “by-pass” suffering and death, but passes through them, opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into good: this is the unique hallmark of the power of God.
Pope Francis: Urbi et Orbi message, Easter 2020

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; Ola Lis, Daphne Hatchwell and Henry Martin.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.
 
Easter Services:
Holy Thursday: 9th April                                         7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
 
Good Friday:   10th April     3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Places Collection has been transferred to Sept 13th 2020 – the date closest to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
 
Saturday Easter Vigil: 11th April                           7pm
 
Easter Sunday:   12th April                                    10.30am
 
All Masses will be streamed live by Fr Ephrem via his facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
 

Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Other Wellington-based Easter Triduum services follow this custom YouTube URL. https://www.youtube.com/c/MCSHWellington  curtesy of  the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Here is the schedule they are working towards having the videos ready by:
* Holy Thursday 7.30pm              
* Good Friday 3.00pm
* Easter Vigil 7.30pm
* There will be no Easter Day Mass
 
Masses available on Television: Free to air telecast Shine TV Freeview channel 25
Sundays from 4 April – 1.35pm
Good Friday 10 April – 8.30am
 
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/resources-for-an-unusual-time/
 

Holy Trinity Parish Vision
We are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington,
drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

Acts 10, 34. 37-43; Col 3, 1-4; Jn 20, 1-9
Hey, do you know, Jesus is RISEN!
Dear sisters and brothers, the whole world is hush hush s s s ... everyone is in shockingly aware of the rising of Christ from death. Yes, Jesus Christ is Risen has from the dead and lives forever. We have partaken in the banquet of Resurrection, Let us sing the song of Alleluia.
This Holy Week is witnessed as never before. COVID-19 seems to be threatening to wipe humanity from the earth. Fear has gripped the world in a manner never experienced before. We are driven to lockdown from all public events and face to face engagements even with our loved ones.  We are led to prayer in unison and engage ourselves to be still, paying attention to the event unfolding with silence in our private homes, and making space for God into our heart. Families have once again become the domestic church, society and to the world.
Holy Week shows us God loves us infinitely and unconditionally and calls us to love Him and live in that love with faith and practice. The emptiness and darkness of Good Friday, Jesus brings light; in our fears, Jesus brings us hope; in our hatred, he brings us love; and these transform us to a new way of living and acting in faith. It teaches us the important of life hereafter.
It is time to grow in love, patience and tolerance, comforting those who are distressed. Because, God the Father in Jesus Christ holds us gently in his embrace. Given us new life in His Son’s resurrection.  When we pray, God holds space for you and me, and we in turn offer ‘a silence in which another voice may speak.’ We also offer that space to others, as individuals or as a community; by ensuring we have a place of welcome and hope, ‘imbued with the gentle presence of the risen Jesus. Christ has won for us eternal life, obtaining forgiveness from our sins. The ultimate winner is Christ and a new day has dawned for us. World has no power over us. Let us rejoice and be glad, Christ is Risen. Alleluia!      
I wish you all a blessed and holy Easter. Keep safe in your bubble and be kind to one another. God bless you all                                                                              Fr Ephrem
 
Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine.
Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.
Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.   Our SVDP members and helpers continue to do weekly check-in / social calls but should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a check-in / social phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, then we can still include them in our phone list.  Take Care & God bless. (Contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email:  cquidilla@xtra.co.nz).


HOLY WEEK is an important time in our Faith life.    
 While we often think about Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday as separate days or liturgies – they are really part of the one whole story.  The rituals that we usually experience in our Churches involve strong symbols and messages:   a  cross – our  weakness and  failures, saved by God’s love, a shared meal, washing of feet – a call to love and service,  a cross – suffering and death – our weakness and failures,  darkness and light, water – life – Christ with us, in and among us.  Alleluia!
Dan Schutte, an American composer, has created a virtual Holy Week celebration – including music and song, scripture and comment.  You  may like to  view it in a way that suits your situation at home. Here is the link: https://www.danschuttemusic.com/wordpressstore/easter-triduum/
 

In these days of lockdown, the internet is for many people an important way to stay in touch.    We need to be aware of our internet safety and not fall for scams or get tricked into giving away private information.   For online safety tips & advice, or report concern: https://www.netsafe.org.nz/stayconnectedstaysafe/
 
Fr Ephrem celebrates the anniversary of his ordination on the 14th April.
We congratulate him and wish him well.

