Sunday, 2 February 2025
The Presentation of the Lord
Questions for the Week:
FIRST READING: MALACHI 3:1-4
Malachi prophesied a coming messenger who will purify those making offerings to the Lord. How do you prepare for Sunday worship?
SECOND READING: HEBREWS 2:14-18
Hebrews teaches that Jesus was tested and suffered so that he could be merciful and understanding with our struggles and challenges. What are you facing this week that Jesus could help you with?
GOSPEL: LUKE 2:22-32
Mary and Jospeh received incredible news from Simeon and Anna about the infant Jesus at his presentation in the Temple. Who helps you process startling or unsettling information?
©LPi
A Word from Fr Danny:
This Sunday, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. With this feast, we often focus on Our Lord, Mary, and perhaps Simeon or Anna, reflecting on the promises that had been made to them. However, I wonder if St. Joseph is the one often forgotten at the Presentation.
Yes, he had been told in a dream that Mary’s child was to be called Jesus, meaning “Saviour,” and that He would save His people. But here, I wonder if Joseph also realised that while this would come to pass, he would not be present when this saving event took place. We see that the sword of sorrow is foretold to pierce Mary’s soul—but not his. And we are told that both Mary and Joseph “wondered at the things that were being said.”
Would Joseph not have seen himself in Simeon and Anna? Both of these exemplary Jewish figures were privileged to see the Saviour, and for them, that was enough. Simeon is described as an “upright and devout man,” which echoes how Joseph is portrayed in Matthew’s Gospel: “Joseph, being a man of honour.” Anna, meanwhile, was one who served God day and night—just as Joseph did in his quiet fidelity to Christ.
Thus, Joseph might have seen his role as akin to that of Simeon and Anna. Simeon was guided by the Holy Spirit, and Anna fasted and prayed unceasingly. I suspect Joseph, too, embraced these spiritual practices during his time with the Holy Family. He would have done so knowing that, when his own time came, he could trust in the same promise given to Simeon:
“You can let your servant go in peace… because my eyes have seen the salvation.”
- 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 9 February 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, 2 February: The Presentation of the Lord Time (Sunday of the Word of God) 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, 3 February
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Monday Café
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 4 February
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Wednesday, 5 February
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Dennis and Catherine Hancock’s place (weekly during school term)
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Mahjong Connect
1pm | Café | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 6 February | Waitangi Day
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Friday, 7 February
Mass
12pm | Church | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Parish Movie Night | The Most Reluctant Convert
6.30pm | Café | Taupō
Saturday, 8 February
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Sunday, 9 February: 5th 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, 10 February
Tim Tam Connect | Book Club
10am | Café | Taupō
Mass
7pm | Taupō
Tuesday, 11 February
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Healers Connect
10am | Café | Taupō
Youth Group
6pm-7.15pm (Year 7&8) | Taupō (Weekly during school term)
6.30pm-8pm (Year 9-13) | Taupō (Weekly during school term)
Wednesday, 12 February
Depth Charge Connect
10am | Dennis and Catherine Hancock’s place (weekly during school term)
Ave Connect | Rosary
11.30am | Church | Tūrangi
Mass
12pm | Church | Tūrangi
Fair-Weather Gardeners
12pm - 3pm | Taupō
Ave Connect | Rosary
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Thursday, 13 February
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Purl Connect | Knitting Group
1pm | Café | Taupō
Endurance Connect | Mens Group
7pm | Café | Taupō
Friday, 14 February
Mass | Anointing of the Sick
12pm | Church | Taupō
St Vincent de Paul Lunch
12.30pm | Café | Taupō
Divine Mercy
3pm | Church | Taupō
Praise, Prayer and Adoration
6.15pm | Chapel | Taupō
Women’s Connect
7pm | Chapel | Taupō
Saturday, 15 February
Mass
9am | Chapel | Taupō
Sacrament of Penance
9.30am | Chapel | Taupō
Vigil Mass | 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
5pm | Church | Tūrangi
Ministers for Sunday, 2 February
The Presentation 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.