Sunday, 22 December 2024
4th Sunday of Advent
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: MICAH 5:1-4
Micah prophesied a “ruler” would come through the line of David (“Bethlehem-Ephrathah”) and bring peace to the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel. How might you be able to promote peace this week among your family or co-workers?
SECOND READING: HEBREWS 10:5-10
The author of Hebrews reminds us that Christ makes us holy so that above all else, we do God’s will. As the season of Advent draws to a close, what could be one practical way to do God’s will this week?
GOSPEL: LUKE 1:39-45
Elizabeth calls Mary “blessed” because she believed and trusted in the Lord. Are there people in your life who model such trust and faith in God?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
What is it about Mary’s greeting that so profoundly touched Elizabeth and the child in her womb, prompting Elizabeth to cry out in a loud voice? Certainly, it was the presence of Christ within Our Blessed Mother. Yet, it’s important to note that Mary made the conscious decision to visit Zechariah and Elizabeth.
While the Archangel Gabriel had revealed to Mary that Elizabeth was with child, he did not command her to visit. Mary acted out of love.
The Church gives us the Advent season as a time of preparation for the birth of Christ, reminding us that Our Blessed Mother plays a vital role in presenting Our Lord to us in a way that stirs our hearts and inspires joy. Perhaps this is why the words of Mary’s greeting are not recorded—so we understand that this moment is not meant for her alone but for all of us.
Elizabeth’s cry and John the Baptist leaping in his mother’s womb are powerful signs of this joy—expressions of emotion that encourage us to embrace the serious work of being joyful this Christmas.
As we pray in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Cause of our joy, pray for us.”
- Fr Danny
Since it’s humble beginnings in 2018, our Community Lunch has grown into a valued weekly event, serving around 30 people every Tuesday. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our parish and the wider Taupō community to connect over delicious food in a welcoming and friendly environment - truly bringing the love of Christ to others.
This success is thanks to Msgr Trevor’s vision and hospitality, Margaret Beck’s organisation, and the dedication of our incredible team of volunteers who set up, cook, bake, serve, and clean up each week. A huge thank-you to everyone involved!
After years of leadership, Margaret is ready to hand over the reins. Do you have a gift for organisation and a passion for community? If so, please contact Margaret Beck to continue this wonderful initiative that nourishes both body and spirit.
I love watching the people enjoying coming together as they make new friends. It is a privilege to be able to serve everyone. I also loved Msgr Trevor’s enthusiasm and the joy we all feel as we servers come together for coffee and sharing afterwards. We get as much as we give! … Leslie
PARISH NEWS & EVENTS
Here’s what's happening
Sunday, 22 December: 4TH Sunday of Advent
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Taupō
Monday, 23 December
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 24 December | Christmas Eve
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Carols
4.30pm | Tūrangi
Christmas Eve Mass
5pm | Tūrangi
Carols
7.30pm | Church | Taupō
Christmas Eve Mass
8pm | Church | Taupō
Carols
11.30pm | Church | Taupō
Midnight Mass
Midnight | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 25 December | Christmas Day
Carols
8.30am | Church | Taupō
Christmas Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Thursday, 26 December
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 27 December
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 28 December
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Sunday, 29 December: The Holy Family
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Taupō
Monday, 30 December
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 31 December | New Year’s Eve
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Adoration
11.00pm | Church | Taupō
New Year’s Eve Mass
11.30pm | Church | Taupō
Wednesday, 1 January | New Year’s Day
Mass
9am | Church | Taupō
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Thursday, 2 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 3 January
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 4 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | The Epiphany of the Lord
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ministers for Sunday, 22 December
4th Sunday of Advent
Taupō
Tūrangi
THIS WEEK….
Don’t our gardens look beautiful?! If you’re keen to lend a hand on a casual basis, to pull a few weeds, come along on a Wednesday anytime between 12noon and 3pm and join some of our gardening team.
COMING UP…
RETREATS
Retreats
Tyburn Monastery, Ngakuru &
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
DIOCESAN NEWS & EVENTS
PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE
Do you feel called to respond to the invitation of Our Lady Queen of Peace to be with her in Medjugorje? Millions of pilgrims have responded and have experienced an extraordinary, grace-filled pilgrimage. Join Mir Pilgrimages and chaplain Fr Joy Thottamkara on a group pilgrimage departing 22 May 2025 for 10 fulfilling days and nights experiencing 'Medjugorje In-Depth'. See your parish noticeboard or call Patricia Parsons on 027 421 9064.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS
Ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, Pope Francis has inaugurated a Year of Prayer.
Click the image to explore the Diocese of Hamilton Year of Prayer Resources
Click the image above to go to the Jubilee Year website.