Act 10, 37-43; Col 3, 1-4; Jn 20, 1-9
Alleluia!!! The Lord is Risen!!!
Assigning Peter’s speech to our Easter Sunday readings requires a lot of “fast forward”. There is no way Peter could have spoken like that on Easter Sunday. Like the other apostles, Peter was both scared and discouraged after the Good Friday experience and it took not only repeated manifestations of the risen Lord, but most especially the Pentecost experience, for Peter to have the courage to speak like that.
It is quite remarkable that Peter’s catechetical summary almost belabours one point: we are witnesses that he is risen. This is in fact the core of the early apostolic preaching, before distortions necessitated pastoral and theological clarifications. Their witnessing needed to be enabled by a twofold support: love and faith. Their love was there, which is why they were grieving, but their faith had been shaken by the Good Friday events. They hid in the upper room and some started to walk away, as the two Emmaus disciples did.
The same is clear in the gospel - Love is alive enough for both disciples to run to the tomb, but their faith had been crushed and finding that the tomb was indeed empty meant nothing to Peter. The beloved disciple’s faith had also been shaken, but his love led him to ponder and remember the words of Jesus. It was this love that awaken his faith. We need both love and faith. We know that faith is gift, but loving God and loving others can awaken in us the gift of faith.
Dear sisters and brothers, in his love God has redeemed and made us victorious from our sin. Today is the day to rejoice, shout and cry loud the song of Alleluia:
Alleluia, Jesus is Risen: Happy Easter                                         Fr Ephrem
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.

A big thank you
to all those involved in Easter preparations and services.
We appreaciate all your hard work.
We wish all Parishioners a happy Easter.       Frs Ephrem and Paul

If you would like Father to bless your home or your family
please send through your contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz

ANZAC DAY SERVICE 25th April    ST PATRICK’S CHURCH 11AM
On the day, bring a photo of loved ones to place under the altar during Mass.

HOLY CROSS CHURCH
Please only park in the designated parks.
The accessway to the presbytery at the back needs to remain clear at all times.
This applies to both weekend and weekday Masses.  

Thank you to those who turned up to help clean St Patrick’s Church in preperation for Easter.
You did a wonderful job and we are grateful for all your help.

Do you have any memories/photographs/information from the early days of our 3 churches?
Trisha would love to hear from you.
She is compiling a history of the churches in the Eastern Suburbs in relation to the upcoming centenary for St Patrick’s Church
Please contact her 04 934 3179 to share any information you have.
Thank you in advance

Safeguarding in our Parish – Thursday May 9th St Patrick’s Parish Centre 7pm
The Archdiocese will be running a workshop on the 9th May regarding the polcies, standards and code of conduct regarding safe pracrices within the Church.
Everyone is invited to attend but this is compulsory for certain groups including Parish Council, employees, sacramental programme, children’s liturgy, SVdP, Legion of Mary, and anyone who is engaged with children, young people or vulnerable adults.
Cup of tea at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.
RSVP 388 6953 or holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz by 3rd May

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair Saturday 27 April: 8am – 4pm and Sunday 28 April: 9am – 3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, 22 Emmett Street, Newtown The Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair is back once again. All books are $2 or less alongside fabrics and recycled haberdasheries from our very own Vinnies Re Sew. The proceeds from the Vinnies Book and Fabric Fair go towards our Vinnies Welfare Programs. From providing food parcels and advocacy support to helping people move into their new homes, combating loneliness and upskilling members of our communities. Interested in joining the Book Fair volunteer team? Contact volunteer@vinnieswgtn.org.nz or call 04 389 7122.

Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 23 April beginning at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  This Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, singing, times of silence and conclude with Benediction followed by supper.

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations You are invited to join in the celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday which is to be held on Sunday 28th of April at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, 301 Karori Road, Karori. The program will take place from 2.00 – 4.15 pm and will include Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Blessing of religious objects, and the Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. Refreshments and nibbles will be served after the service.


How religion (our faith) and science work together. Free Workshop by Br. Guy Consolmagno SJ. Director of the Vatican Observatory. Wed 8th May. St Anne’s Hall, 22 Emmett St, Newtown. 1-4pm. RSVP by May3rd
Mary-Ann Greaney m.greaney@wn.catholic.org.nz or 04 496 1784 (Please leave a message.)
 

Say No to the Euthanasia Bill – Care Alliance Petition The Care Alliance has started a nation-wide petition to all MP’s urging them to vote ‘NO” to the End of Life Choice Euthanasia Bill.
Some of you have already taken the opportunity to sign this petition. If you have not yet done so, and you will be eligible to vote in next years election, you can still sign online: This petition has the full backing of the NZ Bishops.
Go to www.carealliance.org.nz and simply click on the “Sign the Petition” button. Your support for this

Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821

Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. Christian Life Community Wellington invites you to attend an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ   Participants meet weekly, under the guidance of trained guides, to pray and share in small groups their experience of prayer. The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Emmett St, Newtown, Wellington, over five Thursday evenings - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 2019  7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or for further information contact Sarah Dench   04 9733 501  or  021 0814 4424  or sarahdench@yahoo.com

New Zealand Catholic Medical Association DATE SAVER: Inaugural Meeting Saturday: 25 May 2019 10am -3pm at St Michael’s School Hall, 6 Beatrice Road, Remuera, Auckland -    Cost $25 per person. Will include Blessing and Holy Mass from Bishop Patrick Dunn and provide an opportunity for doctors and others involved in healthcare to find pastoral care, support, encouragement and faith development. We wish to extend an invitation to doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapist, counsellors, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, dentists, health administrators, lawyers and anyone who works in allied roles. Registration is required for catering purposes by 20 May 2019.Event details: newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz/event Contact email:   info@newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz

 Go you are sent to care for creation (8) Have bit sized chunks and reflections on care for creation after communion and in newsletters

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Henry Martin, , Mary Dykes, Ola Lis and Margaret Peters. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Is 50, 4-7; Phil 2, 6-11; Lk 22, 14-23, 56
Palm Sunday, with its palms, processions and readings, is one of the special days that can evoke strong emotional connections in our spiritual history, for those who have been in the church most of their lives. For those who are newer to Catholicism and Christianity, I suspect it still makes an impact because of its uniqueness.
I remember how unusual the palms seemed when I was a youngster. They were like nothing else I experienced in church or anywhere in my life—long strips of greenery, kind of chartreuse in colour, that we willingly accepted and then carefully protected on the way home, where they would be tacked behind a crucifix or religious picture or at the door way, in a prominent place in our home for the next 12 months.
Jesus’ triumphant entry into the village, amid hosannas and palm-waving, doesn’t allow us to reflect long on the admiration and approval the people had for him. In sync with Jesus’ retort that “even the stones will cry out,” it would be nice to bask in the moment for a bit; it would be pleasant to dare to think about how satisfying and rewarding that afternoon must have been—and how well-deserved.
But, almost immediately, we are taken beyond that scene into the rest of what Holy Week is about—the seriousness of the Last Supper, the trials, betrayals, torture and death. Some of those who true disciples were so excited must have legitimately been moved by Jesus and his power and his love.
We often feel holier than thou and wonder how they could have possibly been so fickle, so easily swayed, so rootless in our spiritual depth. But we also know how we turn our backs to the good and the righteous when we don’t have all the facts, and even sometimes when we do.
Let us linger a little longer amid the palm-wavers. Feel their excitement, their enthusiasm for Jesus and his message. Reflect on his miraculous works and his soul-deep love. And to pray that the reality of the joy that comes from worshipping him will sustain us through the dark times until Easter’s rising, each time we see the palms tucked beneath the cross in our living rooms.             
Fr Ephrem
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.

Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. With the parish being reduced to 2 priests following Fr Gregory’s return to India it is now only possible to hold 2 Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. The Archdiocese has a directive that Holy Cross Church is to have minimal use due to the building being considered earthquake prone. Following discussion with the Leadership groups within the parish it has been decided not to hold one of these services in this building. We apologise for any inconvenience.     Fr Ephrem.

Easter Services:
Holy Thursday:         18th April  (no morning Mass at any Church)
St Patrick’s:               7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
 
Good Friday:           19th April 
St Patrick’s:            10am Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s Church to All Saints, Hataitai
St Anthony’s:         10am Way of the Cross starts and finishes at St Anthony’s
3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
at St Patrick’s and St Anthony’s Churches
 
 
Saturday Easter Vigil: 20st April
St Patrick’s:               8pm Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor
Easter Sunday:          21st  April
Holy Cross:               9am
St Patrick’s:               10am
St Anthony’s:          10.30am

Singers and Musicians:   There will be a practice on the next Monday 7-8pm, St.Patrick's Church, in preparation for Easter.  All welcome.

St Patrick’s Morning MassTuesday 16th April. Please note: Mass will be at 9am to give our priests time to get to the clergy prayer day at 10am.

Holy Thursday Mass Children who made their First Holy Communion in 2018 are invited to take part in the Holy Thursday Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Please contact Leona 021 165 5289
The children will process up to the altar and scatter petals. We will need petals on the day so could you please drop these off to the office on HOLY THURSDAY BEFORE 12PM.

Candles for Holy Saturday.
Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor.

Good Friday Holy Places Collection – This collection will be taken up on during the 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lords Passion .

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821

BULLETIN NOTICE: Palm Sunday Candlelight Vigil for the Unborn.  Sunday 14 April @ 7pm.  Come join caring people from all over Wellington in a peaceful prayer vigil outside Wellington Hospital where more than 1300 babies lose their lives to abortion every year.  We mourn their lives and pray for healing for all those impacted by the tragedy of abortion and for the conversion of clinic workers.  Riddiford Street, Outside Wellington Hosptial, Newtown

Archdiocesan North Island Chrism Mass – the Mass of the oils, Tuesday 16th April 7pm, St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori.

Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie skit2@xtra.co.nz or 0272458859


How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington.

OPEN LETTER TO ALL M.P.s RE ABORTION now urgent. Upcoming Legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH. Overseas experience indicates that will be the forerunner to debate on even worse atrocities for the unborn child, including “partial-birth” abortions, “after- birth” abortions, and infanticide. If you wish to add your
name to an Inter-Denominational ”Open Letter to all members of Parliament” email  donbrebs@kinect.co.nz  you will receive a copy of the Letter by return. May God Bless our mutual efforts. Thank you, Don Brebner.

Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair Saturday 27 April: 8am – 4pm and Sunday 28 April: 9am – 3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, 22 Emmett Street, Newtown The Vinnies Book & Fabric Fair is back once again. All books are $2 or less alongside fabrics and recycled haberdasheries from our very own Vinnies Re Sew.
The proceeds from the Vinnies Book and Fabric Fair go towards our Vinnies Welfare Programs. From providing food parcels and advocacy support to helping people move into their new homes, combating loneliness and upskilling members of our communities.
Interested in joining the Book Fair volunteer team? Contact volunteer@vinnieswgtn.org.nz or call 04 389 7122.

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebrations You are invited to join in the celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday which is to be held on Sunday 28th of April at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, 301 Karori Road, Karori. The program will take place from 2.00 – 4.15 pm and will include Reconciliation, Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Blessing of religious objects, and the Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. Refreshments and nibbles will be served after the service.


