23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

REFLECT & PRAY

A Word from Fr Danny:

More often than not the Scriptures are not firstly telling us how to act, rather they are exposing us to the mystery of God in some way. Then in response to that presentation we might be prompted to examine the way we act. This action is called the moral sense of Scripture. Moral coming from the Latin word mores meaning customs, habits, or ways of life.

But today’s Gospel has the moral sense of Scripture explicitly front and centre. How are we to act “If your brother does something wrong…” The response is practical and clear. “Go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves” and if that fails it continues step by step until the final command “and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.”

The challenge here is not to stop at the moral sense, because there is always more depth to be gained from the written “word of God” we call the Scriptures. For instance, does it change the way you hear that final phrase “treat him like a pagan or a tax collector” when we remember that this is the Gospel according to Matthew, and that Matthew himself was a tax collector? Mt 10:3 “Matthew the tax collector”.

- Fr Danny

Question for the Week:

GOSPEL: MATTHEW 18:15-20

Jesus places a high priority on reconciling with someone who has sinned against you. Are there people in your life who easily forgive?

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Those whose anniversaries occur this week:

Amber O’Callaghan, Doris Fahey, Annelise Dean, Christopher Smart, Agnes Hone, Lynn Wiggins, Alan Belaich, Bernard Huitane, Theresa Caddell, Brendan Cody, Rebecca Marshall, Mary Dakin, Peter Blanks.

POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: SEPTEMBER *“FOR THE CARE OF WATER’’*
Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

PARISH NEWS

**PRAYER FOR LIFE CONNCT - 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.

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.
Septembers film is *A Man For All Seasons*, showing Sunday 6th September at 6.30pm.
All are welcome—we’d love to see you there.
***A Man for All Seasons*** is an award wining 1966 British historical drama film. It depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England who refused both to sign a letter asking Pope Clement VII to annul Henry VIII of England's marriage to Catherine of Aragon and to take an Oath of Supremacy declaring Henry Supreme Head of the Church of England.

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)

Thursday 10th September 6.30pm following holy hour, St Patrick’s Chapel, Taupō.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

Sunday, 6 September: 23RD 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

Parish Movie Night | A Man For All Seasons
6.30pm | Cafe | Taupō

Monday, 7 September

Tim Tam Connect | Bookclub
10am | Chapel | Taupō

Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō

Tuesday, 8 September

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, 9 September

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, 10 September

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
6.30pm | Chapel | Taupō

Endurance Connect | Men’s Group
7pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō

Friday, 11 September

Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō

St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After 12noon Mass | Cafe | Taupō

Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō

Saturday, 12 September

Mass
9am | Church | Taupō

Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō

Ministers for Sunday, 6 September
23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‍

Taupō

Tūrangi

THIS WEEK….

COMING UP

RETREATS

DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS

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.

**Mission Hub: Sharing the Heart of the Gospel – The Kerygma**
What is the heart of the Gospel we are called to share? Join us for this month's Mission Hub featuring Fr Chris Ryan MGL, Director of the Areté Centre for Missionary Leadership. Fr Chris will guide us through the *kerygma*—the essential message of Jesus Christ—and offer practical wisdom on how to speak about Jesus with clarity, joy, and confidence. Whether you’re looking to grow in confidence talking about Jesus or wanting to share your faith in a clear, joyful, and inviting way, this session will leave you inspired, equipped, and renewed.
Monday 14 September
7.00pm–8.30pm (NZT) | 5.00pm (AEST)
Online
**Register Here**

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.)

**Sacramental Prep Workshop – Let’s Get Practical!**
**Saturday 19 October | 10am–2pm | Chanel Centre, 47 Clyde St, Hamilton**
Preparing children and families for the sacraments? Come along for a practical workshop exploring the principles of good sacramental preparation and unpacking an **interactive, family-centred programme** with sessions for parents and children, plus at-home activities. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges and learn from one another.
**Lunch provided. All welcome!**

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.
**Applications close 30th September** be sure to register ASAP
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.”

Hope for the World International Conference on Life, Faith and Family

Join us this to hear local and international speakers equip and inspire us to restore a culture that cherishes human life, strengthens families, and proclaims the truth with courage and compassion.

Opening Mass: Friday 25 September | St John Vianney Catholic Church, Hillsborough, Auckland | 7 pm Mass

Conference Talks: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September

Where? Ellerslie Events Centre (Ellerslie Racecourse), Greenlane, Auckland

For more information and to Register, follow this link: Hope for the World Conference
Or contact Simon Archer | 021 400 729 | simon@fli.org.nz

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.

**"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, 6 September 2026

23RD 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