Sunday, 24 May 2026
PENTECOST SUNDAY
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
At Pentecost we think of the Holy Spirit, and we also tend to think of receiving the Holy Spirit at Baptism or at Confirmation. But is it not interesting that in today’s Gospel our Lord says to the Apostles, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” and then immediately says, “For those whose sins you forgive…”? While this is certainly the power to forgive sins, there is clearly a link between forgiveness, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Holy Spirit.
Can we not say that in the Sacrament of Penance we experience in a very real and intimate way the healing action of the Holy Spirit? When we go to confession, we are restored in grace, life is breathed into us again, and we are strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage. Do we remember this when we go to confession?
This same Holy Spirit that the Apostles received immediately after Christ’s Resurrection was poured out in fullness at Pentecost, leading to the conversion of three thousand souls. Perhaps, if we desire to be fruitful and to see the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, the first step is simply a good Confession.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ACTS 2:1-11
We see how the Holy Spirit filled the Apostles, and they were able to proclaim a message that unified the large crowds in Jerusalem. Have you ever felt united in purpose with a large group of people?
SECOND READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7,12-13
Paul teaches that each of us receives the manifestation of the Holy Spirit for some benefit. What gift of the Holy Spirit would friends or family say you possess?
GOSPEL: JOHN 20:19-23
The resurrected Jesus sends the disciples forth equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit to forgive or retain sins. Does forgiving others come easily to you?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Dorothy Rogers, William Hamilton, Lucy Tinker, Michael Parker, Mary Harvey, Agnes Oxley, Edward Hill, Harry Smith, Gladys Eatson, Roman Graham.
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
COLLECT YOUR PLATES!
A hefty collection of plates and serving dishes has gathered in the church café. If you’ve been wondering where your favourite plate disappeared to, this could be your moment! Please take a quick look and reclaim anything that belongs to you.
Thank you for helping us keep the café clutter-free!
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 Reconciliation celebration.
Please pray for our children who are journeying towards receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 24 May: Pentecost Sunday
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Session 4 | Reconciliation Celebration
After 9am Mass | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 25 May
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 26 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Wednesday, 27 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, 28 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, 29 May
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 30 May
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
CFC - Christian Life Program
11am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 24 May
Pentecost Sunday
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
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/