latest news

Bishop David is very conscious that there are a considerable number of people around the Diocese who are due to be baptised or received into full communion with the Church, to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and to receive their First Holy Communion. All these celebrations are currently delayed through the coronavirus crisis. Bishop David sends the following messages to all those waiting...

Bishop Leo McCartie, Emeritus Bishop of Northampton died on the evening of Thursday 23rd April in St Joseph’s Home in Birmingham, aged 94. Last July Bishop Leo celebrated 70 years of priesthood with Mass attended by the then current Bishop of Northampton, Bishop Peter Doyle (now Emeritus) and Archbishop Kevin McDonald who replaced Bishop Leo in Northampton. Bishop Leo was born in Hartlepool on...

The Pope has announced that on Friday, 27 March, he will preside over a moment of prayer on the sagrato of St Peter’s Basilica, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the facade of the Church. “I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication” he said. The ceremony will consist in readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and...

Pastoral Letter from Bishop David     Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These words of the Apostle Paul root us firmly where we belong, in the grace and peace of God. Things are not turning out as we may have imagined, even a few weeks ago now, and this is not the letter I had hoped to send you as my first...

Masses Suspended as of Saturday 21st March Following the advice announced by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, we would like to reiterate that all Masses have been suspended this weekend. Our main priority is to protect those most vulnerable to the coronavirus and we know this is not a decision taken lightly. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND YOUR PARISH CHURCH FOR MASS.  This is not an...

Northampton Cathedral was full on Saturday 22nd February for the farewell Mass for Bishop Peter Doyle. Bishop Peter is retiring since he has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75,  for Bishops and Priests. A large number of priests and deacons alongside religious sisters and laity attended the Mass to give thanks for his 14.5 years of Episcopal ministry in our diocese. Our new Bishop, Canon...

The Northampton Diocesan Office for RE, Catechesis and Schools (NORES) recently hosted a conference for over 70 A-level Religious Studies students from schools across our diocese in the diocesan centre at Holy Ghost, Luton. The day combined presentations on topics relevant to their study with a workshop enabling students from different schools to work together on common tasks. It proved to be a...

At the beginning of February, record numbers of young people enjoyed the Lux weekend hosted by the NYMO team. This years theme of ‘VOX’ encouraged us to make space to listen to the voice of God in our lives through scripture.Great fun was had through the weekend whilst friendships were formed and in this environment, and formation taking place. Joining us for the weekend were Mairi-Claire...

Our diocese is saying goodbye to a long standing member of staff. Mr Tim Redding is to leave his post as Financial Secretary in March, to take up a position with the Anglican Diocese of Chichester. Tim is leaving to be closer to his family who live in the area. Bishop Peter (now Emeritus) thanks Tim for all he has given to our diocese over the 17 years he has been with us and wishes him well in...

Bishop Peter (now Emeritus) today (11-12-19) visited the new catholic satellite school in Aylesbury, St Michaels. Attached to the existing site in High Wycombe, the school has pupils in years 7 and 8. Emeritus Bishop Peter was delighted to meet the staff and students and see first hand the difference the school is making to the catholic community in Aylesbury.

On the last Saturday of the month, more than 20 young adults gathered for the first young adults brunch. They began with food and conversation and moved onto prayer and engaging teaching delivered by Deacon Liam Lynch. This new initiative will take place on the last Saturday of each month (except December). For more information visit www.nymo.org/brunch

Congratulations to Fr Nicholas from St Anthony’s in Slough. Fr Nicholas celebrated 12 years of priesthood and Bishop Peter (now Emeritus) celebrated Mass in the parish on the 1st December.

Bishop Peter (now Emeritus) celebrated Mass for our diocesan patronal feast of Our Lady Immaculate on Saturday 7th December. Clergy and people gathered to celebrate this feast alongside the opening of ‘Year of The Word’. Emeritus Bishop Peter urges the faithful to: “Listen to God’s Word in groups together and let God’s word be at the centre”