Sunday, 16 August 2026
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
In the iconography of the East, the mystery of the Assumption is called the Dormition of the Theotokos (the ‘falling asleep’ of the God-bearer). It depicts the soul of Mary as a tiny figure being taken by Christ into heaven. This is one reason why Pope Pius XII was careful in the way he worded the declaration in 1950 regarding the Assumption:
‘By our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.’
In expressing it in this way, Catholics are free to believe either that Mary died a natural death and that, sometime later, her body, following her soul, was taken up into heaven, or that Our Blessed Mother did not experience death but was taken up directly, body and soul, into heaven. Either way, the Assumption strengthens our Hope, for it means that where Mary has gone, we may hope to follow.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: LUKE 1:39-56
The meeting between Mary and Elizabeth is a joyful encounter of faith: Elizabeth recognises God at work in Mary, and Mary responds with her beautiful song of praise, the Magnificat. Where is God inviting me to recognise his presence and respond with joyful faith?
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Gail Frecklington, Richard Moke, Samual Bristowe, Marie Redwood, Akutana Mihaka, Patricia Sinclaire, Dirk (Wim) Rademaker, Bryan Mason, George Walsh, Joyce Dutton, Johannes (John) Paalvast, Beverly Tawhai, Albert Werahiko, Hariata Blake, Taresa Gartner, Cornelius (Cass) Pol, Helen Kane, Rosemary Reidy.
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
CELEBRATION OF FIRST COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION 2026
We welcome Bishop Richard Laurenson to our community this weekend to celebrate Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Please pray for our children: Kamilo Kaumaitotoya, Jonadh Stibin, Sophia Van Veen, Brianna Felicity Garcia, Sisilia Caginitoba, Joe William Kulinidilo, Cailly Chua
Heavenly Father, please bless and guide these children. Open their hearts and minds to recieve Jesus and your Holy Spirit.
NEW SERIES | THEOLOGY OF THE BODY | STARTS THIS WEEK
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)
Weekly Series Begins | Thursday 20th August 6.30pm following holy hour.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL MONTHLY MEETINGS
St Vincent de Paul’s Monthly meetings have moved to the second Monday of the month with the exception of August’s meeting. August’s meeting is this coming Monday at 5.30pm. Hope to see you there!
HEALERS CONNECT
This months Healers Connect meeting has been postponed and is now on this coming Tuesday 18th August at 9.30am.
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
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 16 August: The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Celebration First Holy Communion & Confirmation
at 9am Mass | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Monday, 17 August
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 18 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Cafe | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Interchurch Welfare Society Meeting
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Youth Bowling Night
5.45pm | The Landing | Taupō
Wednesday, 19 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, 20 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Lesley McIntosh’s Place | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Theology of the Body | Ages 18-35
6.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Friday, 21 August
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 22 August
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 16 August
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE | AN EVENING WITH FR BOQUET
An Evening with Fr Boquet, President of Human Life International (HLI).
While Fr Boquet is in New Zealand for an upcoming pro-life conference, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to host him for a special evening session here in the Diocese. St Thomas More Parish Lounge, Mount Maunganui. 15 September. More to follow.
CATHNEWS NEW ZEALAND
CathNews New Zealand shares the big news from the Catholic Church and stories of relevance to Catholics every Tuesday and Friday. Sign up for the free digital newsletter and read the latest stories at cathnewsnz.com
CATHOLIC KIWI PODCAST
CATHOLIC KIWI PODCAST: Six episodes of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference’s new podcast series have now been released, sharing stories of faith, ministry and mission of Kiwis and visitors to our shores. Guests in the opening episodes include Carmelite Sister Lauren of the Cross, broadcaster and policy expert Tim Wilson and Wellington Archbishop Paul Martin SM. More episodes will be released before Christmas to complete season 1, with season 2 set for 2026. Search “Catholic Kiwi Podcast” on YouTube or Spotify now.
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
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.