Sunday, 9 August 2026
19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
It is tempting in today’s Gospel to focus on Peter: on the fact that he walked on the water, albeit briefly, and that Christ had to save him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?” But what of Christ Himself in this Gospel? Why does He choose to walk on the water at all? He could have calmed the lake from a distance and helped His disciples in the boat in that way.
Rather than seeing this as a multiplication of unnecessary miracles, we are invited to see something deeper: Christ is revealing who He is. By walking upon the water, He shows Himself to be Lord over creation. At the same time, He draws Peter into that revelation. Peter is not merely a spectator but is invited to participate, however imperfectly, in the power of Christ. His failure, then, is not incidental but formative.
How fortunate we are to have a God who not only reveals His power over creation but also chooses to draw imperfect instruments into His work. In doing so, He does not simply accomplish His purposes; He forms us, teaches us, and reveals His mercy.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 14:22-33
Peter musters the courage to step out onto the water when Jesus calls him. What are some fears the Lord could help you face?
©LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Meveret McLachlan, Te Wano Morunga, Doreen (Dolly) Braudigam, Ethel Malloy, David Livingston, Owen Delany, Margery McCarthy, Sean Murphy, Kenneth Weston, Anthony Foley.
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
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.
VIGIL MASS | FR RICO
Fr Rico is leaving New Zealand in September and will celebrate Mass at St Patrick’s, Taupō on Saturday 15th August at 6.30pm. All are welcome to come and celebrate this Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Please pray for Fr Rico as he journeys back to the Philippines.
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
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
Please continue to pray for our children and their families who are journeying towards receiving the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation at 9am Mass on Sunday 16th August.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 9 August: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
PACT | Holy Communion Session 3
10.30am | Youth Den/Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 10 August
Tim Tam Connect | Book Club
10am | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 11 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Cafe | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group | Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Movie Night | Young Adults Junior | Ages 14-20
6.45pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Wednesday, 12 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, 13 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Theology of the Body | Introduction Session | Ages 18-35
6.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Friday, 14 August
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After 12noon Mass | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 15 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | Fr Rico | The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6.30pm | Church | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 9 August
19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
UPCOMING
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
HAMILTON PRAYER BREAKFAST
The Diocese has reserved two tables for Catholics wishing to attend this year's Hamilton Prayer Breakfast. Simply register at www.cdh.org.nz/events and you'll be seated with fellow Catholics as we join Christians from across Hamilton to pray for our city, its people, and those in leadership. September 16, doors and coffee open 6.15am with formalities beginning at 6.55am.
MISSION HUB | ALPHA - A TOOL FOR PARISH RENEWAL
Discover how Alpha can be a catalyst for parish renewal. Join us for this month's Mission Hub, a collaboration between Mission Hub and the Catholic Enquiry Centre, as we explore how Alpha can transcend the "course" model and become a practical, powerful engine for parish transformation with Clare Bell, the new Alpha Catholic Engagement Manager.
Ideal for parish leaders, ministry teams, and anyone passionate about parish renewal.
Monday 17 August
7.00pm–8.30pm (NZT)
https://missionhubnz.com/
ROBERT FALZON | THE FATHER’S LOVE & HEALING WOUNDS
God loves us so much He sent His Son to reconcile us to Him as beloved sons and daughters.
Come and listen to Australian Robert Falzon share The Father’s Love & Healing Wounds.
Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 August 7pm
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall
Donations accepted EFTPOS available, a small plate appreciated but not necessary.
"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.”
Please find attached the 2027 national calendar for New Zealand. It can also be found on the NZCBC website here.