Northampton Cathedral Hub serving the following Churches in our Diocese
Cathedral NN2 6AG | St Aidan’s Kingsthorpe NN2 6QJ | SS Francis & Therese Hunsbury NN4 0RZ | St Thomas More Towcester NN12 6JX
Contact address for all churches: Cathedral House, Primrose Hill, Northampton NN2 6AG
TEL: 01604 714556 | Email: parish.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org| www.northamptoncathedral.org
Cathedral SVP 07515171104 | St Aidan’s SVP 07513367148 | St Thomas More SVP 07517613487

Mother Church of the Diocese Rt Rev. David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton

PARISH TEAM
Fr Simon Penhalagan, Fr James Evans,  Fr Daniel Rooke,  Fr Stanley Orazulike, Fr Shalbin Marottikudy
Philly McKenna (Parish Secretary) Ann Comerford (Cathedral Hub Administrator)

SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVES
(Cathedral) Robert Kilcoyne, Susan Carvell and Philly McKenna email; cathedralsafeguarding@gmail.com                         (Ss Francis & Therese)  Lorraine Hunt and Mary Roach c/o cathedralsafeguarding@gmail.com
(St Aidan’s) Gemma Johns email; c/o cathedralsafeguarding@gmail.com
(St Thomas More) Mrs Emma Cannon email; c/o cathedralsafeguarding@gmail.com
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PARISH REPOSITORY/SHOP: ST THOMAS CENTRE
For Mass cards and religious items.
Open – Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu and Fri, 10am-1pm
The Parish Office is closed on Thursday afternoon.

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26th NOVEMBER 2023     OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING (A)
Feast Days; Thursday: St Andrew

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 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Christ the King.
The Lord looks after his sheep through Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd and King. Christ is anointed King of the universe by his Father. We will be judged by our actions in this life, and finally Christ will present us to his Father. If we live our lives for Christ the King, and in service of his brothers and sisters, he promises that we will enter with him into glory.

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Solemnity of Christ The King, is also designated as World Youth Sunday.

This is an opportunity for us to celebrate our young people in any way possible. You can read Pope Francis’ message to young people here https://northamptondiocese.org/rejoicing-in-hope-rom-1212-2/

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FR RICHARD MORONEY RIP

Bishop David has announced that it is with sadness he informs you of the death of Fr Richard Moroney. Fr Richard passed away on Tuesday 21st November. Funeral details will follow when confirmed

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WALK WITH ME BOOKLETS – Available today.
Copies of the Advent Walk with me Booklets are available today and offer a good way of following an advent programme

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LOVE CHRISTMAS 2023

The Cathedral Hub churches are supporting the diocesan Love Christmas campaign by asking for donations of items for Christmas gift bags that will be distributed to local people living in poverty. This year, with the continuing cost of living crisis, and many people struggling locally, we are hoping to support individuals and groups including – young families, the elderly, those who are lonely and isolated, young carers who do so much all year round for others and have little time to actually be a child, children from broken homes, children in care, young people leaving the care system and living alone, suffers of domestic abuse and many more. Donations for the gift bags could include, for example, a range of toys and gifts, selection boxes, shortbread, biscuits, sweets or chocolate, clothing such as scarfs, hats, gloves, games that can be played as a family, hand cream and other treats, with the goal of both helping each recipient materially and enabling them to feel the warmth of human connection and the joy of Christmas. If you are able to support this wonderful initiative, please bring any donations (unwrapped) to church. We will be collecting gift donations up to 10th December. See the poster in Church for more details. Many thanks.

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GOOD SHEPHERD RC SCHOOL

Governor Vacancies

The Good Shepherd Primary School, have vacancies for a Parent and a Foundation Governor. If you are interested or would like an informal chat about what the roles involve, please contact either sfinnerty@gov.olicatschools.org or head@thegoodshepherd.northants-ecl.gov.uk.

Reading Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to come and read with our children. If this is something you’d like to get involved with and have some spare time, then please get in touch with the school office on 01604 714399.

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Northampton Concert Orchestra in the St Thomas Centre. Friday 1st December at 7.30pm

Christmas Music from the Movies and around the world. Come and join us and sing some of your favourite carols. Admission is £10.00 on the door. Raffle & Refreshments available.