With today’s celebration of Palm Sunday we enter a week that we call Holy Week. While every week is holy, in this Holy Week we face death. While some will simply look back two thousand years and recall the historic events of Jesus’ suffering and death, we Christians today make a decision to walk this path to the cross with Jesus. Not that we will necessarily die this week, but every one of us will face death in some way: uncertainly in a relationship, work and home worries, financial insecurity, anxiety about those we love. Each of these unwanted
experiences is a taste of death and very week is holy when we remember the cross of Jesus.
As a child I recall crucifixes hanging prominently in Catholic homes and classrooms. In recent years we seem to have thought it better to focus on the resurrection, egged-on by an emphasis on positive thinking urging us to look on the bright side of life. But our challenge is to recall that resurrection only makes sense for the one who has died, and death (because of the death and resurrection of Jesus) is no longer the problem in life or the obstacle to growth but the pathway to intimacy with God and others now and eternally.
And the Sign of the Cross, the best known of all Catholic prayers, even when signed in silence in a moment of need, is the most simple and profound of all prayers.
An Invitation: Take this week ahead, the journey to Easter, as a retreat in daily life. While you maintain all necessary family, work and social commitments, take time every day to sit with the crucifix. Feel with Jesus the pain of being betrayed and abandoned by friends and unjustly punished and crucified. Know that the crucifix is the reminder that our own struggles, anxiety and suffering when lived with Jesus, is our path to the abundant life we seek here on earth and for eternity.   Fr. John O’Connor      www.foodforfaith.org.nz

Ignatian Retreat Opportunity: Inner Peace in Friendship with Jesus. Christian Life Community Wellington invites you to attend an Ignatian First Spiritual Exercise retreat in daily life based on a programme developed by Australian, Michael Hanson SJ   Participants meet weekly, under the guidance of trained guides, to pray and share in small groups their experience of prayer. The retreat is open to all and will be held at the church of St Anne's Church, Emmett St, Newtown, Wellington, over five Thursday evenings - 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 2019  7:30 - 9:30 pm The cost (including materials) is $50, but sponsorship is available if the cost would prevent you for attending. To register or for further information contact Sarah Dench   04 9733 501  or  021 0814 4424  or sarahdench@yahoo.com

New Zealand Catholic Medical Association DATE SAVER: Inaugural Meeting Saturday: 25 May 2019 10am -3pm at St Michael’s School Hall, 6 Beatrice Road, Remuera, Auckland -    Cost $25 per person. Will include Blessing and Holy Mass from Bishop Patrick Dunn and provide an opportunity for doctors and others involved in healthcare to find pastoral care, support, encouragement and faith development. We wish to extend an invitation to doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapist, counsellors, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, dentists, health administrators, lawyers and anyone who works in allied roles. Registration is required for catering purposes by 20 May 2019.Event details: newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz/event Contact email:   info@newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz

Help share the heart of the Easter message on mainstream radio CBA has brought together some of NZ’s most respected Christian broadcasters to present the real Easter message on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport.
Two nationwide networks. Envelopes avail Phone 0900 80 222 to make a $20 donation or visit cba.org.nz/give

 Go you are sent …to your peripheries (7) Promote the work of the Marriage Tribunal.

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Daphne Hatchwell, Maria Arlukiewicz, Leonard Maxim, William Corkery, Peter Hopkins and Patrick Connolly. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Is 43, 16-21; Phil 3, 4-18; Jn 8, 1-11 (RCIA year A)
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
I hid in the bushes so no one in the crowd dragging my friend Miriam to be stoned could see me. I wanted to stop the horror but didn’t know how because I was just a frightened woman up against powerful religious authorities. Miriam and I were neighbours. We had played together, cared for our younger brothers and sisters together and helped our mothers carry water from the well. Miriam was so stunningly beautiful that she couldn’t go anywhere without men staring at her.
On this fateful day, Miriam was missing. I tried to find her. Could our neighbour Jacob, have lured her into his house while his wife was visiting her mother in the next village? I knew that Jacob was unfaithful to his wife but he was charming and Miriam might have thought that his invitation for a cold drink was innocent.
I followed at a distance until the crowd encountered a man they called Jesus. The leaders mockingly asked him whether they should stone Miriam as some sort of test. Then the miracle happened. Jesus said that any of them who had never sinned should throw the first stone. I watched in amazement as they slowly dropped their rocks like guilty children and left Miriam with Jesus.
He was so kind when he told her that he did not condemn her. I could see how relieved she was and also how changed she was. I wanted to embrace both of them but dared not intrude. But I wondered who is this Jesus who defends a powerless woman against our leaders? Had  God sent him to save all of us?
After Jesus left, I emerged from the bush and took Miriam to my home. We thanked God for delivering her and for the gift of Jesus. Neither of us would ever be the same again because we had found a God of mercy and compassion who cares equally for all his children.                                                                Fr Ephrem
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.

Does anyone have a hedge or bush we could trim for Palm Sunday? If you do, could you please contact the parish office 388 5369 or holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz by Tuesday.  Thank you

HOLY CROSS PALM SUNDAY CELEBRATION procession of the palms will begin from the back entrance of the Church at 8.45am so Mass can begin at 9am.
No parking at the back of the church please.

RCIA – This evening at St. Patrick’s we have the Third and final Scrutiny for Finn Stallmann. The Gospel tells the story of the raising of Lazarus. The rite focuses on death – and on our  faith that the Resurrection of Christ opens the way for our being raised to eternal life. Let us pray that Finn, and all of us, will always have this faith.

Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019
6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre  Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church
7th March – 11th April 2019
Thursday 11th April   7pm    Filipino Community (Thess Ama)
Easter Services:
Parish Lenten Reconciliation: Wednesday 10th April
St Patrick’s:               7pm         
 
Holy Thursday:         18th April  (no morning Mass at any Church)
St Patrick’s:               7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
 
Good Friday:           19th April 
St Patrick’s:            10am Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s Church to All Saints, Hataitai
St Anthony’s:         10am Way of the Cross starts and finishes at St Anthony’s
3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
at St Patrick’s and St Anthony’s Churches
 
 
Saturday Easter Vigil: 20st April
St Patrick’s:               8pm Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor
Easter Sunday:          21st  April
Holy Cross:               9am
St Patrick’s:               10am
St Anthony’s:          10.30am

Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. With the parish being reduced to 2 priests following Fr Gregory’s return to India it is now only possible to hold 2 Good Friday 3pm services in the parish. The Archdiocese has a directive that Holy Cross Church is to have minimal use due to the building being considered earthquake prone. Following discussion with the Leadership groups within the parish it has been decided not to hold one of these services in this building. We apologise for any inconvenience. Fr Ephrem.

The International Centennial Pilgram Image of Our Lady of Fatima  Theme: “the urgent call for Prayer and Reparation: The Appeal of Our Lady of Fatima” St Patrick’ Church April 8-9. See noticeboard for more details

Singers and Musicians:   There will be a practice on the next two Mondays 7-8pm, St.Patrick's Church, in preparation for Easter.  All welcome.

Holy Cross Happy Hour Weds 10th April from 11am  in the Parish Centre. Come join us for bingo. Please bring a small plate of finger food to enjoy with our tea/coffee. All welcome

St Patrick’s Church Easter clean. Saturday 13th April from 10am – 12pm. If you have some time to spare, come down and help us give the Church a once over.
Any help greatly appreciated.    

St Catherine's Convent School Kilbirnie  1917-1951 Were you a pupil?  Do you know someone who was?  A book "The School On The Hill" has been written recording pupils' memories.  It details with photos the social history of the time, the Flu Epidemic, the pupils' operettas and concerts, what it was like being at school in WW2 and lots more.  The Book Launch is on Saturday 13 April at 3pm at St Patrick's Church Parish Centre, Childers Tce, Kilbirnie.  
 
You are welcome to attend.  Books will available for sale $25 each.  
For further information email the author  Patricia O'Donnell   triciao2285@gmail.com

St Patrick’s Morning MassTuesday 16th April. Please note: Mass will be at 9am to give our priests time to get to the clergy prayer day at 10am.

Holy Thursday Mass Children who made their First Holy Communion in 2018 are invited to take part in the Holy Thursday Mass at St Patrick’s Church. Please contact Leona 021 165 5289
The children will process up to the altar and scatter petals. We will need petals on the day so could you please drop these off to the office on HOLY THURSDAY BEFORE 12PM.

Candles for Holy Saturday.
Please bring your own candle to the Vigil Mass and ensure that it has a protector to prevent wax falling on your hands, clothing or the floor.

Good Friday Holy Places Collection – This collection will be taken up on during the 3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lords Passion .

St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial      In Nov 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass. A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events. If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  SOS from our elderly cleaning crew!!!! We desperately need more young people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

Altar servers at St Patrick’s.  Please contact the office with your phone number and email as the records are not right and we cant talk to you about your turns. holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953

Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821

Pacific People say NO to the Euthanasia Bill  Rally at Parliament Tuesday 9 April 2019  11.00 am – 2.00pm MP’s meeting rally at 12pm. Legalised euthanasia could completely change the face of NZ as we know it. We must do something NOW.  All parishioners are urged to support this important event.

Lenten Prayer for Life to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds April 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  For info see the poster in the church porch.

Archdiocesan North Island Chrism Mass – the Mass of the oils, Tuesday 16th April 7pm, St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori.

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington invites men to come along and join us on Thursday 11th April 2019 at 7:30pm (Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral).  Speaker: Fr Kevin Connors on “You are called to be...”  Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or joshua.wgtn@gmail.com

Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie skit2@xtra.co.nz or 0272458859

How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington.

OPEN LETTER TO ALL M.P.s RE ABORTION now urgent. Upcoming Legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH. Overseas experience indicates that will be the forerunner to debate on even worse atrocities for the unborn child, including “partial-birth” abortions, “after- birth” abortions, and infanticide. If you wish to add your
name to an Inter-Denominational ”Open Letter to all members of Parliament” email  donbrebs@kinect.co.nz  you will receive a copy of the Letter by return. May God Bless our mutual efforts. Thank you, Don Brebner.

Receptionist Catholic Centre An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right person to take up a client focussed role at the ADW as a Receptionist for the Catholic Centre. We’re looking for a warm, energetic and approachable problem solver who is very customer focused. Has attention to detail, with a calm demeanour and a mature outlook on life. 20 - 30 hours per week, please send your resume and covering letter to  hr@wn.catholic.org.nz  to receive a job description and application form.  Applications close on 9th  April 2019.

Help share the heart of the Easter message on mainstream radio CBA has brought together some of NZ’s most respected Christian broadcasters to present the real Easter message on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport.
Two nationwide networks. Envelopes avail Phone 0900 80 222 to make a $20 donation or visit cba.org.nz/give

A few years ago I was asked to prepare a year 13 group to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I began by asking how many considered themselves to be sinners. A couple of hands went up including my own. I then asked again, explaining that my question was a serious one adding that all my friends were sinners. A few more hands were raised. For the next half hour I explained that we are created by God for abundant life, but we sin when our fears lead us to grasp at what is immediate and unsatisfying. I explained that the Sacrament of Reconciliation enables us to experience divine love and mercy in the part of our lives where we most struggle, and that this was a beautiful thing both in a human relationship and even more-so in our relationship with God. I concluded commenting that we are sinners, much more than we think we are, but this is not aproblem for our loving and merciful God. At the end of the class the teacher approached me, very angry, saying “we do all we can to build up our students’ self-esteem, and you shoot it down in one class by telling these young people that they are sinners.”
The teacher did not understand that self-esteem is not a human achievement. Healthy self-esteem is the fruit of knowing that we are loved even as imperfect, weak and vulnerable sinners. We know Jesus to be “saviour,” and if we think we can sort our lives by our own efforts then we have no need for Jesus.An Invitation: Our sin, when we acknowledge it and confess it, becomes a privileged place of encounter with God. Make plans this week to set time to go to confession. You may not have been for twenty or more years, but this is no problem. Just do it! I guarantee that afterwards you will be delighted that you took the step. Fr. John O’Connor  www.foodforfaith.org.nz

Go you are sent …to deepen your bicultural relationship (5) Enable Māori to help parishioners with Te Reo so that it is appreciated in the parish

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Barbara Waterreaus and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Frederick Sparke, Mary Dillon and Francis Galvin. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Josh. 5:9-12; 2Cor. 5:17-21; Lk.15:1-3;11-32
The fourth Sunday of Lent marks the midpoint in the Lenten preparation for Easter.  Traditionally it is called Laetare Sunday (Rejoice Sunday). This Sunday is set aside for us to recall God’s graciousness and to rejoice because of it.  In many ways we have been dead, but through God’s grace we have come to life again; we have been lost but have now been found.  We have every reason to rejoice.  Hence, each of the three readings characterizes one of the many facets of Easter joy. 
In the first reading, the Chosen People of God are portrayed as celebrating, for the first time, the feast of their freedom in their own land.  Their joy is one of promises fulfilled.  The second reading joyfully proclaims the effect of Jesus’ saving act as the reconciliation of all peoples to the Father. In the Gospel, the joy is that of a young son’s “coming home” and rediscovering a father’s forgiving and gratuitous love.  It is also the story of a loving and forgiving father who celebrates the return of his prodigal son by throwing a big party in his honor, a banquet of reconciliation of the son with his father, his family, his community and with his God.  It is the Parable of the Forgiving Father, the story of divine love and mercy for us sinners. We can either identify ourselves with Father who lost his son because of the prodigality of his love or with the prodigal son who because of his foolishness rejected Father’s love and got lost. With either of them losing we feeling something missing in ourselves. We have either lost someone in faith or are lost in God’s sight. The common theme of joy resulting from reconciliation with God and other human beings is announced to all of us present in this church – an assembly of sinful people, ready to receive God's forgiveness, and His Personal Presence as a forgiving God in the Holy Eucharist.
.                                                                                                                                   Fr Paul
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.