Need Help – Offer Help’ – A COVID-19 Response: Contact details for groups within the Archdiocese of Wellington who are meeting needs and offering social services to support wellbeing during the lockdown is available on the Archdiocese of Wellington website page "Need help, offer help":  https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/need-help-offer-help/ This webpage also includes details of how people can contribute, which is primarily through financial donations at this time, when goods are unable to be offered. Catholic social services (04-385-8642) social workers can also assist in connecting people to appropriate services. The page is regularly updated - please email l.beech@wn.catholic.org.nz  with any updates.

Planned Giving Receipts. Your receipts will be processed over the coming weeks. I will update you when these are ready and will email a copy to those I have an email address for. If you do not have an email  address and require a paper copy, your reciepts will be available once the lock down is over.
 
If you have envelopes and would like to continue making contributions to planned giving during the lockdown, our bank account is Holy Trinity Parish BNZ Bank account number 02-0536-0185031-000. Use your planned giving number as your reference so the payment can be allocated correctly. Thank you

The tragedy we are experiencing summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others. For life is measured by love.                                                                                                 Pope Francis tweet 7 April 2020

Let's kill this virus!
1. Wet hands with running water 🤲
2. Apply soap all over 🧼
3. Scrub, scrub, scrub
4. Rinse thoroughly 🚿
5. Dry

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is launching a Pandemic Appeal in response to the global spread of COVID-19. The funds raised from this appeal will help vulnerable communities across the Pacific and around the world as they work to prevent, prepare for and respond to the effects of the disease. Please visit caritas.org.nz/covid-19-pandemic-appeal to learn how your support helps to save the lives of people most in need. You can also call 04 496 1742 or 0800 22 10 22 and leave your name and phone number and a Caritas staff member will be in touch. 

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; Maria Arlukiewicz, Leonard Maxim, William Corkery, Peter Hopkins and Patrick Connolly.
We also remember our leaders and all those involved in providing essential services.

​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.

From 5th April Fr Ephrem is offering Mass every day from the prayer room in the presbytery
at the following times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 9.30am        Thurs 7pm            Sunday 10.30am
To join him live go to his Facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
If you would like Fr to offer Mass for yourself or a loved one, please contact the office by either phone or email

Easter Services:
Holy Thursday: 9th April  (no morning Mass)      7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
 
Good Friday:   10th April     3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
Holy Places Collection has been transferred to Sept 13th 2020 – the date closest to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
 
Saturday Easter Vigil: 11th April                           7pm
 
Easter Sunday:   12th April                                    10.30am
 
All Masses will be streamed live by Fr Ephrem via his facebook page (Ephrem Tigga)
 
Sent out as a separate attachment with this newsletter is “Holy Week in a bubble” from
Fr Patrick Bridgman offering suggestions for prayer at home starting with Palm Sunday and from Fr Ephrem the Stations of the Cross for you to pray at home

Is 50, 4-7; Phil 2, 6-11; Matt 26, 14-27, 66
Have no fear, God is with us
Dear sisters and brothers, there cannot be more dramatic and contrast scene of joy and sadness Palm Sunday brings. Both the emotions are so intense and heart rending. Today’s celebration set tone for the Holy Week and the celebration of Jesus’ Passover to eternal life through calvary.
Let me tell you the accounts of the passion given by the four evangelists are not identical. The basic outline of these dreadful events was clear enough. It is confirmed by the contemporary Jewish historian Josephus, who tells us that Jesus was crucified by Pontius Pilate at the instigation of the Jewish leaders.
The task of the gospel-writers is not to relay to us the raw facts, but to help us understand their significance. Each evangelist stresses a particular aspect in the passion of Jesus. John under lines triumph of Jesus and his divinity; Matthew’s preoccupation with Judaism dictates and shows in detail how the events accord with God’s plan revealed in the scriptures. The apocalyptic earthquake and the blessed dead who were released from grave entered into the Holy city.
Dear sisters and brothers, today we are in an unprecedented time of human suffering. A Passion we globally undergoing together in the form of Corona Virus. I assure you this is the beginning of good time to come; but we must persevere in the law of community good protecting each individual human life that exist, there is not time of discrimination. This is the time of purification leading us to the Resurrection of Christ.
St Paul remind us selfless love of Jesus in the letter to the Philippians. So, humbly we raise our hymns of worship to Christ that is due to him, for ‘the glory of God the Father’. We acknowledge and believe Christ’s words and
action and follow the example He has set for us. His love for us and our love for Him will see us through at this time of suffering and fear. Let us trust and have faith in Him. Have no fear, God is with us.
May God bless and help us transform to His way of life.                                     Fr Ephrem

