Sunday, 3 August 2026
18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
After all this reflection on parables, we now encounter Christ making use of objects that also appeared in His parables, namely, loaves and fish. Once again, ordinary things are taken up, but now they become instruments through which Christ manifests His power over nature and His desire to nourish His people.
Here Christ does not heal people who are broken; rather, He feeds them, and He feeds them completely. “They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full.” He feeds them to such an extent that there are leftovers, a superabundance which calls us to meditate: why did Our Lord leave this abundance remaining? What hidden message is He inviting us to discover? If the parables explicitly invite reflection on the deeper hidden message, can we not also say that this miracle calls us to the same meditation?
In truth, every word and deed of Christ is fruitful food for meditation, because they are the actions of God Himself, revealing His love, His power, and His desire to draw humanity into communion with Him.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 13:44-52
Moved with pity for the crowds, Jesus healed the sick among them and fed thousands with only five loaves and two fish. Can you think of a time when someone showed compassion toward you?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Adam Smith, Anastasia Palmer, Ruby McEachen, Graham Mika, Rocco De Petra, Gertrude (Paddy) O’Donnell, Alice Pereira, Judith Harvey, Anne Taylor, Chantelle Mathieson, Wilhelmus Van Assema.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: AUGUST “FOR EVANGELIZATION IN THE CITY’’
Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
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 Children’s liturgy, cleaning, reading the prayers of the faithful, baking or any one of the many roles that help make our parish flourish. Email Sarah: admin@tongarirocatholic.nz
NEW SERIES | THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
Discover St. John Paul II's inspiring vision of the human person. Together we'll explore love, identity, relationships, vocation, marriage, human dignity, and God's purpose for our lives.
Young Adults Seniors (Ages 18-35)
Information Evening | Thursday 13th August 6.30pm
Weekly Series Begins | Thursday 20th August 6.30pm following holy hour.
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL | TAUPŌ
St Vincent de Paul helps people but we need your kind generosity. Here are some ways you can help if you can:
Donate Groceries: We are running a grocery drive during the month of August and onwards, any donations can be left in the St Vincent de Paul boxes in the foyer at any time. Suggestions: non perishable foods i.e. cans (beans, tomatoes, pasta sauce, tuna, fruit etc), dried foods (pasta, rice, cereal, noodles etc.) tomato sauce, biscuits, tea, coffee, toiletries and cleaning items but we will make use of anything donated.
Donate Money: Cash can be put into the SVDP box on the back wall of the foyer or Deposits can be made into our Taupō account:
SVDP Bay of Plenty Area Council: 02-0506-0378043-014
(please note this is a new account as of July 2026)Donate Time: Calling for new members! We are a small group extending Catholic Christianity to all people especially here in Taupō. Your talents would be appreciated. The more members we have the more we can do. We have a monthly meeting lasting about an hour and volunteer our time to meet any needs that are requested of us.
And lastly but most importantly:
Let us know: With discretion, let us know of any families or individuals who are in need of a helping hand through a difficult time. We will endeavour to support them in some small way. Contact Joyce Ranger on 022 351 2375
GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU
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.
Citizen Kane: When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."
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.
This month’s film is Citizen Kane, showing on Sunday 2 August at 6.30pm.
All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 2 August: 18th 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
PACT | Holy Communion Session 2
10.30am | Youth Den/Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Parish Movie Night | Citizen Kane
6.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Monday, 3 August
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 4 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
St Patrick’s Young Adults | Ages 14-20
7.15pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Wednesday, 5 August
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Hancock’s Place | Taupō
Rosary | Tūrangi
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12noon | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
RCIA | Rite of Initiation for Adults
7.30pm | Taupō
Thursday, 6 August
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
Friday, 7 August
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 8 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 2 August
18TH 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
"Register Interest"
Save the ‘date’ for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Rome in April 2027, with Bishop Richard intending to join the journey. Travel with Mir Pilgrimages whose founder has visited Medjugorje over 35 times.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from people across our Diocese who may wish to travel with this group. Registering your interest is not a commitment, it simply means you'll receive updates as plans, itinerary and pricing are confirmed.
Register your interest:
www.cdh.org.nz/pilgrimage2027
Walk With Me: The Joy of Accompanying Others in Faith
What if the most important thing you could offer someone exploring faith wasn’t all the answers, but simply your presence?
Whether you’re involved in RCIA, Alpha, parish ministry, or simply have a heart for helping others grow closer to Jesus, this evening is for you. Join Carly Mulqueen from the Catholic Enquiry Centre for an inspiring and practical workshop on the art of accompanying others on their journey of faith. Discover how simple acts of friendship, listening, prayer and encouragement can make a lasting difference as the Holy Spirit leads people to Christ.
Everyone is welcome – current and prospective RCIA sponsors, Alpha team members, parish leaders, and anyone who wants to grow in accompanying others with confidence and compassion.
Tuesday 11 August, 7.00 pm
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hamilton
Come and be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to walk alongside others as they encounter Jesus.
WORLD YOUTH DAY SEOUL 2027 WEBINAR SERIES
“Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is holding its 4th session for the WYD Seoul 2027 webinar series. Join us for this session, “Witnessing: A Call for Young People to Evangelise” with the Auckland Diocese NET Team. This will be on Tuesday, 1st of September 2026, 5:00-6:00pm on Zoom online platform. Register through www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinars-2026. Fee discounts apply.”
Robert Falzon - Australian, husband, father, author - had built up a successful business but thought, ’No, this isn’t enough; this isn’t all that I was called for’… His passion is family relationships especially as God’s children
SAVE the DATE
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August 7pm
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hall
The Father’s Love - Healing Wounds
With ROBERT FALZON
Please find attached the 2027 national calendar for New Zealand. It can also be found on the NZCBC website here.