5th november 2017

Malachi 1, 14b-2, 8-10; 1 Thes 2, 7b-9. 13; Matt 23, 1-12
The greatest among you must be your servant.
When we stop and really open our hearts to Jesus, we can recognize once again that we are far from perfect.  But the good news for us is that Jesus is not looking for perfection in us but humility and service.  Jesus reminds us that we are brothers and sisters, part of the human family.  He urges us to be compassionate and not to let our lives get sidetracked by the external rewards offered by our society.
Jesus invites all of us, even the greatest among us, to be a servant. If we alter the way we think about the kind of service Jesus is calling us to?  As we consider being a servant, we change the meaning to love.  
I am a servant to my husband: I serve my husband by loving him better; husband loving his wife better. Parents are called to serve their children – to love them. Many of us are servants for/loving – our elderly parents.
In my life today, I am no longer raising children, but I am serving/loving my husband/wife each day as much as I can.  And I have grandchildren to care for, and my adult children to love in new ways. 
Our goal is to be a servant for those who suffer, sharing this pain with Jesus.  It is that awareness of others and the compassion I pray for that counteracts what Pope Francis calls the globalization of indifference.
The first reading from Malachi echoes the gospel with the same challenges to the religious leaders who had grown lazy in their duties.  Malachi reproaches: they “have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter” by their instruction.  “Have we not all the one father?  Has not the one God created us?                                                                                                                              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.

Please pray for our children as they prepare for First Holy Communion.
 
We congratulate our children from Holy Cross for their First Holy Communion today: Chimereuchem Elyana Kelechi, Chiemesia Diona Kelechi, Chidumnoro Kismet Kelechi, Sean Thomas Evans, Rociana Ropati, Lupe Ropati, Joshua Alexander Angelo, Laura Joan, Anastasia Graham, Lauseana Kerschbaumer, Andry Bourke, Liaiina Lefale, Xanthe Rose Matilda Dickie, Adam Burns, Benjamin Finefeuiaki, Mounga Finefeuiaki
 
First Holy Communion dates in our Parish – St Anthony’s 12th November 10.30am & St Patrick’s 19th November 10am
 

 
Annointing Mass at St Patrick’s Church Wednesday 8th November 11am

NOVEMBER PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD:  As November is the traditional month for special prayers for our loved ones, parishioners are asked to write the names and place them in the box in the Church, or give them to the priest.  Envelopes are available in the foyer. Because of the large number of names, we will only print anniversaries or recent.   All names will be remembered in Masses offered during November.

Attention St. Anthony’s Altar Linen Ministers: We are very short of Altar Linen. For the last few weeks we have had insufficient linen for Mass. Please - when your turn comes, would you collect Thursday or Friday and return in time for setting up for Sunday Holy Mass.

19th November 2017 - First World Day of the Poor
“let us love, not with words but with deeds” 2017 World Day of the Poor theme.
Pope Francis calls on Christians around the world to serve the poor with concrete actions that address their daily needs, writing that ‘service to them is an imperative that no Christian may disregard’.
As a Parish, we will be supporting the work of St Vincent de Paul as this coinsides with their foodbank drive on the 18th September and ask that on the 19th November, parishioners bring a non perishable food item such as; dry pasta and rice; canned fish, canned veges and fruit; beans and chickpeas; cereal; canned and packet soup; toothpaste and toothbrushes; sanitary items; soap and deodorant.
There will be a box at the back of each church where you can leave your donation.

National March for Life: CAN YOU HELP? Are you able to offer accommodation for 1 or 2 nights for people travelling to Wellington for the March for Life on the 9th December? If so, we'd love to hear from you  TXT: 021 231 7954 or Email: [email protected]

10 copies of Len Fifield playing the Southward Car Museum Wurlizer Organ have been generously donated to sell with all proceeds going to the Parish.
CD’s - $20 each.
Contact Andrew Greening at St Patrick’s Church if you would like to purchase a copy. 
 Anglican Archbishop David Moxon is returning home to New Zealand after 5 years overseas.  Cardinal John Dew and Anglican Archbishop Philip Richardson invite you to attend Vespers on  Tuesday 31 October 2017 at 6pm at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Hill Street. 
Archbishop David Moxon was until June 2017, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See and the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome.
 We look forward to seeing you there.
 

