THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Christ, the spring of life.
Through baptism Christ becomes within us a source of the living waters of grace. Through the Holy Spirit the love of God is poured into our hearts and our spiritual thirst is quenched. We come alive. We become in our turn the wells of God’s goodness at which people will drink.
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There will be a Pastoral Letter from the Bishop read today at Mass.

Prayers During Lent
Candidates for the Sacraments
Penitents and Wanderers

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 CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY COLLECTION

Thank you for your generosity £7430.95 was collection across the Cathedral Hub Churches

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Morning or Evening Prayer will be prayed 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass at the Cathedral.
You are welcome to join the celebrant. If there is a funeral, then the prayers will be prayed in private.

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MONSIGNOR PETER WILSON RIP

Mgr Peter Wilson’s funeral will take place at 3pm on Friday 17th March at St Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, Buntingford, followed by burial at St Hugh’s Churchyard, Buntingford.

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BISHOP DAVID ANNIVERSARY MASS

Bishop David will be celebrating his Third Anniversary Mass on Monday 20th March at 12.00noon in the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.

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PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM

 Led by Bishop David Saturday 10th June. There will be a coach leaving the Cathedral at 8.30am and will leave Walsingham at 5pm to come back to Northampton for approx. 8pm The cost is £24.00. To reserve your place please call the office on 01604 714556

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WEDNESDAY 29th MARCH at 7pm NMPAT

Concert of ‘Spring Song’ will be performed in the Cathedral by some of the county’s young musicians and singers.

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Earls Barton Music presents Mozart’s Requiem

Wollaston School on Maundy Thursday, 6th April at 7pm, and Good Friday, 7th April at 7pm. Tickets are £9 for adults and £4.50 for children and are available from TicketSource at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/earlsbartonmusic/mozart-requiem/e-xamxxy, from earlsbartonmusic.com or from Jeyes in Earls Barton.

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St PATRICK DAY – FRIDAY 17th MARCH
Mass will be at 9.30am at the Cathedral and at 9.30am at St Thomas More. May we wish all those who have Irish roots a very happy day of celebrations. The Good Campanians will be celebrating on Wednesday afternoon and welcoming the Milton Keynes Irish Centre as their guests. Cards and Badges are available from the Repository.

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POPE FRANCIS’s 10th ANNIVERSARY
Sunday 19th March will be the 10th Anniversary of the Pope Francis’s Inauguration. Please keep him in your prayers for his health and his guidance over the Catholic Church throughout the world.

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CHAPLAINCY VISITING AT NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL

The Chaplaincy service at Northampton General Hospital is now operational again. If you have a relative or friend in hospital who would welcome a visit from a member of the Chaplaincy team, then please contact the Cathedral Hub office. We are looking for more volunteers to support this valuable work. If you are interested, then please contact the Cathedral Hub office.

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VACANCIES

There are a number of vacancies in the diocese please visit the link for more information. https://northamptondiocese.org/jobs/

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SS FRANCIS & THERESE – HUNSBURY

Ecumenical Lent Course. Thursday 16th March 7pm for 7.30pm start at the Abbey Centre Baptist Church. Do try to come along.

See poster on the notice board for more information.

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Young Adults Prayer Group.  

On the second and fourth Friday of each month, our Young Adults aged 18 and over gather for a Eucharistic Holy Hour including praise and worship, praying the rosary, building community and growing in faith together. There is also the opportunity for confession. We meet in the sacristy from 7 – 8:00pm followed by a social over tea and coffee! You’d be more than welcome to join us! For more information please email:  parish.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org

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SYNOD UPDATE

In Advent 2022 Bishop David took the very exciting step of founding an Office for Synodality for our diocese. We had experienced the power of Synod processes to transform our conversations last year, even when carried out with small groups, at speed and in the middle of a Covid wave. In order to build on those experiences, and honour the listening, Bishop David has asked the diocese to “take hold of those three words, communion, participation, mission, and apply them to every aspect of our parish and diocesan life and witness” SYNOD ASSEMBLY at Thornton College, Saturday 15th July

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JOURNEY FOR LENT – Tuesdays after Mass from 10.15 to 11.15am at the Cathedral in the Choir Room – Tuesday 14th March. Please do join our informal group as we journey together to relax and share the Word of God for an hour each Tuesday morning for the six weeks of Lent. If you wish to know more then please contact the Parish office.

