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.
Public Mass begins again on Wednesday
Masses during the Coronavirus restrictions.
First Sunday of Advent (B).
29/11/2020
| Day | Time | Intention | Feastday |
| Saturday | No Public Mass | Michael Farrell RIP | feria |
| Sunday | No Public Mass | Ella Morrissey RIP | 1st Sunday of Advent |
| Monday | No Public Mass | Parishioners | St Andrew, Apostle |
| Tuesday | No Public Mass | Jane Whitham RIP | feria |
| Wednesday | 10 am | Nora Chaplin RIP | feria |
| Thursday |
10 am | Bruno Giacon RIP | St Francis Xavier |
| Friday | 10 am | Thomas & Josey Keenan RIP | St John Damascene |
| Saturday | 10 am | Private Intention (CV) |
feria |
| Sunday | 10 am | Con McLoone RIP | 2nd Sunday of Advent |
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.
- 29. Nov, 2020
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Retirement of Bishop Patrick Lynch
On Saturday we received the news that the Pope has accepted the early retirement of Bishop Pat as our area bishop. For the last fourteen years, he has been a welcome visitor to our parish bringing his warmth, friendliness and wonderful stories as he shares the Gospel with us and celebrates the sacraments.
We wish him every blessing in his retirement and our prayers. - 22. Nov, 2020
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A short reflection by Fr John
Fr John offers this short video reflection on the First Sunday of Advent. We now enter the period of time where we await the coming of Jesus with great expectation in our hearts. In the midst of the fears surrounding this pandemic let us attempt to raise our minds to our trust in God for each one of us and find comfort and solace in spending time with Him.
- 29. Nov, 2020
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Day by Day booklet
This little booklet provides the daily Readings at Mass. Price £1.
The edition for Advent has arrived.
Copies are available as you leave the church. - 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. - 23. Aug, 2020
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First Holy Communion 2019/2020 Update
Another seven families have availed of the opportunity to celebrate First Holy Communion during this half-term. The Christmas holidays will be the next opportunity for those who have not, yet, come forward.
Contact Fr John at : downhamparish@gmail.com, if you wish to be considered for a date in December/Janaury (during school holidays). - 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.
- 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.
- 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