This weeks Cathedral Newsletter
Additional News Items from the Parish
Contact address for all churches:
Cathedral House, Primrose Hill, Northampton NN2 6AG
TEL: 01604 714556
Email: Parish.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org
SVP – Saint Vincent de Paul
Cathedral & Ss Francis and Therese: 07591060335
St Aidan’s: 07513367148
St Thomas More: 07517613487
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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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4th OCTOBER 2026 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
Feast Days: Wednesday: Our Lady of the Rosary, Friday; St John Henry Newman,
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TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
St Paul encourages the Philippians to cultivate not sour grapes, but grapes of truth, purity and decency, living in the faith he had taught them. The Vineyard has been entrusted to us, with all that we need to bear fruit; in the gospel parable, the master built a wall, dug a wine press and built a watchtower. They are the graces already given, and graces constantly being renewed to enable us to bear lasting fruit.
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STATEMENT REGARDING BISHOP DAVID
The Diocese of Northampton can confirm that Bishop David Oakley has been charged after an investigation into non-recent safeguarding allegations. We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process. For further information please go to https://northamptondiocese.org/home-page/statement/
Pope Leo has appointed Archbishop Richard Moth as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Northampton. This is a temporary role, by which the Holy See ensures that the pastoral governance of a diocese will continue, when it is not possible for a diocesan Bishop to exercise his office. Therefore, the governance of the Diocese of Northampton is now canonically entrusted to Archbishop Moth. A statement made by Archbishop Richard on his appointment can be read at https://northamptondiocese.org/home-page/apostolic-administrator/
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SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND IS FOR CAFOD HARVEST FAST DAY
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SECOND COLLECTION NEXT SUNDAY IS FOR PRISONER’S SUNDAY
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CELEBRATION MASS FOR ST FRANCIS – SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Ss Francis and Therese church in Hunsbury are celebrating the 800 year Anniversary of St Francis!! This is such a special occasion one not to be missed! The celebration with a special Mass at 9.30 followed by the possibility of a talk on St Francis. The children will be sharing with singing and dance and there will be cake and food after in the O’ Donnell room. All are welcome for this special celebration
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PARISH PASTORAL STATISTICS (Mass Count at all Masses)
Week 3 3rd & 4th October Week 4 10th & 11th October
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CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY APPEAL – Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection. Put your faith into action and share the Lord’s love by supporting our global neighbours experiencing shortages of food and safe water. helping communities and schools provide nourishing meals, improve access to water and grow food in school gardens. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030
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OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF OUR LADY
A PRAYER TO OUR LADY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY
O Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Mother of God and Queen of the Rosary,
I come before you with love and trust,
Gazing upon your gentle hands holding the sacred beads.
Lead me ever closer to Jesus through the mysteries of the Rosary.
Teach me to pray with faith, to hope with strength,
And to love with a heart like yours, pure, patient, and merciful.
Wrap me in your mantle of protection,
Guide me in moments of darkness,
And strengthen me when I feel weak or afraid.
May each prayer I offer rise like incense,
Drawing me nearer to your Immaculate Heart.
Intercede for me, dear Mother,
For peace in my soul, healing in my wounds,
And grace to follow your Son more faithfully each day.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us. Amen
At the Cathedral the First Saturday on the 3rd October. Mass will be at 9.30am followed by devotions, rosary, adoration and confessions.
On Mondays at 6.15pm we have Rosary led by the Legion of Mary in the Cathedral.
On Tuesday & Wednesday the Rosary will be said after Mass
Rosary at Ss Francis & Therese on Tuesday & Thursday at 9am.
