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The month of May is dedicated to

The Blessed Virgin Mary

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The Holy Father’s intention for May:

For The Formation Of Men and Women Religious And Seminarians

Let us pray that men and women religious and seminarians, grow in their own vocational journey through human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, that leads them to be credible witness of the Gospel.

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NEXT WEEKS MASSES – YEAR B

(27th April – 4th May 2024)

SATURDAY (27th) 5.00pm Our Lady of Grace

SUNDAY (28th) 9.00am St Wulstan’s (FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER) – (National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse)

SUNDAY (28th) 11.00am Our Lady of Grace (FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER) – (National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse)

MONDAY (29th) 9.30am St Augustine’s (ST CATHERINE OF SIENNA – Virgin and Doctor of the Church)

TUESDAY (30th) 10.00am St Wulstan’s (St Pius V – Pope)

WEDNESDAY (1st) 9.30am St Augustine’s (St Joseph the Worker)

THURSDAY (2nd) NO MASS TODAY DUE TO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH BEING USED AS A POLLING STATION (St Athanasius – Bishop and Doctor of the Church)

FRIDAY (3rd) 10.00am St Wulstan’s (ST PHILIP AND JAMES – APOSTLES)

SATURDAY (4th) 9.30am St Augustine’s (THE ENGLISH MARTYRS)

National Day of Prayer

For Victims and Survivors of Abuse 

Tuesday 30th April this year is dedicated as the National Day of Prayer For Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Parishes are asked to recognise this on the following weekend, the fifth Sunday of Easter (28th April).  Resources for prayers, homily notes and pastoral sessions as well as an introduction to the theme for this year can be found here https://www.cbcew.org.uk/prayer-for-survivors-of-abuse/

As we approach the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors, Bishop David has issued a pastoral message reflecting on our recent audit report from the CSSA.

A video of Bishop David reading the message can be viewed here https://youtu.be/xcIC8gVpBG0?si=p1JeDI2xhmv7g8A8

Right to Life

ASK YOUR MP TO SUPPORT THE ABORTION TIME LIMIT REDUCTION AMENDMENT:

Support an amendment to reduce our abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Research indicates that a significant number of babies born at 22 or 23 weeks can now survive outside the womb, leaving a contradiction in our abortion law. Take action: Collect a postcard today from the narthex and post it to your MP urgently in support of this amendment!

Right to Life

Pro -Abortion MP’s Stella Creasey and Diana Johnson , have tabled two extreme abortion amendments in an attempt to hijack the Criminal Justice Bill. Right To Life has launched a tool on its website that makes it easy for you to email your MP to ask them to oppose the two extreme abortion up to birth amendments and sign Early Day Motion 131 to stop abortion pills being sent out without an in-person medical appointment. Please visit https://righttolife.org.uk/abortionamendments to contact your MP now. It ony takes 30 seconds.

Criminal Justice Bill

The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales wish to draw your attention to two amendments in this bill which will shortly be debated in the House of Commons. Please read more here https://www.cbcew.org.uk/take-action-on-proposed-abortion-law-change/

FLICKR

Pictures of diocesan events can be found here. They are all kept in albums on the diocesan Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dioceseofnorthampton/albums/ You do not need an account or to register in any way just click the album and look at the photo’s.

EMMAUS – Opening the Scriptures

Our South Bucks Pastoral Area.

SPRING 2024 TALKS

The next talk takes place on Wednesday 1st May @ 7.30pm – 9.00pm at St Aidan’s Church in Little Chalfont (HP7 9NE). The topic is “The Holy Spirit and Evangelisation”. The speaker is Michelle Moran. We hope you will be able to join us.

International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians

Sunday 5^th May (sixth Sunday of Easter) is the International Day of Prayer for Eastern Christians. It offers an opportunity for us all to join in prayer for peace, especially in the Middle East. 

Prayers for the weekend can be found here https://www.cbcew.org.uk/pray-for-eastern-christians/

Return to the Upper Room

Mission Northampton will host a virtual gathering exploring the call to return to the upper room and prepare our hearts for Pentecost. Join them on Friday 10^th May at 7.30 pm on zoom. More here https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/return-to-the-upper-room-preparing-for-pentecost-2024-may-2024/

Diocesan Music Day

SATURDAY 11TH MAY 2024  11am – 3.3Opm

for Singers and Choirs, showcasing Parish Music for all ages. Instrumentalists Welcome. Between Ascension and Pentecost is a great time to encourage singers and music groups of all ages in your parish. VENUE: THOMAS BECKET SCHOOL, BECKET WAY NORTHAMPTON NN3 6HT With Marcela Campaña & Matt White (School Choirs) Fr Kevin McGinnell (Music & Liturgy) & Fr Daniel Rooke Teresa Brown (Pilgrimage Mass composer) and members of the Liturgy Commission Music Section Adults £10, Young people Free if 18 or under, accompanied by an adult. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee, juice provided. Bookings will open next week.

