Sunday, 4 January 2026
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 60:1-6
Isaiah prophesies a coming of age when the glory of the Lord would shine upon Israel and their hearts would throb with joy. Can you share an experience that brought you deep joy and happiness?
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6
Paul tells the Ephesians that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that all believers in Jesus (Jew and Gentile alike) were coheirs and members of the same body. Have you ever felt like an outsider who was welcomed by others?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2:1-12
In the story of the birth of Jesus, Matthew contrasts the fear and concern of King Herod with the joy and praise of the Magi. What feelings does the season of Christmas evoke for you?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
Today’s feast is called the Epiphany of the Lord. The word epiphany comes from the Greek and means manifestation or revelation. It reminds us that God does not remain hidden, but makes himself known. In the coming of the wise men from the East, the Christ Child is revealed not only to Israel, but to all the nations of the world.
When we speak of the Christ Child, the word Christ means “the Anointed One”. From earliest times, Christians have reflected on the gifts brought by the wise men in this light. Myrrh, in particular, was a ingredient of the sacred chrism used for the anointing of kings and high priests, as described in Exodus 30:23–32. Even in his infancy, Christ is revealed as priest, king, and saviour.
The wise men responded to this revelation by worshipping Christ and offering him their gifts. Today, we too are invited to respond. While we do not anoint with oil, we can bless our homes. Through the Epiphany blessing and the use of blessed chalk, we consecrate our homes, setting them apart as places where Christ is welcomed, honoured, and made known.
- Fr Danny
PARISH NEWS & EVENTS
Here’s what's happening
Sunday, 4 January: The Epiphany of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer For Life
After Mass | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 5 January
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 6 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 7 January
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 8 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 9 January
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12pm | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After Mass | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Confession & Benediction
6.30pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 10 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Taupō
Vigil Mass
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Sunday, 11 January: The Baptism of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 12 January
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 13 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Cafe | Taupō
Wednesday, 14 January
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 15 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Friday, 16 January
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Confession & Benediction
6.30pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 17 January
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 4 January
The Epiphany of the Lord
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
Don’t our gardens look beautiful?! If you’re keen to lend a hand on a casual basis, to pull a few weeds, come along on a Wednesday anytime between 12noon and 3pm and join some of our gardening team.
COMING UP…
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
Called by Name is a Catholic Summer Camp for children going into Year 7, up to those who have just completed Year 9.
Run by Catholic parents, this event has been supported by the Bernadette Trust through the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.
The main purpose is to help children enter their tumultuous teenage years knowing they are seen, known and loved by God, that there is a plan and a purpose for their lives.
The camp will endeavour to encourage our youth to begin the journey of taking ownership of their own prayer life, by giving them the time and space at camp to listen to testimonies of older teens, spend time in personal prayer, Adoration, and be given the opportunity for Confession, while having summer camp-style fun with other Catholic kids.
Jan 18 to Jan 21, 2026. Waitawheta Camp, 439 Waitawheta Road, Waihi
INTERNATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS
Click the image above to go to the Jubilee Year website.