We congratulation all our children who will receive the sacrament of reconciliation this coming Tuesday and Saturday.
Isobel Mulhern,  Isobelle St. Just,  Alina Meech,  Abby Johnson,  Anneke Handscomb,  Tommy Smith,  Charlotte Kempton,   Michael Bustamante,       Mary-lia Leota-Johnson,   Charlie Madar-Leuluia,   Jessica D'Souza,   Ceanne Tolentino,  Luisa Basile,   Alex Reyes,   Francis Tu'uga,  Lucas Fernando and Marvyl  Gaspe.
Please continue to pray for them as they complete the sacramental programme this year.

Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019
6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre
Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina
Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church
7th March – 11th April 2019 (except 21 March)
Parish Reconciliation – Wednesday 10 April (date change)
7pm at St Patrick’s Church

UPDATE ON CARDINAL’S PASTORAL LETTER
Cardinal John in his letter of 15 February, directed us to make recommendations for the future of Holy Trinity Parish, particularly with regard to the number of our churches and associated buildings.
Our Parish Pastoral Council and Finance committee have established a plan to prepare a full response by the Cardinal’s deadline of 31 October 2019.
There are two fundamental facts calling for this review; first the number of priests available will continue to fall: and second our buildings are increasingly expensive to maintain and insure and earthquake standards remain a problem.
The first phase of our plan is to gather the information necessary for objective recommendations to be made—Mass counts, church capacities, population trends by suburb, the size and condition of our buildings and any other factors that ought to be taken into account.
The Finance Committee has already completed significant work with property planning and this review will build on that with updated information. The Cardinal’s memorandum directs us to focus on the number and location of churches and buildings required, rather than just continuing the existing review.
Once we have completed information gathering, we will develop a preferred proposal backed up by facts, research and common sense, although alternatives will be reflected. We expect to consult parishioners about this proposal sometime in June. We will also consult with other parishes as instructed by the Cardinal, to learn as much as we can about their plans as well.
 The projected availability of priests, the financial impact and long-term viability and acknowledgement of the cultural diversity in our parish community will be key factors in what is decided to be the preferred option.
You will have noted that Cardinal John has given each parish a DIRECTIVE, not an option, to
carry out this review so as to enable each parish to create a sustainable and mission- oriented future.
A prayer for the success of this review will be included in the weekly prayers of the faithful.
We ask all parishioners to include this intention in your daily prayers.
 
                        Fr Ephrem                   Finance Committee                  Parish Council               

Annointing Mass St Patrick’s Church 11am Wednesday 3d April.

Stations of the Cross Roster
Thursday   4th April   7pm   The Book Club  (Julian Knap)
Thursday 11th April   7pm    Filipino Community (Thess Ama)

St Catherine's Convent School Kilbirnie  1917-1951 Were you a pupil?  Do you know someone who was?  A book "The School On The Hill" has been written recording pupils' memories.  It details with photos the social history of the time, the Flu Epidemic, the pupils' operettas and concerts, what it was like being at school in WW2 and lots more.  The Book Launch is on Saturday 13 April at 3pm at St Patrick's Church Parish Centre, Childers Tce, Kilbirnie.  
You are welcome to attend.  Books will available for sale $25 each.  
For further information email the author  Patricia O'Donnell   triciao2285@gmail.com

Last year we had a very successful Spring Mass on a Sunday afternoon, we would like to invite all families to join us again on Sunday 7 April at 4pm at St Anthony's Church. As it is a children's led mass, we are involving as many of our students as possible. After mass join us for a picnic BYO dinner in the school playground. Bring a blanket and your family to enjoy time together as a parish/school community. 

The International Centennial Pilgram Image of Our Lady of Fatima  Theme: “the urgent call for Prayer and Reparation: The Appeal of Our Lady of Fatima” St Patrick’ Church April 8-9. See noticeboard for more details.

St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial      In November 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass.
A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events.
If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.

A big thank you to you Holy Trinity Parish for your love and care for the last 10 years. Wishing you all Gods Blessings.                                              Fr Gregory

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  We desperately need more people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

Altar servers at St Patrick’s.  Please contact the office with your phone number and email as the records are not right and we cant talk to you about your turns. holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953

Wanted to rent. Young mother with 3 children looking for 3 bedroom house in the Eastern Suburbs up to $600 per week. Every care taken. Refs available. Contact Bev 388 5821

Euthanasia in Canada – a cautionary tale An honest discussion of the impact on palliative care. Tuesday, 2nd April 2019, Rutherford House – Room RHLT2, Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus. Cost: Koha is appreciated and can be made at the door. See the notice at the back of the church.

Lenten Prayer for Life to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds April 3 and 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  For info see the poster in the church porch.

The Pacific People Campaign rally – End of Life Choice bill onto parliament has been postponed to Tuesday, 9th April 2019.  We meet on parliament grounds at 11am, the MPs will come out at 12pm- 1pm.  For those who can only make it lunch time please come around 12pm.  Or click here for more information Pacific People say NO to End of Life Choice Bill

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington invites men to come along and join us on Thursday 11th April 2019 at 7:30pm (Note: fellowship from 7:00pm for 7:30pm start) In CONNOLLY HALL, Guildford Terrace, Thorndon (behind the closed Sacred Heart Cathedral).  Speaker: Fr Kevin Connors on “You are called to be...”  Want to know more? Ring Steve Ready 027-356-9555 or joshua.wgtn@gmail.com

Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie skit2@xtra.co.nz or 0272458859
"HUMANITY OF THE UNBORN
Upcoming legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH -
If you're willing for your Name and Area (only) to accompany a letter against this to all MPs
please email: tonybrebner@hotmail.com URGENTLY"

Archdiocesan North Island Chrism Mass – the Mass of the oils, Tuesday 16th April 7pm, St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori.

How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington.

While the given gospel this weekend is the parable of the Prodigal Son, parishes in which catechumens are preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter will use the account of Jesus giving sight to the man born blind. In both gospel accounts Jesus is giving new vision. This is clearly evident when a man who is blind receives physical sight, but the greater miracle is when a lost son realises that he is lost and chooses to return home to his loving father. Both sons lacked maturity and were bound by their fears and compulsions. The prodigal saw his home life and his father as obstacles to his freedom. He runs from this soon falling victim to every superficial attraction waking up to realise that such an existence is not freedom but imprisonment. The home-bound son might initially appear to be virtuous, but on the return of his wayward brother his repressed anger and childish fragility erupts and he is unable to delight in the return of his brother. Both sons are immature, one a fearful child, the other a reactionary teenager. Both are sinners, but we see only the prodigal reaching the great turning point of faith and accepting the loving embrace of the father. Such a life-giving conversion comes to us only when we are brought to our knees as the prodigal son was when he realised that life in the pig-pen was no life at all.
An Invitation:   This Lent our nation has suffered a great tragedy which can be for us a turning point if we realise that an us-and-them mentality can only lead us to division, hate and violence. Let us pray for new vision, inviting Jesus to give us new sight continuing to work in us to transform our hatred into love, our doubt into faith, our despair into hope our sadness into joy, and our darkness into light.  Fr. John O’Connor   www.foodforfaith.org.nz
 

 Stewardship enhances our relationships with God and each other.

Mary Potter Hospice street appeal day – 17th & 18th May. Collectors needed. Can you spare an hour or two of your time? Find out more or register at www.marypotter.org.nz or contact Phillip at street.appeal@marypotter.org.nz

UK Pilgrimage - join Msgr David Tonks on a spiritual journey to Ireland, Scotland & England: 25-days departing Sunday 23 June 2019. For further details, please contact Laura on phone +64-9-921 5106 or 0800-277 477 or email: laura@skytrain.co.nz.

HUMANITY OF THE UNBORN CHILD  Upcoming leglislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH - If you're willing to come against this please email Name and postal area to: tonybrebner@hotmail.com 

Receptionist Catholic Centre An exciting opportunity has arisen for the right person to take up a client focussed role at the Archdiocese of Wellington as a Receptionist for the Catholic Centre. We’re looking for a warm, energetic and approachable problem solver who is very customer focused. Has attention to detail, with a calm demeanour and a mature outlook on life. If you are interested in this 20 - 30 hour a week role, please send your resume and covering letter to  hr@wn.catholic.org.nz  to receive a job description and application form. 
Applications close on 9th  April 2019.

We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Mary Smith and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Frank Mansell, Frederick Sparke, Mary Dillon and Francis Galvin. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Ex. 3:1-8, 13-15; 1Cor.10:1-6,10-12; Lk. 13:1-9
All three of today's readings speak of God’s mercy and compassion in disciplining His children and giving them a second chance in spite of their repeated sins.  Although God’s love for us is constant and consistent, He will not save us without our co-operation. That is why He invites us during Lent to repent of our sins and to renew our lives by producing fruits of love, compassion, forgiveness, and faithful service.  The first reading presents the call of Moses, who was to become the greatest Jewish liberator and lawgiver. The God reveals Himself to Moses from the burning bush and assures Moses of His divine presence with His people and of His awareness of their sufferings in Egypt. He declares His intention of using Moses as the leader who will rescue His enslaved people.  Then He renews the promise to give them a “land flowing with milk and honey” which He had made to the patriarchs. In the second reading Paul warns the Christians of Corinth to learn from the sad experience of the Israelites who were punished for their sins by a merciful but just God. Today’s Gospel explains how God disciplines His people, invites them to repent of their sins, renew their lives and produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Citing two tragic events, Jesus exhorts the Jews to repent and reform their lives. With the parable of the barren fig tree, he also warns them that the merciful God may not put up with them indefinitely. Although God patiently waits for sinners to repent, giving them grace to do so, He will not wait forever.
Time may run out; therefore, timely repentance is necessary. Hence “a Lent missed is a year lost from the spiritual life.” The Church has given us a grace filled appropriate time for our spiritual renewal. God is pleased in our repentance and returning to him with contrite heart.          Fr Paul
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.

Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019
6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre
Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina
Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church
7th March – 11th April 2019 (except 21 March)
Parish Reconciliation – Wednesday 10 April (date change)
7pm at St Patrick’s Church

Stations of the Cross Roster
Thursday 28th March 7pm   Samoan Community  (Malia Falanai-Andrews)
Thursday   4th April   7pm   The Book Club  (Julian Knap)
Thursday 11th April   7pm    Filipino Community (Thess Ama)

RCIA - At St. Patrick’s 5.30pm Mass we have the First Scrutiny for Finn Stallman.   This rite asks members of the Elect, like Finn, and all of us, to reflect on the story of the Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at the well. It then challenges us to ask where it is that we find ‘living water’ to ease out thirst?

Thank you for all those who donated their old Columban calendars.   If anyone would still like to donate, they would be greatly accepted. Please leave at the back of the church. Thank you.

Thank you to all the parishioners who has helped me over the trying period.
I am now on the way to full recovery but still taking my recovery slowly.
Peter Jack

Does anyone have a spare bible? We have had a request from a parishioner. If you do, could you let the office know holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz or 388 6953.  

St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial      In November 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass.
A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events.
If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  We desperately need more people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

In these days, to the pain of wars and conflicts that do not cease to afflict all humanity, there has been added that for the victims of the horrible attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. I pray for the dead and wounded, and for their relatives. I am close to our Muslim friends and to all the community. I renew my invitation to unite with prayer and gestures of peace to counter hatred and violence. Let us pray together for our Muslim friends who were killed.                                                                       Pope Francis: Angelus 17 March 2019

Celebrating 100 years since the first school building on St Catherine’s College site. High Tea 22 June 2019 from 1.00pm – 4.45pm Mercy Hall, SCC. $15. Registration required. Contact Sister Stephanie skit2@xtra.co.nz or 0272458859
"HUMANITY OF THE UNBORN
Upcoming legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH -
If you're willing for your Name and Area (only) to accompany a letter against this to all MPs
please email: tonybrebner@hotmail.com URGENTLY"

Lenten Prayer for Life to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds March 27 and April 3 and 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  For info see the poster in the church porch.

How to Think about Ageing: Insights from Disability Theology. You are invited to a lecture given by Dr Michael Mawson, University of Aberdeen which will reflect upon the relationship between ageing and disability. In particular, it will explore how insights from disability theology can contribute to richer and more concrete accounts of ageing and its associated complexities. Wed 17 April 7:30—9:00 (GBLT1) Government Building Law School Wellington.

Home of Compassion events. Sunday Miha (Māori Mass). All are welcome. The first and fifth Sunday of the month will be a Liturgy of the Eucharist, all other Sundays will be a Māori Mass. 11am, Chapel, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington. Ph. 04 383 7769.

The Mar. 24 – Apr. 6 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Faiths come together after terror attacks. Tears at Christchurch Mass for Peace. Reactions to terror attacks from other nations. March for Life in Hamilton.
The next issue of NZ Catholic will be published on April 7.

St Pats Old Boys AGM : WWW.SPCOB.ORG.NZ  & find us on facebook. Calling all 'Town' and 'Stream' Old Boys, I would like to invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting which will be in the staff room of St Patrick's College, Wellington, Evans Bay Parade on Tuesday 26th March 2019 at 6pm. Mass in the Chapel will commence at 5.30pm. The AGM will be followed by refreshments and a chance for attendees to catch up with other Old Boys.

 Go you are sent to the peripheries of society (1) Share the joy in our actions to serve others and work to develop fairness in our communities.

Cardinal John and the Archdiocesan Stewardship Committee (A.S.C.) invite you to attend a Stewardship Network Meeting at St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Sat 30th March, from 1.30 – 4pm.  The purpose of the meeting is to share the great things that are happening in parishes as a result of Parish Stewardship Days, and to discern ways in which the A.S.C. might help resource parishes on their Stewardship journey into the future. Please register by Wednesday 27th  at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz.

In a Catholic funeral liturgy we often pray “life is changed, not ended.” In Aotearoa New Zealand our lives have been changed with an act of terrorism bringing trauma, grief and pain to our city, our country and our world.The response of the Muslim community has been faith-filled and generous .As they prepare to bury their dead they express confident hope in God’s eternal welcome for their loved ones. Muslim leaders have been generous in receiving the support and love of the people of the land they know to be their new home.
Christianity and Islam are two of the three (with Judaism) great monotheistic (one God) faiths. Together we are the descendants of Abraham who was the first to speak of one  loving God in an environment heavy with cult rituals to please and appease temperamental gods. The belief in one God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the greatest unifying conviction in human history.
As Bishop Paul Martin reflected in his homily less than twenty-four hours after the tragedy “we  know that our loving God has not caused this pain, but the freedom God gives us as a mark of his great love has been tragically misused and abused.”
Our basic human thirst is for God. God shows his love for us by giving us adult freedom, a freedom that we can use for good or for evil. When we live in harmony with God’s desire for us we are living on holy ground. On this sacred soil strangers become friends and we are awakened to the fact that those we had feared as foreigners are, in the light of divine love, our sisters and brothers.
An Invitation: Take time each day this week to pray the Prayer of St. Francis for peace. You might like to save it to your phone or print it to carry in your pocket. Pray especially with your children and grandchildren so teaching them that prayer is the best immediate response to suffering and evil.
Fr. John O’Connor    www.foodforfaith.org.nz

Cardinal John and the Archdiocesan Stewardship Committee (A.S.C.) invite you to attend a Stewardship Network Meeting at St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Sat 30th March, from 1.30 – 4pm.  The purpose of the meeting is to share the great things that are happening in parishes as a result of Parish Stewardship Days, and to discern ways in which the A.S.C. might help resource parishes on their Stewardship journey into the future. Please register by Wednesday 27th  at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz.

Healing Service Fr John Rea will conduct a Healing Service at St Pius X Church 63 Te Pene Avenue, Titahi Bay this Wednesday 20 March beginning at 7.30 pm.  Everyone is invited.  Please bring those who need Jesus` healing.

Abrahamic Meditation Day. Sunday April 7 2019, 9.45am-2.30pm, Pa Maria, 78 Hobson Street, Thorndon. Come join us for a time of meditative prayer together, sharing the practice in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. Please bring a vegetarian plate for a shared lunch.

About to get Married? Could you successfully run a marathon without preparing for it? Of course not! So too marriage. Engaged Encounter Weekends this year are heavily booked. Weekends are 30 - 31 March 2019 (one vacancy and then waiting list);  3 - 4 August 2019; 9 - 10 November 2019, all at St Teresa's Presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington  For more information phone Kate and Simon  on 801 6192 or visit our website at   www.cee-wellington.co.nz

Mary Potter Hospice street appeal day – 17th & 18th May. Collectors needed. Can you spare an hour or two of your time? Find out more or register at www.marypotter.org.nz or contact Phillip at street.appeal@marypotter.org.nz

UK Pilgrimage - join Msgr David Tonks on a spiritual journey to Ireland, Scotland & England: 25-days departing Sunday 23 June 2019. For further details, please contact Laura on phone +64-9-921 5106 or 0800-277 477 or email: laura@skytrain.co.nz.

Volunteers Wanted! Do you have a heart for women and children? Greenstone Doors is looking for volunteers who can help us with duties such as reception, sorting baby clothing, pregnancy testing and overseeing our playgroups. If this is something you would like to do please contact Wendy at info@greenstonedoors.co.nz or 027 254 9222

Greenstone Doors 5th Birthday Celebration
Celebrate Greenstone Doors 5th birthday Saturday 13th April 11:30am-1:30pm
Join us for lunch, drinks and a special guest speaker (Founder of Greenstone Doors, Wendy Hill)
Tickets $25 at eventbrite.co.nz or email office@greenstonedoors.co.nz

The rally Pacific People Say NO to the End of Life Choice Bill that was scheduled to take place outside Parliament this Tuesday has been postponed due to the Christchurch massacre. It will now hopefully take place on the 2nd April. This date is to be confirmed.

Euthanasia in Canada – a cautionary tale An honest discussion of the impact on palliative care. Date: Wednesday 27 March Time: 7-8.30pm Venue: Rutherford Room LT1 Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus Cost: Koha is appreciated and can be made at the door. See the notice at the back of the church.

OPEN LETTER TO M.P.s RE ABORTION
Upcoming legislation intends to allow ABORTION UP TO BIRTH. Overseas experience indicates that will be the forerunner to debate on even worse atrocities for the unborn child including “partial-birth abortions” “after-birth abortions”, and infanticide. Christians cannot just stand by. If you wish to add your name to an inter-denominational “Open letter to all Members of Parliament” email donbrebs@kinect.co.nz  You will receive a copy of the Letter by return. May God Bless our mutual efforts.
 
​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Gen. 15:2-12;17-18; Phil. 3:17-4:1; Lk. 9:28-36
The readings of this Sunday invite us to participate in the glory and splendour God. Through the covenant God showed the future of Abraham. So too transfiguration for Jesus.  Although you and I do not have a role like Jesus or Abraham, we do have a role in the great plan of salvation because we too were called beloved sons/daughters at the time of baptism, of course with a mission.
Lent is all about transforming ourselves and our attitudes so that we can see Jesus more clearly and listen to his voice. The transfiguration of Christ before his disciples is of great significance, and has lots of lessons for us. What is most significant to us in our faith, is the command of God to listen to His Son, the voice constantly encountering us whenever we read/listen to his Word in the Scripture, listen to in the sacrament of reconciliation and heed to the cry of the needy with who Jesus identifies himself. Certainly, many of us lack the willingness and patience to listen to Jesus. Instead we occupy ourselves with listening to all mundane voices contrary to the promises of Jesus. This is a favourable and opportune time to take heed of the invitation our loving Father to listen to His Son Jesus, in the Gospels, cry of the poor, to listen to one another with patience and finally to listen to ourselves as whispered in our innermost conscience.  This attentive listening to the Word will surely bring about transformation in us because of its powerfulness (Heb.4:12) and its cleansing power (Jn. 15:3).  Let us therefore give yet another chance to an attentive listening to the Word of God during this Lenten season. Besides, it is not enough to pitch a tent after encountering the splendour of God like disciples rather to be missionary disciples and reach out to the people who are in the periphery.                                                                                                                                                              Fr Paul
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.

Holy Trinity Workshop: Our Changing Parish “we all have a migration story”
Come and explore the similarities and the treasures everyone’s culture brings. 
When Thurs. 21st March 7pm-8.45pm.  Where St Patrick’s Parish Centre.
 Registrations by Mon.18th March with Chris Walkerdine  c.walkerdine@wn.catholic.org.nz
 

Stations of the Cross Roster
Thursday 21st March 6pm   Tongan Community  (Langi Paasi)
Thursday 28th March 7pm   Samoan Community  (Malia Falanai-Andrews)
Thursday   4th April   7pm   The Book Club  (Julian Knap)
Thursday 11th April   7pm   

The Chote Family would like to thank everyone for their support when their mother Judy passed away in January. They have received many cards, thoughts and prayers and they are greatly appreciative.

Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019
6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre
Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina
Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church
7th March – 11th April 2019 (except 21 March)
Parish Reconciliation – Wednesday 10 April (date change)
7pm at St Patrick’s Church
Please note: 21st March Stations of the Cross and Lectio Divina will be at 6pm to accommodate our Holy Trinity Changing Parish workshop in the Parish Centre at 7pm. 