Virtual Webinar for Parents

Virtual Webinar to explore supporting parents of children going through catechesis: Friday 24th May 2024, 7.30pm – 8.45pm. During this webinar Susan Longhurst of the Sycamore team will be helping us explore ways that we can reach out to and support parents of children preparing to receive the sacraments (focussing mainly though not exclusively on First Reconciliation/ First Holy Communion). Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today. It gives people space to meet other people, share ideas, explore beliefs, and think about questions that really matter. It has proven to be a useful and effective tool in family catechesis and accompaniment elsewhere To book your free place: https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/virtual-webinar-by-the-sycamore-team-hosted-by-mission-northampton-may-2024/

  Diocesan Day for Catechists & Youth Ministers

Diocesan Day for Catechists & Youth Ministers with RISE Theatre Company: Saturday 29th June 2024, 10am – 5pm St Thomas Centre, Northampton Are you a catechist or do you work with children in any way in your parish? This day will help us more effectively share the Good News. We will be equipped and inspired by RISE Theatre and the Mission Northampton Team with skills based training to further develop our presentation and communication skills . To read more about RISE Theatre’s inspiring ministry please see: www.risetheatre.co.uk Suggested donation of £20. To book: https://northamptondiocese.org/courses/diocesan-day-for-catechists-youth-ministers-29th-june-2024/

175th Anniversary of the Diocese – 29 Sept 2024

Please keep the date in mind. Plans are underway for a Mass and celebration in the Cathedral for the 175^th  Anniversary of the establishment the Diocese with the restoration of the hierarchy of England and Wales in 1850.

Pilgrimage to Knock 

Escorted Tour to Westport, Knock & Co Mayo, 26^th May 2024.  £899.00 pps.  Price includes flight, 10kg hold luggage, 5 nights’ in 4* Castlecourt Hotel, Westport with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Lunch on three days.  All entertainment, excursions and transport included.  Visit Knock, Galway City, Kylemore Abbey, Croagh Patrick & Ashford Castle.  Single supplement on Enquiry.  Contact Patricia or Natali on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email knockpilgrimages@gmail.com. 

St Hilda’s, Whitby – Oasis of Silence

Lead a programme of contemplative prayer days and retreats based at the Priory in Whitby, North Yorkshire. The retreats are based on the Gries Path of Prayer developed by the Jesuit Priest Fr. Franz Jalics.  The programme is ecumenical and open to Christians from all denominations.

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED

Aid to the Church in Need are seeking new volunteers. Please see the poster below for more details.

Life in the Spirit

Beginning on Tuesday 16th April and running for 6 weeks including a retreat day on 18th May, Life In The Spirit Seminars are designed for anyone looking to know more about life in the Spirit of God. The seminars are free to attend and can be joined at Northampton Cathedral or one of the ‘hub’ venues in Milton Keynes, Luton, Slough, Bedford, Corby or Aylesbury. For more information visit https://northamptondiocese.org/life-in-the-spirit-seminars-2024/

Love Wycombe 2024!

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich has presented several initiatives for the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame on December 8, 2024, including an inaugural triduum and an octave of prayer. More here https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-02/france-paris-catheral-notre-dame-reopening-schedule.html

Diocesan Pilgrimages

For information on all the planned pilgrimages for 2024-2025 please visit our webpage here. Information will be updated as it is known

Northern France 2024 Rome/Assisi

In October 2024, as part of the year of prayer, our diocese have organised a pilgrimage to Lisieux, Chartres and Paris. You are invited to join Bishop David Oakley and Canon John Udris on this pilgrimage of prayer. Bookings open on Monday 18th March and places are limited. For more information visit  https://northamptondiocese.org/france/

Rome/Assisi 2025

In March 2025, as part of the Jubilee year with the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, our diocese has organised a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. You are invited to join Bishop David Oakley on this Jubilee pilgrimage of prayer. Bookings open on Monday 18th March and places are limited. For more information visit https://northamptondiocese.org/rome-and-assisi/

Catholic Association Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Incorporating Northampton & other Dioceses

Will take place from the 23^rd to the 30^th August

The official travel agent is Tangney Tours.  Booking forms are now in the narthex of both churches. Please take one home with you. Helpers (medical and non-medical) assisted pilgrims (sick or with a disability), friends and family, new and experienced are all welcome regardless of UK location. Please see the posters in the narthex or email: contact@catholicassociation.co.uk  for more information.