Rosary at St Aidan’s after Mass 9.30am on Monday and Thursday
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SAFEGUARDING ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Fixed term contract for two years. 21 hours per week, worked over 3 days We are seeking a proactive and engaging individual to support and strengthen safeguarding across the Diocese. Working closely with parishes, clergy, volunteers and Parish Safeguarding Representatives, you will provide guidance, support and monitoring to promote best practice, encourage compliance with safeguarding standards, and help embed a strong safeguarding culture across the Diocese. Full information for the position and an application form can be found by visiting https://northamptondiocese.org/jobs
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ADOREMUS EUCHARISTIC 2026 (40 hours of Adoration) in the Cathedral Friday 9th Oct from 6am to Saturday 10th Oct at 10pm
The Northampton Cathedral Hub Parishes will be organising a programme to cover the 40 hours and invite those interested in leading a session to speak to one of our Priests or contact the parish office. We require at least three people to be in the church during each of the 40 hours, so please sign up and pledge some time. SIGN UP SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE IN EACH PARISH
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CAN YOU HELP WITH THE CATHEDRAL CHILDREN’S LITURGY GROUP? Sunday at the 11am Mass
The current team is quite small and needs some additional support. If you are interested in helping, then please see Susan Carvell or one of the Priests.
It is necessary that you undertake a DBS check and attend some safeguarding training.
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EIGHTH DAY ‘JOY’ Sunday 11th October in the St Thomas Centre 5 -7pm
Event for young adults 18years to 35years including praise and worship, creative activities, fellowship and opportunities to encounter God in a different way. Do come along and find out more.
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CHILDREN’S LITURGY AT THE CATHEDRAL
(during the 11am Mass)
This is for Reception to Yr 3 Children only
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DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING CONFERENCE 2026 Saturday 3rd October in the St Thomas Centre from 10am to 3.30pm
This conference is for Parish Safeguarding Representatives, Parish Volunteers, Clergy, Parish Secretaries & Parishioners. See poster on your notice board to book your place or contact laura.lester@northamptondiocese.org Key Topics & Focus Areas Understanding Adult Safeguarding. Survivors at the heart of the church Practices of Healing and reconciliation.
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RE:NEW NORTHAMPTON
Come along on Saturday 10th October 2026 from 10.30am at the St Thomas Centre. As usual it will be an uplifting morning with worship, friendship and the usual pastries and coffee. Please feel free to invite your friends and family members. We also plan to have a separate session for children so feel free to come with and to invite families. We are delighted to announce our speaker who is Abi Elderfield. Abi is Head of Religious Studies and Chaplaincy at a school in Peckham, London. She currently works with The Redeemed UK which produces content for schools to use when evangelising to young people. Abi serves with The Ascent UK as a mentor and is enthusiastic about sharing God’s love and humour by reflecting on the lives of the saints.
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR 2026-27
Registration for this year is now closed
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AN AFTERNOON FOR MEN
An afternoon exploring Men’s Ministry featuring various speakers and groups will take place at the St Thomas Centre from 2pm-4pm on Saturday 10th October 2026. No need to book just turn up. Refreshments will be provided. Come and explore how we can support men on their Christian journey with others and discover what is working well elsewhere. (as 40 Hours Eucharistic adoration is also taking place on that day in the Cathedral so you may wish to come early or stay later to spend some time in prayer)
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PARISH REPOSITORIES
Diaries for 2027 are available at the St Thomas Centre at £4.50 each.
Our repositories have a selection of gifts, cards and books for all occasions so please take a look and shop locally.
Christmas items are now in stock.
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CASPAR CHURCH – YOUR PARISH REGISTRATION
The CASPAR database system has been designed to help us mange our parishes better. It starts with us making sure that we have up to date contact information for all our parishioners and so we would be grateful if you complete the registration form by clicking the on the relevant QR Code which you will find on your notice board. Each Church has its own QR Code. This database is being used to communicate with groups when we are working with First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and will be introduced for our Baptism programme shortly. PLEASE DO REGISTER AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR PARISH
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the office for help.
