About Us

The Good Shepherd Parish Welcomes You

The Good Shepherd Parish is here to create a loving community that will enable us to serve the Lord and to be a light to our society.

In 1989, Fr. Tom Bluger was appointed pastor and given the mandate be Archbishop Gervais, to build a church. In July 1998, after nearly three decades of liturgical celebrations in school gymnasiums, we realized our dream of a church building.

Upon entering the main door of the church you will notice the baptismal font. It is in the crucifix form and has an upper basin and a lower pool, which allow for either a traditional or immersion baptism. The font is consecrated and water within it is holy water. With a gesture of respect, we sign ourselves upon entering and leaving the church.

To the left of the front you will notice a wall of etched glass. Enter the door at the side to visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The tabernacle, resembling a North American Indian dwelling place, was carved by a local priest, Fr. Herman Falke SCJ. The side with the opening has five loaves and two fish, representing the multiplication miracle and signifying that the Lord will give bread that will last forever. Another side has the Lamb, with a triumphant banner who will open the book of the seven seals. The third side is adorned with a cluster of grapes and stalks of wheat overlapping the round host or image of the world. The remaining side is of a pelican that feeds it's young... an image spoken of in the old testament.

Above the tabernacle, you will notice a cloud of crystals that naturally catch and reflect any glimmer of light. This is called a shekinah, a Hebrew word for God's presence.

You are invited to enter into silent adoration before Our Lord.

The stained glass window over the main entrance into the worship area is called Creation. Look closely and you will see the trumpet of salvation, fish, birds and other biblical symbols. The window is done in brilliant primary colours. The stained glass on the lower windows to the left and right of the altar compliment the main Creation window. The four smaller windows are dedicated to the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Way of the Cross in our church is revised version of the Stations of the Cross as recommended by the Sacred Congregation for Divine worship. They are meant to emphasize the redemptive mystery that is the suffering and Resurrection of Jesus, They were hand carved by Fr. Falke. The first station to the left of the altar is the last supper. Following are: in the Garden of Gethsemane; before the Sanhedrin; before Pontius Pilate; the whipping and crowning with thorns; the carrying of the cross; Simon of Cyrene; the women of Jerusalem; the stripping and crucifixion; the second thief; Mary and John; death on the cross; the new sepulcher and the Resurrection. If you are familiar with the traditional Stations of the Cross, you may find the revised version opens up a whole new meditation for you.

The Good Shepherd church, a designated Jubilee pilgrimage church and is open during the week Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Our pastor is Father Joseph Muldoon

Guildlines for receiving Communion

In Catholic Churches the reception of communion can raise many questions. Please read this website to more clearly understand what is the Church's practice.

For Non-Catholics:

Sadly, we are not yet in full communion with Christians of other denominations. Therefore, it is premature to invite non-Catholic Christians to receive Communion. An alternative sign of our Christian unity is to join the Communion line to receive a blessing.

For Catholics:

If you have been away from the practice of you faith for some time, you may wish to consider receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Be assured the God's mercy is available to all who ask for it.

Confession is available before the 5:00pm mass or by appointment. See the parish bulletin for details.

If your life situation does not allow you to receive communion, please come forward to receive a special blessing.

To Receive a Blessing:

You may indicate that you wish to receive a blessing by approaching the priest or deacon minister with both arms across your chest.

To Receive Communion:

Most communicants prefer to receive communion in the hand. Others may prefer communion on the tongue. If you care to receive both species, proceed to the Chalice and drink from the Cup. Dipping a host in the Chalice is not permitted.