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PARISH GIVING

We are making preparations for the new financial year. The giving envelopes will shortly come to an end for this financial year. This is an opportunity to review your giving. Do you want to start a standing order to support your parish? Do you want to join the weekly envelope scheme?

If you can gift aid your contribution this is very much appreciated.

All paperwork will be available in shortly.

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BISHOP’S CERTIFICATE IN CATECHESIS LEVEL 1 | Northampton Diocese
New Course starting in the New Year and taking place online via Zoom on the following Tuesdays at 7.30pm:
10th,17th, 24th,31st January 7th, 21st, 28th February,
7th,14th & 21st March 2023. Each session lasts approximately one hour.
More details about what is on offer to support catechists can be found in the Catechists Brochure available at:
www.northamptondiocese.org/catechesis

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SVP

Supporting those in need in the Community Have you thought of joining the SVP and helping in your parish community? There are branches at St Thomas More, The Cathedral and St Aidan’s. Contact numbers at the top of newsletter

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CHARAMISTIC PRAYER GROUP
The Charismatic Prayer group is looking to start again.  It will take place on Saturday evening 5pm to 7pm. Please call the Cathedral Hub Office if you need more information. Tel 01604 714556

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CONGRAULATIONS TO OUR BAPTISM FAMILIES

Welcome to those children who have been baptised into the Catholic Faith recently. May you be supported by your family, friends, and godparents as you start your faith journey.

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MASS INTENTION BOOKINGS

Requests for Mass Intentions can be made through the Cathedral Hub office or by visiting the St Thomas Centre which is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 1.00pm. Requests for weekend dates are already full for several weeks in advance.

Please allow sufficient time if you need a special date.

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ENCOUNTER

Hosted by Mission Northampton. A retreat day on Saturday 25th March 2023 9am and 5pm beginning with a parish Mass at 9am in the church. Venue St Gregory’s Catholic Church Hall, 22 Park Avenue North, Northampton NN3 2HS £15.00 for the day including lunch and unlimited tea and coffee. To sign up please go to https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/encounter-northampton/ There is a poster on your noticeboard so take a look.

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200 CLUB – MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL for 2023/2024

200 CLUB MARCH WINNERS Congratulations to our winners in the March Draw

1st Prize 27        2nd Prize 105       3rd prize 47

200 CLUB – MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL for 2023/2024

Membership has now come to end for 2022/2023. You will be able to renew your membership of £26.00 by calling the office

on Tel 01604 714556 or completing the application form. This fund helps to support Friends of the Cathedral

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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 on Mondays.  The meeting will take place in the Sacristy.

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BREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Do you know about the Cathedral Hub Bereavement Group? This is an opportunity for people who have been bereaved to come together and gain support and friendship. The next meeting will take place on Saturday 1st April from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Cathedral. If you need to speak to someone before coming along then contact the Hub Office on 01604 714556 and speak to Philly

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CATHEDRAL HUB GROUPS 2023

Towcester – First Holy Communion Sunday 12th March at 10am in the Centre

First Holy Communion Monday 13th March at 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the St Thomas Centre

RCIA Monday 13th March at 7.30pm in the Sacristy

Scripture Reflection Tuesday 14th March at 7pm in the Sacristy Good Companions

Wednesday 15th March 12-3pm St Patrick Day

Food Store Distribution Thursday 16th March

Choir Rehearsal Thursday 16th March at 6.30pm Choir Room

Young Adults Prayer Group Friday 24th March at 7pm (Sacristy)

