Sunday, 22 February 2026
1ST SUNDAY IN LENT
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: GENESIS 2:7-9,3:1-7
Genesis reveals that from the beginning the serpent (the devil) desires to lure and trap us into disobeying God. Can you think of some lies the serpent is telling people today?
SECOND READING: ROMANS 5:12-19
Paul argues that Jesus’ obedience to God brought us the gift of freedom and life. How do you see yourself obeying God?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 4:1-11
The season of Lent begins each year with the story of the devil tempting Jesus in the desert. As we begin the 40 days of Lent, what temptations are you willing to confront?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
Is there any real reason for Our Lord to spend forty days in the wilderness being tempted by the devil? We know that Christ could not sin, and His fasting did not increase His virtue or cure any vice. Was it merely an example to us? In modern terms, was He simply virtue signalling? And how do we even know what happened there? Presumably He recounted it to His disciples, which itself shows how important it was for us to know.
In many ways, whatever answer we give to the question of the Cross is the same answer we give here. The wilderness is already ordered toward Calvary. In the Gospel of Luke we are told that “the devil left him, to return at the appointed time,” a clear reference to the Passion.
If Christ’s actions were not hollow, and we believe they were not, then His temptations and fasting were not theatre. They were real. The Son entered fully into the battle that marks the human condition. The Christian life is measured not by dramatic triumphs, but by fidelity beneath the shadow of the Cross.
- Fr Danny
Walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. This week will be led by the Filipino community (Taupō).
Compassio is a Lenten programme that supports both personal prayer and group reflection throughout Lent. Join us to reflect on the Sunday Gospel and beautiful sacred art, pray together, and spend time in discussion.
PRAY | FAST | GIVE
“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Spend time in prayer - What is God saying to you TODAY?
Looking to go deeper and grow in your understanding of the Catholic faith? Depth Charge Connect might be just what you’re looking for.
Meeting on Wednesdays at 10am at the Hancock’s home (phone 027 662 8996 for details), this welcoming daytime group gathers for prayer, a short video input, and rich discussion—followed by a relaxed morning tea together. It’s a wonderful space to ask questions, share insights, and journey further in faith with others.
We’re starting back this Wednesday as we dive into the Gospel of Matthew, with future sessions exploring topics such as the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
If you’re ready to go a little deeper, come and join us!
Collect your plates!
A hefty collection of plates and serving dishes has gathered in the church café. If you’ve been wondering where your favourite plate disappeared to, this could be your moment! Please take a quick look and reclaim anything that belongs to you. Any uncollected items will be donated to the local op shop after 22 February.
Thank you for helping us keep the café clutter-free!
PARISH NEWS & EVENTS
Here’s what's happening
Sunday, 22 February: 1st Sunday of Lent
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 23 February
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 24 February
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Junior Youth Group
6pm-7.15pm (Year 7&8) | Taupō (Weekly during school term)
Wednesday, 25 February
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Lenten Reflection | Tūrangi
12.30pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
RCIA
7.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Thursday, 26 February
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Confession & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 27 February
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Led by the Filipino Community
7pm | Church | Taupō
Lenten Reflection
7.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 28 February
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Taupō
Vigil Mass
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Sunday, 1 March: 2nd Sunday of Lent
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer for Life
After Mass | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Parish Movie Night | The Passion of the Christ
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 2 March
Tim Tam Connect
10am | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 3 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Junior Youth Group
6pm-7.15pm (Year 7&8) | Taupō (Weekly during school term)
Wednesday, 4 March
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Lenten Reflection | Tūrangi
12.30pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Mahjong Connect
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
RCIA
7.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Thursday, 5 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Confession & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 6 March
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Led by our St Vincent de Paul Society
7pm | Church | Taupō
Lenten Reflection
7.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 7 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Taupō
Parish to parish - Bed & breakfast book
Catholics throughout New Zealand and a few in Australia host Catholic in their homes. It is a wonderful way for Catholic to meet and enjoy the company of other Catholics. There is a contribution made of $50 for one person, and $30 for each additional guest per night. If you wish to purchase a book with the details of the hosts, the cost is $15. To order, contact Marie Anderson Phone 027 280 0611 Email marie.ian@xtra.co.nz
Ministers for Sunday, 22 February
1st Sunday of Lent
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…
The Passion of the Christ (2004), directed by Mel Gibson, is a graphic, emotional portrayal of the final twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life. It covers the agony in Gethsemane, betrayal by Judas, intense torture by Roman soldiers, and the crucifixion, ending with a brief resurrection scene, all spoken in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew (subtitled in English).
Please note: This is a R15 rated film and not suitable for younger viewers. It contains violence, torture and cruelty.
RETREATS
Pilgrimage of Mercy | Women’s Retreat
Date/Time - Fri 29 May - Sun 31 May 5:00pm - 12:00pm
Being led by Grace to the River of Mercy
Come as you are; weary, wondering, or wide open. Journey with us into a sacred space of rest, reflection, and renewal.
Guided by Sr. Kat Stone (MGL Australia) and Retreat leader and coach Jen (Aust. Cert in leadership in Ministry), this Spirit-led retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise of life and walk gently toward the stillness of divine mercy.
Through prayer, silence, sacred conversation, and moments of still waters, you’ll be led – not by striving – but by grace, into the tender current of God’s healing presence.
This is a pilgrimage for the heart – a return to the mercy that was never withheld, only forgotten. You don’t need to earn it. You simply need to follow and allow God to minister to you.
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
LENT WEBINAR SERIES 2026
Join our Bishops and people of faith across Aotearoa for the Lent Webinar Series 2026 — a six-week online journey through the Gospels.
Hosted by Caritas and New Zealand’s Catholic Bishops, each session includes prayer, guided reflection, insights from Catholic social teaching, and quiet time as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
To register, simply scan the QR code above.
SET FREE - Y10-13
7-9 April at St Peter’s School, Cambridge. Registration $130. Some parish sponsorship available. Register: tinyurl.com/SetFree2026
HEAVEN COME - ages 18-35
10-12 April at St Peter’s School, Cambridge. Registration $150. Some parish sponsorship available. Register: tinyurl.com/HC-2026
