Sunday, 27 September 2026
26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
It is striking in the Gospel that the chief priests and the elders give the right answer, yet still seem not to understand what Our Lord is saying. They can respond correctly, but do not recognise that He is speaking about them. There is a kind of blindness here. Christ is trying to teach them about mercy and the love of the Father, yet they resist it. This is understandable, because He is effectively saying that they must become more like tax collectors and prostitutes, not in sin, but in repentance.
The real task is to recognise our need to do the will of the Father. Sometimes that recognition comes more easily when our sins are obvious, not because they are good, but because they are harder to deny. Perhaps this can be our prayer: that wherever I have said no to the Father, He may make it clear to me, so that it becomes easier to follow His will. For His will is always an invitation to say yes to His mercy. And what is the vineyard of the Father? It is the Church. And what is our first work when we come to Mass? We begin by saying yes to God by our prayerful cry: Lord, have mercy.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:28-32
In the parable of the two sons, Jesus warns the chief priests and elders to be open-minded and willing to change. What are you hoping will change in your life?
© LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Jean Delany, Mary Bradley, Norman Redwood, Andrew Habib, Elizabeth Hunter, Lorna Tritt, Margaret Weston, Leo Little, Curt Stieglbauer, Henricus (Harry) Gabriels, Jacobus Wolken, Therese Regan, Sarah Read.
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
ST VINCENT DE PAUL FEAST DAY TODAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
Our Conference of St Vincent de Paul wish to sincerely thank the parishioners who contributed to our recent food appeal. With your generosity, we are able to help individuals and families facing difficult circumstances by providing them with a much-appreciated emergency hamper.
As Christmas approaches, but of course at any time, we would be extremely grateful for any non-perishable groceries, grocery vouchers or financial donations, so that we can help others throughout the Christmas season. We have Charities Commission approval and can provide receipts for tax purposes for monetary donations.
From next Sunday, we will have St Vincent de Paul Christmas Cards for sale in the Church foyer, at a cost of $5.00 per pack of five cards.
We recently welcomed some new members, but would love to have more. If you are thinking of joining us, please ring Joyce Ranger on 022 351 2375.
CONNECT GROUPS TAKING A BREAK FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
Last week was the final week of the school term. The following Connect Groups will be taking a break for the school holidays and will resume in the week beginning Monday, 12th October:
Youth Group & Young Adults
Community Lunch
Depth Charge Connect
Purl Connect
Endurance Connect
We wish everyone a restful and refreshing holiday break and look forward to reconnecting next term.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 27 September: 26TH 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, 28 September
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 29 September
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 30 September
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, 1 October
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Theology of the Body
6.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 2 October
Mass
12noon | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 3 October
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 27 September
26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
COMING UP
PRAYER FOR LIFE CONNECT - 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.
Holy Days (PG): 1974 New Zealand: young Brian's heart is broken, but he finds a quirky crew of nuns in a rundown convent facing shutdown. Together, they hit the road in a wild, hilarious race to save their home. Holy Days is a feel-good joyride about faith, fierce family vibes, and finding hope where you least expect it. Buckle up!
Sunday 4th October, 6.30pm St Patrick’s Taupō - All Welcome
ANOINTING OF THE SICK MASS
Fr Danny will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick Mass Friday 9th October 12noon. Followed by lunch put on by the St Vincent de Paul Society.
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
FINANCE MANAGER VACANCY
The Diocese is seeking an experienced and self motivated accountant to lead the finance and schools office teams located at Chanel Centre, Hamilton East.
Please email jobs@cdh.org.nz for any questions, a position description and application form.
NO TIME FOR PRAYER?
Life is busy—but prayer doesn’t have to become another task on the list. Join Sr Katherine Stone MGL and working mum Jenny Merwyn for a relaxed morning of practical encouragement, honest conversation and morning tea, exploring how we can find a rhythm of prayer amid everyday life. Event starts at 8.45 at the Chanel Centre, participants are welcome to join for an 8.00am Mass at the historic St Mary's Chapel.
Friday 30 October
8.45am - 11.00am
To register: www.cdh.org.nz/events
A NEW ADVENT RETREAT - PLACES NOW OPEN!
Our Tyburn Advent Retreat is sold out, with a waiting list! So we’ve opened another opportunity to step away and prepare your heart for Advent.
Join Fr Richard Shortall SJ, our Ignatian spirituality specialist, at Cluny in mid-November for a time of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Get ready for Advent before the busyness begins.
Places are limited – register early: www.cdh.org.nz/cluny
FOOTSTEPS OF POMPALLIER PILGRIMAGE
Footsteps of Pompallier Pilgrimage starts in 6 weeks time!
Walking 100kms from Waitangi to Motuti over Labour Weekend, October 24th to 27th 2026, on the feast of Christ The King. Places still available for pilgrims. For further information and to register go to the official website www.fopp.nz
“ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”
What does it mean to live in God’s will in everyday life? Join Fr Kevin Connors and Sita for a weekend exploring the Gift of the Divine Will through talks, personal testimony and time for questions. Mass begins each day at 8.30am. Pompallier Centre, Suzanne Aubert Catholic School, 60 Monticola Drive, Pāpāmoa Beach.
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October
Saturday: 8.30am–4.00pm | Sunday: 8.30am–3.00pm
To register:
Contact Peter Heeney on 021 415 536 or Peter.j.heeney@gmail.com. Registering helps the organisers plan for numbers.
BILLINGS OVULATION METHOD™ – Natural Fertility Seminar
Christchurch: Friday 9th & Saturday 10th October 2026
The Billings Ovulation Method™ is a Fertility Awareness Method that helps couples prevent or achieve pregnancy and track reproductive health and general well-being during the menstrual cycle. When used correctly, it is highly effective.
This seminar is for:
Couples using or interested in using the Method
Health professionals & natural health practitioners interested in women's health & fertility
Those aiming to become accredited Billings Teachers
Woman keen to understand & track their menstrual cycles
Marriage educators, Youth & community workers
Billings Teachers Needed!
Rising demand for our teaching services has increased the need for more accredited educators in the Billings Method. If you are interested, please get in touch!
For information: Contact Billings LIFE NZ National Office
Register here:https://www.billingslife.org.nz/training-seminar
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
"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.