2018 Columban Calendars available through the office $12 each.
 Either put your money or cheq (made out to Holy Trinity Parish) in an envelope with your details and pop in the collection basket, or email, phone or drop into the Parish Office.
Alternatively pay by internet banking to Holy Trinity Parish 02-0536-0185031-00 and use calendar as the reference. When you have paid, email the office [email protected] with the following details:  the amount paid, the number of calendars ordered, which Church you will collect your calendars from or if you would like to collect them from the office. Once payment has cleared, the Calendars will be left for you in the back of your chosen Church or in the office for you to collect. 
See Andrew or Bernadette if you would like to purchase a copy from St Patrick’s Church

History of NZ Catholic Charismatic Renewal:  a history of Catholic Charismatic Renewal in New Zealand has been compiled to commemorate the 50th anniversary Jubilee and is now available for purchase.  $20 per copy plus $6.50 p&p.  Contact "ccrnz.org" or Margaret Paton  [email protected] or  (09).298.4409

St Patrick’s Primary School Ethnic Food Fair 5.30 – 7.30 Friday 17th November
Food Fair Posters - If you are able to display a/some posters for the Ethnic Food Fair please ask at the office for some. To make sure we make the most possible profit we need as many people to come to the fair as possible. Last year we even had people displaying posters in their cars windows.
Hoopla Jars - Room 2 is preparing a Hoopla Jar Activity for the Ethnic Food Fair. We would love anyone who is able, to fill a jar with goodies. A Hoopla Jar is a jar that you fill with surprises. Ideas for things to put in the jar; stickers, little toys, Lego, balloons, lollies, stationery, jewellery, fudges, sewing equipment, beauty products … use your imagination.

Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Wellington Our last meeting for the year on Thursday 16th of November 2017 at 7:30pm. Come and join us at CONNOLLY HALL, (behind Sacred Heart Cathedral). Speaker: Pauline Griffiths, a clinical psychologist on “How have I responded to influences received from my parents” Want to know more? Ring John Taylor (04) 389-8915 or 021-107-8538 or email: [email protected]

Challenge 2000 Youth House Meals - We are seeking meals for our Challenge 2000 youth houses, which provide homes for young people, some of whom are completing school or starting tertiary studies, some of whom are going through the justice system. The intention is to create a community and an environment conducive to personal and spiritual growth. The model relies heavily on the generosity of those who run the houses, and we would like to be able to support them with meals. If you are able and willing to provide a meal, for 5 to 8 people, on a fortnightly or monthly basis, your assistance would be readily received and much appreciated. Please contact Daniel on [email protected], or at 021459997.

Set Apart: An Exhibition of Fibre Art by Merrilyn George - 4 October-10 December Inspired by the Life of Suzanne Aubert, this exhibition of quilts by a leading fibre artist is a powerful expression of Suzanne’s story and best appreciated in person. Set Apart is on display in the Suzanne Aubert Heritage Centre, Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, Island Bay. Opening hours: 10am-3pm Mon to Sat; 12-3pm Sun

When people work together looking for each other’s good, the world reveals itself in all its beauty.
Pope Francis, 22 October 2017

Elastic Man: religion and gender - Wednesday 15 November, 7pm the Salvation Army Citadel, 92 Vivian St
Entry by koha, all welcome. Speakers:Jewish: Sue Esterman, Temple Sinai, Christian: Diane Gilliam-Weeks, Presbyterian Church, Muslim: Rehanna Ali, Islamic Women’s Council.
In this ever-changing world, as Women's role(s) have been and are constantly re-defined, they impact and revise the role of Men. What do our religions (continue to) make of gender?

