Sunday, 19 April 2026
3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
I remember visiting an Emmaus church in the Holy Land, and I say “an” because several places lay claim to being the site of today’s Gospel account of the two disciples encountering the Risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. My abiding memory of travelling there was anything but spiritual. I did not realise that, being in the West Bank, my phone was no longer covered by my data plan, and I chewed through $140 of data on the short journey. Ironically, I was simply trying to figure out where we were going, as our guide could not accompany us and the driver had never been there before.
That experience is a far cry from that of the original travellers to Emmaus. After listening to the unrecognised Risen Lord explain the Scriptures, they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
Perhaps the question for us is simple: have we ever had that experience? When we read the Scriptures, when they are explained to us, or even during a homily at Holy Mass? If not, perhaps it is an opportunity to pray for those who preach and teach the Scriptures, that we may know Christ more deeply and share him more faithfully.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 2:14,22-33
In his first speech on the streets of Jerusalem, Peter quotes Psalm 16 as proof of God’s promise to David in raising Jesus from the dead. Have you ever made a promise to God?
SECOND READING: 1 PETER 1:17-21
In the resurrection of Jesus, Peter urges us to have our faith and hope in God. What is something you could hope for from God this week?
GOSPEL: LUKE 24:13-35
Jesus’ interpretation of Scripture opened the eyes of the two disciples. Does reading the Bible bring you clarity?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur around this time:
Julie Habib, Desmond Palmer, Leon Blair, Kathleen Hay, Ian McMullin, Thomas Mischewski, Brian King, Patrick Twohill, Mavis Schollum, Nina Bell, Patrick Avello, Winnie Mananui, Sheryl Winiera, Joseph Keeley, Brian Hickey, Judith Allcock, Mathijs Van Der Moolen, Hori Rutene, Pesamino Emani, Roy Hunter, Suzannah (Lil) Pomeroy, Elizabeth Daly, San Fransisco (Frank) Habib, Ioane Levao, Vincent White, Bernard Allcock, Jesse Lepper, Mary Carlyon.
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.
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, 19 April: 3rd Sunday of Easter
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 20 April
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 21 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Interchurch Welfare Society Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group
6pm-7.15pm (Year 7-9) | Taupō
(Weekly during school term)
Wednesday, 22 April
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12noon | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 23 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
Holy Hour
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 24 April
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 25 April
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 19 April
3rd Sunday of Easter
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
Mr. Pip (2012) is a drama set during the 1989 Bougainville Civil War, following Mr. Watts (Hugh Laurie), the last white man on the island, who reopens a school. He reads Dickens' Great Expectations to students, providing a comforting, imaginative escape for a young girl named Matilda. The story explores the power of literature amidst brutal conflict.
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
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.
If you are unable to attend but would like to send a birthday message please complete this form:
http://www.cdh.org.nz/mons80
SAVE THE DATE - We have an exciting announcement to make - Mike and Alicia from ‘The Messy Family Project’ are coming to New Zealand in May.
Tauranga area: 14 May
Hamilton area: 15 May.
More details to follow next week and on our socials. Keep an eye on www.cdh.org.nz/mfp
Catechists Day 2026
Supporting Disciples Who Form Disciples
Saturday 16 May 2026 | 9:30am – 3:00pm
St Mary’s School Hall, 61 Kensington St, Putāruru
Catechists from across the diocese are warmly invited to a day of formation, encouragement, and renewal in their ministry.
This year’s focus is the thresholds of conversion — understanding how people grow in faith and how catechists can better accompany children, parents, and adults as they move from curiosity about God to intentional discipleship. At the heart of the day is a simple vision: supporting disciples who form disciples.
The day will be led by Peter Gilmore, Coordinator of Evangelisation and Parish Renewal for the Diocese of Wollongong. Peter brings extensive experience in catechesis and diocesan formation, having previously served as a Faith Education Officer and Coordinator for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), where he supported faith formation across 29 parishes. His teaching combines theological depth with practical, pastoral insight that is both encouraging and accessible.
What the Day Will Cover
Together we will explore:
What conversion really means in the life of faith
The “thresholds of conversion” — trust, curiosity, openness, seeking, and intentional discipleship
How catechists can recognise where someone is and respond with confidence
The role of RCIA as the model for Christian initiation
How sacramental preparation can become an opportunity to evangelise families
Practical ways to create real encounters with Christ in parish life
The day will include teaching, breakout discussions, Mass together, and practical workshops. In the afternoon, participants can choose between two focused sessions:
Foundations of RCIA
Family Formation and Sacramental Preparation
Whether you are new to catechetical ministry or have served for many years, this day will offer encouragement, fresh insight, and practical tools to help you continue forming disciples in your parish.
Come and be renewed in your calling as a catechist — and be strengthened in the mission of supporting disciples who form disciples.
About Dr Mary Healy
Dr Mary Healy is Professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, a bestselling author, and an international speaker. She is a general editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of volumes on The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other works include The Spiritual Gifts Handbook and Healing.
Dr Healy serves on the Pontifical Biblical Commission and is a consultor to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. She is also involved in the Pentecostal-Catholic International Dialogue through the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. She is widely known for helping Catholics encounter the Word of God in a way that is both faithful to the Church and relevant to everyday life.
"ACTIV8 Prolife Youth Camp is back! Join us in Ngāruawāhia from 14–17 July for four action-packed days of engaging teaching, thoughtful discussions, and vibrant community! Learn how to speak up for the voiceless with clarity and confidence, dive deep into pro-life apologetics, build friendships, and discover your unique role in building a culture of life in NZ. Spaces are limited - Register before the end of April at www.activ8nz.org to secure our early bird ticket rate of $150!"
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