His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Richard Moth as Apostolic Administrator sede plena et ad nutum Sanctæ Sedis of the Diocese of Northampton, ensuring the continued pastoral governance of the Diocese during this period of transition.
Archbishop Moth, who continues his ministry as Archbishop of Westminster, expressed his gratitude for the Holy Father’s trust and asked the faithful of Northampton for their prayers as he undertakes this responsibility.
“I am humbled by the trust which His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has placed in me,” Archbishop Moth said, asking the Lord for the wisdom and guidance needed to serve the Diocese.
The Archbishop brings many years of pastoral experience, having previously served as Bishop of the Forces and Bishop of Arundel and Brighton. He will continue to support the clergy and people of Northampton while residing and working at Archbishop’s House, Westminster.
The Diocese of Northampton celebrated the fourth annual Becket Festival on 4 July, bringing together clergy, parishioners and visitors to honour diocesan patron St Thomas Becket.
Held at Northampton Cathedral and the St Thomas Centre, the festival featured prayer, worship, an art exhibition, workshops, the annual Becket Lecture and Solemn Mass, celebrated by Canon Michael Harrison, Vicar General.
A highlight was the annual Becket Lecture, delivered by Fr Toby Lees, who reflected on the inseparable relationship between truth and mercy, drawing inspiration from St Thomas Becket’s courageous witness.
The festival also celebrated the Diocese’s treasured relic of the saint, a powerful reminder of Northampton’s historic connection with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who stayed on the Cathedral site before his exile in 1164.
Concluding with Vespers, the festival once again celebrated St Thomas Becket’s enduring example of faith, courage and fidelity to Christ.
A former parish church in Houghton Regis has been given a new lease of life as St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School prepares to open its new nursery later this month. The purpose-built early years setting, for children aged two and above, has been created within the former St Vincent’s Church building, which closed during the pandemic in 2020 and was transferred to the school in 2022.
The nursery, which offers both funded and paid places and is open to families of all faiths, was officially blessed by Monsignor Kevin McGinnell, Dean of Luton. The Mayor of Houghton Regis, Councillor David Jones, marked the occasion by cutting the ribbon.
Headteacher Amanda Dowling described the nursery as “a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child can flourish,” while Mark McLaughlin, CEO of St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust, said the transformed building would be brought to life by a dedicated team serving children and families for years to come.
Bishop Paul Mason and Sister Una Coogan CJ have welcomed the publication of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency’s (CSSA) thematic review into survivors’ experiences of safeguarding in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, describing it as an important opportunity for continued learning and improvement.
They thanked the survivors whose courage and honesty shaped the review, acknowledging that their testimony calls the Church to deeper listening, reflection and action. While recognising the progress already made, they affirmed the need for a more consistent model of support for victims and survivors.
As co-chairs of the Strategic Council for Catholic Safeguarding, Bishop Mason and Sister Una said the report will help inform the ongoing review of safeguarding policies and strengthen a One Church approach. They also reiterated the bishops’ open invitation to meet with survivors, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to ensuring its communities are places of safety and sanctuary for all.
The Vatican has published the Preparatory Document for the October 2026 Meeting on Amoris Laetitia, marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark Apostolic Exhortation on marriage and family life.
Convened by Pope Leo XIV, the meeting will bring together the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches and presidents of episcopal conferences from 7–14 October to reflect on how the Church can better proclaim the Gospel to families today.
The document proposes five themes for discernment, including supporting young people in discovering the vocation to marriage, accompanying couples in married life, caring for families facing difficulties and recognising families as active participants in the Church’s mission.
Episcopal conferences worldwide are encouraged to begin listening to families in their local Churches, ensuring their experiences help shape this pastoral journey of prayer, dialogue and discernment ahead of the Vatican gathering.
Catholics across the Diocese are invited to mark Sea Sunday on 12 July by praying for seafarers, fishers and their families, and by supporting the vital work of Stella Maris, the Catholic Church’s maritime charity.
Seafarers and fishers play an essential role in daily life, often working in challenging and dangerous conditions while enduring long periods away from loved ones. Stella Maris chaplains and ship visitors provide practical assistance, pastoral care and spiritual support to those working at sea in the UK and around the world.
Parishes are encouraged to join in this annual celebration through prayer and by supporting the Sea Sunday collection, which enables Stella Maris to continue its ministry to those in need.
To learn more about Sea Sunday or to make a donation, visit the Stella Maris website. Every contribution helps bring hope and care to those who serve at sea.
