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The Shepherd's Voice

The Shepherd's voice is a series of pamphlets, booklets and devotional resources written by Fr Luke Goymour our parish priest.

These are available free of charge in hard copy form from the back of St Mary Magdalen, St Mark and Holy Family churches or can be downloaded or read on this web site.

The first in this series is entitled What Happens When We Die? Judgement, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory, reflecting on the four last things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.

This theme is not meant to be gloomy or frightening. Quite the opposite. It invites us to reflect deeply on the ultimate meaning of our lives, the hope we have in Christ, and the loving mercy of God who desires us to be with Him forever.

Each of the Four Last Things speaks to a truth we all face, and yet each is illuminated by the light of faith:

  • Death reminds us of our mortality, but also of the promise of resurrection.
  • Judgment calls us to live with integrity and love, knowing our choices matter.
  • Heaven is the fulfilment of every longing - a life with God beyond imagining.
  • Hell, though sobering, affirms the dignity of our freedom and the seriousness of love.

In each case, click the cover image to the left in order to read this pamphlet.

The second in the series is entitled There's Something About Mary

Why is Mary referred to as the Mother of God?

Do Catholics worship Mary?

What gives Mary such a significant role within the Catholic faith?

In this pamphlet, Fr Luke answers these questions and discusses the importance of Mary as a model of faith.

The third in the series is entitled All Saints - Why the Communion of Saints Matters

Uncover the remarkable richness and significance of the Communion of Saints - an essential yet frequently misunderstood aspect of Christian belief.

Fr Luke sheds light on the phrase as expressed in the Apostles' Creed and examines the deep connection between the Church and the Saints.

Explore the spiritual unity nurtured through the Sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, and discover how these sacred moments draw believers into a vibrant, communal relationship with Christ and one another.

Whether you're searching for understanding or inspiration, this concise guide reveals how the Communion of Saints forges a bridge between heaven and earth, welcoming everyone into a shared journey of communion with God.

The fourth in the series is entitled Sin and Confession - The Sacrament of God's Mercy

In a world that often avoids the language of sin, this gentle refection invites us to rediscover the healing power of God's mercy. With clarity and compassion, Fr Luke explores the reality of sin - not to condemn, but to illuminate our need for grace.

Rooted in Scripture, tradition and the Apostles' Creed, this booklet explains how Jesus saves us from sin and how that salvation is tangibly offered through the Church, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It guides readers through the meaning of confession, the role of the priest and the communal dimension of forgiveness.

Whether you're returning after years away or simply seeking a deeper understanding, this is an invitation to begin again - to encounter Christ's mercy, be reconciled and walk in peace.

The fifth in the series is entitled The Holy Catholic Church - Our Place in God's Plan for Salvation

What does it mean to belong to the Holy Catholic Church? In this short reflection, Fr Luke explores the church not merely as an institution, but as a living mystery - the Body of Christ, the People of God and the visible sign of His saving plan for the world.

Rotted in scripture and tradition, this pamphlet invites readers to rediscover their place within the Church's mission. From the apostolic foundations to the communion of saints, from the sacraments to the call to holiness we are reminded that to be Catholic is to be part of something eternal, universal and deeply personal.

Whether you are seeking clarity, renewal or deeper understanding, The Holy Catholic Church: Our Place in God's Plan for Salvation offers a gentle yet compelling guide to the heart of our faith.

The Sixth title in the series is The Rosary - An Invitation to Prayer Rooted in the Mystery of the Incarnat6ion

Discover the Rosary as a living encounter with God. The Rosary is a lot more than a string of beads - it is a path or prayer rotted in the mystery of the Incarnation. In this gentle and accessible reflection, Fr Luke Goymour invites readers to rediscover the Rosary as a physical and spiritual way of drawing near to Christ through His Mother.

From its biblical origins and historical development to its enduring power in times of struggle, this booklet explores how the Rosary engages the whole person- body, mind and soul. Learn how each bead becomes a doorway to grace, each prayer a step into God's story.

Whether you're new to the Rosary or returning after a time away, this guide offers clarity, encouragement and a heartfelt invitation to begin again - one bead at a time.

The Seventh title in the series is How God Speaks - Scripture, Tradition and the Pope.

Many Christians say "The Bible says......." but Scripture alone cannot interpret itself. In this accessible and engaging reflection, Fr Luke Goymour explores how God speaks through Scripture, Tradition and the living teaching authority of the Church.

Drawing on biblical foundations, early Church history and the witness of the apostles, this booklet shows how the canon of Scripture was formed, why Catholics trust the wider biblical canon and how the Pope serves as a visible sign of unity and truth. From the Septuagint to the successor Peter, this is a clear and prayerful guide to how God continues to sepak through his Church.

Whether you are new to the faith or seeking deeper clarity, this short reflection offers a rooted, reliable path into the heart of catholic teaching.