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COPIES OF THE SUPPLEMENT OF SAINTS AND BEATI ASSOCIATION WITH THE DIOCESE
(Published for the 175 Anniversary of the Diocese) Available from the repository in the St Thomas Centre at £7.50 each
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CATHEDRAL HUB GROUPS
Scripture Reflection: Tuesdays at 7pm (St Felix Room)
Choir Practice: Thursdays at 6.30pm (St Felix Room)
Legion of Mary: Wednesday at 6.30pm (St Felix Room)
Scripture Study Group: at Ss Francis and Therese at 7pm
Young Adults: Next meeting (date to be confirmed)
Altar Servers Group: Saturday 17th October 4pm to 5.30pm in the Sacristy
Bereavement Group: Saturday 17th October 2.30 to 4.30pm (Cathedral)
Belong & Befed (Youth Ministry): Saturday 3rd October 7.15pm to 9.00pm in the Sacristy
Cathedral & Ss Francis & Therese SVP – Meeting on Wednesday 21st October at 7pm in the St Thomas Centre
Good Companions: Wednesday 7th October 12noon to 2.30pm (St Thomas Centre)
Food Store Distribution: Thursday 10am to 11.30am (St Thomas Centre)
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REMEMBRANCE PLAQUES Healing Garden, Northampton Cathedral
A new Remembrance Wall has been created in the Healing Garden at Northampton Cathedral, offering a peaceful space to remember loved ones. Personalised engraved plaques (available in three sizes) will be displayed for a period of seven years. The garden is open during Cathedral hours, and proceeds support its ongoing care.
For more information or to request a plaque, visit:
northamptondiocese.org/remembrance-wall
Email: remembrancewall@northamptondiocese.org
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MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
Please pray for those who have died recently and have funerals arranged:
Joanne McConville: Thursday 8th October at 10.30am (Cathedral)
Neza Didas: Friday 9th October at 11.30am (Kingsthorpe Cemetery Chapel)
Anne Walker: Tuesday 13th October at 12noon (Cathedral)
Juvincia Barron: Wednesday 14th October at 11am (Cathedral)
Timothy Casey: Thursday 15th October at 11.00am (Cathedral)
John Daly: Friday 16th October at 11.30am (Cathedral)
Patricia McCormack: Monday 19th October at 10.30am (Cathedral)
Maureen Morrison: Tuesday 20th October at 1.30pm (Counties Crematorium)
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
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BELOVED RETREAT FOR WOMEN
Taking place in Northampton Cathedral and at the St. Thomas Centre Friday 30th October – Sunday 1st November. Make time to come away and delve into the truth that ‘I am my Beloved’s and His desire is for me’ (Song of Song 7:10). Members of the team will be present at the Masses this weekend with more information. They are also looking for some parishioners to volunteer to host team members for the weekend.
For bookings and more information visit www.sioncommunity.org.uk/#beloved
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YOUR FOREIGN COINS & NOTES
We are now collecting any unwanted foreign coins and notes which can be exchanged and used to support our parishes. If you have any that you would like to donate, please put them in a change bag (used by the banks) or in a sealed envelope and put them in the church collection. Thank you.
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CATHEDRAL HUB PARISH WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Thank you for your generous support
Cathedral
W/e 26th & 27th September
£1744.50 plus
S/O £771.46 Approx
Total £2515.96
St Aidan
W/e 26th & 27th September £435.59 plus
S/O £269.53 Approx
Total £705.12
Ss Francis and Therese
W/e 26th & 27th September £520.16
S/O £598.38 Approx
Total £1118.54
Thank you for your generosity.
The figures for Standing orders have been updated from August 2026
Second Collection was for Home Mission Sunday
Standing orders figures have been adjusted from
August 2026 for all churches.
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CASPAR for PARISH REGISTRATION
We would like to encourage parishioners from all parishes in the hub to sign up to CASPAR which is an on-line portal for parish registration.
