Sunday, 1 March 2026
2ND SUNDAY IN LENT
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
We hear the Gospel account of the Transfiguration on the Second Sunday of Lent and again on 6 August, when the Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated. This year, in Year A of the three-year cycle, we hear Saint Matthew’s account. But why this Gospel now? Why are we shown Our Lord in His glory and splendour at the very beginning of Lent, when only last week we were in the desert with Him, called to the hard work of prayer, fasting, and self-denial? And now we are taken up a mountain and given a glimpse of glory.
We are shown the end at the beginning. The Church gives us this vision to feed our hope. Real hope is not wishful thinking or vague optimism. Our Christian hope is rooted in Christ Himself: in who He is, in what He says, and in what He accomplishes. In today’s Gospel we hear the Father declare, “This is my Son, the Beloved.” We hear Christ say, “Do not be afraid,” and His face shone like the sun.
This hope strengthens us for the journey to the Cross.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: GENESIS 12:1-4a
Trusting in the Lord, Abram is obedient to the directive to leave his land and home. When have others had to place their trust in you?
SECOND READING: 2 TIMOTHY 1:8b-10
Paul instructs Timothy to draw on the strength God gives us when facing hardships. Can you think of a difficult time when you relied on God’s strength to help you?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 17:1-9
In the transfiguration of Jesus, Peter, James, and John are fearful when they hear God’s voice speak from the cloud. As the season of Lent continues, what are some fears you are facing?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Angela Moeke, Eileen Kennedy, Hendrikus Dorresteyn, Peter Munn, Patrick Ryan, Veronica Van der Vlerk, George Reid, Monica Habib, Anne McRae, Reginald Newrick, Douglas Wacker, Anthony Green, Esther Devane, Rangi Walters.
Our Elect:
Malin, Sophie, John, Beaden and Mary are journeying towards being received into the church at Easter. They gathered last Sunday at the Cathedral in Hamilton with others from all over the Diocese to celebrate the Rite of Election. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to enlighten their hearts and minds, and guide them to a deeper faith and love of Jesus, His church and His mission.
PRAY | FAST | GIVE
“When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Abstain (FAST) from luxuries, observe the Lenten Fast.
Pope Leo on Fasting
In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV reminds us to place God once again at the centre of our lives. Conversion begins by allowing God’s Word to touch our hearts and renew our commitment to Christ’s saving death and resurrection.
He highlights listening as essential: listening to God, to Scripture, and to the cry of the poor. Fasting, he says, awakens our hunger for justice and helps purify and reorder our desires toward God and what truly matters.
The Pope also urges a practical and often overlooked form of abstinence: “a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.” By disarming our language and choosing kindness over harshness, our families and parishes can become places of hope, peace, and welcome.
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.
PARISH NEWS
Prayer for Life | First Sunday of the Month after 9am Mass
On the first Sunday of each month, we gather after 9am Mass to pray for the protection of human life in New Zealand. Abortion is widespread (17, 775 in 2025) and euthanasia is part of our law. We believe we cannot be silent. Every human life is sacred and worthy of protection.
For 13 years, our parish has faithfully offered this prayer, asking the Lord to change hearts, guide our leaders and renew respect for life in our nation. We would love you to join us.
ABORTION. BABIES CAN LIVE WITHOUT IT.
St Vincent de Paul | Foodbank Request
This Lent, as we pray, fast, and give alms, you’re invited to share Christ’s love in a practical way. We are collecting non-perishable food items and small Easter treats to create Easter baskets for those in need.
Please place your donations in the St Vincent de Paul food bins in the foyer. Thank you for making your Lenten journey one of generosity and hope.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
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
Ministers for Sunday, 1 March
2nd Sunday of Lent
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
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
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
Join a group pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 05-18 June 2026.
Experience ‘Medjugorje In-Depth’ with a 10-night stay in the Holy Valley.
Expressions of interest are welcome.
Contact Patricia:
info@mirpilgrimages.co.nz | 027 35 25 217
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinars-2026
Every member of the Church has a role to play in building up the Body of Christ. This March, join us at Mission Hub as we reflect on Ephesians 4 and the five gifts Christ gives His people: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, and Teacher.
Together, we’ll explore how to recognise these gifts in ourselves, how they strengthen the Church, and how we can respond with courage and faith.
Monday 9 March, 7:00–8:30pm (NZ time), Online via Zoom. Prayer, inspiring content, discussion
Click here to register: https://bit.ly/march9webinar
Current of Grace Hamilton invite you to come along and bring a friend.
"Behold, I am making all things new”
Thursday 12 March 7pm at St Matthew’s Church, 58 Silverstream Rd, Hamilton
Beginning with tea/coffee. A small plate appreciated but not essential
Contact: Helen 0272941270
Join our Bishops and other people of faith to explore the Gospels of Lent online.
Parishioners are warmly invited to take part in the Lent Webinar Series 2026, a six‑week national online journey with New Zealand’s Catholic Bishops. Through prayer, reflection and sharing, Caritas and the Bishops of Aotearoa invite you to join us for a journey through Lent, in the light of the Gospel and the needs of our world. Hear what the Lord is asking of us in our moment of time. Each session includes guided reflection, insights from Catholic social teaching, and moments for quiet contemplation as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
To register, simply scan the QR code on the poster or visit the Caritas website.
www.caritas.org.nz/lent-webinars
Download dates and poster here.
4 March - Webinar Two: The Transfiguration | Listen to Him with Bishop Michael Dooley