Saturday 3rd - Sunday 11th January 2026
- bostallpark
- Jan 2
- 5 min read
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY – CYCLE A
SUNDAY 4TH JANUARY 2026
COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (Part 4)
18. Why does Sacred Scripture teach the truth? 105-108 & 135-136
Because God himself is the author of Sacred Scripture. For this reason, it is said to be inspired and to teach without error those truths which are necessary for our salvation. The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors who wrote what he wanted to teach us. The Christian faith, however, is not a “religion of the Book”, but of the Word of God – “not a written and mute word, but incarnate and living” (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux).
19. How is Sacred Scripture to be read? 109-119 & 137
Sacred Scripture must be read and interpreted with the help of the Holy Spirit and under the guidance of the Magisterium of the Church according to three criteria: 1) it must be read with attention to the content and unity of the whole of Scripture; 2) it must be read within the living Tradition of the Church; 3) it must be read with attention to the analogy of faith, that is, the inner harmony which exists among the truths of the faith themselves.
20. What is the Canon of Scripture? 120 & 138
The Canon of Scripture is the complete list of the sacred writings which the Church has come to recognize through Apostolic Tradition. The Canon consists of 46 books of the Old Testament and 27 of the New.
21. What is the importance of the Old Testament for Christians? 121-123
Christians venerate the Old Testament as the true word of God. All of the books of the Old Testament are divinely inspired and retain a permanent value. They bear witness to the divine pedagogy of God's saving love. They are written, above all, to prepare for the coming of Christ the Saviour of the universe.
22. What importance does the New Testament have for Christians? 124-127 & 139
The New Testament, whose central object is Jesus Christ, conveys to us the ultimate truth of divine Revelation. Within the New Testament the four Gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are the heart of all the Scriptures because they are the principle witness to the life and teaching of Jesus. As such, they hold a unique place in the Church.
23. What is the unity that exists between the Old and the New Testaments? 128-130 & 140
Scripture is one insofar as the Word of God is one. God’s plan of salvation is one, and the divine inspiration of both Testaments is one. The Old Testament prepares for the New and the New Testament fulfils the Old; the two shed light on each other.
24. What role does Sacred Scripture play in the life of the Church? 131-133 & 141-142
Sacred Scripture gives support and vigour to the life of the Church. For the children of the Church, it is a confirmation of the faith, food for the soul and the fount of the spiritual life. Sacred Scripture is the soul of theology and of pastoral preaching. The Psalmist says that it is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Church, therefore, exhorts all to read Sacred Scripture frequently because “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Saint Jerome).
PARISH NOTICES
FATHER INNOCENT'S RETREAT
1st – 6th January 2026 & 24th – 31st January 2026
In his absence, Masses from the 1st – 6th will be supplied by the Friars at Erith. We appreciate their help and warmly welcome them to our parish. Masses remain as usual except there will be no Mass on Saturday morning only. During the 24th – 31st January there will be no daily Mass.
CRIB OFFERINGS.
This year the parish’s crib offerings will be going to the Catholic Children’s Society. Donations can be cash which should be placed in the red box by the crib or contactless using the ‘Crib’ option on the contactless devices.
DEATHS.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of Patricia Howard (funeral details to follow) and Chris LeRoy 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
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 next weekend.
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.
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.
CHURCH FLOWERS.
Thank to our wonderful flower arrangers for the beautiful floral displays this Christmas. 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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PARISH GROUPS NOTICES
UCM MEETING.
There will be no more UCM meetings this year but the next meeting has been arranged for Saturday Feb 7th in the hall at 11.30am. New members are welcome. Refreshments will be available.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY - YEAR A
Saturday 3rd January
W Feria of Christmas Time
9.30 a.m. Daily Prayer
W SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY
6.30 p.m. John Smith RIP
Sunday 4th January W
8.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
9.00 a.m. Christian Pereira TG on his birthday
10.30 a.m. Daily Rosary
11.00 a.m. Holy Souls
Monday 5th January
W Feria
No Public Mass Today
Tuesday 6th January
W THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
7 p.m. Daily Rosary
7.30 p.m. Holy Souls
Wednesday 7th January
W Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
Thursday 8th January
W Feria
9.30 a.m. Adoration
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
Friday 9th January
W Feria
9.30 a.m. Rosary for the Dead
10.00 a.m. Holy Souls
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
