Sunday, 12 January 2025
The Baptism of the Lord
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: ISAIAH 40:1-5,9-11
The prophet Isaiah brought words of comfort and hope from God to the Israelites exiled in Babylon. Is there someone in your life who needs hope for the future?
SECOND READING: TITUS 2:11-14,3:4-7
Paul challenged Titus to reject godless ways and worldly desires. Do you have any family or friends you consider a role model in living an exceptional life?
GOSPEL: LUKE 3:15-16,21-22
The Holy Spirit affirms Jesus as the Christ, the beloved Son of God. When do you sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
At Christ’s baptism, “heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven…” In this, we see the order and movement of God in creation. Everything comes forth from God, and through our own baptism, we become recipients of this great movement of love pouring forth from heaven with Christ and the Holy Spirit.
This is the concept of exitus—the “going out” from God. It calls for a reditus, a “return,” where the ultimate purpose of all things is to achieve their fulfilment in their return to their Creator in full communion.
With the Baptism of the Lord, the Church begins Ordinary Time, during which we are encouraged to focus on the hard work of responding to God’s grace in the ordinariness of everyday life. By striving to stay close to Christ, we are caught up in the love that is continuously returning to the Father.
- Fr Danny
We have so many wonderful young people who contribute in so many ways to our vibrant parish life. As well as our mighty team of altar servers, our children serve on our greeting team, operate the projector and livestream and sing in our choirs.
We would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the way they bring the love of God to life in our parish by sharing their gifts.
Where: Playground on Jarden Mile
When: Sunday 19 January at 11.30am.
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, 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
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Foundations - RCIA | The Sacraments of Healing - Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick
7.30pm | Café | Taupō
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
Sunday, 19 January: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm Saturday Vigil Mass, Tūrangi | 9am Mass, Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
8.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Kids Volunteers Day
11.30am | Jarden Mile Playground | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Taupō
Monday, 20 January
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 21 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Wednesday, 22 January
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 23 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 24 January
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Saturday, 25 January
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ministers for Sunday, 12 January
The Baptism 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.