Sunday, 5 April 2026
EASTER SUNDAY
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
Christus surréxit! Surréxit vere, allelúja! (“Christ is risen!” “He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”) This is our joyful Easter cry, and it points to the very centre of our faith. We give thanks for our own Baptism, in which we emerged from the waters forever changed by our union with the risen Christ. In rising from the tomb, He binds Himself forever, through the Sacrament of Baptism, to those who receive it.
Mary of Magdala said after Christ’s Resurrection, “We do not know where they have put Him.” The Good News is that we do know where He is. He is in His physical Body in Heaven. He is substantially and sacramentally present in every tabernacle in the world. And, by His grace, He dwells in the souls of those who have been baptised and who maintain His life within them, which we call sanctifying grace.
Because we know where He is, we can approach Him in Heaven through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where we say, “We lift them up to the Lord.” We can receive Him sacramentally in Holy Communion, deepening our union with Him. And we can pray to Him with the charity and the Holy Spirit that dwell within us (Romans 8:26).
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 10:34,37-43
Peter testifies to others about what the Apostles witnessed with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Do you ever share your faith with friends or family?
SECOND READING: COLOSSIANS 3:1-4
Paul encourages the Colossians to see themselves as already risen with Christ, anticipating his return in glory. Does anticipating Christ’s return impact any of your daily decision-making?
GOSPEL: JOHN 20:1-9
Both the angel of the Lord and the risen Jesus greet Mary Magdalene and the other Mary with these words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Who in your circle of friends or family needs to be comforted this week?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Joseph Rameka, Keith Rangi, Hazel Waldren, Fay Achilles, Alice Smith, Robert Rameka, Masela Falaniko, Gerardus Schalkwijk, James Koko, Antonio Gabriels, Harvey Marshall, Eileen Clement, Michael Reilly, Stella Gilmour.
Resurrection Joy: Welcome to our new catholics
At the Easter Vigil we celebrate the baptisms of Malin, Sophie, John, Beaden and receive Mary into the Church. All of them receive the Holy Spirit in Confirmation and receive Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist. As we celebrate, we continue to pray for them, as they grow in their relationship with Jesus in and through the Church. May the Holy Spirit always lead, guide and strengthen them, and through their witness of faith, share the saving love of Jesus with others.
HE IS RISEN!!!
Christ is Risen—Alleluia! Our parish is filled with joy as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. Whether you’re Catholic, exploring faith, or visiting, you are so welcome this Easter.
After our 40 days of Lent—through prayer, fasting, and generosity—we don’t stop here. This is just the beginning. As we journey through Easter toward Pentecost, God continues to draw us deeper into faith and mission.
Want to take your next step, but not sure where to start? Scan this code and begin the journey.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL | THANK YOU
Thank you to all the generous people who have donated goods that have been distributed to those in need in our community. The hampers have brought relief, dignity and joy to families who might otherwise have gone without, reminding them that they are supported, valued and not alone.
COMPASSIO | LENTEN REFLECTION
Over the past six weeks, groups have gathered in Taupō and Tūrangi to pray, learn, share and grow together in faith. We are very grateful to the Diocese of Wollongong for providing such stunningly beautiful and insightful reflection booklets. Thank you too, to Jenny for coordinating this fantastic initiative that is spreading throughout the Diocese of Hamilton. If you would like to make a donation that will support the expanison of this programme in 2027, you can make a donation here:
Bank AC: R C Bishop of Hamilton 02-0342-0050008-003
Reference: Donation / Compassio / Name
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: APRIL ‘FOR PRIESTS IN CRISIS’
Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.
PARISH NEWS
CONNECT GROUPS:
We have lots of small groups that you can connect with! Do you like movies, gardening or knitting? Want to deepen your prayer life or learn more about the Catholic Faith? Groups for men, women and youth - we want everyone to experience the joy of belonging to our vibrant community! Check out the Connect Group Display in the church foyer for details.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 5 April: Easter Sunday
9am Mass, Taupō | 12noon Mass, Tūrangi
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer for Life
After 9am Mass | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 6 April
Tim Tam Connect | Book Club
10am | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 7 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 8 April
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12noon | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
RCIA
7.30pm | Café | Taupō
Thursday, 9 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Holy Hour
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Friday, 10 April
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After 12noon Mass | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 11 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 5 April
Easter Sunday
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
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
You’re warmly invited to a special Easter Praise & Worship Night led by the Set Free Band, in preparation for Set Free — our diocesan youth festival.
An evening to reflect on the hope and joy of Easter, open to all ages. Supper will be provided, and all are very welcome.
Easter Monday, 6 - 8pm. St Matthew’s, Hillcrest
"Strengthening our Culture of Safeguarding"
This 90-minute workshop is suitable for any person with a role (paid or volunteer) in any Catholic organisation or group. Registration is required, and anyone 18 years and
younger must attend with a parent/guardian. Attendance is recorded, and a certificate of attendance will be issued.
Reach out to safeguarding@nops.org.nz if you have any questions.
Wed 8 Apr 7:00 pm
Wed 15 Apr 12 noon
Reflect on the gospel foundation of safeguarding
Learn what it means to use a safeguarding lens in our roles
Engage through reflective questions and scenarios
Mission Hub – The Holy Spirit at the Heart of Mission
We are excited to welcome Bishop John Adams from the Diocese of Palmerston North as our first guest speaker at Mission Hub this April.
In this special session, Bishop John will reflect on “The Holy Spirit at the Heart of Mission,” inviting us to rediscover how the Holy Spirit continues to guide, inspire, and empower the Church in her mission today. Together, we will explore how we can grow in openness to the Spirit’s movement in our own lives and be renewed in our call to share the Gospel.
Mission Hub is a monthly online gathering that brings people together from across the country to learn, pray, reflect, and be encouraged in mission. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith and be inspired by others seeking to follow Christ.
Monday 13 April
7.00–8.30pm (NZ time)
Online
Everyone is welcome and invited to register here:https://bit.ly/apr13zoom
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
