Saturday 26th July - Sunday 3rd August 2025
- bostallpark
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY 27TH JULY 2025
ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE BY POPE JOHN PAUL II (part 8)
The Joyful Mysteries
20. The first five decades, the “joyful mysteries”, are marked by the joy radiating from the event of the Incarnation. This is clear from the very first mystery, the Annunciation, where Gabriel's greeting to the Virgin of Nazareth is linked to an invitation to messianic joy: “Rejoice, Mary”. The whole of salvation history, in some sense the entire history of the world, has led up to this greeting. If it is the Father's plan to unite all things in Christ (cf. Eph 1:10), then the whole of the universe is in some way touched by the divine favour with which the Father looks upon Mary and makes her the Mother of his Son. The whole of humanity, in turn, is embraced by the fiat with which she readily agrees to the will of God. Exultation is the keynote of the encounter with Elizabeth, where the sound of Mary's voice and the presence of Christ in her womb cause John to “leap for joy” (cf. Lk 1:44). Gladness also fills the scene in Bethlehem, when the birth of the divine Child, the Saviour of the world, is announced by the song of the angels and proclaimed to the shepherds as “news of great joy” (Lk 2:10). The final two mysteries, while preserving this climate of joy, already point to the drama yet to come. The Presentation in the Temple not only expresses the joy of the Child's consecration and the ecstasy of the aged Simeon; it also records the prophecy that Christ will be a “sign of contradiction” for Israel and that a sword will pierce his mother's heart (cf Lk 2:34-35). Joy mixed with drama marks the fifth mystery, the finding of the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. Here he appears in his divine wisdom as he listens and raises questions, already in effect one who “teaches”. The revelation of his mystery as the Son wholly dedicated to his Father's affairs proclaims the radical nature of the Gospel, in which even the closest of human relationships are challenged by the absolute demands of the Kingdom. Mary and Joseph, fearful and anxious, “did not understand” his words (Lk 2:50). To meditate upon the “joyful” mysteries, then, is to enter into the ultimate causes and the deepest meaning of Christian joy. It is to focus on the realism of the mystery of the Incarnation and on the obscure foreshadowing of the mystery of the saving Passion. Mary leads us to discover the secret of Christian joy, reminding us that Christianity is, first and foremost, euangelion, “good news”, which has as its heart and its whole content the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, the one Saviour of the world.
To be continued.
PARISH NOTICES
FOOD BANK.
Just a reminder that we still need donations for the Bexley Food Bank.
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.
MARIAN MARRIAGE CIRCLE.
Marian Marriage Circle is a gathering of young Catholic singles who are eager to learn and develop their love and relationship skills.
It is open to all Catholics of any nationality from the age of 25.
It aims to create a Christian culture that encourages relationships that lead to marriage and happy family life.
Mary was present at the wedding feast at Cana, where through her intercession, Jesus changed water into wine.
Come let us place our relationships at the feet of Mary!
To join the WhatsApp, kindly send a text to: +447424269423
(this number does not accept phone calls)
Ave Maria!
ALTAR SERVER RECRUITMENT.
We are looking for altar servers to join our team. This invitation is open to all boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion.
Please speak to the parish priest for more information.
READERS.
We are looking for more readers to proclaim the Liturgy of the Word at all Masses. Please speak to the parish priest if you are interested in joining the team.
CATHOLIC CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
The CCRS is a knowledge-based, internationally recognised qualification that provides participants with an understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith. It enhances the understanding that education within the Church is a life-long process which leads to greater intimacy with Jesus Christ. This course presents the basic foundational teachings of the Catholic Church in a manner that is captivating, inspiring & applicable. The CCRS is designed & intended to support the Archbishop’s vision of missionary parishes & schools by cultivating an evangelistic spirit. Participants will be equipped to make an informed and practical contribution to their chosen field of ministry within the Church. Please visit aec.rcaos.org.uk/ccrs for further information.
