Welcome to our parish website
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.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Year C
Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Season of Christmas.
After the annual celebration of the Paschal Mystery,
the Church has no more ancient custom than celebrating
the Memorial of the Nativity of the Lord
and of his first manifestation,
and this takes place in Christmas Time.
Tuesday 24th December
Christmas Eve.
Morning Mass at 10 am.
Followed by Confessions.
Vigil Mass of Christmas
at 6 pm.
Family Mass.
Preceded by Carols at 5.45 pm.
Midnight Mass.
Preceded by Carols at 11.45 pm
Wednesday 25th December.
Christmas Day.
Mass at 10.30 am.
Thursday 26th December.
Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day.
Mass at Midday.
Father John Lawrence RIP.
It is with much sadness that we inform you that
Father John Lawrence
died on Wednesday, December 18th
at St Peter's Residence, Vauxhall.
Fr John was a curate in this parish in the 1960's and is fondly remembered.
Volunteers needed on Sunday 22nd December after 11am Mass.
Can you help with decorating the Christmas Tree, Crib and church?
Adult Volunteers needed.
Christmas Tableau at Vigil Mass of Christmas at 6pm.
Rehearsal on Sunday 22nd December after 11am Mass.
Can you help to organise?
On the 1st January each year, the Catholic Church observes the World Day of Peace,
first instituted in 1967 by Pope St. Paul VI.
In England and Wales, the Bishops have designated the second Sunday in Ordinary Time as
'Peace Sunday',
a day when parishes are encouraged to reflect on the Pope's message for that year.
This Year Sunday 19th January 2025.
Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace was published last week
and his theme is
‘Forgive us our trespasses: Grant us your peace’.
See link for further details.
Details of all programmes,
listed above,
in the Headline menu.
First Holy Communion Programme.
Sunday Liturgy for Children
Sacrament of Confirmation
Discovering the Catholic Faith
Infant Baptism.
Vocations to Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life.
See link for further details.
for children aged 3 years and above.
contact the school on 020 8698 4173 or
www.goodshepherd.lewisham.sch.uk.
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.
See link for details.
Some Reflections in Light of the Synod on Synodality.
Summary by Archbishop John Wilson.
See link for details
Racial Justice and Social Inclusion
See Link for latest Newsletter.
Newsletter of the Commission for Promoting Racial Justice and Cultural Inclusion
December 2024. Issue 12.
Jubilee Year 2025
Latest news on Jubilee Year 2025.
See link
Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis
See link for latest newsletter.
Caritas in Southwark
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.
See link for details.
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.
Lewisham Council.
Lewisham Foodbank
Worrying about money
Better off Lewisham
click link for details.
Advent Edition
With the ESV translation of the scripture.
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.
Kevin Nolan RIP
Reception into church: Thursday 2nd January at 3pm.
Funeral Mass : Friday 3rd January 2025 at 10.30 am.
Committal: Lewisham Crematorium at 12 noon.
Mary O Hara RIP
Funeral Service: Saturday 4th January at 10 am.
at Lewisham Crematorium