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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
All churches are suffering financial hardship since the pandemic and now further exacerbated by our current economic climate.
You may not be a regular attender at Good Shepherd but have family links or fond memories of the church of your youth. Your parish is dependent on your generosity to continue serving our community.
Thank you for your support.
Latest News
Wishing all our parishioners
a relaxing time over the Summer Holidays.
For those who are lucky enough to get away
we pray that you may travel safely and return refreshed
and ready to engage with another year.
For those who are staying local for the holidays
remember the huge array of activities throughout London
within easy reach and offering an enjoyable day of fun.
Ramona and her Team of volunteers
who organised our Sunday Funday.
All those who attended on the day.
Those who provided donations.
A very happy family parish day.
Friday 2nd August.
The Portiuncula Indulgence
One night in the year of Our Lord 1216, St Francis was immersed in prayer and contemplation in the little church of the Portiuncula, when suddenly a very radiant light filled the church and Francis saw Christ over the altar and covered with splendour and on His right His Holy Mother, surrounded by a multitude of Angels. Francis silently worshipped his Lord with his face on the ground!
They then asked him what he wanted for the salvation of souls. Francis’ answer was immediate: “Lord, although I am a wretch and a sinner, I pray that all of those who, repentant and having confessed their sins, will come to visit this church, may be granted abundant and generous forgiveness, with a complete remission of all faults”. “What you ask, Brother Francis, is great,” the Lord said to him, “but you are more worthy of greater things and greater will you receive.” I therefore grant your prayer, but on the condition that you ask my Vicar on earth, on my behalf, for
this indulgence”.
And St Francis immediately presented himself to Pope Honorius III, who in those days was in Perugia and told him with candour the vision he had. The Pope listened to him attentively and after some thought, gave his approval. But he then said, “For how many years would you want this indulgence to be?” Francis promptly replied: “Holy Father, I do not ask for years, but for souls”. And joyfully, he went to the door, but the Pontiff called him back: “But wait, do you not want official documents to ratify this indulgence?” And Francis replied: “Holy Father, your word is enough for me! If this indulgence is the work of God, He will be the one to take care of revealing His work; I do not need any documents: this document represents the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christ being the Notary and the Angels the witnesses “.
And a few days later, together with the Bishops of Umbria, to the people convened at the Portiuncula, he said with tears: “My brothers, I want to send you all to Heaven!”.
To benefit from the indulgence, three conditions must be met: Sacramental Confession, Holy Communion, and a visit to the church which enjoys the privilege of the Portiuncula where one must pray (at least one Our Father and one Hail Mary) for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff who have granted and confirmed the indulgence, and pray one Our Father, one Apostle’s Creed, and one other prayer of the individual’s choice while in the church. Confession and Communion may be received in the eight days preceding or following the visit.
The churches for which the indulgence can apply include: all churches of the various Franciscan Orders; all the cathedrals, the minor basilicas, and finally all parish churches.
In this Diocese of Southwark.
Portiuncula Indulgence.
a plenary indulgence may be gained once
in the parish church on the usual conditions,
viz a visit to the church,
during which the Our Father and Creed are recited together with a
prayer for the Holy Father's intentions,
sacramental Confession and
Holy Communion.
Final Weekend.
You may add your petition to the box
at the back of the church
which will be collected on the weekend of 4th August
and taken to the grotto, in Lourdes, the following week.
Pilgrimage of Reparation & Prayer for the Sanctity of Life to Walsingham, Saturday 3rd August, to be led by Bishop David Oakley
A coach will take pilgrims from the Co-op Food Store, McLeod Road, Abbey Wood SE2 0BS. There is little doubt that the new Parliament will see further attempts to introduce assisted dying and abortion up to birth.. Pope Saint John Paull II urged everyone to join in the 'great prayer for life' to defend the vulnerable. The coach will leave at 8.00am. Please consider joining this pilgrimage, if possible in person, or online at walsingham.org.uk/live-stream/
A Day with Mary.
Saturday 10th August.
From 9.30 am to 5 pm.