Covid 19 - St Vincent de Paul Holy Trinity Parish.  During the first week of the lockdown period, we have compiled a phone list of 34 households, consisting of elderly & families within & outside of the parish.  Our SVDP members and helpers continue to do at least weekly check-in / social calls in the next 4 weeks, so we know how people are getting on.   We have identified 6 households in our community in greatest hardship to receive weekly food parcels for the duration of the lockdown period delivered to their homes by the Vinnies Centre foodbank Newtown.   Should you know of any other isolated people who would appreciate a check-in / social phone call or are in need of emergency food or winter bedding support, then we can still include them in our phone list.  Take Care & God bless. (Contact: Tina Quidilla SVDP ph 021 159 2412, email:  cquidilla@xtra.co.nz).

HOLY WEEK           This coming week Holy Week, is the highlight of the Church’s Liturgical Year.

We will not be in our church buildings this year, but we can in our own ways, walk with Jesus from his Last Supper table to the Garden of Gethsemane and to Calvary; then to the tomb on Easter Sunday and the fullness of the joy of Easter, Jesus Christ, alive in each of us, his Church on earth.
X Pray  XRead Scripture  XReflect  XPray  XMeditate
XShare a meal or a conversation Xbe Thankful  XPray  Xbe Kind
 
PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Here are two links for those of you who may like to access some online prayer and spiritual reading over the next little while:

• https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/in-reverse-prayer-in-a-time-of-isolation/     

Father James Lyons (& others) have excellent material here.

• https://foodforfaith.org.nz/        This site has a range of excellent options.  

 
A choice of Masses on-line: 

• https://www.nlo.org.nz/news-and-events/media-releases/celebrate-mass-online/     
• Fr Ephrem also celebrates Mass daily. View on his facebook page. (Ephrem Tigga)
• Bishop Martin from the Christchurch Diocese is streaming Mass daily at 9am on youtube.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDyKPjjDeYWfpoz_hSDLfw  

ANOTHER Pandemic Prayer
God, our creator, many are anxious at this time of our “bubble lockdowns.”  Help us to remember that you are with us in our hearts and in our actions.  Even as we are distant from others, may we find ways to reach out to those who need support. 
 
We remember especially those whose jobs are at risk, for those who are lonely, isolated, hungry, scared or unsafe.
 
We thank you for all those working is essential services.  We pray that they have strength and courage for what may lie ahead. 
Let us remember that every time we wash our hands, you call each of us through the waters of Baptism, to fear not, trust in your ways and to live in peace and hope.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the Government’s rules to stop delivery of printed ‘community’ newspapers and magazines, WelCom has been adapted as an online publication. Printed copies will not be available during New Zealand’s lockdown.
 The link to the WelCom website to read this month’s newspaper online is:
https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_welcom/welcom-april-2020-issue-381/

• Click on the link (above).
• To enlarge the publication on your screen, click on the ‘full screen’ small square icon at the bottom right side of your screen.
• To turn the pages, click on the arrow symbol at the centre right side of the page (and left arrow to reverse).
• To increase size of the page or part of an article, with your cursor move the toggle on the slide bar at the bottom right area of your screen (right to increase size or left to reduce page size).
• Enjoy reading this month’s edition.

The Archdiocesan website www.wn.catholic.org.nz   is being regularly updated with changes in restrictions, news and resources. Please check in for both information and spiritual resources. 

Planned Giving Receipts. Your receipts will be processed over the coming weeks. I will update you when these are ready and will email a copy to those I have an email address for. If you do not have an email  address and require a paper copy, your reciepts will be available once the lock down is over.
 
If you have envelopes and would like to continue making contributions to planned giving during the lockdown, our bank account is Holy Trinity Parish BNZ Bank account number 02-0536-0185031-000. Use your planned giving number as your reference so the payment can be allocated correctly. Thank you

We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us.                                                                         Pope Francis: Extraordinary Moment of Prayer, 27 March 2020

Understanding COVID-19: Included as  separate attachment witl this newsletter is an article written by R.J.Meech, MNZM. MB.ChB. FRACP,  a specialist in Infectious Diseases and circulated in the Napier Parish.