This weeks Cathedral Newsletter
THE MOST HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Through our life in Christ we live the life of the Trinity. God is a perfect community and if we model our lives on the Trinity, then the God of Love and peace will be with us.
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ANNUAL HOLY HOUR SUNDAY 4th JUNE at 3pm in the Cathedral
Do come along today to celebrate the Eucharistic Ministry including Renewal of Commissioning of Lay Ministers of the Eucharist.
All welcome
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CONCERT by NORTHAMPTON CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Friday 9th June 7.30pm – admission £10 at the door – under 16s free. Northampton Concert Orchestra will play, in the St Thomas Centre, an evening of pop classics for full orchestra (including music by the Beatles, Abba, Burt Bacharach and Freddie Mercury.) They will be joined by Lincoln Noel, a born entertainer and maestro of the piano.
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NEWS FROM ST THOMAS MORE
YOUTH GROUP Sunday 4th June in St Thomas More 6.30pm to 8pm Contact mcelhatton.family@hotmail.co.uk
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NEWS FROM Ss FRANCIS & THERESE
Thomas Becket School
Thank you to the pupils and staff of Thomas Becket School for joining with us for Mass on Pentecost Sunday. Their contribution to our worship was reverent and uplifting and they carried out their welcoming duties with a smile and great joy.
SNPC Quiz (South Northamptonshire Partnership of Churches)
The Annual Quiz will be held on Tuesday 27th June at the Abbey Centre. Time 7.30pm. This is a fun quiz with lots of fun for all ages. You don’t need to come as a team. Drop in and we’ll form teams on the night. Refreshments available during the quiz. We won last year so no pressure! Look forward to seeing you there.
Car Parking at Tesco We are aware that a number of parishioners have received a fine for parking their car in Tesco Car Park before 9.30am on Sundays. We are in discussion with the store manager and hope to resolve the matter. Please see Mary Roach after Mass at the back of the church, when you will be required to give your name and car registration number. If you would like to park in Tesco Car Park in the future and have not yet been fined, please speak to Mary Roach. Thank you.
Carpet Cleaning. Your help is needed please see Joan Bicker
CALLING FOR MUSICIANS AND SINGERS We now have a music rota and we want to expand the team. If you’d like to come and sing with the choir, or play (piano, guitar, etc.) for the choir, or take on your own slot on the rota, as a cantor or folk group or other, we’d love to hear from you. Come and have a chat with Sarah or Mike or any of the singers/musicians after 9.30am Mass any Sunday.
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PILGRIMAGES TO WALSINGHAM
Saturday 10th June – Diocesan Pilgrimage – Coach now full
Sunday 23rd July National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Walsingham with Bishop David (If you wish to book a place, please call the office)
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CAN YOU HELP CARITAS?
We are currently working with a number of local families with young children who are in real need at this time. If anyone has anything they no longer need that they could kindly donate. We are particularly looking for: Baby cots x 2 Double bed and mattresses x 2 Wardrobe, chest of drawers, table and chairs and a vacuum cleaner. If you have anything to donate, could they please call us on 01604 434362 to arrange collection. Thank you.
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JUBILARIANS MASS – FRIDAY 16th June at 11am in the Cathedral
Bishop David with be celebrating milestone anniversaries with the priests of the Diocese. All welcome
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BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Have you recently experienced a Bereavement and would like to come to meet with others in a similar position for support and sharing. The next session will be on Saturday 1st July in the Cathedral from 2.30 to 4.30pm. If you would like more information, then please call the parish office.
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CAFOD:
An update on the conflict in Sudan;- Violent conflict continues in Sudan and thousands of people are running out of food, water and medicine. Working as part of the Caritas network, your previous donations to CAFOD are enabling our teams to provide practical help to families who have escaped to neighbouring countries, including South Sudan. Please join Pope Francis in praying for peace in Sudan. Find out more on the CAFOD website: https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/sudan-conflict
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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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PLANNING YOUR GIVING
NEW planned giving envelopes are available at your church. Please do collect yours. If you are new to the parish or are not yet involved with planned giving this is your opportunity to start. You can either, use the weekly envelopes and place them in the collection basket or you can complete one of the Standing Order Forms. Planned giving envelopes available this weekend.