St Saviour, Lewisham, SE13.
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London
is holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kenton
Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
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 07957594646for more information. Coaches from Ealing Broadway and Victoria
The Vatican has granted permission for Our Lady of Walsingham to be celebrated as a new Feast in the dioceses of England, starting this year on 24 September.
Assisted suicide debate
There will be an important debate on assisted suicide in the House of Commons
on Monday 29 April at 4.30pm.
This debate is taking place as a result of the campaign
by media personality Dame EstherRantzen
who wants a change in the law to legalise assisted suicide.
It is vital that as many MPs as possible speak up in the House
to oppose any move to make assisted suicide legal in England and Wales.
Please go to https:!/www.spuc.org.uk/livesworthliving for:
• A briefing on the case against assisted suicide
• Three video stories opposing any change in the law
• An online tool to contact your MP
Taekwondo European Champions.
Two of our young parishioners have achieved the status of European Champions
and are members of the British Squad.
See link as we honour these two young men -
Timi since 2019
and Gabriel in 2023.
CAFOD Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal.
Donate to CAFOD’s Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal at cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected
and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities,
helping those most in need.
Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid
including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need.
Thank you for your prayers.”
A donation box is available at the back of the church.
For fuller details on how Cafod is already working in the region
Summer Break for the following Programmes.
We re-commence in October.
Details available from mid-August.
First Holy Communion.
Celebrated on Saturday 11th May at 10.30 am.
See link for full details of the course.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Celebrated on 20th February 2024.
Next course will begin in October 2024.
Sunday Mass at 11am (Children's Liturgy).
Worksheet suggestion and Reading sent by email
Child and parent work together at home
Child presents work at Sunday Mass
Join us: email downhamparish@gmail.com
Our First Holy Communion children will lead this liturgy from Sunday 22nd October at 11am Mass.
See link for further details.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
(For those who wish to learn more about the Roman Catholic Church and teachings).
Enquiries: speak with Fr John or email: downhamparish@gmail.com
see link for further details.
Our Course is now completed for this year.
We begin again in October.
Applications available from August.
Good Shepherd Primary School
currently has places in its Nursery class from September 2024,
for children aged 3 years and above.
To find out more, simply contact the school
on 020 8698 4173, or visit the school website to view the Nursery pages: www.goodshepherd.lewisham.sch.uk.
Application packs can be collected from the school at any time.
Appeal for School Governors.
Governors have an important role to play in ensuring sure schools are run effectively.
They work as part of a team with the Headteacher and other staff
to provide a happy, safe, and thriving learning environment as well as an excellent education for all the children.
Being a school governor can be challenging but hugely rewarding,
which can serve as an oppounity to give something back to our local community,
while making a real difference in the lives of our young people.
For an informal chat about becoming a school governor
please, contact the school office on 0208 698 4173
or email: headteacher@goodshepherd.lewisham.sch.uk
Diocesan Youth Ministry.
Under 18's
Young adults (18 - 35).
Pope Francis has called young people to be,
'Living stones in the Church'.
See link for details of events
Young Adults (18+). Mass on First Sunday at the Cathedral followed by Social.
Weekly Socials on Thursday evenings.
Advance notice of Flame 2025.
Largest gathering of Youth in UK.
Join the register for future updates
Vocations to Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life.
The Diocesan Vocations Team
assists those considering a vocation to ordained or consecrated life within the Archdiocese of Southwark.
The team offers guidance, helpful resources, and running Galilee Groups in different locations around the Diocese.
These are suitable for men considering an ordained vocation and offer an opportunity to meet together in prayer and reflection
whilst exploring their calling.
If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with our Vocations Director.
Vocations Director
Father Paul Kyne
Email: vocations@rcaos.org.uk
Tel: 020 8300 2480
Discernment and Formationare a process during which we grow.
No one is perfect, but, if you wish to become a Deacon,
you must be open to growth and to developing in faith and ministry.
If you would like to make an initial enquiry about becoming a Permanent Deacon,
then please contact the Director of Formation for Permanent Diaconate,
Deacon Ian Black ianblack@rcaos.org.uk.
