Sunday, 29 December 2024
The Holy Family
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: 1 SAMUEL 1:20-22,24-28
In gratitude to the Lord, Hannah returned the gift of her son, Samuel. Is there a gift from the Lord for which you are particularly grateful?
SECOND READING: 1 JOHN 3:1-2,21-24
As children of God, John teaches us that believers should love one another and believe in the name of Jesus. In addition to faith and love, what else do you think unites us as children of God?
GOSPEL: LUKE 2:41-52
Luke presents an anxious experience that Mary and Jospeh had as parents raising the young boy, Jesus. Do you recall a time when your parents were worried or anxious about you?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
In today’s Gospel, on this Feast of the Holy Family, we hear the account of the finding of the child Jesus in the Temple. It intrigues me that it was only after a day’s journey that Mary and Joseph began looking for Jesus. Were they neglectful parents, or was their experience with Jesus such that they trusted he always did what they expected?
I wonder if Our Blessed Mother reflected on these three days when Jesus was "lost" during the three days his body lay in the tomb. Was there comfort in knowing that, even when Christ was out of her sight, she trusted that he must have been about his Heavenly Father’s business?
Is this not what Christ was doing while his body lay in the tomb? Was he not preaching to the souls who had died, including all those teachers of the law, answering their deepest desires, and preparing them to enter heaven? Was he not expanding the family of God to fully incorporate those who had gone before?
- 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, 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
Sunday, 5 January: The Epiphany of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Taupō
Monday, 6 January
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 7 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Wednesday, 8 January
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Thursday, 9 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 10 January
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 11 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | The Baptism of the Lord
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ministers for Sunday, 29 December
The Holy Family
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.