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CONFIRMATION REHERSAL IN THE CATHEDRAL
All candidates for Confirmation and sponsors please attend a rehearsal on Saturday 27th May from 3pm to 4.30pm in the Cathedral.
CONFIRMATION MASS IN THE CATHEDRAL
The Confirmation Mass will take place on Sunday 28th May at 3pm in the Cathedral.
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Café 1850
Come and try our selection of snacks and drinks. Wednesday to Friday 10am – 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 2pm.
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Young Adults
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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PREPARATION FOR THE DIOCESIAN ASSEMBLY 15th July 2023
We are grateful to all the priests and deacons involved in the Assembly and to all the clergy for their support of this process. We pray that God will bless their ministry with fruitfulness. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Prayer of the Faithful
We pray for priests and deacons of our diocese, that they may preach the Gospel with courage and gentleness and draw strength from our Assembly process. Monday nights, from 12th June Assembly webinars: a chance for everyone to get involved in thinking about some of the key themes that came from last year’s Synod listening. Register here: https://assembly_webinars.eventbrite.co.uk
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FIRST FIVE SATURDAYS DEVOTION IN REPARATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
Starting on Saturday 1st July 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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THE BECKET FESTIVAL 7th to 9th JULY
Friday 7th July 11am Mass for the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket in Northampton Cathedral led by Bishop David
12.30pm Opening of the St Thomas Centre
1pm to 9pm Veneration of the Relic in the Cathedral
2pm to 9pm Confession available in the Cathedral
9.15pm Night prayer in the Cathedral
Saturday 8th July 9am Mass with the Relic in the Cathedral
1pm Ecumenical walking Pilgrimage including stops at the Holy Sepulchre Church, Becket’s Well and St Peter’s Church finishing with:
3pm Ecumenical Service in the Cathedral
Sunday 9th July 3pm Becket Lecture from Dr Judith Camp in the St Thomas Centre
4pm Vespers of St Thomas in the Cathedral
All are welcome to attend. Leaflets and posters are available.
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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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200 CLUB WINNERS FOR MAY
Congratulations to our winners for this month and thank you to all those who participate in this fundraising.
1st Prize No 95 2nd Prize 128 3rd Prize 38
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CATHEDRAL HUB GROUPS 2023
Scripture Reflection Tuesday 6th June at 7pm in the Choir Room
Good Companions Wednesday 7th June 12noon to 3pm
Food Store Distribution Thursday 8th June 10am -1pm
Choir Rehearsal Thursday 8th June at 6.30pm Choir Room
Young Adults Prayer Group Next date to be confirmed
Bereavement Group Saturday 1st July in the Cathedral 2.30 to 4.30pm
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CATHEDRAL HUB PARISH WEEKLY COLLECTIONS
Thank you for your support
Cathedral
W/e 27th & 28th May
£2312.60 plus
S/O £1000.00 approx
Total £3312.60
St Aidan
W/e 27th & 28th May
£281.83 plus
S/O £278.00 approx
Total £559.83
Ss Francis and Therese
W/e 27th & 28th May
£534.13 plus
S/O £167.00 approx
Total £701.13
St Thomas More
W/e 27th & 28th May
£507.12 plus
S/O £150.00 approx
Total £657.12
Second Collection £208.85
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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
Michael Gallagher: Tuesday 6th June at 12noon (Cathedral)
Kristine Bolous-Hanna: Wednesday 7th June at 11am (Cathedral)
Anthony ‘Tony’ O’Connor: Friday 9th June at 11.15am (Cathedral)
Mary Wearmouth: Monday 19th June at 10.15am (St Aidan)
Diana Katumbi French: Wednesday 21st June at 11am (Cathedral)
Annie Walker: Monday 26th June at 10.30am (Cathedral)
Terence McLoughlin: Wednesday 28th June at 11am (Ss Francis & Therese)
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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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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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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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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OFFICE 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 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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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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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.