Fr Gregory’s farewell Mass Sunday 24 March 10am St Patrick’s Church. Most parishioners will be aware that Fr Gregory has been unwell for many months but has battled on in the hope of improving health. Unfortunately it has been decided that he should return home to India on a permanent basis and he will depart from Wellington on Monday 1 April 2019.
It will be a really sad occasion as Fr Gregory has been a central part of our spiritual growth for several years. It is most unlikely that a replacement priest will be available.
Fr Gregory will celebrate his farewell Mass 10am in St Patrick's Church on Sunday 24 March. Parishioners attending this farewell Mass are asked to bring a plate of finger food to share after this Mass. Please take to the hall before Mass starts. If anyone is available to help with the morning tea please contact the office.
An opportunity to contribute to a farewell gift will be made at Masses on Sundays 10 and 17 March. Put an envelope in the collection basket with Fr Gregory on it or drop your donation into the office.
Please note: There will be only 3 Masses in the Parish that weekend: Sat night Vigil 5.30pm St Patrick’s Church, 10am Sunday St Patrick’s Church and 5pm Sunday Holy Cross Church.This will allow the priests to all be in attendance for Fr Gregory’s farewell and maximumum number of parishioners to attend while providing options for those unable to attend.
 
A farewell card will be at the back of each church this Sunday if you would like to sign
or drop into the office during the week.
 
 
24 March updated Mass roster St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie

Time
Host / Welcomers
Altar Servers
Proclaimers of the Word
Offertory
Special Ministers
Commentary
 

10am
E & I MacDonald
S Vaka
A Vaka
V Vaka
R Wielgolawski
S Lavea
Va’Aua Family
I Fitu
G Passi-Schmidt
I Robinson
 


St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial      In November 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass.
A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events.
If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.
 

Cleaning HOLY CROSS Church:  We desperately need more people to clean our Church.This involves vacuuming the main part of the church approximately once a month. The more people we have the less often you will be needed. If you would like to help us please contact Ann Nota on 380 9332. Your time and help will be most appreciated. Thank you.

Legion of Mary Wellington cordially invites YOU  to a ceremony of Consecration to Our Lady “Acies” Venue:  St Anne’s Church, Newtown Sunday 24th  March 2019, 2pm “I am all yours, my Queen, My Mother, and all that  I have is yours” www.legionofmary.org.nz

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION COMMUNITY DAY The Wellington Region of the NZ Community for Christian Meditation is holding a Community Day of Reflection about SUZANNE AUBERT, on Saturday 23rd March at the Island Bay Home of Compassion, led by Sr Sue Cosgrove, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. A Contemplative Mass will be celebrated by Fr John Pettit at 2pm in the Chapel. Enquiries please contact  Elspeth Preddey 04 472 3369, 0274 723 369 (elspeth.preddey@xtra.co.nz)
ROSARY BEADS FOR SEAFARERS.  Fr Jeff Drane, National Director of Apostleship of the Sea, wishes to thank members of Holy Trinity parish who donated rosary beads for seafarers visiting NZ ports who would not be easily able to obtain them.  Be assured of how much they are of comfort to them when at sea especially in storms.  Your generosity makes that possible. 

Lenten Prayer for Life to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds March 20, 27 and April 3 and 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  For info see the poster in the church porch.
Voices to MP's Rally: Everyone is invited to join and support Pacific People say NO to the End of Life Choice Bill. The Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament at the end of the month so it is time to gather together and urge Member's of Parliament to vote against this Bill. All are welcome. Tuesday 19th March 2019 from 11 am to 2 pm at Parliament Grounds.

CatholicGifts.co.nz  After Fri 22 March,religious articles, candles and books from Family Life Catholic Gifts will be available online.  Purchases are couriered to your address. See catholicgifts.co.nz or to make phone orders call 09 629 0820 or toll free 0800 354 7467

Go you are sent to use your assets wisely (4) Cooperate with other entities in the community to share/utilize resources.

Cardinal John and the Archdiocesan Stewardship Committee (A.S.C.) invite you to attend a Stewardship Network Meeting at St Anne’s Church, Newtown. Sat 30th March, from 1.30 – 4pm.  The purpose of the meeting is to share the great things that are happening in parishes as a result of Parish Stewardship Days, and to discern ways in which the A.S.C. might help resource parishes on their Stewardship journey into the future. Please register by Wednesday 27th  at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz.

Healing Service Fr John Rea will conduct a Healing Service at St Pius X Church 63 Te Pene Avenue, Titahi Bay this Wednesday 20 March beginning at 7.30 pm.  Everyone is invited.  Please bring those who need Jesus` healing.

Abrahamic Meditation Day. Sunday April 7 2019, 9.45am-2.30pm, Pa Maria, 78 Hobson Street, Thorndon. Come join us for a time of meditative prayer together, sharing the practice in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. Please bring a vegetarian plate for a shared lunch.

About to get Married? Could you successfully run a marathon without preparing for it? Of course not! So too marriage. Engaged Encounter Weekends this year are heavily booked. Weekends are 30 - 31 March 2019 (one vacancy and then waiting list);  3 - 4 August 2019; 9 - 10 November 2019, all at St Teresa's Presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington  For more information phone Kate and Simon  on 801 6192 or visit our website at   www.cee-wellington.co.nz

Mary Potter Hospice street appeal day – 17th & 18th May. Collectors needed. Can you spare an hour or two of your time? Find out more or register at www.marypotter.org.nz or contact Phillip at street.appeal@marypotter.org.nz
 

UK Pilgrimage - join Msgr David Tonks on a spiritual journey to Ireland, Scotland & England: 25-days departing Sunday 23 June 2019. For further details, please contact Laura on phone +64-9-921 5106 or 0800-277 477 or email: laura@skytrain.co.nz.
 

Volunteers Wanted! Do you have a heart for women and children? Greenstone Doors is looking for volunteers who can help us with duties such as reception, sorting baby clothing, pregnancy testing and overseeing our playgroups. If this is something you would like to do please contact Wendy at info@greenstonedoors.co.nz or 027 254 9222
 

Greenstone Doors 5th Birthday Celebration
Celebrate Greenstone Doors 5th birthday Saturday 13th April 11:30am-1:30pm
Join us for lunch, drinks and a special guest speaker (Founder of Greenstone Doors, Wendy Hill)
Tickets $25 at eventbrite.co.nz or email office@greenstonedoors.co.nz
 

Euthanasia in Canada – a cautionary tale An honest discussion of the impact on palliative care. Date: Wednesday 27 March Time: 7-8.30pm Venue: Rutherford Room LT1 Victoria University of Wellington, Pipitea Campus Cost: Koha is appreciated and can be made at the door. See the notice at the back of the church.
 
​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died especially Michael McDonagh and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Maureen Scully, Naureen Colgate, Deirdre Sweeney and Robert Gunn. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Dt. 26:4-10; Rm.10:8-13; Lk. 4:1-13
We are in the first Sunday of lent, a beautiful season set aside by the Holy Mother Church for purification of ourselves by prayer, fasting and abstinence. In Luke’s Gospel today we find Jesus freshly baptized, called, named, claimed and set apart for his very unique ministry in the world, is tempted by the Devil in the desert.  Why was Jesus tempted by the Devil? Why should Jesus have to struggle with the ways of the evil ones?  Well, Jesus was tempted by the Devil for the same reason that he was baptized by John because he was a human being.  Every human being has experienced the lure of evil.  One would not be really human if one had never any contact whatsoever with the attractiveness of sin.  That’s why Jesus went off to the desert to give the Devil his chance to experience the appeal of evil that infects every human being.  The Devil tempts Jesus with easy bread, easy success and with easy power.  
During lent we are supposed to do the same thing Jesus did, that is we are supposed to go apart from our ordinary life and face up to the evil that threatens us.  The temptations that threaten us don’t come in the same lurid forms with which Jesus was threatened but Jesus’ temptations and ours are basically the same.  We are all tempted to comfort, to success, and to power no matter the way we achieve. These are inclinations that we need to be aware of.  Inclinations need to be confronted by giving us the narrative of Jesus’ temptations at the beginning of each lent.  Unlike Jesus we are sinners.  We have given in to the self-destructive attractions that the Devil presented to Jesus. We are constantly in spiritual warfare with Devil in our heart’s desert.  During lent the Church invites us to live with Jesus in his desert experience to undergo trial with him and to come out of the desert with victory.  At the end ready to share a time of fulfilment with him in the kingdom of God.                                                      Fr Paul
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.

Lenten Mass – 6 March – 13 April 2019
6.30am Mass at Holy Cross Parish Centre
Monday – Saturday during Lent
Stations of the Cross followed by Lectio Divina
Thursdays during Lent
Every Thursday at 7pm at St Patrick’s Church
7th March – 11th April 2019 (except 21 March)
Parish Reconciliation – Thursday 11 April
7pm followed by Stations of the Cross
Please note: 21st March Stations of the Cross and Lectio Divina will be at 6pm to accommodate our Holy Trinity Changing Parish workshop in the Parish Centre at 7pm. 

Stations of the Cross Roster
Thursday   7th March 7pm   Liturgy Committee  (Leona Foster)
Thursday 14th March 7pm   St Joseph’s Family Group  (David Hyland)
Thursday 21st March 6pm   Tongan Community  (Langi Paasi)
Thursday 28th March 7pm   Samoan Community  (Malia Falanai-Andrews)
Thursday   4th April   7pm   The Book Club  (Julian Knap)
Thursday 11th April after Reconciliation   Friars  (Fr Ephrem)

RCIA -  Today at St. Patrick’s we have the First Scrutiny for Finn Stallman.   This rite asks members of the Elect, like Finn, and all of us, to reflect on the story of the Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at the well. It then challenges us to ask where it is that we find ‘living water’ to ease out thirst?

Annointing Mass St Patrick’s Church 11am Wednesday 13th March.

Holy Cross Happy Hour Weds 13th March from 11am  in the Parish Centre. Come join us for bingo. Please bring a small plate of finger food to enjoy with our tea/coffee. All welcome

Fr Gregory’s farewell Mass Sunday 24 March 10am St Patrick’s Church. Most parishioners will be aware that Fr Gregory has been unwell for many months but has battled on in the hope of improving health. Unfortunately it has been decided that he should return home to India on a permanent basis and he will depart from Wellington on Monday 1 April 2019.
It will be a really sad occasion as Fr Gregory has been a central part of our spiritual growth for several years. It is most unlikely that a replacement priest will be available.
Fr Gregory will celebrate his farewell Mass 10am in St Patrick's Church on Sunday 24 March. Parishioners attending this farewell Mass are asked to bring a plate of finger food to share after this Mass. Please take to the hall before Mass starts. If anyone is available to help with the morning tea please contact the office.
An opportunity to contribute to a farewell gift will be made at Masses on Sundays 10 and 17 March. Put an envelope in the collection basket with Fr Gregory on it or drop your donation into the office.
Please note: There will be only 3 Masses in the Parish that weekend: Sat night Vigil 5.30pm St Patrick’s Church, 10am Sunday St Patrick’s Church and 5pm Sunday Holy Cross Church.This will allow the priests to all be in attendance for Fr Gregory’s farewell and maximumum number of parishioners to attend while providing options for those unable to attend.
 
A farewell card will be at the back of each church for the next two Sunday’s if you would like to sign
or drop into the office during the week.
 
 
24 March updated Mass roster St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie

Time
Host / Welcomers
Altar Servers
Proclaimers of the Word
Offertory
Special Ministers
Commentary
 

10am
E & I MacDonald
S Vaka
A Vaka
V Vaka
R Wielgolawski
S Lavea
Va’Aua Family
I Fitu
G Passi-Schmidt
I Robinson
 

Holy Trinity Workshop: Our Changing Parish “we all have a migration story” Come and explore the similarities and the treasures everyone’s culture brings. When Thurs. 21st March 7pm-8.45pm. Where St Patrick’s Parish Centre. Registrations by Mon.18th March with Chris Walkerdine  c.walkerdine@wn.catholic.org.nz

We are extremely pleased to announce that $30,014.70 was raised for our amazing 2019 School/Parish Bazaar! A big shout out to everyone who helped to make our Community event such a huge success! We couldn't have done it without you!

St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial     
In November 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass.
A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events.
If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please email your name and contact details to holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz  This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.


