Sunday, 5 January 2025
The Epiphany of the Lord
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 60:1-6
Isaiah foresees a time when the people of Jerusalem will be overwhelmed with happiness and prosperity. What gift could you receive that would bring you great joy?
SECOND READING: EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6
Paul informs the Ephesians that he received a revelation of God’s plan to save all people through Christ Jesus. What do you think makes your friends or relatives open to this idea?
GOSPEL: MATTHEW 2:1-12
The visit of the magi teaches us about God’s desire for the whole world know about his Son, Jesus. When do you first recall hearing about Jesus?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
The Epiphany Blessing: A Beautiful Tradition
The Epiphany blessing is a cherished tradition observed for centuries by Catholics in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, among other places. This custom involves marking the lintel of a home’s front door with blessed chalk, inscribed with a special formula, such as 20 C ✝ M ✝ B 25. The numbers represent the current year, while the letters hold dual significance: they stand for the names of the Magi—Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar—and the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.”
The ritual begins at the parish church, where chalk is blessed during Epiphany Masses. Parishioners are then invited to take the chalk home to inscribe their doorways, incorporating the liturgical feast into their family’s prayer life. This practice marks homes as places of spiritual significance and can remain throughout the year, emphasising Christ’s blessing for the coming year.
- 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, 5 January: The Epiphany of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Prayer for Life
10am | 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
Sunday, 12 January: The Baptism of the Lord
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Taupō
Monday, 13 January
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 14 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Wednesday, 15 January
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Thursday, 16 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 17 January
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 18 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ministers for Sunday, 5 January
The Epiphany of the Lord
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.