March 20th, 2016

Dear brothers and sisters
 
There could be no better week of God’s mercy shown to us by Christ in His entire life; the love, the sacrifice, the forgiveness reconciled to the Father in His resurrection.  The sound of Hosanna echoing throughout Jerusalem proclaiming Christ as King filled the air.  Whole creation for a moment rejoiced with Christ on His solemn final journey of self-sacrifice for the redemption of whole human race that was lost by Adam and Eve.  The last supper with His disciples in the upper room, exercising his High Priest role, the victim and altar himself fulfils Father’s will with lamb led to the slaughter like humility.  What an act of mercy shown to us by God the Father through His Son to us unworthy and sinful people!!!
Good Friday, the day of fasting and abstinence those who are able, to complement the torment Jesus bore on the Cross.   It is time for all of us to amend our life and catch a glimpse of Jesus’ resurrection.  Let us walk together the way to Calvary; without Calvary there is no resurrection. 
Wish you all a very fruitful Holy Week and God’s blessing.
Father Ephrem
 
Weekday Mass timetable for Easter Week
Mon 21st –   Mass as usual at St Patrick’s and St Anthony’s
Tues 22nd – 9am morning Mass at St Patrick’s, St Anthony’s and Holy Cross
Weds 23rd – Morning Mass as usual in the three Churches
                    No evening adoration or Mass at St Patrick’s Church
Thurs 24th – no morning Mass at the three Churches

THINKING ABOUT PARISH PROPERTY
 
Parish property should serve the activities of the people of our parish.  A property sub-committee has been formed to consider our property needs and develop proposals for future development and management so that our property best serves parish needs.  If you would like to provide any initial views or ideas to the sub-committee, please email  [email protected] by Monday 28 March.  If you don't have email, letters can be left at the parish office.  If you don’t have anything to say right now, don’t worry.  There will be further fuller consultation and discussion at later stages of the process, with more opportunities for you to be involved before the parish, as a whole, makes proposals on its property."
CHILDREN DON’T ARRIVE WITH AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL
 
If you would like your family life to be the best it can be, we have a great course coming up.  Whatever your situation, the practical tools you will learn can help you to improve and strengthen your family life.  Over five evenings you will cover: building a strong family centred on love, meet your children’s needs, set effective boundaries, teach healthy relationships and pass on values that are important to you.  This is an international course sponsored by the parish and held in the Gascoigne Room at St Anthony’s 7.30pm from Tuesday 10 May.  To enrol call or text Ruth 0276700365 or Kim 0222426288, babysitting is available.
 

For those attending services at Holy Cross Church during Easter Week, please do not park at the Bridge Club on Hobart Street.
Thank you.

The students of St Anthony's are working hard to prepare for our annual Holy Week Liturgy
 We invite you to join us for this short time of prayer on Wednesday night, March 23rd at 6 p.m.
The children will share with us a thought provoking time of prayer and reflection on the Passion of Christ.

Life Teen Holy Trinity 2016
 
Life Teen is a youth movement within the Catholic Church!! It's run on a Sunday night starting with Mass at 5.30pm followed by food and a Life Night ending at 8.30pm. For Teenagers 12-18 and Young Adults 18-35! Come and hang out, have fun, make friends, and encounter Jesus!!! If you are interested in being involved as an adult leader, please come and see what we do!
Caritas Challenge 2016
Is happening in Holy Trinity Parish on the 1st and 2nd of April from 6pm - 6pm. Come and LIVE IT in a cardboard box city, SWEAT IT in a sweat shop bakery HAVE FUN and RAISE FUNDS for the people of Cambodia!!! Spend 24hrs living is solidarity with those less fortunate than us and make a life time of change in their community. For anyone over the age of 13! Please contact Rain for more information on 0212560608 or email [email protected]

St. Anthony’s “Thursday Friends” will recommence Thursday, 31st March, following Easter Sunday.
We welcome newcomers from throughout the parish. Our focus is Prayer and Holy Mass - celebrated in our time - and friendship in the Lord, followed by finger food lunch. We meet in the Gascoigne room, Thursdays,11am until approximately 1pm. Term time only. Come and join us. Bring a plate if you are able. The sick and disabled are especially welcome. If you need a lift ring Julie Marshall 3888644.
The new movie FRANCISCO is coming to NZ Cinemas from Thursday 24 March. It's the true story of Jorge Bergoglio, the boy from the streets of Buenos Aires who became Pope Francis, the Holy Father.