Legion of Mary Wellington cordially invites YOU  to a ceremony of Consecration to Our Lady “Acies” Venue:  St Anne’s Church, Newtown Sunday 24        th  March 2019, 2pm “I am all yours, my Queen, My Mother, and all that  I have is yours” www.legionofmary.org.nz

Lenten Prayer for Life: From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday join us in daily prayer, fasting and reparation for the cause of life. Register your prayer commitment for the campaign's four prayer intentions at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife and receive a free pro-life prayer book. If possible, please also join the prayerful witness to life outside Wellington Hospital on all or any of these Weds March 13, 20, 27 and April 3 and 10. To sign up for an hour txt 021 2317954 or email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  For info see the poster in the church porch.

XLT (eXaLT) Youth Worship Night Friday 15th March @ St Anne’s Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown
7pm to 9pm.  Relevant Worship, Adoration, fellowship.  Come with your friends! Open to Year 9 – 13 students and young adults. 

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION COMMUNITY DAY The Wellington Region of the NZ Community for Christian Meditation is holding a Community Day of Reflection about SUZANNE AUBERT, on Saturday 23rd March at the Island Bay Home of Compassion, led by Sr Sue Cosgrove, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. A Contemplative Mass will be celebrated by Fr John Pettit at 2pm in the Chapel. Enquiries please contact  Elspeth Preddey 04 472 3369, 0274 723 369 (elspeth.preddey@xtra.co.nz)

Go you are sent to care for creation … (8) Initiate or take part in community projects such as “Clean Beach Day”, community gardens.

Voices to MP's Rally: Everyone is invited to join and support Pacific People say NO to the End of Life Choice Bill. The Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament at the end of the month so it is time to gather together and urge Member's of Parliament to vote against this Bill. All are welcome. Tuesday 19th March 2019 from 11 am to 2 pm at Parliament Grounds.

Pope Francis reminds us that the three temptations Jesus experienced are also common for us: the temptation to play God, the false security of economic well-being, and giving in to evil as a short-cut to power. A temptation is an empty fantasy, always powerless to deliver what it promises. When we give into temptation we are left feeling even more unsatisfied than before. It is helpful to know when we are most vulnerable to sin. Think H.A.L.T! When we are hungry, angry, lonely or tired we are likely to grasp at anything or anyone promising even a moment of satisfaction. Maturity of self-awareness (knowing our
vulnerabilities) prepares us for growth in relationship with Jesus and therefore with each other. A healthy and positive discipline is required for this growth, like the athlete in training for competition or the musician rehearsing for performance. The greatest achievement of the devil in our world today is that so many people think he doesn’t exist. This means the he can operate without being noticed and in
ways that are devious and destructive. An Invitation:            Take a few moments every day to notice Jesus present and active in the events and encounters of your life in the last few hours. Now become aware of
where you have experienced the presence and action of the devil in your life today. Conclude these moments by remembering that in a conflict between Jesus and Satan, Jesus always wins.
      Fr. John O’Connor            www.foodforfaith.org.nz        Pope Francis: Message for Lent 2019

About to get Married? Could you successfully run a marathon without preparing for it? Of course not! So too marriage. Engaged Encounter Weekends this year are heavily booked. Weekends are 30 - 31 March 2019 (one vacancy and then waiting list);  3 - 4 August 2019; 9 - 10 November 2019, all at St Teresa's Presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington  For more information phone Kate and Simon  on 801 6192 or visit our website at   www.cee-wellington.co.nz

Let us not allow this season of grace to pass in vain. Let us ask God to help us set out on a path of true conversion. Let us leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption, and turn to Jesus’ Pasch.  Let us stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material resources with them.

UK Pilgrimage - join Msgr David Tonks on a spiritual journey to Ireland, Scotland & England: 25-days departing Sunday 23 June 2019. For further details, please contact Laura on phone +64-9-921 5106 or 0800-277 477 or email: laura@skytrain.co.nz.

The Mar. 10 – 23 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Radical Reforms and Catholic Schools. Abuse summit tough but needed says Cardinal Dew. Healthcare Mass in Christchurch. Two Catholics react to Jordan Peterson.   The next issue of NZ Catholic will be published on March 24.

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died especially Dora Zoet and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Sieki Halafihi, Lauris O’Callaghan and Fr Patrick McCullough. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

1 Sam 26, 2. 7-9. 12-13. 22-23; 1 Cor15, 45-49; Lk 6, 27-38
“We are called to be light for the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city of God!”
Dear sisters and brothers, today’s gospel continues the discourse with the same seemingly paradoxical, even absurd, directives for his followers. He tells them to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. He asks them to bless those who curse them, to turn the other cheek to those who strike them, and to let people take what belongs to them. Be merciful and forgiving, expect nothing, and “your reward will be great”
He says, “to you who hear...”. One would assume the hearing is intact for the great majority of people who were gathered, so why begin the discourse with that phrase? Perhaps Jesus is speaking to those who “get it ” whose world view had already been turned upside down. Those who were already living in the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Love, understand that Jesus is talking about receiving our identity from God, rather than from how others treat us. “Nobody is going to take advantage of me” is not an identity we receive from God. Therefore, those who live in the kingdom are willing to risk being
generous, forgiving and vulnerable, as they draw from the Ultimate Abundant Source – God – the source of all generosity, forgiveness and vulnerability. They live without the protection of power, position,
privilege and righteousness. “We are called to be light for the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city of God!” is how the song goes. Letting our light shine brightly, without fear of being snuffed out, ushers us into the kingdom of God now, not later. Teilhard de Chardin says, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” And what an adventure it is.                                                                                                                            Fr Ephrem
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.

Cardinal John’s Pastoral Letter  Some of you may have missed the information shared after Mass last weekend regarding Cardinal John’s Pastoral letter.
We read a summary of the letter after Mass, have made an enlarged copy of the letter for viewing on the noticeboard in each of our three churches and emailed it to all on the Parish email list.   If you are not on this list and would like to be, please email the parish office.  In addition there will be a few printed copies available in the back of each church this weekend.     The pastoral letter is also available  on: www.wn.catholic.org.nz  and is summarised with links on cathnews.co.nz

Holy Trinity Workshop: Our Changing Parish “we all have a migration story” Come and explore the similarities and the treasures everyone’s culture brings. When Thurs. 21st March 7pm-8.45pm. Where St Patrick’s Parish Centre. Registrations by Mon.18th March with Chris Walkerdine  c.walkerdine@wn.catholic.org.nz

Annointing Mass St Patrick’s Church 11am Wednesday 13th March.

Holy Trinity Parish Catholic Book Club – Sunday 24th February:  Explore the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of the Catholic faith through its great books! At Holy Cross Church Parish Centre, 6-7pm. Light supper will be provided. Connect with fellow passionate Catholics for like-minded discussion. For enquiries, contact 3882-840 or htpCatholicBookClub@gmail.com

Ash Wednesday Timetable for the Parish 6th March 2019
St Anthony’s Church   9.00am  School and Parish
Holy Cross Church      6.30am  in the Parish Centre – Lenten Mass
                                                     (not imposition of the ash)                                 
                                       9.30am  at Holy Cross School Hall – School and Parish
                                       7.30pm  at St Aidan’s Anglican Church
St Patrick’s Church     11am     School and Parish
                                       5.45pm  Parish
Those who have blessed palms from last year, can leave them in the back of the church.
Thank you

St Patrick’s Parish/Church Centennial     
In November 2019 St Patrick’s parish/church Kilbirnie will celebrate its centennial. This is a huge milestone for the catholic community now within the parish of Holy Trinity. It is important that we recognise this important event with a centennial Mass and an invitation has been sent to check on the availability of Cardinal John to participate in this Mass.
A number of events need to be organised around this time and we need to establish a small committee of interested parishioners to facilitate these centennial events.
If you are able to assist in any way by providing your background knowledge of names, events, photographs, or published articles or just have an interest in helping co-ordinate these centennial events then please give your name and contact details to Marianne in our parish office. This is a great opportunity for you to become involved in a fun but hugely important parish activity.

Do you live in Miramar and attend the 5.30pm Vigil at St Patrick’s? Are you able to pick up an 85-year-old lady and take her to the Mass? If you can help, please give Rae a call 388 8807. Thank you. 

If anyone has old Columban calendars they no longer want, please leave in the foyer of the church. Thank you

Looking for a trustworthy, reliable and thorough housekeeper to join a lovely family of 5 in Maupuia. We'd require about 3 hours, twice a week (but more days can be negotiated), helping out with house cleaning, laundry and ironing. Start date 4 March 2019. If interested please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you. Teresa: teresabarsali@gmail.com 021/0787519

The Wellington Young Adults Catholic Community House - Mary's Mantle- is presenting to you the opportunity to live in community. Living in the grand old former presbytery in the peaceful suburb of Seatoun we are a community of young Catholics seeking to live out our faith in a greater way. We do this through committing to daily prayer, shared meals and community nights of fun, teachings and mass, and we encourage and support one another (as families do) to seek Christ and to grow in holiness in our jobs and lives. Our place is home to all young Catholics and therefore we also strive to offer hospitality to all who pass by!
If living out your faith in community sparks your interest, consider if God may be inviting you to join us! If you are interested in finding out more (and you’re between the ages of 18 - 35) please give Chante a call to chat about all things ‘community!’ - on 0278113573. To all our Young Adult Catholic family, our place belongs to you too... our home is your home! If you are in Wellington, come stay with us, pray with us or share a meal!

Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy Hour on Tuesday 26 February beginning at 7.30pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, singing, times of silence and conclude with Benediction followed by supper.

Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment This workshop ‘Alpha in the Catholic Context’ presented by Lorraine McCarthy(from Australia) is a must for anyone; wanting to know more, wanting to encourage family or friends back into the church, wanting to help make it happen in your parish, wanting to welcome people back into the church community, involved in R.C.I.A.            Feb 27 -1.30pm- 6pm and 7pm- 9.30pm at: St Joseph’s Mt. Victoria. Please register with Ann Williams a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz before Monday 25 Feb.

Teaching Night @ St Anne’s Hall, Emmett Street, Newtown Hosted by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Wed 27th February at 7:30pm.  Speaker: Michael Powell Theme: Inner Healing  Evening includes Praise & Worship, group discussion and fellowship.  Everyone is welcome!

VISION DAY - Catholic Charismatic Renewal Saturday 9th March, 1pm - 4pm at St Joseph's Church, Mt Victoria. An opportunity for prayer groups and communities to come together for worship, sharing and inspirational talks. Guest speaker Diana Ingle, Chairperson of the National Service Group for Charismatic Renewal in New Zealand .All are welcome!

Lenten Prayer for Life: 36 pre-born children lose their life through abortion every single day of the year in New Zealand. Women are wounded physically, psychologically and spiritually.  Men regret their lost fatherhood.  Families are harmed.  Society suffers the consequences. Every person - born and unborn - is made in the image of God.  Unique.  Unrepeatable.  Loved by God for all eternity. This Lent all New Zealanders are invited to pray, fast and make reparation.
Participate by:

1. Praying daily. Registering your prayer commitment at fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife/and receive a free pro-life prayer booklet to assist you in your efforts.