ARCHCERT COURSE.
A lifechanging opportunity! Do you desire to know Jesus more intimately?
The Archbishop’s Certificate (ArchCert) is a two-year online course for all in Southwark and beyond who wish to understand their faith in a more profound way and be able to share it with both confidence and joy. The course will commence on 18 October 2025 and the cost will be £400 per year. The full cost of the course, payable over 2 years is £800. In addition, registration must be completed in advance and there is a non-refundable registration fee of £50. Further details can be found at https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/archcert
RCIA & ADULT CONFIRMATION.
Application forms are now available from the parish priest.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PARISH FAMILY FUN DAY – 14TH SEPTEMBER 2025.
Please save the date. There will be a BBQ, games, bouncy castle, ice cream truck, stalls and much more for all the family to enjoy. At the end of the day, the parish social club will be open in the hall who will be having a family pub quiz. All are welcome.
If you would like to have a stall or can donate cakes and refreshments please email bostallpark@rcaos.org.uk. Donations for raffle prizes, bottles and more can be brought to the house and left with Melissa or the parish priest. If you are able to volunteer in any way, please contact the parish office. More details to follow.
VOCATIONS DAY CELEBRATION with Marian Consecration on Sunday, 17th August 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Bostall Park. Highlights include Consecration/ renewal of Marian Consecration at 11am Mass, Gospel Music, Celebration of Priestly, Religious Profession or Marriage Anniversaries (1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th and above 50th Wedding Anniversaries. Interested couples should text their names to the WhatsApp phone number 07424269423 or email vocationpromotersGLAP@gmail.com), Speeches on Marriage, Priestly and Consecrated life, Entertainment & Refreshments. Come, let's celebrate our vocations at the feet of Mary! Ave Maria! For more information contact Fr Innocent Ezeonyeasi, Founder/Spiritual Director or see the poster in the porch.
DAY FOR READERS & EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST.
The next day retreat for parish readers and extraordinary ministers of the eucharist is on Saturday 18th October at St. Stephen’s Church, Welling. The day will start at 9;30am with Tea/Coffee followed by Adoration, talks on ‘Discipleship of Hope’ & ‘Virtual Ministry’ & ‘Liturgy of Witness’ and will conclude with Mass at 2:30pm. Please can you inform the parish office if you are able to attend as soon as possible. Please bring a packed lunch.
THE DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE.
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, Kent on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August 2025 from 10:30 am to 4pm. The reflection day will include teachings on the Message of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All welcome. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
PARISH GROUPS NOTICES
LUNCH CLUB.
The lunch club will be on their summer break returning on the 4th September at 12.30pm in the hall.
UCM MEETING.
The next meeting of the UCM is Wednesday 30th of July at 7pm in the Porch.
New members always welcome.
LEGION OF MARY.
Every Monday at 7pm in the porch.
New members welcome.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Saturday 26th July
W Ss. Joachim & Anne
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Yasmin & Eric Patel WB
G SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
6.30 p.m. Lavina Pereira RIP
Sunday 27th July G
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Desmond Rodrigues RIP
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Luz Ednalino RIP, Souls in purgatory & for TG
Monday 28th July
G Feria
No Public Mass Today
Tuesday 29th July
W Ss Mary, Martha & Lazarus
7 p.m. Daily Rosary
7.30 p.m. Holy Souls
Wednesday 30th July
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Melqui Rodrigues RIP
Thursday 31st July
W St. Ignatius of Loyola
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Kathleen Leahy RIP (1st Ann.)
Friday 1st August
W St. Alphonsus Liguori
9.30 a.m. Rosary for the Dead
10.00 a.m. Aisha PI
8.00 p.m. Marian Retreat Webinar
Saturday 2nd August
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
G EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
6.30 p.m. Lloyd & Sharon D’Souza TG
Sunday 3rd August G
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Holy Souls
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Aisha for wisdom