Welcome
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to the Catholic Parish of Mackenzie, located in the central South Island of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Our parish encompasses a diverse geographical area, stretching across several beautiful towns and villages. With churches in Fairlie, Tekapo, and Twizel, we are deeply rooted in the heart of this captivating region.
Our parish proudly serves the local communities, offering spiritual guidance, support, and a welcoming space for all who seek solace, fellowship, and a deeper connection with their faith. From the rugged splendor of the Southern Alps to the tranquil shores of Lake Tekapo, our parishioners draw inspiration from the awe-inspiring surroundings that reflect the beauty of God’s creation.
The churches within our parish serve as spiritual havens, where individuals and families can come together to celebrate Mass, receive sacraments, and participate in various religious activities and events. We embrace diversity and warmly welcome people from all walks of life, inviting them to join us in worship, prayer, and service to others.
I invite you to explore our website and connect with us. Should you have any questions, require pastoral assistance, or simply wish to learn more about our parish, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to support and accompany you on your faith journey, fostering a sense of belonging and providing spiritual nourishment.
God bless,
Fr. Tien Cao
Parish Priest, Catholic Parish of Mackenzie
Ash Wednesday Mass
5 March, 2025
Fairlie: St. Patrick’s Church: 9.15 am
Twizel: All Saints’ Church: 5.00 pm
Happy Are Those Who Hope in the Lord
The theme of the Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, reminds us that life on earth is transient, it is not our final destination. We are created to know and love God, and our true happiness must be rooted in Him rather than in earthly realities. Otherwise, we risk being overwhelmed by disappointment.
The prophet Jeremiah offers a powerful image of hope, comparing the one who trusts in the Lord to a tree planted by the waterside: “It thrusts its roots towards the stream; when the heat comes, it feels no alarm, its foliage remains green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never ceases to bear fruit” (Jer 17:5-8). Just as the tree remains steadfast, drawing life from the stream, so too does the person who places their trust in God. They do not falter when trials come, for their hope is firmly anchored in the Lord. In contrast, Jeremiah warns that those who turn away from God and rely solely on human strength are like dry scrub in the wasteland, lifeless and unable to recognize the good when it comes.
Jesus reaffirms this teaching in the Beatitudes, encouraging the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the persecuted not to fall into despair but to place their hope in God’s promises, especially in the eternal reward of heaven (Lk 6:17, 20-26). At the same time, He cautions those who are rich or self-satisfied not to rely on material wealth or worldly status, but to remain humble and open to the kingdom of God.
As we journey through life, let nothing and no one shake our trust in the eternal rewards that come from God. St. Paul reminds us: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rm 5:5). Pope Francis beautifully reflects on this Christian hope: “Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God’s love (Rm 8:35, 37-39). This is why hope perseveres in the midst of trials: founded on faith and nurtured by charity, it enables us to press forward in life.”
May our hope in the Lord be unwavering, and may we bear lasting fruit for His kingdom
Happy Christmas
May the light of Christ, the Word made flesh, who shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome, fill your hearts with peace and joy this Christmas. Through Him, may you recognize the glory of God’s grace and truth dwelling among us. Let us embrace the gift of becoming children of God, living in His love and sharing His light with the world
(John 1:1-14).
“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life” (John 3:16)
A NEW ADVENT IN FAITH IN CHRIST
Advent is a season of preparation and hope as we await the coming of Jesus Christ. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and it reminds us that Christ comes into our lives in three ways: in history, as He was born in Bethlehem; in mystery, through the Sacraments and daily encounters; and in majesty, when He will come again at the end of time. This Advent, let us embrace the sacred time with greater devotion:
1. Come to daily Mass at least one per Week: The Eucharist is the heart of our faith and the most profound way to encounter Christ. Attending Mass during Advent helps us stay focused on the true meaning of the season and nourishes our souls with His presence.
2. Read the Bible: The Word of God reveals His promises and prepares us for His coming. Spend time reading the Gospels and the prophecies that point to Christ’s birth. Let the Scriptures guide your reflection and prayer.
3. Pray Daily: Prayer opens our hearts to Christ and deepens our relationship with Him. Consider praying the Rosary, especially the Joyful Mysteries, or setting aside time for quiet prayer to reflect on God’s love and mercy.
Advent is a season of waiting, but it is also a time of action, spiritual action. Let us not merely count the days until Christmas but make these days count by drawing closer to Christ. May this Advent be a time of renewal for you and your loved ones, as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord with joy.
St. Patrick’s Community Christmas BBQ
Christmas Mass Times 2024
LITURGY | DATE | TIME | CHURCH VENUE |
Sacraments of Anointing & Reconciliation before Christmas | 21st Dec | At 5.00 pm Mass | Twizel |
22nd Dec | At 9.30 am Mass | Fairlie | |
Christmas Eve Mass | 24th Dec | 5.00 pm | Twizel |
Christmas Day Mass | 25th Dec | 9.30 am | Fairlie |
Christmas Day Mass | 25th Dec | 6.00 pm | Tekapo |
New Year’s Day Mass | 1st Jan 2025 | 9.15 am | Fairlie |
‘I take this opportunity to thank all those missionaries who, in response to Christ’s call, have left everything behind to go far from their homeland and bring the Good News to places where people have not yet received it, or received it only recently. Dear friends, your generous dedication is a tangible expression of your commitment to the mission ad gentes that Jesus entrusted to his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). We continue to pray and we thank God for the new and numerous missionary vocations for the task of evangelization to the ends of the earth’ (Pope Francis’s Message: World Mission Day 2024). …
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The Lord takes delight in his people - Psalms 149:4
