The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Cycle B
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Gospel Reading
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
Background on the Gospel Reading
This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday and next Sunday, however, are designated as solemnities, special days that call our attention to the central mysteries of our faith. Today, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed himself to us in the Trinity, one God in three Persons.The Gospel for this Solemnity is taken from the Gospel of Matthew. In its conclusion, Matthew’s Gospel quickly moves from the disciples’ discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb and Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the commission that Jesus gives to his disciples in today’s Gospel.
The final commission, as this part of Matthew’s Gospel is sometimes called, is given on the mountaintop. Throughout Scripture, many of the most important events happen on a mountaintop, and Matthew used this motif often. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop, and Jesus taught the crowds from the mountaintop in the Sermon on the Mount. In today’s Gospel, the eleven disciples go to the mountaintop in Galilee, as Jesus had instructed them through Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They see Jesus, and they worship and doubt at the same time. Jesus approaches them and commissions them to baptise and teach. It is a task for which Jesus had previously prepared his disciples; recall that Jesus had already sent the twelve apostles to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. Yet earlier, the Twelve were sent only to the House of Israel; in this final commission, the eleven are told to go to all nations. The mission of Jesus is now to be taken to all people, and the task is to baptise and to teach.
Jesus commissions his disciples to baptise in the name of the Trinity; this is one of the clearest attestations for Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity found in Scripture. Other New Testament references to Baptism describe it as being celebrated in the name of Jesus. As we read this Gospel on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we are reminded that this central mystery of faith is meant to be lived. As baptised Christians, we share in the life of the blessed Trinity and seek to invite others to share in God’s love.
Samoa Language Week
Talofa lava
We will be celebrating Samoa Language Week - Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa 2021.
This year’s theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is
"Poupou le lotoifale. Ola manuia le anofale" which means
"strengthen the posts of your house, for all to thrive."
When you’re building a foundation for a fale (house) it can’t have a weak foundation or posts. This is the same for the foundations of our families, schools and churches that play an important role in strengthening Gagana Samoa (the Samoan Language). Language is important for the foundations of our overall wellbeing.
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Feast of the Sacred Heart- 11th June
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a very unusual and even odd image in our world today. This image of Jesus was first imagined in early as the 13th century and maintained devotion through to the 16th and 19th century even to now. This image was created to represent Jesus’ humanness and Jesus’ love for humanity.
Tracey Oliver-Marshall - Secretary (Parent Representative)
With an MBA in International Business, I bring extensive experience in project/programme management, strategic planning and stakeholder management from a career in Auckland’s local government sector. I’ve also spent a number of years living and working in Asia, where I owned a trading company. Life in Tauranga is focused on family, and participating within our school community to support the talented and passionate staff at St Mary’s.
Lorraine Schofield - Proprietor’s Representative
I’m honoured to join the Board as a proprietor’s representative and work alongside this dedicated team. I have a strong connection to St Mary’s - as a former student and now parent - and am committed to its ongoing success. My background is in communications and journalism.
Community Bach - Te Kōpuha Hāpori
Thank you to whānau who have already purchased their tickets for the P.T.A Quiz night on the 19th of June.
All money raised at the Quiz Night will support the development of our Community Bach - Te Kōpuha Hāpori.
Currently a library, our vision for this space is to create a welcoming atmosphere where our St Mary’s community can not only gather and spend time together, but also develop a love for reading in a learner centred environment.
The first part of this transformation will be in the creation of two beautiful murals on the exterior walls of the bach. We have been working with local artists, Faye Chadburn and Alex McLeod, who are guiding us through the design process.
Thank you to our wonderful P.T.A for their support of this exciting community project.
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St Vincent de Paul
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