The Becket Festival

Will take place over the weekend 6-7th July 2024 at Northampton Cathedral. On Saturday 6th Mass will begin a daily program at 11.00am. It is hoped that each pastoral area will consider transport to enable parishioners to attend on this day. A program for the weekend will be available in the next few weeks.

Dignitas Infinita

This week the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a new declaration on human dignity, ‘Dignitas Infinita’. The Prefect for the Dicastery stresses 

“its aim is to offer some points for reflection that can help us maintain an awareness of human dignity amid the complex historical moment in which we are living. This is so that we may not lose our way and open ourselves up to more wounds and profound sufferings amid the numerous concerns and anxieties of our time”.

You can read the document here:  https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/04/08/240408c.html

‘Fiduccia Suppilcans’

Furher Information:

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a press release concerning the reception of Fiducia supplicans. I encourage you to read this document as it clarifies some of the concerns that have been heard from you recently. The release can be read online here 

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of The Faith, with approval from Pope Francis has issued a declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings. Cardinal Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago has said:

“At the heart of the declaration is a call for priests to take a pastoral approach to being available to people, who recognise the need for God’s help and presence in their lives, without claiming a legitimation of their particular status. As such, the Declaration is a step forward” 

Please read the document thoroughly here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en

2024: Year of Prayer

Our prayer resources for Lent and the Year of Prayer has been updated here https://northamptondiocese.org/prayer-resources/

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa OFM, preacher to the Papal houselhold, has written a prayer for the Year of prayer 

Spirit Paraclete,

thou who hast raised up in the Church the Charismatic Renewal,
descend again with power On all the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.

Grant that the whole “current of grace” be animated with new momentum.

With your holy anointing, enable all of us to proclaim the good news to the poor and to heal afflicted hearts.

Purify what is unclean in the Charismatic Renewal, Heal what is wounded in it,
Warm what is chilled,Straighten what is astray.

Bring together the scattered children of God and Christians divided among them.

Renew our courage,fill our loneliness in the world,
create in us intimacy with God!

Come, Holy Spirit, from the pierced side of Christ on the cross! Come from the mouth of the Risen One! Come and renew the face of the Church. Amen

His Em. Card. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap.

After a year devoted to reflecting on the documents and studying the fruits of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has proposed that 2024 should be marked as a year dedicated to prayer. In preparation for the Jubilee, parishes are invited to promote initiatives to remind people of the centrality of both individual prayer and community prayer. 

Jubilee Year https://northamptondiocese.org/jubilee-2025/2023:

Year of the Council https://northamptondiocese.org/council/

2024: Year of prayer https://northamptondiocese.org/year-of-prayer/

General Prayer Resources https://northamptondiocese.org/prayer-resources/

Catholic Parish Summit

Catholic Parish Summit is a three-day event planned for June (12-14) next year in Harrogate, Yorkshire and is open to all Catholic parishes across England and Wales. The Summit hopes to bring together parishes who are seeking to develop or enhance a missionary approach to parish life. Book here https://northamptondiocese.org/cps/

COP28

The Holy Father has called on leaders at COP28 to do more and prevent the climate crisis from causing more damage to communities who did the least to cause it.Write to your MP to share Pope Francis’ important message ahead of the UN climate talks.https://action.cafod.org.uk/page/137965/action/1

World On Fire Institute

The institute consists of 40+ online courses accessed through a dedicated app. The UK now has a dedicated Director and forum within the institute. If you would like to find out more and try it out for three months free (with optional cancellation at any time and no obligation to pay) please visit https://institute.wordonfire.org

Responding To The Psalms

Each month the spirituality committee of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales share reflections on the Psalms. https://northamptondiocese.org/responding-to-the-psalms/

Agenzia Fides

Here is the link to the Catholic Church Statistics for 2023.https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzGwHLpZKbczNXrdkCDwgBgWrvzj?projector=1&messagePartId=0.3

Conflict in the Middle East – CAFOD

Cardinals Statement 

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has issued a statement on the killings in the Church compound of the Catholic Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City: “I am heartbroken at the information provided by Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, of killings in the Church compound of the Catholic Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City. I have immediately sent a message to His Eminence, expressing my horror at these events and assuring him of the prayers of Catholics in England and Wales. “I have twice been warmly welcomed to this parish by its people. They are a remarkable community of faith and genuine service to their neighbours. Together with the dedicated Religious Sisters, they have continued to provide shelter and sustenance to many people during these weeks of warfare. They are a people who yearn for peace. “The information provided by the Cardinal, gives a picture of seemingly deliberate and callous killing by IDF soldiers of innocent civilians: an elderly woman and her daughter in the grounds of a church. This killing has to stop. It can never be justified. “I ask all people of faith and goodwill to continue to pray for an end to this conflict by all sides.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales 