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COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION AT ST THOMAS MORE

Please collect your registration form for registration. The classes will start in January 2024

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The season of Advent starts next Sunday, December 3rd.

It is the start of the Church’s new year, a penitential season, but also a season of expectant joy. Advent is the time to prepare for this greatest of guests. To help us think about this, and to be prepared, there will be a Service of readings and Carols, all with an Advent theme, at 3pm on Sunday December 3rd the first Sunday of Advent.

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RCIA PROGRAMME

Are you an adult wanting to find out more about the Catholic Faith? Would you like to attend some sessions learning about the faith in a relaxed environment? You would be very welcome. Please call the parish office to register your interest and attendance.

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ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT
Mondays from 27th November 7.30-8.30pm The theme for the retreat is “Let the Wilderness Bloom!”. Join Canon John Udris and Avril Baigent as they draw on the life of John the Baptist to explore themes of silence, solitude, dryness, and vulnerability, moving towards resilience, promise and hope. Join live on Monday evenings or access the recording at a more convenient time. Register here: https://pastoralministryoffice.org/bloom/

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ADVENT SCRIPTURE DISCUSSION SESSIONS – Tuesday 28th November Meet in the Sacristy after Tuesday morning Mass. The group will be following the Bible Alive Booklets. Can you please let the office know if you will be attending. Tel 01604 714556

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FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION IN REPARATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Saturday 2nd December at the Cathedral, beginning with 9.30am Holy Mass, followed by Adoration, Confession, meditation on one of the Mysteries of the Rosary, recitation of the Rosary, Benediction. For the salvation of souls and peace in the world.

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CHANGES TO MASS INTENTION REQUESTS
From January 2024 there will be only one intention per Mass this is to comply with Canon Law. This means only one intention will be recorded in the weekly bulletin.
Other intentions can be made for that date, and these will either be said by the Cathedral Hub priests in their private daily mass, retired priests or sent to the Missions. Please see the notice on the parish notice board for full explanation and reference to Canon Law

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AT THE CATHEDRAL

Scripture Reflection; Tuesday 28th November at 7pm Choir Room.
Good Companions; Wednesday 29th November – Outing

Food Store Distribution; Thursday 30th Nov from 10.15am – 12.15pm

Choir Rehearsal; Thursday 30th November at 6.30pm Choir Room

Bereavement Group; Saturday 2nd December at 2.30 to 4.30pm

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CAFOD Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal. Can you help?
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.

CAFOD GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS CAFOD could help you with your Christmas shopping. Take a look at the Christmas booklet WORLD GIFTS offering a range of gifts for all ages. Copies are available in your parish.

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THE SECRETS OF PAUL a 10 week course on Zoom starting in January 2024 from 7.30pm to 9pm. An opportunity to reflect on the life of St Paul as a model missionary disciple. To book go to; https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/secrets-of-paul-online/

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RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS & GIFTS

Our church repositories and the St Thomas Centre have religious Christmas cards, calendars, diaries and a range of gifts, so shop local.

At Ss Francis & Therese you will find them in the O’Donnell Room.

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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER

From 9.15am in the St Thomas Centre Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, plenty of festive cheer and a visit from Santa with a gift for all children. Limited tickets remaining, please book via: www.ticketsource.co.uk/cafe1850northampton

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PARISH FIRST AIDERS

We are trying to gather a list of first aiders who attend our churches. Do you have a valid qualification and are you willing to be a parish first aider at the Mass you attend? If you are able to help, please contact the office.

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Pact (Prison Advice & Care Trust)

Invites you to join them at an online JustPeople Workshop on Saturday 2nd December 9.00am – 1pm or Wednesday 10th January. Discern the Lord’s call to social justice as we join together to promote the Common Good in our communities, reflecting upon Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching through the lens of people affected by imprisonment. Register here: https://bit.ly/3y7eK77 A participant pack will be posted out ahead of the event. To find out about opportunities to volunteer with Pact, contact parish.action@prisonadvice.org.uk

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CARITAS CLOTHES BANK
A new provision for the donation of suitable clothes, shoes and accessories for recycling can be made in the bin provided in the Cathedral Carpark. Funds raised from your contributions will helps raise funds for parish projects. Over 94% of the clothes donated are recycled and kept out of landfill sites. Please do use this facility as nothing is wasted.

