21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

REFLECT & PRAY

A Word from Fr Danny:

The Gospel this week takes place in the far north of the Holy Land, above the Sea of Galilee, and, along with the region of Tyre and Sidon, marks the northernmost extent of Jesus’ public ministry. While the geography should not be pressed as establishing a jurisdictional boundary for Peter, it does serve a symbolic purpose: Jesus is already pointing beyond Israel, indicating that the authority He confers on Peter is ordered to the unity and mission of the Church throughout the world.

This is further illuminated by Caesarea Philippi itself. There, a great rock face contains shrines and temples dedicated to the Greek god Pan, as well as a deep cave that, in popular belief, was associated with the gateway to the underworld. Against this backdrop of competing claims of power and “gates of death,” Jesus speaks with deliberate force: “You are the Rock; to you I give the keys,” and “the gates of the underworld shall not prevail against it.”

In this we see that Christ uses not only words but places as symbols to communicate deep truths. This is one of the reasons why our churches are filled with symbols: they can speak to us in ways words alone cannot, opening us to the mystery of faith.

- Fr Danny

Question for the Week:

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 16:13-20

Jesus establishes Peter as the rock upon whom he will build his church. In what ways do you help build your church community?

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Those whose anniversaries occur this week:

Norma Collier, Dorothea Riordan, Maggie Knight, Basil Smith, Hemi Clarke-Morunga, Laura Cody, Maureen Baker, Ian McHardy, Moira McBride, Bridget Brettkelly, Bernard Stevens, David O’Reilly, Norma Weston, Mihaki Habib, Lennard Fishbach, Susan Goldsmith, Peter King.

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

Last weekend we welcomed Bishop Richard Laurenson to our community to celebrate Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Congratulations to Kamilo Kaumaitotoya, Jonadh Stibin, Sophia Van Veen, Brianna Felicity Garcia, Sisilia Caginitoba, Joe William Kulinidilo, Cailly Chua.

Heavenly Father, please continue to bless these children as they continue on their journey as your disciples, nourished by the Eucharist and guided by the Holy Spirit.

**YOUTH BOWLING NIGHT**
Our Youth Group and Young Adults recently enjoyed a fun night out at the bowling alley! It was a great chance to take a break from our usual Tuesday evening gatherings, spend time together and enjoy some friendly competition.
We were also very happy to have Father Danny join us for the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect outside of our usual parish gatherings, with plenty of laughs, good conversation and great company throughout the night.
A big thank you to all the parents, caregivers and volunteers who helped make the evening possible. We’re looking forward to more fun activities and outings throughout the year!

PLANNED GIVING DRIVE

If you missed out on a Planned Giving brochure and would like a copy, you can find them in the church foyer by the main entrance in Taupō.

Alternatively, you can email office@tongarirocatholic.nz, and we would be happy to print a copy for you or put one aside to collect.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously gives their time, talents or financial support. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

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)

Weekly Series | Thursday’s 6.30pm following holy hour, St Patrick’s Chapel, Taupō.

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, 23 August: 21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō

Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō

Divine Mercy Chaplet
3pm | Chapel | Taupō

Monday, 24 August

Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō

Tuesday, 25 August

Mass
9am | Church | Taupō

Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō

Youth Group Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō

Young Adults Ages 14-20
7.15pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō

Wednesday, 26 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, 27 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, 28 August

Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō

Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō

Saturday, 29 August

Mass
9am | Church | Taupō

Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō

Ministers for Sunday, 23 August
21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‍

Taupō

Tūrangi

THIS WEEK….

RETREATS

DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS

LIFE TEEN SUMMER CAMP 2027

Becoming a summer missionary is answering the call of Jesus.

Location: Camp Keswick Rotorua

Mission serving dates

WEEK ONE: 10 - 17 Jan
WEEK TWO: 17 - 24 Jan

More info at: https://lifeteen.nz

**WYD 2027 ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION**
**Who is this for?**
Young people who:
• Will be 18 years old and out of school by April 2027
• Are interested in travelling to Seoul for World Youth Day
• Are considering applying to join the Diocese of Hamilton group
• Were unable to attend the July Information Night in Hamilton
Applications are already open, so we are encouraging anyone who is interested to attend the information session and begin the application process as soon as possible.
**WYD Seoul 2027 Information Zoom**
📅 Wednesday 9 September
⏰ 6:30pm – 7:30pm
💻 Online via Zoom
**Register here:**WYD Seoul Zoom Registration Form

**Applications for our WYD27 Pilgrimage are OPEN NOW!**
Our 19-day pilgrimage will include: visiting key pilgrimage sites across South Korea, Days in the Diocese in the vibrant coastal city of Busan, WYD Week in Seoul with Pope Leo XIV, and a post-WYD retreat in the mountains near the city of Jeonju.
The pilgrimage is open to young adults aged 18–35 (as of 1 April 2027), with both a full 19-day option and a shortened 13-day option.
Find out more and apply: **wyd27.org.nz**

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.”

ST JOSEPH’S MĀORI GIRLS’ COLLEGE (WAIARIKI BRANCH)

Nau mai, haere mai ki te hui mō te 160th Jubilee ō Te Kura ō Hato Hōhepa, Greenmeadows. Napier. Calling all past pupils of St Joseph's Māori Girls' College.

This hui will discuss the 160th Jubilee in 2027 and the SJCMGCOG/PPA AGM on Saturday 10 October 2026.

Date: Saturday 12 September 2026
Venue: Ohinemutu Te Whare Pora, entrance Mataiawhea St, Rotorua
Tea/coffee on arrival: 10.00am (please bring a plate)
Karakia/hui times: 10.30am to 2:00 pm

For more information, please contact Tania Rewi, (027) 641-4085.

DEMYSTIFYING DEATH WITH DIGNITY | WITH FR BOQUET

Demystifying Death with Dignity: Dying is a part of life, but what is true death with dignity? Join Father Shenan Boquet and the Family Life International team for an insightful presentation that casts a vision of what it means to provide authentic compassionate end of life care.

Evening programme: September 15

6.00pm Rosary, followed by Mass with Fr Shenan Boquet
7.00pm Presentation, Q&A and supper
St Thomas More Church and Parish Lounge, Mount Maunganui

(Death with Dignity in a New Zealand context - The End of Life Choice Act came into force in November 2021, making assisted dying legally available to eligible New Zealanders.)

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

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.

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.

**"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

Please find attached the 2027 national calendar for New Zealand. It can also be found on the NZCBC website here.

Sunday, 23 August 2026

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

REFLECT & PRAY

A Word from Fr Danny:

Question for the Week:

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Those whose anniversaries occur this week:

PARISH NEWS