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Young people from across the diocese of Northampton joined NYMO, our diocesan youth ministry team at the weekend for the latest in the series of the LUX residential weekends. This year the group focussed on the theme of 'Flawless', a theme derived from the synod feedback from young people and they had time to reflect on being chosen but not perfect. They were encouraged to consider what being...

In 2014, Pope Francis initiated a worldwide prayer initiative for Catholic, 24 hours for the Lord. The theme for this year is ‘Be merciful to me a sinner’ (Luke 18:13). Over the days Friday 17th March and Saturday 18th March each pastoral area has been encouraged to offer the faithful an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the context of eucharistic Adoration. Each year during...

  The theme for Racial Justice Sunday is: “All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together” We are encourage to consider how we may be inclusive in our mission. Speaking about Racial Justice Sunday, Bishop David said “ I invite you to pray, that all of us together will be involved in the mission of our church. That we will...

Bishop David celebrated Mass for religious brothers, sisters and priests on Thursday 2nd November in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Woburn Sands. Religious orders from across the diocese were represented as Mass was celebrated in the Church before they enjoyed lunch in the parish hall provided by the team at Café 1850. The world day for consecrated life was instigated by Pope John Paul ii in 1997...

  Pope Francis has released his prayer intention for February focussed on ‘the Parish’. Encouraging parishes to be “generous and open to all” Pope Francis warned against being an exclusive club “for the few”. The message is clear throughout the video, there are “no special requirements for entering our churches”. All are welcome should be a sign on the door of each church. Pope Francis went...

Short Gospel Message (Kerygmatic) Videos for use in Catechesis Now Available Mission Northampton have produced a series of 12 short teaching and testimony videos that catechists can use to help them share the Gospel message (the kerygma). The Gospel themed videos feature a variety of people from our Diocese who have generously shared their talents, faith stories and time to help bring this...

  Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio “Aperuit illis”, published on 30 September 2019, the feast of St Jerome, establishes that “the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God”. This year the third Sunday falls on Sunday 22nd January Reflecting on the importance of the Word of God, Bishop David said “It is important...

  The week of Christian Unity is traditionally observed during the octave of St Peter and St Paul, 18th-25th January. This year a focus has been placed on how we can work together to contribute to the promotion of racial justice. This theme has been presented under the guidance of the churches in Minneapolis. They chose the theme, “Do good; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17). Bishop David, who...

The Catholic safeguarding standards agency visited our diocese on Tuesday 17th January to lead our clergy in some training following an invitation from our diocesan safeguarding team. The CSSA was created following the publication of the Elliot report. They exist as a regulatory function for Catholic diocese across England and Wales.  The Elliot report was commissioned in October 2019, by the...

This Sunday, the second Sunday of ordinary time, is national peace Sunday across our Church, following the international day of peace. The theme of this years peace Sunday is “No one can be saved alone. Combatting Covid-19 together, embarking together on paths of peace.” Pope Francis expressed more on this theme in his full message for the day.  Vice president of the Catholic Bishops Conference...

On Monday, 5th December Mrs Joan Kedward and Fr Wayne Coughlin (both Guardians of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Bedford) visited St Thomas More Catholic School, Brickhill to rededicate the school’s Marian Home Shine. The assembly began with a lovely introduction from the school’s Lay Chaplain, Mrs Helen Burgess and beautiful Advent prayers led by two students.  Joan then spoke movingly about how Jesus...