FRANCISCO will be screening from Thursday 24 March: at Lighthouse Cinema, Petone

Flat urgently wanted:  responsible pensioner seeks 1 or 2 bedroom flat with small outdoor area, keen gardener.  Miramar/Broadway area.
Ring Bev 388 5821.

Parish Quiz night is coming!
Start organising your team for a fun night out with the Parish Community.
Details to follow soon.
Does anyone have spare St Patrick’s College uniform in good condition for a Year 9 student?
If you do, can you drop it off in the St Patrick’s Church porch with “Sisters of Compassion” on it please. Thank you.

Holy Trinity Rosary Statue Roster
In the Parish of Holy Trinity, we have a Rosary statue that is passed house to house during the course of the year.  All that is asked is that you use the Rosary Statue as part of your family prayer and pass it on to the next family each week.  As part of our commitment to a prayerful Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington; drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples what better foundation could you build on.
If you would like to be on the roster, please contact the Parish Office 388 6953 or [email protected]
Holy Cross Little Angels Playgroup.
Holy Cross warmly invites Parents and caregivers to come and join in the fun in Room 12 on the last Friday of the month. Contact Susie Sumner for more details 388 7189

Bedsit or room available for rent after Easter
Mature local teacher looking for bedsit or room to rent. Non-smoker/drinker, willing to help out with gardening and housework. Refs available.
Phone James 027-895-7973 or [email protected]  

  St. Anthony’s Preschool Playgroup: Come and join us…we meet every second Friday during term time from 1pm until 2.55pm in the Gascoigne Room, St Anthony’s Church. Bring your preschooler/s along for a play and class visits to St Anthony’s Kiwi class for our four year olds. Contact the School office 380 6971

Futuna Chapel Open Day – 20th March
See noticeboard for details.

The Archdiocesan Young Church Ministries team invites all young adults to The Rising Tide: The Ripple Effect
at St Joseph’s, Mount Victoria.  Monday 21st March.  Doors open at 6.30 pm and event starts a 7.00pm. 
Discussion will be based on how we actively participate in God’s mercy.
 For more information, contact Emily Bruce 496 1701 [email protected]

Theology on Tap - Sunday 20th March - Cardinal John Dew
This week St Mary of the Angels Young Adults group is hosting John Dew who will speak on his experience of one year as a Cardinal. Cardinal John will speak briefly and there will be plenty of time for Q&A. All ages are very welcome to attend.
Sunday 20th March, 6.30-7.30pm, Hotel Bristol (upstairs function room) 131 Cuba Street.
 


Medjugorje Pilgrimage 2016
10 in-depth days in Medjugorje only.  Excellent value. See your noticeboard or visit www.mirpilgrimages.co.nz  Contact: Patricia Parsons ph: 0274 219 064. 
Email: [email protected]

Fr Gregory
will be leaving for his holidays on Monday 28th March and returning on 30th June.
We wish him a safe and much enjoyable trip back home.
40 Days for Life Closing: Together We Stand. Sunday 20th March. 3.30 pm Combined Prayer outside Wellington Hospital followed by procession to St Anne's Hall. 4.15 pm Sharing the 40 Days for Life experience 5 pm Shared Dinner and fellowship. It doesn't matter where you have prayed or even if you have prayed for the babies, mums and staff over these 40 Days you are invited to attend the closing event.
 
​HOLY TRINITY PARISH - EASTERN SUBURBS
Everyone is welcome to the following Services
 
Churches of:    Holy Cross Church, Miramar
                             St Anthony’s Church, Seatoun
                             St Patrick’s Church, Kilbirnie
 
Easter Services:
Wednesday: 23rd March 7pm Lenten Reconciliation at Holy Cross Church
 
Holy Thursday: 24th March (no morning Mass at any Church)
7pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Holy Cross Church
 
Good Friday: 25th March  
St Patrick’s: 10am Stations of the Cross from St Patrick’s to All Saints Church Hataitai
St Anthony’s: 10am Way of the Cross starts at St Anthony’s
Holy Cross: 2.30pm (weather permitting) The Way of the Cross from Wexford Hill to Holy Cross Church
 
3pm Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at all churches
 
Saturday Easter Vigil: 26th March 8pm at St Patrick’s Church
 
Easter Sunday : 27th March
Holy Cross:      9am
St Anthony’s: 8.30am at Good Shepherd
10am at St Anthony’s
St Patrick’s:     10am at St Patrick’s