Bereavement Group Saturday 1st April 2.30-4.30pm in the Cathedral

Confirmation Group Saturday 18th March from 10am to 3pm in the St Thomas Centre

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

AREA PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday 15th March at 7pm at St Aidan’s Parish Room

CATHOLIC SCHOOL LENTEN REFLECTION Wednesday 22nd March at 5pm in the Cathedral

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CATHEDRAL HUB PARISH WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Thank you for your support 

Cathedral
£1887.90plus
S/O £1000.00 approx
Total £2887.90
Second Collection £6061.93

St Aidan
W/e 4th & 5th March

£305.14 plus
S/O £278.00 approx
Total £583.14
Second Collection £401.04

Ss Francis and Therese
Ss Francis and Therese
W/e 4th & 5th March      £644.94 plus
S/O £167.00 approx
Total £811.94
Second Collection £479.83

St Thomas More
W/e 4th & 5th March
£482.62 plus
S/O £150.00 approx
Total £632.62
Second Collection £488.05

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 PLANNING YOUR WEDDING
If you are planning to get married abroad or in one of the churches in the Cathedral hub you must give us at least six months’ notice. This is to ensure that all the preparation that couples are required to do, and the pre-marriage courses are completed along with the necessary paperwork.

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MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Please pray for those who have died recently

 Patrick O’Connor: Monday 13th March at 10am (Cathedral)
John Tucker: Wednesday 15th March at 11am (Ss Francis & Therese)
Michael Jones: Tuesday 21st March at 12noon (Cathedral)
Dorothy Hackett: Thursday 23rd March at 10.30am (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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Trip to Medjugorje May 2023
2nd to 9th May 2023. Cost £245 half board plus flight fare. Contact Anne-Marie 01604858549 for more information.

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                                                                WOULD YOU BE IN A POSITION TO ASSIST A FAMILY FROM UKRAINE?

The diocese social action office is working with a number of Ukrainian families who are in Northampton and urgently need accommodation. Full support is available from the council and the diocese office of Caritas. If you feel you may be able to offer help or accommodation and would like to learn more please call Deacon Jim Hannigan 07756 685220 or email caritas@northamptondiocese.org

Thank you so much to those who have already come forward with offers of help, it is very much appreciated.

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DIOCESAN DIRECTORIES FOR 2023

Copies of the 2023 Diocesan Directories are now available in the churches in the Hub and from the St Thomas Centre at £5.00 each.

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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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RETURNING TO MASS

The bishops of England and Wales have released a statement, explaining that the ‘Sunday Obligation’ – that is, the privilege of attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days – is to be reinstated from this weekend, the Feast of Pentecost. The decision has now been made that the reasons which prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no longer apply. Watching the Mass on livestream does not fulfil this obligation. If you know of someone who has yet to come back to Mass, do encourage them!
The bishops note that it has always been the understanding that those who cannot attend Mass due to ill health, or those who are caring for others in need, are not bound by this obligation.

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PARISH REPOSITORIES
All our churches in the hub are blessed with Parish Repositories where you can purchase religious cards and gifts for special occasions, please do support them.

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 DO YOU WANT TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE?
With regards to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the request of many of our parishioners who would like to help in some way, Caritas’s Northampton have provided an overview of their activity as we strive to support those in Ukraine who may want to come to the diocese. They have created, and will continue to maintain, a page on the diocesan website in relation to the diocesan guidelines and support for the people of Ukraine. If you would like to know more about how you could help or would like more information the page can be found here: https://northamptondiocese.org/ukraine/ There is a form you can complete if you would like to be added to the list of those offering support or assistance in readiness.
Alternatively, you can contact the Caritas office on 01604 434362 or email on caritas@northamptondiocese.org to find out how you can help or to ask any questions you may have.

