Sunday, 22 March 2026
5TH SUNDAY OF LENT
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
St. Paul, in our second reading, tells us, “The body is dead because of sin.” I wonder if we sometimes underestimate the effects of sin in our lives. Seen from this perspective, the way Our Lord interacts with the dead Lazarus is particularly striking. The message comes not as “the man who loves you is ill,” but rather “the man you love is ill.” Christ delayed in going to help, yet ultimately raised him from the dead, working through others to accomplish His will.
In all this, we see that it is Christ who is first; He is the one who initiates. This is especially true when we are in the midst of sin
This Thursday at 7 pm, we have the opportunity to receive the grace of forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance at our Rite II Reconciliation service. Are we willing to allow the desire to be forgiven, which is Christ’s gift to us, to reach its fulfilment by coming to Confession? By doing so, we let Christ work through the priest to bring us forgiveness, just as He worked through others to raise Lazarus. As Jesus said, “Unbind him, let him go free.”
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: EZEKIEL 37:12-14
We hear from the prophet Ezekiel the Lord’s promise to raise His people from the dead. What gives you hope in this promise?
SECOND READING: ROMANS 8:8-11
Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells in those who believe in Jesus and that same Spirit will raise our mortal bodies from the dead. How should this impact the way we live our lives today?
GOSPEL: JOHN 11:1-45
Despite her grief over the death of Lazarus, Martha believes that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, the Son of God. How has this season of Lent strengthened your faith in Jesus?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Alfred Clarke, Maxie Keith, Charles Binstead, Ada Hackshaw, James Quinn, Jack Girardin, Arthur Hepi, Kathleen Limbrick, Douglas Stallard, Sr M Enda Brown, Jinny Lipscombe.
Our Elect:
Malin, Sophie, John, Beaden and Mary are journeying towards being received into the church at Easter. 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.
"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works!"
"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works! If you see a poor man, take pity on him! If you see an enemy, be reconciled to him! If you see a friend gaining honour, envy him not!!"
St. John Chrysostom challenges us: true fasting isn't just skipping meals—it's a whole-person fast. Let your eyes fast from lust, ears from gossip, hands from greed, feet from evil paths. Prove it through mercy, reconciliation, humility. This Lenten discipline honors God, purifying body and soul for Easter joy.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: MARCH ‘For disarmament and peace’
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
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.
Walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. This week will be led by: Youth (Taupō)
PARISH NEWS
Talk after Rite II Reconciliation: Christian Persecution in the Middle East
What is really happening to Christians in the Middle East today?
Fadi Yalda, a lecturer in Biblical Studies at Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College, will speak about Christian persecution in the Middle East, with a brief view on the current political tension and what it means for Christian communities today.
Thursday 26th March | 7:45pm | Taupō
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 22 March: 5th 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 March
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 24 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Café | Taupō
Junior Youth Group
6pm-7.15pm (Year 7-9) | Taupō (Weekly during school term)
Wednesday, 25 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Holy Hour with Reconciliation | Tūrangi
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
6pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
RCIA
7.30pm | Café | Taupō
Thursday, 26 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Café | Taupō
Rite II Reconciliation Service | Taupō
7pm | Church | Taupō
Talk: Christian Persecution in the Middle East by Fadi Yalda | Taupō
7.45pm | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 27 March
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Stations of the Cross | Led by: Youth
7pm | Church | Taupō
Lenten Reflection
7.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 28 March
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 22 March
5th Sunday of Lent
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
RETREATS
One space left at Cluny Weekday retreat. Join us for a peaceful (silent) Ignatian retreat that includes Mass and personalised spiritual guidance from Fr. Richard Shortall SJ. Sunday, Apr 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM to Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM, Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga.
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
CHRISM MASS
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 31 March at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to join us to witness the blessing of the holy oils and the consecration of the Chrism for our diocese.
BISHOPS' LENTEN APPEAL
The New Zealand Bishops are encouraging the Catholic community to prayerfully consider how they can contribute to the annual Lenten Appeal. The appeal supports the work of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, which through its global network serves some of our world's most vulnerable and needy communities. The Bishops explain that acts of Christian charity can change the lives of those who benefit from that charity, but also can transform those who give with generosity — according to their own circumstances. Find out more at www.caritas.org.nz/lent
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
Men's Rosary
Calling all men to gather and pray for the conversion of New Zealand!
Where: Steps of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
When: Saturday, 28 March 2026, 12:00 pm
Recurring: Every first Saturday of the month from May
Contact: Bruce 021 556 227
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