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IF YOU USE ONE OF THE MISSALETTES FOR THE MASS PLEASE RETURN IT

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SNPC – South Northampton Partnership of Churches

On Sunday 3rd December at 7pm at Ss Francis & Therese Church. Come and join us for a united service for members of the churches within the South Northamptonshire Partnership. All our welcome to take part in the worship and to enjoy the company of fellow Christians after the service

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS in the Cathedral

Advent Service in the Cathedral Sunday 3rd December at 3pm

Advent Reflection with Schools Wednesday 6th December at 5pm

Mass for the Feast of Immaculate Conception of the BVM Friday 8th December at 7pm

Cynthia Spencer Tree of Love Service – Tuesday 12th December at 7.30pm

NMPAT Christmas Concert – Wednesday 13th December at 7pm

Cynthia Spencer Tree of Love Service Thursday 14th December at 7.30pm

Rainbows Christmas Concert Friday 15th December at 7.30pm

National Praise & Worship Initiative Saturday 16th December at 12noon Penitential Service Monday 18th December at 7pm

Fiori Musicali Handel’s Messiah Thursday 21st December at 6pm

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CATHEDRAL HUB PARISH WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Thank you for your support
Cathedral

W/e 18th & 19th November
£1745.02plus
S/O £1000.00 approx
Total £2745.02

St Aidan
W/e 18th & 19th November

£376.08 plus
S/O £278.00 approx
Total £654.08

Ss Francis and Therese
W/e 18th & 19th November

£446.38 plus
S/O £167.00 approx
Total £613.38

St Thomas More
W/e 18th & 19th November
£639.12 plus
S/O £150.00 approx
Total £789.12

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MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Please pray for those who have died recently
Maura West: Wednesday 29th November at 10.30am (Cathedral)

John Cox: Monday 4th December at 10am (Cathedral)

Genevieve Driver: Tuesday 5th December at 2.45pm (Cathedral)

Frank Cassidy: Tuesday 12th December at 10am (Cathedral)

John Marlow: Thursday 14th December at 11am (Cathedral)

Feliks Niedzwiecki: Monday 18th December at 10am (Cathedral)

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
It is now possible to have a reception into church the evening before the funeral. This service could be led by a lay person if the priest is committed elsewhere. During the winter months an addition cost will need be made to cover the heating of the churches

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URGENT APPEAL
Can you help? Do you have any ‘bags for life’ that you would like to donate? 

 The foodstore needs your help with food or funds in order to be able to continue its great work helping families in need at this difficult time. You can bring food at any of the Masses here at the Cathedral or drop it into the St Thomas centre during office hours Mon-Fri 10am -1pm.  The ambient food we need is tinned food, cereal, pasta, rice, pasta sauce, tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits etc….  Please note: We do not need any toiletries.

A big thank you to all the Cathedral volunteers who packed the food bags, Parishioners for all their donations.  All your generosity has enabled us to help families to have food each week. During these difficult times  we recognise that for many these days are extremely challenging. As a response to  these needs, we are pleased to offer our new Cathedral Centre as a food store to provide much needed items to those who need them most.
On Thursday afternoon,  the food will be distributed through a collection/delivery service. If you require this service or knows anyone who is in need, please contact the parish office by phone or email 01604 714556 or office@northamptoncathedral.org.

On behalf of all those we support a massive big thank you to all who donate food, funds and their time to the foodstore.

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CAFÉ 1850

The café is open from Tuesday to Sunday offering a wide selection of drinks and snacks. Do come and visit us. We are able to cater for external events in the St Thomas Centre. Contact Richard on richard@northamptondiocese.com

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  OFFICE EMAIL ADDRESSES AND OPENING DAYS FOR PARISH OFFICE

Reception will be open for you to call in person to the St Thomas Centre (Cathedral Centre) during the above times for booking Masses, collecting  cards etc. Access to the centre is through the gate from the main cark park.

All other times Philly or Ann will be available for general enquires by phone or email.
Phone (0)1604 714556
Philly’s email address:  office.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org
Ann’s email address: parish.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org.

