Sunday, 12 April 2026
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
Easter joy and the mercy of God, that is, Divine Mercy, meet and are revealed on this Sunday. We are given a glimpse into the Heart of Christ in the Gospel. Thomas the doubter is invited to place his hand into the pierced side of Christ, which leads straight to His Heart. In that moment, the heart of Thomas, once closed in doubt, is so deeply moved that he makes the great confession, “My Lord and my God!”
The wound of Christ and the wound of Thomas’s doubt converge in a moment of profound beauty. Here we see how mercy works. We come before Our Lord with a wound, a need, a lack; and Christ, through His glorified wounds, receives us. As He revealed to Saint Faustina: “Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion.” (Diary, 1146)
It is precisely because of our weakness that He draws us into a moment of intimacy. There, the very place of our wound becomes the place of encounter; and like Thomas, we too are led to confess, “My Lord and my God.”
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 2:42-47
In the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the community of believers in Jerusalem experienced much joy and harmony. In what ways do you help build up your faith community?
SECOND READING: 1 PETER 1:3-9
With Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, Peter can now speak of an inheritance that awaits all believers and will one day be revealed to us. How should knowledge of this upcoming gift impact our living in the present moment?
GOSPEL: JOHN 20:19-31
Thomas needed concrete evidence before he would believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. What convinces you that Jesus is risen and alive?
©LPi
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.
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, 12 April: Divine Mercy Sunday
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 13 April
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 14 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Wednesday, 15 April
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12noon | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 16 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Holy Hour
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Friday, 17 April
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 18 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 12 April
Divine Mercy 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
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
"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
Mons Frank 80th Birthday Celebration
Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday 9 May, 11.00 am
All welcome, please bring a plate of food to share in the Cathedral Hall following Mass
If you are able to please email jo.eggleton@gmail.com to RSVP
We are delighted to be approaching a special milestone in the life of St Joseph’s Catholic School, New Plymouth and we warmly invite past students, staff, and families to join us in this joyful celebration of this Mission Sister’s school. This will be a meaningful time to come together in fellowship, to reconnect, and to give thanks for the many memories and blessings shared within our school community.
Please mark your calendars for Friday 23 October, Saturday 24 October, and Sunday 25 October.
We kindly ask you to complete the “Register Your Interest” form here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeUuzs83RR.../viewform...
As our planning continues and we gain a clearer idea of numbers attending, further details will be shared here. In the spirit of community, please feel free to pass this invitation on to others who have been part of St Joseph’s Catholic School, so we can gather as widely as possible.
In the meantime, we invite you to stay connected by following our Facebook page, where you can see the life and spirit of our school as it continues today.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576850039718
We look forward to welcoming you back, renewing connections, and celebrating together as a faith-filled whānau.
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