Sunday, 5 July 2026
14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
The Gospel reveals that the Father is “Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.” If the Father reveals these things to mere children, then Christ must be the most childlike among us. For the Gospel immediately goes on to say, “Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father.”
It should be no surprise, then, that Christ is revealed to us as the eternal Son of God. He is Son because He receives everything from the Father, and this is what it means to be a child. We receive our very life from our parents as children. Christ shows us that ultimately everything good comes to us as a gift from God.
The result of this radical, childlike receptivity is then given by Christ: “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.” If we are people who turn to Christ and constantly receive from Him, then one of the fruits will be that we share in His ability to rest, even in the midst of difficulties, because we are with Him and know that we are with Him and His heavenly Father.
- Fr Danny
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ZECHARIAH 9:9-10
Zechariah speaks of a just and humble king who will lead all people to a future of peace and joy. What are some things that make you genuinely happy?
SECOND READING: ROMANS 8:9,11-13
Paul teaches that the Spirit of God dwells in those who believe in Jesus. Where do you see the Holy Spirit active in your life?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 11:25-30
Jesus speaks of himself as meek and humble of heart, and invites us to find “rest” in him. What are some burdens Jesus could relieve for you?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Colin Podjursky, Marie Rix, Edward Allcock, Mark Keehan, Jean Johnson, Sydney Hand, Antonia Pol, Felicity Hull, Anna Joosten, Beatrice Mika, Mavis Ngamotu, Francis Corry, Kahui Wallace, John Otimi.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: JULY ‘FOR RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE’’
Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognising it as a gift from God.
PARISH NEWS
PRAYER FOR LIFE CONNECT | FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
On the first Sunday of each month, we gather after 9am Mass to pray for the protection of human life in New Zealand. Abortion is widespread (17, 775 in 2025) and euthanasia is part of our law. We believe we cannot be silent. Every human life is sacred and worthy of protection.
For 13 years, our parish has faithfully offered this prayer, asking the Lord to change hearts, guide our leaders and renew respect for life in our nation. We would love you to join us.
ABORTION.
BABIES CAN LIVE WITHOUT IT.
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), 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. Showing on Sunday 5 July at 6.30pm.
All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.
Please note there will be no Mass in Tūrangi this coming Wednesday 8th July, and no Holy Hour in Taupō this coming Thursday 9th July.
We celebrate an Anointing Mass on the second Friday of each month at the 12.00pm Mass. This sacrament is offered for those who are experiencing illness, frailty, or the challenges of ageing, and for anyone who would benefit from the prayer and grace of anointing.
Parishioners are warmly encouraged to attend, or to invite someone who may appreciate this opportunity. St Vincent de Paul kindly provide lunch afterwards, offering a chance for fellowship and support.
YOUTH GROUP ENDS THE TERM WITH PLENTY OF FUN!
Around 30 young people joined our Years 7–9 Youth Group for an action-packed end-of-term Games Night. The evening included the ever-popular Chocolate Game, pool noodle hockey, pizza, ice cream, and finished with prayer as we gave thanks for a great term together.
Our 10 Young Adults (Years 9–13) also celebrated the end of term with prayer, discussion and recap of Youth Alpha Program, the Chocolate Game, and an impromptu karaoke session. A special mention goes to Samuel Baroek, whose amazing voice was the perfect way to end a fun evening of friendship and faith.
Please join again next term starting on Tuesday 21st of July.
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.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 5 July: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer for Life
After 9am Mass | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Movie Night
6.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Monday, 6 July
Tim Tam Connect | Bookclub
10am | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 7 July
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 8 July
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
No Mass Today | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 9 July
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
No Holy Hour Tonight | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Alpha
7pm | Cafe & Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 10 July
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
12.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 11 July
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 5 July
14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
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
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
MISSION HUB: FROM WELCOME TO DISCIPLESHIP
What helps people move from simply attending church to becoming missionary disciples?
Join us online as Jacinta Nicholls shares practical insights from St Peter Chanel Parish, Waimakariri on creating communities where people belong, grow in faith, and encounter Christ.
Ideal for parish leaders, hospitality teams, ministry leaders and anyone passionate about parish renewal.
Monday 13 July | 7.00pm–8.30pm (NZT) | Online
Register at: https://missionhubnz.com
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:
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.
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!