Sunday, 28 June 2026
13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
What does it mean to be worthy of Jesus? We hear this phrase three times in today’s Gospel. It appears in the context of preferring Christ over parents, children, and even choosing the cross.
We are never “worthy” of Christ if we regard ourselves as equal to Him, or worse, if we think He owes us anything. If that is not what He means, then what can He possibly be saying? I suggest that, from His perspective, worthiness means recognising our need for Him. He desires to shower us with grace and mercy, but do we see ourselves as needing his mercy? It is in our weakness that we attract the merciful gaze of Christ, when that weakness turns to Him for His strength.
This means that if we want to be the best children, the best parents, and truly able to follow Christ by carrying our cross, we must hunger for his mercy.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: 2 KINGS 4:8-11,13-16
The Shunammite woman is rewarded for her hospitality to the prophet Elisha. Is there a friend or colleague who needs your kindness this week?
SECOND READING: ROMANS 6:3-4,8-11
Paul teaches the Romans that as believers, we have died and risen in Christ and now look forward to living in “newness of life.” Is there something you are really looking forward to?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 10:37-42
Jesus sets a high standard for those who choose to follow him. What have you found most rewarding about following Jesus?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Kerry Hogg, Daniel McCourt, Clive McPike, John McMaster, Peter Gutberlet, Malcom Wallace, Brian Watson, Duke Rameka, June Rowe, Walter Weterings, Antonius (Cor) Molenaar, Mavis Moke, Eric (Ray) Bird, Dane Ritete, Kori Rameka, Sarah Travers.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: JUNE ‘FOR THE VALUE OF SPORTS’’
Let us pray for sports to be an instrument of peace, encounter and dialogue among cultures and nations; may they promote the values of respect, solidarity and personal growth.
PARISH NEWS
YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT
Last week, our Year 7–9 youth took a break from their regular gathering at the church and enjoyed an evening at the movies. It was a fun opportunity to relax and spend time together outside of our usual programme.
Our final Youth Group and Young Adults gathering for the term is this coming Tuesday, 30 June. We'd love to see everyone there as we finish the term together before the holidays.
CONNECT GROUPS TAKING A BREAK FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This coming week is the final week of the school term. The following Connect Groups will then take a break for the school holidays and will resume in the week beginning Monday, 20 July:
Youth Group & Young Adults
Community Lunch
Depth Charge Connect
Purl Connect
Endurance Connect
We wish everyone a restful and refreshing holiday break and look forward to reconnecting next term.
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.
Next film is Les Misérables (1998), showing on Sunday 5 July at 6.30pm.
All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 28 June: 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Confirmation Session 2
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 29 June
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 30 June
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch | LAST ONE FOR THE TERM
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group Yrs 7-9 | LAST ONE FOR THE TERM
6pm | Cafe | Taupō
Young Adults Ages 14-20 | LAST ONE FOR THE TERM
7.15pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Wednesday, 1 July
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, 2 July
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 & Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 3 July
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 4 July
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 28 June
13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
The 1998 non-musical film adaptation of Les Misérables follows ex-convict Jean Valjean as he attempts to escape his past and outrun the relentless Inspector Javert. Set in 19th-century France, the epic story spans decades, highlighting themes of mercy, redemption, and the battle between law and justice. All welcome.
RETREATS
🌿 Women's Retreat – Tyburn Monastery 🌿
14–16 August 2026
Are you longing to slow down, rest, and simply be with Jesus?
Join us for a weekend of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we explore the beautiful practice of Lectio Divina – listening to God's voice through Scripture and learning to rest in His presence.
Our retreat will include talks from Fr Aidan on the theme of Grace, personal prayer time, fellowship, and opportunities to encounter the Lord in the peaceful surroundings of Tyburn Monastery.
✨ "You stop talking. You sit quietly. No analysing. No striving. Just being with Him."
Whether you're feeling weary, spiritually dry, or simply longing for more, this retreat is an invitation to step away from the busyness of life and allow God to meet you where you are.
📍 Tyburn Monastery 📅 14–16 August 2026
💰$160. ($50 deposit secures your place 💰) Balance due by 10 August 2026
Places are limited. Follow the link to register. You won't get charged on that site. I'll email a bank number or if you need to pay by credit card I can do that over the phone. I can also take afterpay.
https://buytickets.at/project10/2274028
Come and discover the grace that is found not in striving, but in resting with Him. ❤️
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
MEN’S DINNER & WHISKY EVENING
Men over 18 still discerning your vocation: you’re invited to a relaxed meal and whisk(e)y evening in Hamilton.
When: Thursday 2 July 2026, 6:00pm
Who: Bishop Richard Laurenson, Fr Adam Kirkeby, Fr Isaac Fransen & Dr Brendon Fraser-Jones
Why: Enjoy a meaty meal and a little whisky, tackle the vocations crisis, and get to know Bishop Richard (and vice versa) in a casual setting.
Bring your questions on faith, vocations, fatherhood, or life. Plenty of meat for all. Email vocations@cdh.org.nz for the address, to RSVP, ask questions, or transport.
COMMON GOOD FOUNDATION CARING SUNDAY 2026 APPEAL 11/12 JULY
Giving to the Caring Sunday Appeal means that you are making it possible for groups across our Diocese to serve the most vulnerable. The Common Good Foundation [Catholic Care in Action] gives grants to a range of groups and organisations including groups that offer counselling and social work, serve the homeless and in need at foodbanks, deliver powerful parish-based initiatives, and many more different whānau-focused programmes that enable families to thrive. Donate today by grabbing an envelope from your church foyer or contact Caroline at admin@commongood.org.nz or donate online at www.commongood.org.nz
Expressions of Interest for World Youth Day 2027 are being taken. Complete the form at www.cdh.org.nz/wyd2027. Information evening and Mass coming up - keep up to date with all news related to World Youth Day 2027!
SAFEGUARDING
NOPS is offering an online Strengthening our Culture of Safeguarding Workshop over the next few weeks. These are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Monday, June-29, 7pm
Wednesday, July-15, 12pm
Thursday, July-29, 7pm
Register here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZaoiP7hJnYgVaW416Be8TIU5YStAi3U6/view
Click on the Training tab at the top of the website, then Upcoming Workshops; it takes you to the information and registration page.
These additional online workshops will complement the good work already being done around the country in meeting the need for online safeguarding workshops.
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