Jesus invites each of us to 'Come and See' - this weekend will give the opportunity to explore the vocation to religious life and to reflect on God's call to you.
If you are wondering if God is calling you to religious life and would like to find out more why not come along? You are welcome to stay for the weekend or just come along on Saturday for the day.There will be opportunity for prayer, reflection and input, chance to ask questions and to meet others who are also wondering where God is calling them.
For more information contact Sr Lynne fcJ at fcjvocationeurope@gmail.comor visit our websitewww.fcjsisters.org
See link for further details.
Archbishop John Wilson challenges his diocese to respond.
Pope Francis reminds us,
‘Each individual Christian and every community,’
he says ‘is called to be
an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor,
and for enabling them to be fully a part of society.
This demands,’ says Pope Francis ‘that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor
and to come to their aid.’
(EG 187)
Latest Bulletin June 2024
See link.
CSAN (Catholic Social Action Network).
Do Justice Campaign.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage Catholic parishes and schools to discern the needs of their local communities in the light of the Gospel and to act with the skills and resources they have at their disposal to bring about a more just society.
See link for details
Called to be Peacemakers
A new document of the International Affairs department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
A Catholic approach to arms control and disarmament.
See link for details.
More than 1 in 5 of the UK population is living below the poverty line.
Here is the best way to access local services
click below for further details
Better Off Lewisham
We have launched a new tool called BetterOff Lewisham.
It is an online platform that helps residents struggling with the cost of living
find out what extra support they could be entitled to
and then supports users through claims forms and appeals.
Residents are currently signposted straight to the tool from pertinent pages of the council’s website
and can then undertake a benefits assessment to see what they’re entitled to and not already claiming.
One of the most important elements is a tool that can translate every page into 130+ different languages,
which is so crucial for a borough as diverse as Lewisham.
Since April we’ve had over 800 unique registrations for Better Off
and we’re keen to share it more widely.
Another key aspect of Better Off is the ability to grant access to a trusted helper/advisor
who can support residents through the forms if they struggle with digital tools.
Therefore, we’d like to ensure that community workers, caseworkers and other frontline staff/volunteers know about it
to help inform their conversations with the people they are supporting.
Earlier this year, Policy in Practice found that an estimated £23billion of benefits go unclaimed annually.
This tool can help residents navigate the complexity of the benefits system
and help them get the support they are entitled to.
Signposting to cash-first support and advice in the borough
Lewisham Council and partners have worked with the Independent Food Aid network to develop
the 'Worrying About Money?' leaflet.
This has recently been refreshed and reprinted.
You can also access an online version and printable poster here.
Catholic Children's Society.
Crisis Fund (Emergency Support for families in crisis).
Who is eligible?
One-off financial Support
We have helped
Families whose homes have been destroyed by fire.
Families where redundancy has brought hardship.
Families affected by illness/death of a loved one.
See link for details.
See link for latest newsletter January 2024
Newsletter of the Commission for Promoting Racial Justice and Cultural Inclusion
February 2024 ISSUE 8
Joint Initiative between Cafod and St Vincent de Paul Society,
to engage with political candidates
in the upcoming general election.
See link.
Read stories of Christians being martyred for their Faith in various parts of the World.
We are asked for help none more so than by our prayers and solidarity in faith.
Nigeria
Democratic Republic of Congo
See link for details or
visit
The people of Sudan need our help urgently. We are launching an emergency appeal for donations to get aid to them on the biggest scale we can muster.
When violence broke out last year in Sudan between government and paramilitaries, most aid agencies evacuated. Now, humanitarian workers are struggling to get back into Sudan to help, meaning severe delays in getting aid to the people, and the challenges of getting into areas where fighting is still going on remain. Many borders are shut as the government say they need to keep weapons out.
But the Church and our local partners are still there. Please, stand with them today.
The situation has gone from serious to desperate very quickly. The UN is calling it ‘the world’s worst displacement crisis’. At least 8 million people have had to flee their homes; famine looms.