Praying and being a peaceful witness to life outside a local abortion centre. To pray for an hour between 9 am and 4 pm on Wednesdays outside Wellington Hospital txt 021 231 7954 or email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz

Lenten Prayer for Life: This Lent join us in prayer, fasting and reparation, especially for the 36 pre-born babies who lose their lives through abortion every day of the year in New Zealand. To find out more take a flyer or view the poster at the rear of the church. For all enquiries call 021 231 7954 or email clare.fli@xtra.co.nz  Register your prayer commitment to fli.org.nz/lentenprayerforlife 

A Good Friday Liturgical Workshop on Thurs 14th March 14th  6.45pm-9pm at the Catholic Centre. This will be an interactive workshop, with Fr Patrick Bridgman, Archdiocesan Liturgy Advisor. Fr Patrick will help us unpack the symbolism and rituals associated with Good Friday. Everyone welcome. Please register with Ann Williams before Friday 8th March at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz

'Stronger together for action on climate - Porirua' This series runs over three weeks each Thursday 7, 14, 21 March from 7.30 - 9pm. Venue: St Theresa’s parish hall,  210 St Andrews Rd, Plimmerton. All welcome. Each week there will be a special guest speaker followed by the opportunity for questions and reflection. There will be time for people to consider realistic action they could take in response to the challenge we all face. Contact: Catherine Gibbs    cmgibbs543@gmail.com or phone the parish office 04-2331279.

The Archdiocesan Commission for Ecology, Justice and Peace is seeking expressions of interest for membership of our four Committees.  The time commitment is to attend six evening meetings a year (including use of teleconferencing), a formation day, and to carry out the agreed work of the Committee. The four Committees are: •  Integral Ecology • Bicultural relationships  • Poverty  •  Parish communication and engagement
For more information, please email the Ecology, Justice and Peace advisor Lisa Beech 0212884388 l.beech@wn.catholic.org.nz   by Friday 1 March.

The Feb. 24 – Mar. 9 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Minister’s Filipino-Catholic jibe ‘hurtful’. Tomorrow’s Schools demolition opposed. Does God will a diversity of religions? Family deal proposed for southern church.

Singing for Children. Young Angel Voices begins on Thursday 28th February at 4:30 for an hour, in the Choir Room, St Mary of the Angels, Boulcott Street. Boys and girls, aged 8 - 12 years old, learn great songs, to read music, and have fun with their voices, with Robert and Andrea Oliver. There's no audition, so just turn up and see if it's for your child. contact Robert: 0210 257 4375

Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The Church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love.
Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus, 2015

Hiruhārama/Jerusalem pilgrimage. A wonderful place for spiritual healing and an essential waypoint on any Pilgrim’s journey. Join us to experience the place so significant in the Suzanne Aubert story. 9-10 March, contact Christine for details on 04 383 7769 or retreat@compassion.og.nz
Contemplative Prayer Series. Fr Jeff Drane will lead this five-week seminar series that is practical and helpful to our everyday living. 13, 20, 27 March and 3, 10 April. 10am sessions are repeated at 7pm except on 13 March when there will only be a 7pm session. Chapel, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington. To book please contact Ph. 04 383 7769.
The Influenza Pandemic 1918 - A Temporary Exhibition. The Sisters of Compassion mark the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. The pandemic came at the end of a devastating war and struck Wellington between November and December. Wellington had the highest death rate of the cities. The exhibition is open until 31st March 2019 at Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Tue-Sat 10am-3pm; Sun 12noon-3pm. Contact heritagecentre@compassion.org.nz or (04) 282 1953 for more information.
Sunday Miha (Māori Mass). All are welcome. The first Sunday of the month will be a Liturgy of the Eucharist, all other Sundays will be a Māori Mass. 11am, Chapel, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Wellington. Ph. 04 383 7769.

Finance Committee Meeting  12 March 2019
Parish Council Meeting          13 March 2019

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Michael Taylor, Joan Dwyer, Apulu Manatua, Gerald Wynne, Teresa Czochanska, Mary Peters, Mary Martin and Poinisita Passi. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Is 6, 1-8; 1 Cor 15, 1-11; Lk 5, 1-11
Find your reason for believing Christ.
Dear sisters and brothers, the disciples in the gospel story today have spent the whole night “toiling and had caught nothing."  As professional fishermen, they must have been very disappointed. Peter didn’t even care what Jesus was doing on the shore. Fishing in the right places at the right time, they should have seen big results from their labours; but no!  Still, now they had a tale to tell afterwards, but the story had much deeper implications for them and for others.
Jesus had been preaching to the crowd and, because of their great number, they crowded him further towards the waters of the Sea of Galilee.  To alleviate the situation, Jesus stepped into Simon’s boat and asked him to go out a bit from the shore.  There he preached to the people from the boat in the shallow waters.  Afterwards, he turned to Simon, “go out into the deep water and lower the nets for a catch”.
Most often we try to please ourselves, we are just not connected with our deeper true self and look our life in shallow living. Today Jesus teaches us to go out into the deep. But time and again we resist to go into deep. Simon the pro fisherman, must have resisted the request because he had just done battle with the sea and had caught nothing.  But ultimately, when he obeyed Jesus, he found himself; he was overcome by the great number of fishes that their nets were bursting. 
Jesus promises us saying, “do not be afraid from now on you will be catching people.” Our call into service is a call to trust in Jesus’ promise, that despite my status paralleling Simon Peter’s “I am a sinful man,” we too are invited to give in to following him more closely.  And the joy of Christ is ours to take.
Are you happy the you are connected with Christ?                                                       Fr Ephrem
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.

Masses in Holy Trinity Parish Monday 11 – Friday 15 February
While the Caphuchins are in Auckland  the timetable for the parish weekday Masses will be:
Monday 11th – 9am St Patrick’s Church
Tuesday 12th – 9.30am St Patrick’s Church (no Mass at St Anthony’s Church)
Wednesday 13th – 9.30am Holy Cross Church (no Mass at St Anthony’s Church)
Thursday 14th – 9.30am St Patrick’s Church (no Mass at St Anthony’s Church)
Friday 15th – 9am St Patrick’s Church & 9.30am Holy Cross Church (timetable returns to normal)

HOLY TRINITY PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2019 Children in year 4 or above who have been baptised in a Catholic Church and would like to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, are eligible to enrol. Enrolment forms are available in the church foyers, School Offices or on the website www.holytrinity.parish.nz  All enrolment forms need to be completed and returned including a copy of your baptism certificate by the 15th Feb to the School Offices, email holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz

Volunteer wanted St Patrick’s Primary School - Do you have some time, energy, creativity, good people skills? You could be perfect to facilitate a Young Vinnies group in our school.
We are looking for a person to work with a small group of eight of our intermediate students guiding them in doing acts of service. We would like the volunteer to facilitate the group in meeting fortnightly to discuss ways they can serve those in need and to take the students out to do acts of service (perhaps four students at a time). 
We’d love someone who could help them think of different ways they could serve and help them approach people to set the service up eg. Gardening for the sick or elderly, looking after young children for families, sorting in a charity op shop. Please, consider taking up this role. We would be very grateful. Email Fiona.dsouza@xtra.co.nz


St Anthony’s School and Parish BAZAAR
Sunday 17 February – 11-2pm
Our famous Farmers Market and Preserve stalls will be in operation, as well as Food Stalls (Pulled Pork, Rocket Burgers, etc), cakes/biscuits/slices, white elephant, etc.  Also experience Electric Cars, bouncy castle and games, as well as the opportunity to meet and play against “PHOENIX’ football players (the real ones!).

Thank you to all those people selling raffle books for the St Anthony’s Bazaar.  Please return your raffle book butts and ticket sales monies to the St Anthony’s School office as soon as possible and preferably a week before the Bazaar on 17 February.  This is a great fund raiser with half of the funds raised going to painting of the St Anthony’s ceiling and  general parish running expenses.  The other half of funds raised will be used for purchasing school equipment.

St Patrick’s Church - Marist Messenger promotion Sunday 23/24 February. Kevin Head will be talking at the Masses at St Patrick’s to promote subscribing to the Marist Messenger. Yearly subscription is $50 for 11 issues and subscriptions forms will be available.
The Feb. 10 – 23 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Kiwis centre stage at World Youth Day in Panama. Pastoral leader dies on Christmas Day. Seal of confession issues often misunderstood. Women deacons about ministry not power.

Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver - Annual Raffle: In February and March the Sisters of St Peter Claver will be selling tickets for the Annual Raffle.  This is an important activity raising a significant portion of the funds needed to support the missionary projects.  Please support the raffle through the purchasing of tickets, however we also need people to assist in selling tickets in the parish (after mass) and in the community.  If you can assist please contact either the Sisters or Rob McCullough (0221771007).
Mission Fair: 10am to 1pm on Saturday the 16th  of Feb at St Francis de Sales Church Hall and Grounds. Come and support the Sisters of St Peter Claver raise funds for Catholic Missionary work around the world.  The 2019 Mission Fair has something for everyone with a variety of stalls, raffles, food and entertainment – and a great way for the community to come together. Donations of good quality items for sale at the Fair are greatly appreciated and can be delivered to the sisters at 1 Mersey St, Island Bay, Wellington or phone 383 8401 for collection.

Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment This workshop ‘Alpha in the Catholic Context’ presented by Lorraine McCarthy (from Australia) is a must for anyone; wanting to know more, wanting to encourage family or friends back into the church, wanting to help make it happen in your parish, wanting to welcome people back into the church community, involved in R.C.I.A.  When: February 27th  Time: 7.00pm- 9.30pm Venue: St Joseph’s Mt. Victoria. Please register with Ann Williams a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz before Monday 25th   February.

A Good Friday Liturgical Workshop on Thurs 14th March 14th  6.45pm-9pm at the Catholic Centre. This will
be an interactive workshop, with Fr Patrick Bridgman, Archdiocesan Liturgy Advisor. Fr Patrick will help us unpack
the symbolism and rituals associated with Good Friday. Everyone welcome. Please register with Ann Williams
before Friday 8th March at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz

Michael Mangan Workshop    : This We Believe: Music for Sacraments of Initiation with Children.    Songs for the preparation & celebration of Baptism, Confirmation & First Communion and Reconciliation for children. Tuesday 26th Feb 7pm-9pm Ss Peter & Pauls Church L. Hutt. Please register before Mon 18th  Feb with Ann
Williams  a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz  Entry by Koha.

Joshua Wellington extends an open invitation to men and women both older and younger for Mass followed by supper (Please bring some finger food to share!) on Thursday 21st of February 2019 at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Church, 42 Ellice Street, Mount Victoria.Celebrant: Fr Peter Ewart (Joshua Wellington Chaplain)
Want to know more? Ring David Monastra on mobile 027 4477 280 or e-mail: mqscl@xtra.co.nz

Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women.  Our meeting is on Saturday, 16th February at 1:30pm at Connolly Hall, Guildford Tce, Thorndon.    Come and make a joyful sound before the Lord, the King.  All women welcome.  Enquiries Shura 3899938 

'Stronger together for action on climate - Porirua' This series runs over three weeks each Thursday 7, 14, 21 March from 7.30 - 9pm. Venue: St Theresa’s parish hall,  210 St Andrews Rd, Plimmerton. All welcome. Each week there will be a special guest speaker followed by the opportunity for questions and reflection. There will be time for people to consider realistic action they could take in response to the challenge we all face. Contact: Catherine Gibbs    cmgibbs543@gmail.com or phone the parish office 04-2331279.

ROSARY BEADS FOR SEAFARERS.  There is at present a high demand for rosary beads from seafarers calling at NZ ports.  Do you have any spare rosary beads you would like to donate to the Apostleship of the Sea?  If possible please post to:  AoSNZ National Office, PO Box 25-563, Wellington 6146.  Or contact Fr Jeff Drane: jeffdrane@aos.org.nz; or Denise Shirley: denisesh@xtra.co.nz (phone 388 8448) on behalf of Fr Jeff.

CELEBRATE LOVE ON ST VALENTINES DAY! Monsignor Gerard Burns on behalf of Cardinal John Dew invites you to join in a celebration of love this St Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14th February 2019,  6pm at St Joseph’s Church, 152 Brougham Street,  Mt Victoria, Wellington. For further details please contact Felicity Giltrap at ADW Marriage Ministries (04) 496 1719 or email  marriage@wn.catholic.org.nz

Practical Actions Ideas from the 2017 Synod: Go you are sent …to the peripheries of society (1) Parishes identify and promote social justice activities which parishioners can be involved in.

