Saturday 10th October - Sunday 18th October 2026
TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A – 11TH OCTOBER 2026
REFLECTIONS ON THE HOLY ROSARY – THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
The Annunciation – Fruit of Humility
Mary said yes. God was asking a great amount of her. She could face disapproval. Joseph could abandon her. She might not be believed. Mary risked a lot because she had faith in God’s goodness. I imagine her kneeling in wonderment at the angel Gabriel, his hands encompassing hers, his forehead pressed against hers as he tells her of God’s great plan. She whispers “yes” knowing that her life is forever changed and possibly going to be much harder. She allows God’s will to be done and with that fiat the salvation of the world is set in motion. I pray that I can put God’s will before my own.
The Visitation – Love of Neighbour
Newly pregnant, Mary walks several days to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth greets her with great joy and Mary exclaims her Magnificat. While knowing that all will call her blessed, she spends several months serving Elizabeth. I imagine her performing the tasks of life so that Elizabeth, in her third trimester when the physical burden of pregnancy is greatest, can rest. Despite her own possible exhaustion and morning sickness, she serves her cousin. I imagine them at the end of the day sitting together and sharing their feelings about these two miraculous babies. I pray that I can serve as Mary did.
The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit
Mary and Joseph are far from home and she is about to give birth. They find nowhere to stay. Rather than panicking, they rely on God who leads them to a safe, warm place for his son’s birth. I imagine their worry but also their sense of calm. They know God cares for them and he will not abandon them on this holy journey. As the angels announce Jesus’ birth and the shepherds come to pay him homage, Mary and Joseph are surrounded by God’s love. I pray for the grace to depend on God completely.
Presentation in the Temple – Obedience
Mary and Joseph obey the law and bring their new born son to the temple and offer a sacrifice. There they meet Simeon who has waited many years to meet the Messiah. I imagine Simeon gazing at Jesus. The Christ for whom he has waited has arrived just as God promised. He raises his eyes to heaven in thanks. He also warns Mary that her own heart will be pierced. She continues to trust God, not knowing what lies ahead. I pray for trust in God’s plan and patience in waiting for it to unfold.
Finding Jesus in the Temple – Piety
After not knowing where he was for three days, Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple. I imagine the fear they felt when they realized Jesus was not with them as they returned from Jerusalem. I imagine how scared they felt as they looked for him and the increasing anxiety they experience as time passed. At last they find him in his father’s home. What relief and joy. We look for Jesus too and we can always find him in church. He is there waiting for us. I pray that I will not find reasons to avoid visiting Jesus regularly.
MONTH OF OCTOBER ROSARY CHALLENGE
1. Carry a Rosary with you at all times
2. Pray at least one decade of the Rosary daily but better still, all five!
3. Pray the Rosary as a community at least once a week*
4. Visit our Marian Shrine at least once a week
*The Rosary will be recited before and after every weekend mass in October
PARISH NOTICES
Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Inauguration: The inauguration of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Sunday, 1st November, during the 11:00 a.m. Mass. All members are kindly requested to be present for the induction ceremony.
Sacramental Preparation Forms: Registration forms are now available in the porch for Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.
Parish Registration: If you are new to the parish or joining our community for the first time, parish registration forms are available and can be collected from the church porch.
School Reference Requests: If you require a school reference, please complete the relevant application form and provide all the necessary supporting documents before arranging a meeting with the Parish Priest.
Month of Holy Souls: Envelopes are now available for you to write the names of your faithful departed loved ones. Kindly place the completed envelopes in the designated box in the sanctuary. Important Reminder: All envelopes and names for remembrance should be submitted before 1st November.
OCTOBER SECOND COLLECTIONS
11th PACT Prisoner’s Sunday
18th – World Mission Sunday
Senior Citizens Christmas Party. This will take place on Wednesday, 2nd December 2026 in the church hall. Invitations will be sent out late October. Please contact Tony Brooke on 07833 707016 or Tom Breen on 07801145501 for further information.
Parish Golf Day Thank you. Thanks to all who bought raffle tickets. All prizes have been claimed & the results are on the notice board in the porch & in the parish hall. £395 was raised which will go towards taking the disabled to Lourdes in 2027.
Young Adult Deanery Group. For Young adults & professionals (18 - 35) to create a community where we can build each other up in faith, knowledge & friendship. Please join our introductory meeting on 22nd October 6.00 pm to help build the starting direction of this new initiative. Graciously hosted at St John Vianney Parish hall 21 Heathfield Rd, Bexleyheath DA6 8NP.
Youth day at John Fisher School Purley on Saturday 17th October 11.00 am – 5.30 pm for 10 – 14-year olds. Cost £5. Free Coach transport from St. Anselm’s Dartford leaving at 9.30 am. To book go to: https://scys.org.uk/youth-under-18/youth-days-10-14-years. Contact Fr. Stephen Boyle to book the coach: dartford@rcaos.org.uk
PACT Prisoner’s Sunday. Catholic churches across England & Wales will mark 11th October as Prisoner’s Sunday, a day of prayer and action for people affected by imprisonment. Visit https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/donate/ for more information & to donate today.
Lectors & Eucharistic Ministers Formation Day. This will be held at Capuchin Franciscan Friary, Erith on Saturday, 31st October 2026 from 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. please give your name to your parish by Sunday, 18th October. Please bring a packed lunch. For further information, please contact the Episcopal Vicar for South East London’s Office at evse@rcaos.org.uk.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Now taking place at 7:00 pm, every Thursday. Anyone who wishes to deepen or renew his or her faith is warmly welcome to join. Feel free to attend on any week that suits your schedule. We look forward to journeying together in faith and growing closer to the Lord. God bless.
PARISH GROUPS' NOTICES
1. UCM: Now meeting on the last Sunday of every month after the 11.00 am mass. The next two meetings will take place on Sunday, 29th November and Sunday 31st January, both at 12.30 pm in the church porch. No meeting in December.
2. LEGION OF MARY: Meeting every Friday at 11.15 am in the church porch.
3. LUNCH CLUB: The next gathering will be on Thursday, 15th October at 12.30 pm in the hall.
4. CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL: Meeting every Sunday at 5.30 pm in the church.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Saturday 10th October G Feria
Family Marian Devotion at home
28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME G
6.00 pm Daily Rosary
6.30 pm Agnelo Caeiro RIP
7.30 pm Daily Rosary
Sunday 11th October G
8.30 am Daily Rosary
9.00 am Maisy Nunes birthday TG
10.00 am Daily Rosary
10.30 am Daily Rosary
11.00 am Catherine Otewe birthday TG
12.00 pm Daily Rosary
Monday 12th October G Feria
No Public Mass
Tuesday 13th October W
St Edward the Confessor
7.00 pm Daily Rosary
7.30 pm Olaj fly WB
Wednesday 14th October G Feria
9.30 Adoration
10.00 am Mrs Maxie Fernandes, recovery & good health
Thursday 15th October W
St Teresa of Avila
9.30 am Adoration & Prayer for Vocations
10.00 am Drazila Fernandes RIP
Friday 16th October G Feria
9.30 am Prayers for the Dead
10.00 am Olaj fly WB
Saturday 17th October R
St Ignatius of Antioch
Family Marian Devotion at home
29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME G
6.00 pm Daily Rosary
6.30 pm D’Souza family TG
7.30 pm Daily Rosary
Sunday 18th October G
8.30 am Daily Rosary
9.00 am Departed souls of Braganca & Chojnacka families
10.00 am Daily Rosary
10.30 am Daily Rosary
11.00 am Denis McLoughlin RIP 4th anniversary
12.00 pm Daily Rosary
