Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th January 2026
- bostallpark
- 19 hours ago
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THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD – CYCLE A
SUNDAY 11TH JANUARY 2026
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (Part 5)
CHAPTER THREE: Man's Response to God
I Believe
25. How does man respond to God who reveals himself? 142-143
Sustained by divine grace, we respond to God with the obedience of faith, which means the full surrender of ourselves to God and the acceptance of his truth insofar as it is guaranteed by the One who is Truth itself.
26. Who are the principal witnesses of the obedience of faith in the Sacred Scriptures? 144-149
There are many such witnesses, two in particular: One is Abraham who when put to the test “believed in God” (Romans 4:3) and always obeyed his call. For this reason he is called “the Father of all who believe” (Romans 4:11-18). The other is the Virgin Mary who, throughout her entire life, embodied in a perfect way the obedience of faith: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
27. What does it mean in practice for a person to believe in God? 150-152 & 176-178
It means to adhere to God himself, entrusting oneself to him and giving assent to all the truths which God has revealed because God is Truth. It means to believe in one God in three Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
28. What are the characteristics of faith? 153-165, 179-180 & 183-184
Faith is the supernatural virtue which is necessary for salvation. It is a free gift of God and is accessible to all who humbly seek it. The act of faith is a human act, that is, an act of the intellect of a person - prompted by the will moved by God - who freely assents to divine truth. Faith is also certain because it is founded on the Word of God; it works “through charity” (Galatians 5:6); and it continually grows through listening to the Word of God and through prayer. It is, even now, a foretaste of the joys of heaven.
29. Why is there no contradiction between faith and science? 159
Though faith is above reason, there can never be a contradiction between faith and science because both originate in God. It is God himself who gives to us the light both of reason and of faith.
“I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe.” (Saint Augustine)
PARISH NOTICES
SPUC WHITE FLOWER APPEAL – 11TH JANUARY 2026.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) White Flower Appeal is dedicated to protecting unborn children and promoting the right to life in society. The White Flower Appeal is inspired by the courage of the White Rose Movement during World War II, which opposed the tyranny of the Nazi regime when so many lives were lost. Today, we need similar courage to stand for the vulnerable among us who are also losing their lives. Your support can change that. Please make the right to life one of your concerns by donating this weekend.
FATHER INNOCENT AWAY.
24th – 31st January 2026
There will be no daily Mass during this time so please check local parish websites and newsletters for daily Mass times.
PAX CHRISTI PEACE SUNDAY– 18TH JANUARY 2026.
The Bishops’ Conference encourage us all the use the day to reflect on the Pope’s message for the World Day of Peace on the 1st January. Pope Leo has said that the theme for his message which will be 'Peace be with you all: towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace'. Pax Christi promote Peace Sunday with the support of the Bishop’s Conference. If you are unable to give on the day then you can also donate via their website at www.paxchristi.org.uk/product-category/peace-sunday-appeal/
CHURCH FLOWERS.
Thank to our wonderful flower arrangers for their beautiful floral displays throughout the year. As with all things, these cost money so if you are able to donate towards the cost of our flowers, please place your donations in the hole in the wall by the sacristy.
FOOD BANK.
Just a reminder that we always need donations for the Bexley Food Bank, especially in the winter. Donations can be placed in the porch. There is a sign where you can check what items are needed along with details of how you can make a financial donation if you wish. Please do not leave any perishable items. Donations are delivered to the food bank on Friday mornings.
DEATHS.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of Patricia Howard, Chris LeRoy & Eileen Barry who died recently.
Chris’ funeral will be on Thursday 22nd January at 12pm followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium at 1.45pm. His wake will be held at Delta Hotels by Marriot in Bexleyheath from 2.30pm. Donations to MacMillan Cancer Support can be made online at www.macmillan.org.uk. Please contact Daniel Mercer Funeral Directors for flowers and donations on 020 8857 7757. The Funeral Mass will be available online at www.youtube.com/@RCAOSStThomasMoreBostallPark
Patricia Harrow’s funeral is on the 14th January at 12 noon.
Eileen Barry was a parishioner here for 58 years and regularly attended the Saturday evening Mass. Her funeral details will be announced shortly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PARISH 90TH ANNIVERSARY PREPARATION.
The next meeting will be on Saturday 17th January at 12 noon in the church porch. All are invited even if you missed the first meeting.
UCM MEETING.
The next meeting has been arranged for Saturday Feb 7th in the hall at 11.30am. New members are welcome. Refreshments will be available.
RCIA & ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES - every Wednesday, till Easter 2026. Venue: Church Porch. Time: 7:15pm. Anyone can join to learn and/or refresh one’s knowledge and faith in God.
SOUTHWARK YOUTH PILGRIMAGES 2026.
Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights & full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26
Young adults (aged 18 to 35) are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027
For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit www.tinyurl.com/scys1
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Saturday 10th January
W Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
W THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
6.30 p.m. Joaquim D’Souza TG
Sunday 11th January W
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Holy Souls
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Holy Souls
Monday 12th January
G Feria
No Public Mass Today
Tuesday 13th January
G Feria
7 p.m. Daily Rosary
7.30 p.m. Holy Souls
Wednesday 14th January
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Anika Braganza WB
12 p.m. Funeral for Patricia Harrow
Thursday 15th January
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Priests & Priestly Vocations
Friday 16th January
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Rosary for the Dead
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
Saturday 17th January
W St. Anthony
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
G SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
6.30 p.m. John Smith RIP
Sunday 18th January G
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Holy Souls
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Holy Souls
