Sunday, 13 September 2026
24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
One way to look at today’s Gospel is to see Peter asking Our Lord about the extent of the authority to bind and loose that he had received only weeks earlier: “How often must I forgive my brother?” Christ’s response is one of superabundant mercy: seventy-seven times.
Now we might think this refers to forgiving many different offences, but another way of understanding it is that we may need to forgive the same wound many times over. As priests, we often meet people who are troubled because they believe they have not truly forgiven, since the memory and pain of what happened continue to return.
I wonder if Our Lord is reminding us that forgiveness is not firstly about forgetting, or no longer feeling the effects of past wounds. Rather, Christian forgiveness draws its strength from Christ Himself on the Cross: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.”
Seen in this light, forgiveness is an opportunity to love those who have wounded us and may still be wounding us. This does not mean ignoring or enabling wrongdoing. But at times, the Christ-like response is to reach out in love again and again. And this may only be possible with the help of Christ: Christ, help me to forgive, for I know not how.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 18:21-35
In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus teaches Peter the importance of forgiving others from the heart. How do you know your forgiveness of others is sincere?
© LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Joseph Pereira, Damen Witton, Neta Burke, Velonica Teas, Mary Ferguson, Peata Tefono, Kirita Walker, John Jones, James Clark, Marie Blair, Philip Corry, Marie Rose, Robert Sneddon.
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
WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
This Sunday we warmly welcome the students, families and staff of St Patrick’s School to our parish Mass. It is a joy to gather together as one faith community, and we look forward to celebrating with you as we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist.
HOLY HOUR | THURSDAYS AT 5.30PM
A Holy Hour is a simple, prayerful time in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — a space for silence, reflection, and peace. Fr Danny will be available for Confession, a wonderful opportunity to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus in this sacrament. The hour will conclude with Benediciton. Whether you come regularly or have never experienced a Holy Hour before, all are welcome. Come and encounter the love and mercy of Jesus.
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.
COLLECT YOUR PLATES!
A hefty collection of plates and serving dishes has gathered in the church café. If you’ve been wondering where your favourite plate disappeared to, this could be your moment! Please take a quick look and reclaim anything that belongs to you.
Thank you for helping us keep the café clutter-free!
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 13 September: 24TH 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, 14 September
St Vincent de Paul Meeting
5.30pm | Cafe | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 15 September
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Healers Connect
9.30am | Cafe | Taupō
Community Lunch
1pm | Cafe | Taupō
Interchurch Welfare Society
5pm | Cafe | Taupō
Youth Group Yrs 7-9
6pm | Youth Den | Taupō
Young Adults Ages 14-20
7.15pm | Old Presbytery Building | Taupō
Wednesday, 16 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, 17 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, 18 September
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 19 September
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 13 September
24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
COMING UP
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
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
EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR KETE KŌRERO
We’re delighted to share that Kete Kōrero, our diocesan magazine, received two awards at the 2026 Australasian Catholic Press Association Awards in Christchurch for the publishing year of 2025. Kete Kōrero was Winner in one category and Highly Commended in another.
A wonderful recognition of the stories of faith and life shared from across our Diocese.
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!
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
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.