No Change at Good Shepherd
Despite the government offering a lessening of restrictions as of Monday 17th May, I have decided we will continue offering the same standard of protection and confidence to our parish members when they engage with parish personnel or activities.
We will continue to wear masks, observe social distancing of 2 metres, and provide the stewards with Track and Trace details. The numbers attending will not increase for baptisms or funerals, as without the presence of stewards, the priest must feel confident that visitors are willing and able to abide by local regulations and not cause a distraction from the liturgical ceremony.
Latest News
Coronavirus restrictions remain in our area despite some slight relaxations.
Social distancing and only local travel are still a priority.
Daily Mass is allowed as we follow our strict stewarding measures.
We pray for all those working with the NHS and we especially pray for those members of our community who work in hospitals, care homes and serving the public. Also for our elderly parishioners and those with medical conditions. We place you all before God in our daily prayers.
Masses during the Coronavirus restrictions.
Seventh Sunday of Easter (B).
16/5/2021
| Day | Time | Intention | Feastday |
| Saturday | 10 am | Tomi Odeleye (in thanksgiving) |
feria |
| Sunday | 10 am | Parishioners | Seventh Sunday of Easter |
| Monday | 10 am | Danny Ryan RIP | feria |
| Tuesday |
10 am | Intention of Aileen Chimonides | St John l , Pope & Martyr |
| Wednesday | 10 am | Victor & Teresa Parascandolo RIP | St Dunstan |
| Thursday | 10 am | Mary Lynch RIP | St Bernardine of Sienna |
| Friday | 10 am | Mary Prendergast RIP | St Christopher of Magalianes |
| Saturday | 10am | Parishioners | St Rita of Cascia |
| Sunday | 10 am | No Mass Intention | Pentecost Sunday |
Please Note
The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is not applicable during this crisis.
Fundraising at Good Shepherd
This is the Justgiving site where you can contirbute to our parish finances.
You can use the code reader scan or the link below to make a contribution.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Good-Shepherd-Church-Downham
Those who gift aid are reminded to ensure you provide the details requested.
Thank you for your support.
Other options to financially support the parish are offered below.
Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School
We are your parish primary school,
graded “Good” by OFSTED in February 2020 and would love to hear from you.
We currently have spaces in our Reception Class for September 2021.
If you have a child whose date of birth is between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017
and you are interested in a place for them, please contact the school office on 020 8698 4173.
We also have vacancies in our Nursery for September 2021.
If you would like a place for your child and they will be 3 years old by September 2021, or soon after, please call us.
- 8. May, 2021
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Delayed First Holy Communions from May 2020
The school half-term at the end of May will offer the last opportunity for those who wish their child to celebrate First Holy Communion. See the link for details and access to the booking process.
- 16. May, 2021
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A short reflection by Fr John
Fr John offers this short video reflection on the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
- 25. Apr, 2021
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Gift Aid Tax information for personal Tax Returns
Please see link for Gift Aid contributions concerning the Tax Year 2020/2021.
- 18. Jul, 2020
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Ask the Stewards to direct you to the place where you may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please wear a face mask. The Sacrament is available on any day after the 10am Mass.
- 13. Feb, 2021
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Lewisham Council
Did you know that we have a Free Rapid Test Centre for Covid 19 within our parish at the Green Man / Phoenix complex on the Bromley Road? You can walk in without an appointment and be seen fairly quickly from 11 am each weekday.
“By getting a regular rapid test people who need to leave their homes for work, volunteering or caring responsibilities are helping to protect the people around them.”
One in three people who have coronavirus is asymptomatic, meaning they spread it unknowingly. - 13. Feb, 2021
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Lewisham Council
This week, we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
With the rate of unemployment rising across the country, Lewisham Council has expanded its apprenticeship programme to support the local economy and provide opportunities for our residents.
Check out the following link
https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/employment-support-and-careers-advice/apprentices?utm_source=London%20Borough%20of%20Lewisham&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12165433_Copy%20of%20Resident%20Newsletter%2012.02&dm_i=402,78QWP,3YFQLR,TCU80,1
All Lewisham Council apprenticeships are open to people of all ages, pay the London Living Wage, and come with qualifications to help you in your new career. So whether you’re just starting out, or looking for a career change, an apprenticeship could give you what you’re looking for. People are always telling me how surprised they are at the variety of apprenticeships on offer. Find out more about Lewisham Council Apprenticeships. - 14. Nov, 2020
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200 Club
We have completed the cycle of draws for 2019/20.
Please press link to discover our winners for the last year.
No prizes have been distributed since February.
All prizewinner will be notified before the end of the year.
Sadly, we are unable to organise this fund-raising effort during these difficult times.
We hope to resume the 200 Club when we are back to normal.
Thank you for your support. - 14. Nov, 2020
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The Universe & Catholic Times. Catholic Newspapers For England
TO OUR CATHOLIC UNIVERSE AND CATHOLIC TIMES READERS IN THE PARISH:- at the moment you are unable to collect your paper at Mass, but you can get it delivered direct to your home every week, POST FREE. Please go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com or call them on 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. SPECIAL OFFER 3 MONTHS :-£22.00 or 12 Months:- £80.00
- 1. Dec, 2020
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Exploring the Catholic Faith (RCIA) ONLINE
This year our programme has gone online. We send you a video to watch at home and about a week later we join at a Zoom meeting for a discussion on the topic. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic Faith or has missed receiving one of the sacraments is most welcome to join us. Contact Fr John through this website by email.