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CHANGES TO MASS INTENTIONS DATES
We have several funerals during the following two weeks which will impact on the Mass Intention requests. We will re-schedule intentions to an alternative date and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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READERS AT MASS

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to read at Mass. If this is something you would like to get involved with in any of the parishes, please do get in touch with the parish office. As ever, a heartfelt thank you to all our readers!

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ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER
If you would like to place an item in the newsletter, please email this to the parish office by Thursday afternoon. This will enable the parish team enough time to finalise the newsletter before it goes to print. Thank you!

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ONLINE APPLICATION FORMS FOR SACRAMENTS
For those interested in baptisms, First Holy Communion and Confirmations the Cathedral, St Aidan’s, and SS Francis & Therese, please go to the Cathedral website:
www.northamptoncathedral.org/sacraments/
and complete the relevant online application form. You will then be contacted by the parish office.

A new programme will start again in the Autumn for 2023/2024

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CATHEDRAL LIVE STREAMING
All Masses at the Cathedral are streamed live on both our website and the diocesan website. Please see Mass times  for further details.

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Defibrillator

We would like to thank those who donated a defibrillator to the Cathedral. Is an important piece of equipment which has been placed in the sacristy.
Please God we won’t ever need to use it!!

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CATHEDRAL PARKING
For those who are struggling to find a parking space in the Cathedral car park, please note that the bottom car park by the Cathedral Centre, which is accessible from Semilong Road, is open for all weekend Masses. The Cathedral can be accessed from this car park via the gate leading to the top car park. Please remember to be courteous and thoughtful when parking your car for Sunday Mass. It you are late arriving and have parked making it difficult for others then please return to your car as soon as you can at the end of Mass.

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 DONATIONS TO THE CATHEDRAL – OFFERTORY GIVING

We are very grateful to those who continue to support the Cathedral through their direct debits. We have had enquires about setting up payments during this lock down. If you go to the Cathedral homepage you will see a link called Offertory Giving in green. You can click this link and set-up a regular standing order, or make a one-off donation online through the diocese Virgin Money Giving facility who accept all major debit and credit cards. If you use this option, we ask that you indicate ‘for Northampton Cathedral’ in the ‘Leave a Message’ box for one-off donations, and for a regular standing order we will contact you to check which parish  your standing order is for. There is a facility to Gift Aid any donation to your parish, (for example, as an offertory donation or Mass stipend).

Alternatively you can make an online donation or set up a standing order for regular giving to the Cathedral parish via your own online bank account.

The Cathedral bank information required is as follows:

Bank: NatWest
Sort Code: 60-06-11
Account No: 59811927
Account Name: RCDN Cathedral of Our Lady
Payment Ref: Northampton Cathedral

ST AIDAN’S PARISH: – OFFERTORY GIVING

We are very grateful to those who continue to support St Aidan’s through their direct debits. If you would like to donate to St Aidan’s via the diocese Virgin Money Giving facility then please indicate “for St Aidan’s, Northampton” in the ‘Leave a message’ box for one-off donations. Or set up a standing order for St Aidan’s via your own online bank account.

The Bank details required for St Aidan’s is as follows:

Bank: NatWest
Sort Code: 60-06-11
Account Number 91074096
Account Name: RCDN St Aidan’s Parish
Payment Ref: St Aidan’s Northampton

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN YOUR PARISH SVP?
Are you interested in offering your help to assist with the work of a local branch of the SVP? The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. Founded in Britain in 1844, we foster diverse and inclusive connections, as a Society that is welcoming of people of all faiths and none. We joyfully extend our hand in the care and personal service of individuals and families who need support.
https://www.svp.org.uk
Cathedral SVP 07515171104      St Aidan’s SVP 07513367148      St Thomas More 07517613487

ST VINCENT DE PAUL

The SVP at the Cathedral and St Aidan’s wish to support their clients and the community at this time. We are continuing to contact our clients who usually receive home visits by phone and anyone feeling lonely or who has a relative they would like us to contact, please do let us know and we will add you to our list. If you haven’t received a call and would like one – again let us know.

We can also do shopping, prescription pick ups etc. for those who might need it, and will continue to offer practical support or referral to other agencies if you are struggling practically or financially. Please do ask us if you need help. Our contact numbers are;

We keep you all in our prayers at this time.

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PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Spiritual Communion Prayer of St Alphonsus 
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.

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