There are QR code information on your notice board or you can log-in by using the link below. Cathedral www.caspar.church/me?ID=56060 St Aidan www.caspar.church/me?ID=56065 Ss Francis & Therese www.casparchurch/me?ID=56063 St Thomas More www.caspar.church/me?ID=56090 PLEASE DO REGISTER AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR PARISH
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the office.
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BOOKING MASS INTENTIONS
Daily Mass intentions for the remainder of this year have now been allocated. This is due to the fact that we can only have one intention per Mass. We are able to assist with some requests as our Priests and the Bishop are saying their private Mass for intentions given to us. We are also sending Mass Intentions to the retired priests and to the Missions.
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GIVING ENVELOPES or BANK STANDING ORDER & GIFT AID
There are a number of ways in which you can make your offering to your parish.
You can set up a Standing Order with your Bank
You can donate by using the weekly envelope scheme.
You can donate into the Sunday Mass collection basket or via the card machine (if your church has one)
Giving by envelope and standing order allows the Parish Finance team to plan projects against projected income. If you are a taxpayer, we can claim 25p on every £1 you donate from the government at no extra cost to you so this is particularly important if you are making a donation. Please do consider this going forward as there is no extra cost to you. If you need more information, then please contact the parish office. Tel 01604 714556
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CHAPLAINCY FOR PATIENTS AT NORTHAMPTON GENERAL HOSPITAL.
The Cathedral Chaplaincy team are in the hospital twice a week to visit and support patients. If you need a priest for a family member or friend, then please contact the Cathedral office or speak to the person in charge on the ward.
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CASPAR — FOR YOUR PARISH – WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME
In March 2020 we went into lockdown and our churches closed. At this point we realised how heavily we rely on our weekly gathering at Mass to communicate with you. We are also aware, as a diocese of the need to protect the data you place in our care. These are the two main reasons for our diocese transferring to a digital database called CASPAR. As of January 1st 2025, we will not be holding any data in our parish office unless it is held within CASPAR. Therefore, we are asking all parishioners to follow the link or QR code (scan with your phones camera) and sign up. Although you can supply more information you are only required to supply your first name / surname and email address. Thank you.
CASPAR CHURCH – YOUR PARISH REGISTRATION
There are QR code information on your notice board or you can log-in by using the link below.
Cathedral www.caspar.church/me?ID=56060
St Aidan www.caspar.church/me?ID=56065
Ss Francis & Therese www.casparchurch/me?ID=56063
St Thomas More www.caspar.church/me?ID=56090
PLEASE DO REGISTER AS IT IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR PARISH
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the office for help
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COPIES OF THE PILGRIMAGE MASS MUSIC BOOKS ARE ON SALE at £10.00 each
from the St Thomas Centre Reception. Each part of these mass settings are named after a different place of pilgrimage. Devine Music www.devinemusic.org.uk email office@devinemusic.org.uk
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THE LEGION OF MARY at the Cathedral Hub
The Legion of Mary will be meeting each Wednesday at 6.30pm in the St Felix Room (new day and time)
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WEDDINGS IN OUR CATHEDRAL HUB CHURCHES
We are now entering the busy wedding season, and we would like to wish all our couples a happy and spiritual journey as they plan and approach their very special day. If you are planning on getting married, then please do allow six to nine months to complete paperwork. To find out more about what is required then please contact the parish office.
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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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OFFICE EMAIL ADDRESSES AND OPENING DAYS FOR PARISH OFFICE
Reception will be open Monday to Friday 10am -1pm for you to call in person to the St Thomas Centre during these 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.
Nicola’s email address; admin.cathedralhub@northamptondiocese.org
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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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Defibrillator
We would like to thank those who donated a defibrillator to the Cathedral.
Is an important piece of equipment which can be found outside on the wall close to the cafe.
Please God we won’t ever need to use it!
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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. 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 & Ss Francis and Therese SVP 07591060335 St Aidan’s SVP 07513367148 St Thomas More 07517613487
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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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