16 December 2023

CAFOD have produced three ways we can respond; prayer, donating and sending a message to our Foreign Secretary. Find out more here https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/israeli-palestinian-crisis-how-you-can-help

Here is the link to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa pastoral letter sent to his Diocese.

https://www.lpj.org/posts/letter-to-the-entire-diocese.html

GAZA / ISRAEL

You may be interested in this snapshot overview of the impact of the war in the Holy Land. The data, provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs was published on 13 November. https://www.ochaopt.org/content/hostilities-gaza-strip-and-israel-reported-impact-day-38

CSAN, Caritas Social Action Network have published this statement on the conflict 

CSAN Statement on the Israel-Gaza Conflict

Two Apostolic Exhortations

Laudato Deum : Pope Francis has followed up on his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si with another document focussed on the current ecological situation in our world. It is worth reading either the full document

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231004-laudate-deum.html

Or a summary from Bishops Conference here 

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/laudate-deum-summary/

C’est La Confiance

This exhortation was given to mark the 150^th anniversary of St Therese of the Child Jesus birthday. As the Church prepares for 2025, the Holy Year or Jubilee year, with 2024, a Year of Prayer, it might give you some inspiration to draw on this wonderful young saint as an example of confident prayer for the year ahead.

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231015-santateresa-delbambinogesu.html

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IN PREPARATION for the SYNOD OF BISHOPS 2023

To get a good brief overview of the first week of the Synod in Rome, follow this link:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/synodality-not-a-concept-but-an-experience-of-listening.html

16^th General Ordinary Assembly of Bishops, Rome

You will be aware that the synod on synodality has reached the global phase in Rome. They have reached the half way point and this little video from ‘Rome Reports’ gives a summary of the last two weeks. https://youtu.be/wmlFgk27zS0?si=bjrD2RcdTU0qoXhy

Diocesan Assembly Update

Many thanks to all who attended the Diocesan Assembly, Pilgrims of Hope, on Saturday.  It was a joyous, Spirit-filled day where stories of hurt and healing were told, and dreams shared for the future. The livestream of the day can be found here: https://youtu.be/xb0y7G3lTeM and a video of some of the working party findings can be found here. https://youtu.be/ajn8lGIkpg8.  You can find all the reports and webinar recordings here, https://northamptondiocese.org/diocese-focus-synod/ and join the conversation via our portal. 

In his final address, Bishop David said:

• An action plan will be finalised over the summer to address the main concerns of the listening.
• Every area of diocesan life will be encouraged and supported as we look to meet the changing needs of our Church and the world.
• There will be a new Diocesan Pastoral Council to take forward the agenda of the Assembly

Come Holy Spirit!

Synod On Synodality

This week the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded following three weeks of (relatively) unreported dialogue.

The delegates issued a letter to the people of God, pre-empting the release of the synthesis closing this part of the synodal journey. 

The letter to the people of God can be found here https://northamptondiocese.org/listen-to-everyone-start-with-the-poorest/

The synthesis can be read here  https://northamptondiocese.org/a-synodal-church-in-mission/

Synod on Synodality

Alongside the above document from CBCEW, you may wish to read the homily from the Holy Father at the closing Mass of the Synod in Rome https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023/documents/20231029-omelia-conclusione-sinodo.html

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Our Parish Report

To learn more about the Synod click on the picture below

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Guidance for Parishioners attending Mass in our churches

A full explanation of the procedures and precautions that are necessary in and around our churches can be found on our COVID-19 page.

Latest updates appear in our Newsletter, which can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.

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Live streaming from our Cathedral in Northampton

Those who happen to isolate for various reasons will be able to connect with our Cathedral in Northampton and join the live stream on: https://northamptondiocese.org/live/

The daily Mass readings, provided by Universalis, can also be read on our Liturgy web page

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Donations

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for your continuous help and support. I know we are living in very surreal times.

You all have always contributed to the maintenance of our churches, some through Standing Orders and others via envelopes or cash. But among the impacts of COVID-19, some ways of contributing have become more difficult.

The standing orders are still coming into our account. Others have already started giving online on the Diocesan Website, which is truly appreciated.

I know that some families in our parish might be in financial difficulties and not be able to donate, so they should not feel obliged to do so.

Our DONATE page lists the ways in which you can continue your contribution to our parish. These include an online donation on the Diocesan website, a standing order via the donor’s own bank, and our 200 Club. All necessary links and details are included.

VISIT DONATE PAGE.

Thank you for your generosity!

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