The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has confirmed the approval by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for the new Lectionary. The Lectionary, which includes the scripture readings for Mass and the sacraments, will come into use in Catholic parishes in England and Wales from Advent 2024. Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery, wrote to Cardinal...

Bishop David was joined by Mar Joseph Srampickal, Bishop of the Catholic Syro-Malarbar Eparchy of Great Britain as the new Vincentian Mission in the Diocese of Northampton was launched Thursday evening at St John's Catholic Church, Luton. The Vincentian Congregation is a clerical society in the Syro-Malabar Church. The syro-malabar church is an eastern church based in Kerala, India. It is in...

The Catholic Diocese of Northampton has joined with voices across the Church in voicing concerns with the new illegal migration bill which will now become law. Deacon Jim Hannigan, Director of Caritas Northampton said "Our Catholic Social Teaching reminds us of the innate dignity of all human beings. We are all called to show the greatest respect and kindness to anyone who is suffering in any...

On 18 July 2023, the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of Carla Foster to 14 months suspended, following her earlier imprisonment for illegally obtaining abortion tablets to end her pregnancy during lockdown. Commenting on the ruling, Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops’ Conference, said: “I reiterate the consistent teaching of the Church that both the mother...

On 23 July, this coming Sunday our Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly, the third such day since it was established by Pope Francis in 2021. It is observed each year on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. Announcing the theme Pope Francis said, The World Day for Grandparents and...

Our Diocesan Assembly took place on Saturday 15th July at Thornton College. The Diocesan Assembly is the latest part of the synodal journey. The day of listening began with a prayer asking the Spirit of Truth to transform us anew. Jo Boyce of CJIM music led us in worship and encourage the Spirit to come breathe on us.  Bishop David encouraged people to share and to listen saying, “I want to know...

Friday 7 July 2023, 11.00am, Northampton Cathedral. Bishop David shares his homily from the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket: There is a question we might all ponder as we celebrate the memory of St Thomas of Canterbury, Patron of Pastoral Clergy in England and Wales, a Patron of the Diocese of Northampton. What does this only surviving son of a draper’s merchant...

“The seafarers had several shopping trolleys filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, bottled water, rice, pasta, and other items when the supermarket manager appeared and said they were not allowed to buy in bulk at this particular branch,” said Rev Doug Duncan, Stella Maris north-east Scotland regional port chaplain in Aberdeen. He explained that because seafarers spend months at sea, when...

This week the School for Synodality launches, a project that exists to help support the synodal conversion of the Church in England and Wales in our day to day practice. Through conversations, the development of resources, our webinars and our parish and innovation programmes we hope to enable an openness to the Holy Spirit in our Church through listening, sharing and discernment. During the...

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton announce the Becket Festival at Northampton Cathedral, Primrose Hill from Friday 7th – Sunday 9th July. The relics of Saint Thomas will be on display in the Cathedral throughout the weekend. The weekend will begin with Mass to celebrate the Translation of the relics of Saint Thomas Becket at 11.00 on Friday morning. The Mass will be celebrated by the new...

The Papal Nuncio will visit the Diocese of Northampton from Thursday 6th - Saturday 8th July.  Whilst in Northampton he will celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Thomas Becket at 11am on Friday 7th July and Bless and formally open the new St Thomas Centre behind the Catholic Cathedral.  The Apostolic Nunciature is the diplomatic office of the Holy See and headed...

The annual Catholic diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham took place on Saturday 10th June. 500 pilgrims from across the diocese of Northampton travelled by coach and car to arrive at the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham with many setting off early morning to arrive in time for the midday Mass. The Shrine at Walsingham, a village in north Norfolk, was established in 1061. The Lady...

Bishop David began the Deacons and Wives day at Northampton Cathedral with a Mass of Thanksgiving. Deacons and their wives arrived at Northampton Cathedral for 9.30am Mass before a morning of reflection together and lunch. At the start of Mass Bishop David welcomed all present and those watching on the live stream saying “This annual Mass of thanksgiving for Deacons is an opportunity for us to...

Bishop David Oakley will preside at the opening service of LOUDFENCE, Beaconsfield. LOUDFENCE represents the voices of those who wish to express support for those who have been subjected to injury by abuse and for those who are dealing with the consequences for themselves and others. LOUDFENCE will be in Beaconsfield from Wednesday 17th May – Friday 19th May. The opening service will take place...