Sunday, 10 May 2026
6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
In the Gospel today we begin and end with love: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” and “anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father” respectively. In between, Christ repeatedly uses the words “know” and “see”. There is always an interplay between loving, knowing, and seeing. Within these verses we also encounter the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this Gospel, the Holy Spirit is presented not by name but by function, namely as the Advocate. And not just any advocate, but “another Advocate”, meaning that Christ Himself is also presented as an advocate.
This title, Advocate, is a legal term. Christ and the Holy Spirit stand before the Father on our behalf. If witnesses in a trial promise to tell the truth, how much more will Christ and the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of Truth” as He is called in the Gospel, speak truthfully before the Father on our behalf: the truth about who we are, what they have seen, and how we live. The Good News is that their testimony is always surrounded by love.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 8:5-8, 14-17
We hear how even the Samaritans came to believe in Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. When have you been surprised by God?
SECOND READING: 1 PETER 3:15-18
Peter taught his community to learn how to explain their faith to others, even if they are hostile. Do you feel confident defending the faith?
GOSPEL: JOHN 14:15-21
Jesus assures his disciples that God gives us the Holy Spirit to serve as our Advocate. What might you pray for this week from the Holy Spirit?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Edward Kelleher, Pakome Teao, Stephanie Westerman, Leonard Lee, Delwyn Little, Brendan Angland, John Tohill, Pelenatete Petio, Allan Jolly, Paraihe (Mabel) Rameka, Marian Glazewski.
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
USING YOUR GIFTS!
It is almost time for our 3 month roster cycle, a perfect opportunity to reflect on how the Lord might be calling you to use the gifts He has given you. If you would like to help with baking, cleaning, reading the prayers of the faithful or any one of the many roles that help make our parish flourish. Email Sarah: admin@tongarirocatholic.nz
SOPHIE’S JOURNEY TO FAITH THROUGH ALPHA
My journey into faith hasn’t been a straight path- it’s been something that’s grown slowly over time.
I first encountered faith at an Anglican school, and later during university when I attended Arise Church in Wellington. But if I’m honest, I never truly felt like I belonged. I was present, but something didn’t quite connect in a deeper way.
Fast forward ten years, and everything began to change when I came to Alpha. That’s where my faith journey really began. It gave me the space to start asking questions—about my life, about meaning, and about the way things were unfolding around me. When I started to pray, I noticed things beginning to shift. It wasn’t always dramatic, but there was a sense that my heart was opening.
While overseas, I continued Alpha online and absolutely loved it—the videos, the discussions, and the way it encouraged honest conversation. Around that time, I also began attending a Catholic church next to where I was staying in the UK. At first, it felt overwhelming and unfamiliar, but with Alison’s guidance, I slowly found my way.
When I returned to Taupō, my faith deepened even more. I began going to Mass every weekend and joined RCIA with Fr Danny. Through that, I met some incredible people and had meaningful conversations that helped answer many of the questions I’d been carrying. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt like I belonged.
I know my journey is still continuing, but the longer I walk this path, the more I’m coming to understand my connection to God in a deeper and more personal way.
ALPHA STARTS THIS THURSDAY 7PM - WHO WILL YOU INVITE?
Do you know someone who has questions about faith, 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!”
PACT continues this Sunday with the second Reconciliation prep session.
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, visit:
www.tongarirocatholic.nz/our-programmes/pact
Questions? office@tongarirocatholic.nz or contact Sue 027 555 3339
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 10 May: 6th Sunday of Easter
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Session 2 | Reconciliation Prep
10.30am | Youth Den/Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 11 May
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 12 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Cafe | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Wednesday, 13 May
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass | Tūrangi
12noon | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 14 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Presbytery Building | Taupō
Alpha
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 15 May
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 16 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 10 May
6th Sunday of Easter
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
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.
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.
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!
CARMELITE CHAPEL REBUILD
The Carmelite Sisters in Christchurch are fundraising to rebuild their public chapel. Visit their webpage to view videos and find out more: https://christchurchcarmel.org.nz/chapel-rebuild.html. If you would like to contribute to this appeal, they would be very grateful.
Account Name: The Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Christchurch) Charitable Trust. Account Number: 03-1592-0216044-001
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