Parish Life
The heart of a parish is the Eucharist, but the parish family is the body that makes it a unique and vibrant community with an exciting parish life. Our parish offers a variety of ways to be part of that communal family in addition to the celebration of the sacraments.
Faith formation is a vital element of the Catholic life as we grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Church he gave us. A deeper understanding can lead to a more intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and through the Trinity to the Church and our family, friends, neighbors, parish, and community. Such faith formation is not just for children, but for all of us as we grow as Catholics. Our parish has many opportunities for faith formation that we encourage you to explore.
Another way to participate in our parish life are the various parish ministries, including liturgical ministries, such as choir member, lector, altar server, and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist; social justice ministries, such as visiting the homebound, serving the poor, volunteering at food pantries and the St. Vincent de Paul Society; and others, such as youth ministry, men's and women's groups, and the annual parish bazaar, to name just a few. God calls us to use our gifts and talents to glorify Him and make life better for other people. Please prayerfully consider these opportunities for getting involved in ministry. And if you have an idea for a new parish ministry, please contact us.
With so many ways to be part of parish life, you'll want to stay informed by regularly reading the weekly bulletin, just in case you've misplaced the one you received at Mass. You’ll also want to check the parish calendar for a list of events and mass schedules.
Our parish has a rich history in our town, being founded by people who trusted in the Lord and gathered together under the leadership of our bishop. Who we are today is based on who we were yesterday. Find out more about our spiritual forefathers as you read the history of our parish.
History of the Parish
On October 1, 1951, Archbishop John J. Mitty announced the establishment of 14 new parishes among which was Good Shepherd in Sharp Park, encompassing Pacific Manor and Rockaway Beach. Prior to this time, visiting priests from Holy Angels Parish, Colma celebrated Mass once each Sunday in what later became Ben’s Trading Post in Rockaway Beach; the building has since been demolished.
A home on Brighton Road (Sharp Park) was subsequently purchased and the large front parlor was converted into a chapel — complete with pews — while the upper floor served as a rectory with meeting rooms. The establishment of the CCD on October14, 1951, the Holy Name society on October 18, and the Altar Society on October 21 provided the support needed for ministering to the 300 families in the parish.
In late June of 1953, the present church on Oceana Boulevard was completed (with plans to be converted into a parish hall in the future). On September 13, the church was dedicated by Archbishop Mitty. When the present hall was constructed, it was named St. Rita by Fr. Mullen, the first pastor, because of his devotion to the saint.
Ministries
Music Ministry
Join together in song, under the talented direction of our choir director.
Women’s Guild
All women are welcome! Gatherings are on occasion and announced in the bulletin and in this space when scheduled. For more information, please email us. Contact us here.
Pro-Life Rosary
Unite as a community praying the Rosary for the sanctity of all life from conception until natural death. Meditative hymns are sung, along with the recitation of the Rosary. No experience required. Mentors provided. Contact the coordinators.
Eucharistic Adoration
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and adored by volunteers who sign up for one hour or more to pray before the Lord Jesus present in the Monstrance.
Finance Council
Advises the Pastor on financial matters of the parish and school. Responsible for monitoring all income and expenses, and approving the annual budgets.
Offertory Counters
A group that counts the funds collected at Mass each week. Each group volunteers about once a month.
Parish Pastoral Council
The PPC is involved in most activities and programs effecting the liturgical and spiritual life of Church of the Good Shepherd.
Senior Altar Server
Men and women who assist at Mass or Funeral masses to enhance the worship of our faith community.
Stations of the Cross
Held Friday evenings during Lent.
Usher
Volunteers who assist people to their seat if necessary. They also take up the collection.
Men’s Group
All men are welcome! Conversation about our faith in a relaxed environment. Questions? Please email the coordinator for future dates.
Altar Server
Boys and girls who assist the priest at the liturgy.
Baptism Preparation
Preparing parents for the formation of their child’s faith.
Eucharistic Minister
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion who serve the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and to the sick and homebound.
Fellowship Committee
Volunteers who coordinate social activities and gatherings of parishioners during the year.
Flowers and Grounds
Volunteers who care for and beautify the grounds and church.
Greeters
Parish volunteers who warmly welcome parishioners as they enter the Church for Mass.
Lector
Reader who proclaim the Scriptures at Mass and other services.
Liturgical Linen Service
Responsible for the preparation and care of the altar linens. This includes the washing and ironing of purificators, corporals, and altar linens.
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation – preparation of adult candidates for Catholic sacraments. Learn More.
Sacristan
Duties include preparing the altar for Mass and cleaning the altar following Mass.
Soup Kitchen
Provides hot meals on a monthly basis to the homeless.
Our Faith
Our Catholic faith comprises what we believe and how we live that belief. For 2,000 years, this Catholic faith has been handed down from one generation to next, starting with Jesus Christ passing the faith to the Twelve Apostles. In our own lives, we may receive that faith from our parents, from friends, or even a stranger we meet.