Sunday, 3 May 2026
5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
It is always a temptation to reduce the words of Christ to what they mean for me.
Perhaps this is why Christ often speaks in ways that are not immediately easy to grasp. For instance, today’s Gospel: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” or “The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own authority.” Phrases like these cannot simply be reduced to the question, “How do I change?”
Our Lord does not want us first to reduce his words or deeds to a purely moral level: “What should I do?” or, even less helpfully, “How does this make you feel?”
Instead, the answer is given to the Apostle: “‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him, ‘and still you do not know me?’” In this we see that Christ desires to spend time with us, and that the goal of this time and relationship with Him is, first of all, to come to know Him.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 6:1-7
We hear how the Apostles selected men filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to help serve the widows in the growing Jerusalem Church. Is there a family member or friend you could help this week?
SECOND READING: 1 PETER 2:4-9
Peter speaks of the resurrected Jesus as a “living stone.” How do you sense that Jesus is alive in your life?
GOSPEL: JOHN 14:1-12
Jesus is patient with Thomas and Philip when they are slow to understand him. Who or what challenges your patience?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Francis O’Shaughnessy, Maria Ceccon, Theresa Corry, Duncan McMillan, James O’Dwyer, William Gardiner, Johnson Rutene, Hilairé Chapman, Richard Hodgson, Frances Tait, Anthony Rehua-Subritzky, Titari Hill, Marjorie Silvestor.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: MAY ‘THAT EVERYONE MIGHT HAVE FOOD’
Let us pray for those who go hungry while others waste; awaken in us gratitude, simplicity, and a spirit of sharing, that we may care for Your gifts meant for all, guiding our communities to live responsibly, act with compassion, and ensure no one is excluded from the common table.
PARISH NEWS
WELCOME TO GRACE MERWYN - YOUTH MINISTER
We warmly welcome Grace Merwyn as our Parish Youth Minister.
Grace has grown up in our parish and has already been leading our youth group over the past year. This role formalises her ministry and ensures she has the support needed to help our youth flourish.
Please keep Grace in your prayers as she steps into this important ministry, and join us in offering her your encouragement and support.
PACT starts this Sunday, to find out more about this year’s exciting programme for baptised children aged 8 years and older, designed to prepare them to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Eucharist, or to register visit: www.tongarirocatholic.nz/our-programmes/pact
Questions? office@tongarirocatholic.nz or contact Sue 027 555 3339
WHY DOES OUR PARISH RUN ALPHA?
I grew up knowing that Jesus came to share the Good News — and that we’re called to do the same. But for a long time, I didn’t know how.
When someone asked me, “What does it mean to be Catholic?” I often didn’t know where to begin.
That’s where Alpha comes in.
Alpha creates a simple, welcoming space where people can explore life, faith, and meaning — no pressure, no expectations, just honest conversation.
WHO WILL YOU INVITE?
If someone has asked you:
- “Why do you go to church?”
- “Why do you believe in God?”
Or you know someone who is searching for meaning, or feeling a lack of hope, Alpha could be the perfect opportunity for you to invite them to “come and see!”
The easiest way to invite someone is simply to say:
“I know you’ve had questions about faith and church in the past — I think you’d really enjoy coming along to Alpha with me. We share dessert, watch a short video, and then have a relaxed conversation about it.”
It doesn’t need to be complicated — just a genuine invitation can make all the difference. Is there someone God is placing on YOUR heart to invite?
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.
MOVIE NIGHT CONNECT | ALL WELCOME!
Looking for a relaxed way to connect with others in the parish? Come along to our Movie Night Connect Group, held on the first Sunday of each month at 6.30pm in the church café. It’s a simple evening of good films, friendly conversation, and supper shared together.
We watch a range of movies that spark reflection and discussion, and there’s always space for new faces—so feel free to come along or bring a friend.
This month’s film is Mr Pip, showing on Sunday 3 May at 6.30pm.
All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 3 May: 5th Sunday of Easter
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer For Life
After 9am Mass | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Session 1 | Reconciliation Prep
10.30am | Youth Den | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Movie Night | Mr Pip
6.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Monday, 4 May
Tim Tam Connect | Bookclub
10am | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 5 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Wednesday, 6 May
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
No Mass Today | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Mahjong Connect
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 7 May
No Mass Today | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
No Holy Hour Today | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 8 May
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After 12noon Mass | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 9 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 3 May
5th Sunday of Easter
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
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.
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
CURRENT OF GRACE | HAMILTON EVENTS
Pentecost Charismatic Mass - Sunday 24th May 5pm, St Columba’s Church, Rifle Range Rd, Hamilton. Soup and buns afterwards - You are welcome to bring a small plate to share.
Come and be Encouraged with Sr Katherine Stone (MGL) Sharing her Experience of God’s Mercy- Sunday 31st May 7pm, St Peter Chanel School Hall, 5 Vardon Road, Hamilton. Starting with tea/coffee - a small plate appreciated but not essential.
"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!"
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
We are so excited to be welcoming Mike and Alicia Hernon from the Messy Family Project to our diocese this May. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a strong family life in the middle of the everyday mess… this is for you. Their talk on Growing a Family Culture is all about the reality of family life — how the small, often unseen things in our homes shape our children, our relationships, and the kind of family we become. Not through perfection, but through intention. They’ll be sharing five key elements that help create a family culture that is strong, faith-filled, and lived out day by day.
St Thomas More Catholic School Gathering Space, Mount Maunganui – Thursday 14 May, 7.00pm
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall, Hamilton – Friday 15 May, 7.00pm
All are welcome - no registration required.
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