“At least 25 million Sudanese need immediate, emergency help. Families are already going hungry and famine is looming. This crisis threatens to become the worst in living memory.” Telley Sadia, CAFOD’s country representative for Sudan.
Let us, as Cardinal Nichols and Bishop Swarbrick wrote recently to Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, Archbishop of Juba and president of the Sudanese Bishops’ Conference,
‘extend to you the prayerful support of the Church in England and Wales and… express our solidarity with you in your current circumstances of profound distress. We have heard your cry in your recent statement, in which you reminded the international community of the need for support to bring about an end to the civil conflict and allow for immediate humanitarian access to alleviate hunger across Sudan.’
Organisations supporting
Respect for Life and all of God's Creation.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Child
The Question of Artificial Human Embryos.
Are they really human?
See link.
Life is a UK pregnancy support charity.
See link for details.
March for Life
London. Saturday 7th September 2024.
Abortion isn't HealthCare.
See the link for further details.
August Edition
now available from the back of the church.
This is a useful little book (A5) which contains the daily Mass Readings.
Link yourself with the Universal Church in taking a few minutes,
on your way to work or during a break,
to unite with God's Word,
as it is received throughout the world on each day.
Available from the back of the church. Price £1.
Is your marriage under stress?!!
Trustee Vacancy with Marriage Care
Marriage Care is a Catholic organisation
providing marriage preparation and relationship counselling services
across England, Wales and Gibraltar.
We are looking for trustees to strengthen our board
and to help us continue to provide vital relationship support services
to the Catholic community and beyond.
For more information please visit:www.marriagecare.org.ukor email:volunteer@marriagecare.org.uk
Saturdays during the year at varied venues.
Lewisham.
St Saviour.
Saturday 10th August.
From 9.30 am to 5 pm.
Escorted Pilgrimage to Knock & Co Mayo,
3rd March 2024. £899.00 pps.
Price includes flight, 10kg hold luggage, 5 nights in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Lunch on three days.
All entertainment, excursions and transport are included.
Visit Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle. Single supplement on enquiry.
Contact Patricia or Natali on at 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com.
See link.
Further information
A Day With Mary 2024 Pilgrimages
to Fatima (7-14 June)
and Italy (4-12 September)
is available at
www.adaywithmary.orgor email adwmary.uk@gmail.com
See link for details.
MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL - OCT 2024:
7 Nights Apartment B&B from €273 per person sharing. Airport transfer is available on request. Contact us for details and book the dates that suit you.
Tel. 020 3239 8662 or website www.med-irishcentre.com
MEDJUGORJE: 00387 36 651 518
ENGLAND: 0044 20 3239 8662
Email:reservations@med-irishcentre.com
Website:www.med-irishcentre.com
See link
Archbishop John to lead pilgrimage to Lourdes - August.
Join Archbishop John and Bishop Paul
on a pilgrimage to Lourdes from 23 - 30 August.
Details of the pilgrimage, including volunteering and accommodation options can be found on our website.
Experience the unique spirituality of Lourdes, along with people from parishes around the Archdiocese.
Volunteers Required.
Sense Charity.
Location462/464 Bromley Road, Downham, Kent, BR1 4PP
See link for further details.
Catholic Papers and Magazines.
We have no demand in our parish for printed newspapers
but it's important to provide access to digital newspapers
or an opportunity for those who might wish to subscribe to
a physical or digital copy of our popular UK Catholic media.
Newspapers and Magazines offer us a fuller perspective
on the issues of the day rather than settle for headlines.
Below you will find the means of accessing the subscriptions.
Forthcoming Funerals
Aston Roy Campbell RIP
Funeral Service.
HIther Green Crematorium Chapel
Tuesday 23rd July at 12 noon.
Committal at 1.30 pm.
Hither Green Cemetery.
Baby Ivy Ellen Kelleher RIP
Funeral Service.
Beckenham Chapel
Monday 5th August at 11 am.
Committal at 12 noon.
Beckenham Cemetery