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GIVING ENVELOPES
If you are a regular attender at your church, then please do consider using the envelopes or arranging a Standing Order and use the gift aid declaration (for those who pay tax) as this will help the offering you make to the church greater.
The new envelopes will be available

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  CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESSES AND OPENING DAYS FOR PARISH OFFICE

Parish office opening times
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 am – 1.00pm
(Please Note: The parish office will now be closed on Thursdays)

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 wooden gates 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 FORM FOR SACRAMENTS
For those interested in baptisms, First Holy Communion and Confirmations the Cathedral, St Aidan’s, and SS Francis & Theres, 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 2022/23

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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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OFFERTORY GIVING ENVELOPES

Offertory envelopes are available, leave a contact number with any of the stewards and we will have them ready for you to collect next week at mass. We would like to thank all those who support all the parishes in the Hub financially. Those who have paid through standing order or the envelope system have allowed us to meet some of our financial commitments and we are incredibly grateful for your support. If you are a tax payer you could gift aid your donation which would mean we could claim the tax you have paid on your donations which would add another 25% to your offering at no extra cost to you. In order for us to claim this we need to have a record of your offering either from standing orders or the envelope scheme.
This time of year also gives us an opportunity to reflect on our
donation to the parish. I know it has been an incredibly difficult year for many families so I am aware not everyone can give as they would like. But if you are in a position to help then it would be greatly appreciated. Once again, thanks to all our parishioners who give so generously to the Church.

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UNIVERSALIS APP

People have asked about the missalettes and if we are going to reintroduce them.  At the moment we cannot share documents during the pandemic so they will not be used in the near future.  People have also asked about the Morning and Evening Prayer books so they can follow the Prayer of the Church which we pray before weekday Masses.  Again we are not able to share books.  One way to follow the readings and the Office, the Prayer of the Church, is to get the Universalis App.  You will need a smart phone or a tablet and you get the app from the App store.  It is alone-off payment of £10.99 but has the readings for weekdays and Sundays, the complete cycles with the Mass prayers, it has the full Office (Office of Readings morning, evening, midday night prayer). Many of us use the app.  It will allow you to join in with the prayers before Mass.  It is an alternative to the hard copy missals.  If you do use the app please ensure your phone is on silent.  You can use the app even in airplane mode.  Visit universalis.com for an overview of this App together with details of a FREE trial period.

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PARISH PLANNED GIVING:

 If you would like to join the parish planned giving scheme then please let us know. Thank you to everyone who supports the Cathedral and St Aidan’s financially. If you would like to pay by standing order then please see the link on the parish website under the green link entitled offertory giving.

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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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 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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Is your relationship under stress during the lockdown?

SmartLoving BreakThrough Online is for anyone whose relationship is going through a period of stress and disillusionment. It’s from the providers of the Marriage Preparation Course that currently runs in our Pastoral Area.
BreakThrough is an online course that teaches participants how conflict arises, and how to take simple steps to heal the wounds and restore hope. It is private, confidential and effective and can be worked through in three hours, either individually or together.
Currently there’s a reduced price of £24: if that cost is prohibitive for you, and we know that finances are a major difficulty just now for so many people, email mflnrcd@gmail.com as we will be able to offer some assistance for those in greatest need and we will send you an access code. Your email will be strictly confidential and used in line with GDPR. For more details, please use the link https://smartloving.org/bto-uk

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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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Please click here to read the Bishops Conference official document for further information regarding Catholic Church Services across England and Wales such as Masses, Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

NORTHAMPTON CATHEDRAL DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN
We have exciting news. The Development Campaign can now be found on TheGivingMachine, a fundraising site that lets you donate to the Campaign whenever you shop online. It’s easy to use and doesn’t cost you (or us) a penny. TheGivingMachine is a fundraising charity which helps other charitable causes raise money online. By signing up and shopping online via TheGivingMachine you will generate a free cash donation for us.With over 2.200 retailers including Amazon, Ebay, M&S, NEXT, Tui, Sainsbury, John Lewis& Partners and Waitrose & Partners you are bound to find what you want and generate a donation.  To start raising free donations go to https://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/causes/northampton-cathedral-development-campaign enter the sign up code 265642 and join—it’s  that easy.