Are you new to the Parish? Have any of your details changed? Don’t forget to get in contact with the Parish Office and update your details.  Forms are available at the back of the churches, on the website or email holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Vaea Leota, Peter Dunn, Agnes Dooley, John Butler, John O’Brien and Margaret Gilmore. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.

Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13; Luke 4:21-30
Dear friends in Christ Jesus, today we celebrate, “Day of prayer for children”.  It is fitting that we hear today two important features in the gospel. On the one hand the town’s folk are quite impressed with Jesus’ words. They know His parents and are quite excited that Jesus will make them proud and famous perhaps. On the other hand, they begin to dislike and take offence the way Jesus tries to enlighten them of their folly.
Jesus begins to move to public domain and not confined to the Israelites only. He quotes two familiar stories from their scriptures. (1 Kings 17, and 2 Kings 5, 14-9)  These stories provoke His listeners and they change their opinions and feelings concerning Jesus. They do not like the implications of His interpretation of the stories and so when they, like us, do not like the message, they attempt to get rid of the messenger. Jesus escapes to continue His healing, teaching, and provoking. The folks of Nazareth were blinded by their rigidity and their seeing Jesus as limited to their own expectations. Jesus became a stumbling object, because they thought they could see Who he was, but could not because of their low-vision.
Jesus provokes us to admit we have low vision about most things and especially about the God of Revelation. Faith is a way of living with the admission that God offers us little glimpses and the grace to see them and trust in what is behind and beyond them. Strange enough, it is the children who see far more clearly than adult. Allow the message to confront our localised vison and penetrate darkness our heart to see God’s kingdom and change. It is up to us folks, to accept or reject: choice is ours.                     
Fr Ephrem
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.

Masses in Holy Trinity Parish on Waitangi Day
9am – St Anthony’s
9.30am – Holy Cross
11am – Annointing Mass St Patrick’s

HOLY TRINITY PARISH - ST PATRICK’S CHURCH CARPARK
Thank you all for your patience and understanding during various delays in getting our car park completed.  The marking is done, most signage installed. This week it passed the WCC inspection and we are now able to use the space!  
St Patrick’s School upper playground is still available for weekend Mass time parking. Parents and Caregivers of the school will be able to use the parish carpark for pick up and drop off parking before and after school.  But children must be accompanied by their parent or caregiver both to and from the carpark into and out of the school grounds.

The Caphuchins will all be in Auckland from the 11th – 14th February.
Weekday Mass schedule during their abesnce will be in next Sunday’s newsletter.

WELCOME  We welcome Tony Kelly- Smith, the new principal at St Patricks Primary School, to our Parish.   Congratulations Tony and all the very best for your work with your staff, students and their families.

HOLY TRINITY PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2019 Children in year 4 or above who have been baptised in a Catholic Church and would like to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, are eligible to enrol. Enrolment forms are available in the church foyers, School Offices or on the website www.holytrinity.parish.nz  All enrolment forms need to be completed and returned including a copy of your baptism certificate by the 15th Feb to the School Offices, email holytrinity.wgtn@xtra.co.nz

Volunteer wanted St Patrick’s Primary School - Do you have some time, energy, creativity, good people skills? You could be perfect to facilitate a Young Vinnies group in our school.
We are looking for a person to work with a small group of eight of our intermediate students guiding them in doing acts of service. We would like the volunteer to facilitate the group in meeting fortnightly to discuss ways they can serve those in need and to take the students out to do acts of service (perhaps four students at a time). 
We’d love someone who could help them think of different ways they could serve and help them approach people to set the service up eg. Gardening for the sick or elderly, looking after young children for families, sorting in a charity op shop. Please, consider taking up this role. We would be very grateful. Email Fiona.dsouza@xtra.co.nz

Thank you to all those people selling raffle books for the St Anthony’s Bazaar.  Please return your raffle book butts and ticket sales monies to the St Anthony’s School office as soon as possible and preferably a week before the Bazaar on 17 February.  This is a great fund raiser with half of the funds raised going to painting of the St Anthony’s ceiling and  general parish running expenses.  The other half of funds raised will be used for purchasing school equipment.

 News and Views. This is a magazine delivered by email or to a letterbox to most parishioners on the parish roll on a monthly basis. The Pastoral Council has decided that this will now be distributed on a quarterly basis. We are seeking 3 or 4 parishioners or a family who could help with this publication. Essentially this would involve identifying any information which may be of faith-based interest to both active parishioners and those who are not regular attenders. Help with final copy is available. Please contact the office if you think you can help with this important communication.

Waitangi Day Mass: The annual Waitangi Day Mass will be held at St Mary of the Angels church, Boulcott St, Wellington, 9am on February 6th. The Mass features the involvement of the SMOA choir, members of Te Ngākau Tapu parish for Māori and the Māori community as well as representatives of other ethnic groupings. Hymns and prayers will be in Māori, English and Latin. Main celebrant – Cardinal John Dew accompanied by local priests including Mons. Gerard Burns, PP, Te Ngākau Tapu.  This is a special time of prayer for our country, its needs and its peoples. Contact St Mary of the Angels for more information. Nau mai, haere mai!

The Wellington Young Adults Catholic Community House - Mary's Mantle- is presenting to you the opportunity to live in community Living in the grand old presbytery in the peaceful suburb of Seatoun we are a community of young Catholics seeking to live out our faith in a greater way. We do this through committing to daily prayer, shared meals and community nights of fun, teachings and mass, and we encourage and support one another (as families do) to seek Christ and to grow in holiness in our jobs and lives. Our place is home to all young Catholics and therefore we also strive to offer hospitality to all who pass by!
If living out your faith in community sparks your interest, consider if God may be inviting you to join us! If you are interested in finding out more (and you’re between the ages of 18 - 35) please get in touch with Chante Cooper, Damon Maclachlan, Sophie Hale, or Catherine Monastra or give Isabella a call to chat about all things ‘community!’ - on 0210539664. To all our Young Adult Catholic family, our place belongs to you too... our home is your home! If you are in Wellington, come stay with us, pray with us or share a meal! All our prayers and peace Mary's Mantle

Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver - Annual Raffle: In February and March the Sisters of St Peter Claver will be selling tickets for the Annual Raffle.  This is an important activity raising a significant portion of the funds needed to support the missionary projects.  Please support the raffle through the purchasing of tickets, however we also need people to assist in selling tickets in the parish (after mass) and in the community.  If you can assist please contact either the Sisters or Rob McCullough (0221771007).
Mission Fair: 10am to 1pm on Saturday the 16th  of Feb at St Francis de Sales Church Hall and Grounds. Come and support the Sisters of St Peter Claver raise funds for Catholic Missionary work around the world.  The 2019 Mission Fair has something for everyone with a variety of stalls, raffles, food and entertainment – and a great way for the community to come together. Donations of good quality items for sale at the Fair are greatly appreciated and can be delivered to the sisters at 1 Mersey St, Island Bay, Wellington or phone 383 8401 for collection.

A Good Friday Liturgical Workshop on Thurs 14th March 14th  6.45pm-9pm at the Catholic Centre. This will
be an interactive workshop, with Fr Patrick Bridgman, Archdiocesan Liturgy Advisor. Fr Patrick will help us unpack
the symbolism and rituals associated with Good Friday. Everyone welcome. Please register with Ann Williams
before Friday 8th March at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz

Michael Mangan Workshop    : This We Believe: Music for Sacraments of Initiation with Children.    Songs for the preparation & celebration of Baptism, Confirmation & First Communion and Reconciliation for children. Tuesday 26th Feb 7pm-9pm Ss Peter & Pauls Church L. Hutt. Please register before Mon 18th  Feb with Ann
Williams  a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz  Entry by Koha.

Joshua Wellington extends an open invitation to men and women both older and younger for Mass followed by supper (Please bring some finger food to share!) on Thursday 21st of February 2019 at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Church, 42 Ellice Street, Mount Victoria.Celebrant: Fr Peter Ewart (Joshua Wellington Chaplain)
Want to know more? Ring David Monastra on mobile 027 4477 280 or e-mail: mqscl@xtra.co.nz

Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women.  Our meeting is on Saturday, 16th February at 1:30pm at Connolly Hall, Guildford Tce, Thorndon.    Come and make a joyful sound before the Lord, the King.  All women welcome.  Enquiries Shura 3899938 

ROSARY BEADS FOR SEAFARERS.  There is at present a high demand for rosary beads from seafarers calling at NZ ports.  Do you have any spare rosary beads you would like to donate to the Apostleship of the Sea?  If possible please post to:  AoSNZ National Office, PO Box 25-563, Wellington 6146.  Or contact Fr Jeff Drane: jeffdrane@aos.org.nz; or Denise Shirley: denisesh@xtra.co.nz (phone 388 8448) on behalf of Fr Jeff.

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Applications are  invited for the position of Executive Officer for the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. The Conference is the assembly of the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand who carry out together functions best done collectively rather than individually by dioceses. The Executive Officer reports to the General Secretary of the Conference and works with the President and other bishops on various  aspects of the Conference’s work. The key tasks of the Executive Office include • Support  for the meetings of Conference and its Finance Committee, and actioning their decisions • Responsibility for the smooth operation of the Secretariat • Relationships with agencies, dioceses and external bodies • Management  of the Conference’s finances and records • Liaison with  ad hoc national advisory groups • Liaison with the Conference Communications Advisor The position is Wellington- based.  The successful applicant will have a sound understanding of the Church, managerial experience, and excellent writing skills. CV and covering letter should be sent by 22 Feb to Cardinal John Dew, PO Box 1937, Wellington j.dew@wn.catholic.org.nz  The job description is available by emailing t.halliday@wn.catholic.org.nz

CELEBRATE LOVE ON ST VALENTINES DAY! Monsignor Gerard Burns on behalf of Cardinal John Dew invites you to join in a celebration of love this St Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14th February 2019,  6pm at St Joseph’s Church, 152 Brougham Street,  Mt Victoria, Wellington.
For further details please contact Felicity Giltrap at ADW Marriage Ministries (04) 496 1719 or email  marriage@wn.catholic.org.nz

Welcom - Greetings and Happy New Year to All, 
The first issue for WelCom 2019 is out this week for Sunday 3 February.
Contents include:

• World Youth Day 2019 in Panama including Bishop Charles Drennan and young New Zealand pilgrimage.
• Cardinal John Dew’s column – ‘See every person as a beloved daughter or son of God’.
• Waitangi Day reflections – Monsignor Gerard Burns and Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard.
• Tribute to Mark Richards, pastoral leader for Palmerston North Diocesan Office, who passed away on Christmas morning.
• Pope Francis summons Church leaders to Vatican Safeguarding Summit.
• Archdiocesan Safeguarding workshops, 2019.
• Will Parliament Pass the End of Life Choice Bill? – Opinion, John Kleinsman.
• Lent Appeal 2019 – ‘Living Our Lives With Love’, Caritas.
• Our Lady of Kāpiti – new church and parish centre build underway.
• WelCom’s Hikoi of Faith at Our Lady of the Snows Pastoral Area in Central Plateau and Taihape regions.
• Prayer Day for World Day of the Sick, 11 February; and day of prayer for the marginalised, NZ Christian Council of Social Services, 20 February.
• Suzanne Aubert 2019  Scholarship winners and other news and views from schools, parishes, and communities.

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died and those whose anniversaries occur around this time including Patricia Kelly, Bernard (Skip) Smith, Sr Moyra Dunn (RSM) and Theresa Jurczenko. Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially John Rogers, John Cairns-Cowan and Graeme Adams and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.