Sunday, 17 May 2026
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
The Ascension marks the moment when Christ takes His place at the right hand of the Father upon the completion of His earthly mission. Rather than leaving us, we can view it as Christ elevating our human nature, showing us that where the Head has gone, the members of His Body are called to follow.
Some questions to ponder:
Why did Jesus have people witness His Ascension, while no one was present to see the Resurrection?
Why did Christ instruct the disciples to go all the way to Galilee for today’s gospel and then have to go back to Jerusalem for his Ascension?
Before the Ascension in Galilee, Our Lord said to His disciples, “know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” What did He mean, when He was very shortly going to leave them at His Ascension?
Who were the disciples who hesitated when the rest fell down before Christ on the mountain in Galilee?
How many commands was Our Lord referring to when He told His disciples to “teach them to observe all the commands I gave you”, and what were they?
Did Jesus still have sandals on His feet when He ascended?
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 1:1-11
We hear how the Apostles gathered in prayer with others (including Mary) in Jerusalem shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. When do you find yourself being called to prayer?
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 1:17-23
Peter teaches that we may suffer insults and ridicule for our belief in Jesus. Have you ever been insulted by others for your faith?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 28:16-20
Jesus sends His disciples into the world to make disciples of all nations, promising to remain with them always. How is Jesus inviting you to share your faith and help others become His disciples?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
John Duncan, Mikaere Pitiroi, Adrian Jeurissen, Betty Kelleher, Shane O’Leary, George Hone, Dorothy Stonex, Owira Moke, Thomas Keehan, Dorothy Rogers, Margaret Hepi-Te-Huia, Irena Mroczek, Robert Stockley, John McEachen, Edward Thompson, John Percell, Steven Cox, Ruth O’Connor.
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
Many Catholics have received strong formation in the faith — learning the teachings of the Church, deepening their understanding, and growing in confidence about what they believe. But how does that knowledge become something living, personal, and missionary?
This Sunday at 7pm, join Peter Gilmore for a practical and inspiring talk exploring the journey from catechesis to evangelisation: from knowing about Christ to helping others encounter him. Drawing on the conviction that truth and mission belong together, Peter will reflect on how solid formation can lead to confident, joyful witness in everyday life.
Rather than seeing catechesis, apologetics, and evangelisation as separate tasks, this session invites us to rediscover how the beauty and truth of the faith naturally overflow into invitation, accompaniment, and discipleship. Whether in our parishes, families, schools, or friendships, we are called not only to know the faith — but to share it.
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
ALPHA CONTINUES THIS THURSDAY 7PM - IT’S NOT TO LATE TO START
For many years I heard people talk about having a “relationship with Jesus”. I thought that meant they prayed more or were somehow holier than me. I went to Mass and believed in God — but Jesus still felt distant. Coming to Alpha helped me discover that faith isn’t just about knowing about God, but knowing Him personally. Hearing others share their experience of Jesus helped me understand this, and I came to experience and accept His great love for me in a new way.
If you’ve ever felt there might be “something more” to faith, Alpha is a great place to explore - it’s not too late to start!
PACT continues this Sunday with the third Reconciliation prep session.
Please pray for our children who are journeying towards receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 17 May: The Ascension of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Session 3 | Reconciliation Prep
10.30am | Youth Den/Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Peter Gilmore - From Knowing the Faith to Sharing the Faith
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 18 May
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 19 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Interchurch Welfare Society Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Wednesday, 20 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, 21 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Presbytery Building | Taupō
Alpha
7pm | Cafe | Taupō
Friday, 22 May
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 23 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
CFC - Christian Life Program
11am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 17 May
The Ascension of the Lord
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
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: Accompanying Others in Faith - Thresholds of Conversion & Evangelising Conversations
How do we journey with others as they move closer to Christ?
This May, Mission Hub will explore a practical and hope-filled approach to accompanying others in faith. Carly Mulqueen will guide us through the “thresholds of conversion” — helping us recognise where someone might be on their journey and how to enter into meaningful, evangelising conversations with sensitivity, courage, and trust in the Holy Spirit.
This session is in collaboration with the Catholic Enquiry Centre.
Monday 18 May
7:00–8:30pm (NZT)
Online
All are welcome.
Register: bit.ly/missionhubmay2026
Mission Hub is a monthly online space where people from across Aotearoa gather to be formed, inspired, and equipped for mission in their everyday lives. For more info and past sessions: https://missionhubnz.com/
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.
RELIC TOUR OF ST CARLO ACUTIS - ROTORUA
A major first-class relic of Saint Carlo Acutis, travelling from Assisi in Italy, will visit Rotorua from June 14–16 as part of the national pilgrimage across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Saint Carlo Acutis, the Church’s first millennial saint, continues to inspire young people throughout the world through his love of the Eucharist.
Public opportunities include Mass, adoration, veneration of relic, reconciliation, evening talks and a special Diocesan Youth Mass.
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 at www.activ8nz.org
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
COMMON GOOD FOUNDATION 2026 AGM
All are welcome to attend our annual meeting at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hamilton, on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. The event begins with Weekday Mass at 12:05 PM, followed by the meeting in the Mission Room (Cathedral Hall). Please register your attendance via our website or contact Caroline at admin@commongood.org.nz for more information.
Link to register: https://www.commongood.org.nz/events/