Our next Zoom meeting is on Tuesday 1st December at 10.30 am. Contact Fr John if you would like to join us on the topic: Salvation History and the Incarnation. - 26. Sep, 2020
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Online First Holy Communion Programme 2020 - 2021
This course has begun and all the families who applied have received the First Module.
The closing date for this Programme is Sunday 1st November.
Those in Year 3 are now eligible for First Holy Communion.
This year's course will be conducted online.
You will need to apply online to join the course.
Use this email address for all applications/communication
downhamparish@gmail.com
No other email address will elicit a response for this programme. - July 2020
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Daily Mass at 10am
The obligation to attend Sunday Mass was removed at the beginning of the pandemic and we encourage your return to Mass on any day of the week at 10am.
Check the Mass list above for any change to Mass times.
Please give priority to those who work during the week on Saturday/Sunday.
Each week, I will list the daily number who attended, in the previous week, on the Mass Intention list.
See link for Fr John's letter. - 24. Oct, 2020
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The Sacrament of Baptism
We are now ready to offer the Sacrament of Baptism, once more. Please note only 6 people are allowed to attend under government guidelines and this includes the priest and the child. All baptisms will take place at 10.30 am on any weekday or Saturday, following the short course of preparation. Contact Fr John at the email address of downhamparish@gmail.com for further information.
- 3. Oct, 2020
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NHS Track and Trace app
If you download the NHS COVID-19 Track and Trace app then you can register your attendance at the church without filling-in any written details. Bring your mobile phone and point at the QR scan code which is held by the steward.
- 3. Oct, 2020
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Stewarding at Mass
If anyone can volunteer to join our group of Stewards at 10am Mass on weekdays or Sundays then please contact Fr John. The proviso is that you must not be in a vulnerable category and able to wear a mask
- 8. Aug, 2020
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Face Coverings Now Compulsory at Mass.
Please comply with Government regulations and wear a face mask from the time you begin to queue to enter church. Those who are exempt should inform the 'Entry Steward' and we will find a safe place for you in the church.
- 24. Jul, 2020
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As Shielding ends
We have prepared a 'safe place' for anyone who was shielding and is still nervous, to return to Mass. The space can hold two family members and is situated in the emergency doorway by the sacristy. Contact Fr John, in advance, to book this space.
- 27. Jun, 2020
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Layout of Good Shepherd
Here are some pictures of the interior of the church to show how we are ensuring the space is as safe as can be for worship.
https://padlet.com/johnkavanagh6/rzk3icpw4pyfu21z
Highlight the url and right click on the mouse and Go............. - July 2020
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A word of comfort
There are some in our community who for health reasons or anxiety are not yet ready to return to church. Please continue to nourish your relationship with God through the means you have been using. All of us are on a path of new discovery as to where the Lord will lead us and we must support and pray for one another and value the contribution of each one from the differing situations in which we find ourselves.
- 27. Jun, 2020
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Financial Contributions to Good Shepherd
We have a small number of parishioners who have supported us through Standing Orders or others through cheques or cash. During this crisis and without our Sunday collection we are appealing for you to support your parish.
See the link to contact Mary W who can guide you in choosing the best way to make your contribution. - 10. Jul, 2020
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Gift Aid Envelopes
If you are a member of our Gift Aid scheme then please phone or email Fr John to ask for your box of envelopes. Nominate the day you wish to collect and Fr John will make them available.
- 27. Jun, 2020
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No place for Racism
Archbishop John Wilson addresses the Schools and Colleges of our diocese in this important letter to students.
See link for details. - 27. Jun, 2020
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Online Prayer Wall
Here is an opportunity to ask for parish prayers using this padlet platform.
Highlight the url. right clikck the mouse and Go..............
https://padlet.com/johnkavanagh6/tz6mxa8gtok3h7dq - 10. Jul, 2020
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Red Box 'Missio'.
We are not able to collect the Red Boxes at this time but those who wish to empty and donate from home should see the following link.
- 28. Jun, 2020
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200 Club
Our monthly draws still take place but no prizes have been distributed during the lockdown.
See link for monthly winners. - 18. Nov, 2020
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Recent Deaths
Please remember in your prayers the souls of the recently departed.
Kathleen Marjoram RIP
Dr Lawrence Kalu RIP
Mavis Brewer RIP
Hannah (Joan) Guilfoyle RIP
Baby Johanna Busingyi RIP
Patrick O Neill RIP
Christopher Griffin RIP
Maurice Moen RIP
Gladys Marina Giffard RIP
Bill Greenslade RIP
Sheila Scholey RIP
Eileen Margaret Harney RIP
Lil O Sullivan RIP
Jennifer Obel RIP
John Galvin RIP
Dean Francolini RIP
John Gorman RIP