Sunday, 4 October 2026
27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
REFLECT & PRAY
A Word from Fr Danny:
With the parables Christ holds up a mirror to people so that those who have eyes to see can recognise where their understanding needs to be deepened or corrected. An important part of this dynamic is that Christ knows the hearts of those to whom he speaks. In today’s Gospel he is once again speaking to the chief priests and the elders of the people. But because he knows their hearts, he knows they will not change their minds about him as the keystone they are rejecting.
Does this mean that the Lord is wasting his time? Of course not. He may be planting seeds in the hearts of these men so that one day they can receive what he is saying. Another way of looking at it is that Our Lord knew not only the hearts of these men but also the hearts of those who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, would write this event down. If this is true, then what Our Lord is doing is in a real sense even more for us than for those who were physically present. If that is the case, then we can meditate on the Gospel with the awareness that Christ is speaking to me through this parable.
- Fr Danny
Question for the Week:
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:33-43
Jesus harshly criticizes the chief priests and Pharisees in the Parable of the Tenants. How do you deliver legitimate criticism to someone you care about?
© LPi
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Those whose anniversaries occur this week:
Te Akato Hepi, Rosina Westbury, Frank Governor, Barbara Hunter, Larenz Rieser, Nancy Iniaki, Betty Jolly, Terry Brosnahan, Joseph Osborne, Marama (Girlie) Stebbing, Alice Gallagher, Dulcie Binstead, Thomas McHale, Mary Habib, Gina Eatson.
POPE LEO MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION: OCTOBER “FOR MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY ’’
Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
PARISH NEWS
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): Set in 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.
JOIN US THIS WEEK
Sunday, 4 October: 27TH 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, 5 October
Mass
7pm | Church | Taupō
Tuesday, 6 October
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 7 October
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, 8 October
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Holy Hour | Adoration, Reconciliation & Benediction
5.30pm | Church | Taupō
Theology of the Body
6.30pm | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 9 October
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12noon | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
After 12noon Mass | Cafe | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 10 October
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Ministers for Sunday, 4 October
27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
COMING UP
MISSION SUNDAY 100TH CELEBRATION: The Catholic Church around the world will mark the 100th Mission Sunday on October 18. The day is set aside to pray for the Church’s mission and to support those who carry the Gospel to places where hope is fragile, where faith is young and where believers often face hardship or persecution. That support can be financial and through prayer. Find out more at: https://missio.nz/
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
BISHOPS’ ELECTION STATEMENT
The New Zealand bishops have published their statement for the 2026 General Election. Titled Discerning our nation’s future through a Gospel lens, the document encourages Catholics and people of good will to consider voting as a moral and civic responsibility, not just a matter of personal preference. The bishops invite people to consider how they will cast their votes by reviewing candidates' and parties' positions across a range of key issues, and they also encourage people to pray for the country.
Access the election statement at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17w7CA4PnRJAJe1A245ht-CqRyt6lqUzE/view
“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.
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 4 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
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.