Saturday 2nd - Sunday 10th August 2025
- bostallpark
- Aug 1
- 7 min read
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST 2025
ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE BY POPE JOHN PAUL II (part 9)
The Mysteries of Light
21. Moving on from the infancy and the hidden life in Nazareth to the public life of Jesus, our contemplation brings us to those mysteries which may be called in a special way “mysteries of light”. Certainly, the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12). Yet this truth emerges in a special way during the years of his public life, when he proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom. In proposing to the Christian community five significant moments – “luminous” mysteries – during this phase of Christ's life, I think that the following can be fittingly singled out: (1) his Baptism in the Jordan, (2) his self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, (3) his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion, (4) his Transfiguration, and finally, (5) his institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery.
Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus. The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out. Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers. Another mystery of light is the preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23). The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to “listen to him” (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit. A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice. In these mysteries, apart from the miracle at Cana, the presence of Mary remains in the background. The Gospels make only the briefest reference to her occasional presence at one moment or other during the preaching of Jesus (cf. Mk 3:31-5; Jn 2:12), and they give no indication that she was present at the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. Yet the role she assumed at Cana in some way accompanies Christ throughout his ministry. The revelation made directly by the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan and echoed by John the Baptist is placed upon Mary's lips at Cana, and it becomes the great maternal counsel which Mary addresses to the Church of every age: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). This counsel is a fitting introduction to the words and signs of Christ's public ministry and it forms the Marian foundation of all the “mysteries of light”.
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.
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.
RCIA & ADULT CONFIRMATION.
Application forms are now available from the parish priest.
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
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.
LEGION OF MARY.
Every Monday at 7pm in the porch.
New members welcome.
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.
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 21 or working class (at least 18yrs). 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!*
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.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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
Monday 4th August
W St. John Vianney
No Public Mass Today
Tuesday 5th August
G Feria
7 p.m. Daily Rosary
No Public Mass Today
Wednesday 6th August
W The Transfiguration of the Lord
9.30 a.m. Adoration
No Public Mass Today
Thursday 7th August
G Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
No Public Mass Today
Friday 8th August
W St. Dominic
9.30 a.m. Rosary for the Dead
No Public Mass Today
8.00 p.m. Marian Retreat Webinar
Saturday 9th August
R St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross
9.30 a.m. Adoration
G NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
6.30 p.m. Bernard Mascarenhas RIP
Sunday 10th August G
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Ferdie Rodrigues RIP
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Holy Souls