National March for Life: CAN YOU HELP? Are you able to offer accommodation for 1 or 2 nights for people travelling to Wellington for the March for Life on the 9th December. If so, we'd love to hear from you  TXT: 021 231 7954 or Email: [email protected]

Dove fellowship. To all women, please come and join us for our end of year mass with Fr Ron Bennett, Saturday 18th November at 1.15pm in the Blessed Sascrament Chapel, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hill St and afterwards at an afternoon tea party in Connolly hall. For further details, contact Shura 3899938, [email protected]

JOB VACANCY - The Catholic Discipleship College is looking for a faithful and energetic person to join our staff team in February/March 2018. They will be responsible for both administration and fundraising. Good written and administration skills are essential and we would prefer someone who wants to be an active member of the CDC community. Please send enquiries to [email protected]'

Expressions of interest - Director, National Liturgy Office The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference (NZCBC) is seeking expressions of interest in the role of Director of the National Liturgy Office. In addition to a background in liturgical studies/ministry, the successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong administrative and managerial experience.  While currently based in Auckland there is flexibility on the location of the role. For enquiries or a job description contact James van Schie, Executive Officer, NZCBC – [email protected]  - including a current CV and an outline of your motivation for the role. 
Final date for acceptance of applications is Monday, 20 November 2017

Lent Processor work at Caritas in 2018 Caritas is hiring up to 3 short-term, fulltime, staff to help process donations arising from the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal 2018.  The work will be at the Wellington office of Caritas from Wednesday, 21 February to Friday, 13 April 2018 inclusive.  Training will be provided.  The pay rate will be $20.20 per hour plus 8% holiday pay.  Attention to detail, speed, accuracy and good communication skills will be important for the success of applications. Understanding of and commitment to the values of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand are essential. Applications can be made to [email protected]  and must be received by 5pm, Wednesday, 15 November. 

Health and Safety at Holy Trinity Parish
There have been a few incidents at St Patrick’s Church recently.  While these are being dealt with, there are some points to remember for all of us when praying or working at any of our three Churches or around Parish property:

1. Be careful with your valuables and personal belongings, keep them on you or very close at all times when you are in the Church at Mass and any other time you are there to pray or even to work or help.

1. Be careful especially during the day if someone suspicious or perhaps unwell comes into or is around the building.  If you ever feel worried or unsafe, leave quickly and quietly.  
2. If there is a problem, please report this to the Parish and if necessary, the police.   
3. If you are in danger always Phone 111

 
Proverbs 27:12 
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.  
 
Further Security
After two recent incidents at St Patricks Church, a former parishioner donated some security cameras to help deter intruders  and also for monitoring  the building  entrances.  These cameras are mounted at the entrances to the chapel and main body of the Church.    (Please be assured that these cameras are NOT monitoring people’s prayer activity inside the Church; if there is an incident the camera footage will be viewed by the Parish Priest and the Finance Chairperson or the Parish Priest and the Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson)
If you have a query, please email the parish office and someone from the Finance Committee will get back to you.

The Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Otago. We are also holding a Digital Drop-In session about our Distance Learning Programme. This will be held on Wednesday Nov 15, 7-8pm. You can join us via an easy-to-use, free computer programme called Zoom, talk to lecturers, and find out more about our courses. For more information go to www.otago.ac.nz/theology/news  and if you would like to join in please email Paul Trebilco ([email protected])

Christmas Crib or Nativity scene - This tradition began in 1223, in the Italian town of Greccio, where Saint Francis of Assisi, with the help of a local landowner, brought into the hearts and minds of the people, that first Christmas night. He did this in order to help them better understand the poor surroundings in which Jesus was born and to make the wondrous event of the Incarnation more real to them. The people came with candles and torches to attend Holy Mass by the crib and seeing the scene were reminded of God's love for us in sending His only son to be born in the poverty of a manger. 794 years later, the tradition continues and each Christmas we see again the Child born to save mankind. We would like to help you keep this age-old tradition alive by offering a selection of beautiful nativities that will bring Christ to your mind, hearts and homes this Christmas.
Visit us online at catholicgifts.co.nz  or call us on (09) 629 0820 569

​We pray for the members of our Parish families who have died recently especially Fr John Berry, Fr John Heijen, Father Patrick Joseph Cumiskey, Bronia Wojchiewski and Gertruda Knap and those whose anniversaries occur at this time including Lorraine Soto, Leigh McGuiness and Joanne Cunnignham.  Our prayers are also with those who are unwell especially Graeme Adams and Steve Kuzmicich and for the wonderful people who are caring for the everyday needs of the sick in our Community.