23rd August 2026
Mass Schedule
| Date | Day | Time | Service | Intention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 August | Saturday | 12 noon 6.00pm 6.45pm |
Baptism – Elias Oreofe Olatunji Mass – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Confessions |
Della & Tony Cassidy RIP |
| 16 August | Sunday | 9.30am | Mass – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Our Parish; Maureen Kerr |
| 17 August | Monday | 9.30am | Mass – Feria | Max Hall RIP |
| 18 August | Tuesday | 9.30am | Mass – Feria | Ken Darvell RIP |
| 19 August | Wednesday | 9.30am | Word & Communion Service | |
| 20 August | Thursday | 9.30am | Mass – St Bernard, Abbot | Eileen Flanagan (Sp. I); Mary RIP |
| 21 August | Friday | 9.30am 10.00–10.30am 11.30am |
Mass – St Pius X, Pope Adoration & Confessions Baptism – Chioma Chantella Okoye |
Joseph V.M. RIP; Joel (Sp. I) |
| 22 August | Saturday | 6.00pm 6.45pm |
Mass – 21st Sunday – Year A Confessions |
Our Parish |
| 23 August | Sunday | 9.30am | Mass – 21st Sunday – Year A | Vincent & family; Our Parish |
Children’s Liturgy every Sunday at 9.30am in the Church meeting room.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1–6, 10. The woman clothed with the sun reveals God’s victory and the hope of salvation. Mary, who faithfully cooperated with God’s plan, teaches us to trust Him even amid suffering and uncertainty. Her glory reminds us that evil and darkness will never have the final word. Let us follow her example, remain faithful, and confidently hope in God’s promise of eternal life.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 45:10–12, 16. The queen takes her place next to God.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20–27. Christ’s resurrection is the heart of our Christian hope. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world; through Christ, the new Adam, redemption and life have come. His victory assures us that death is not the end. Let us live faithfully in Christ, trusting that His resurrection will lead us to eternal life.
Gospel: Luke 1:39–56. The Blessed Virgin Mary is a woman of profound faith, humility and generous love. Having received the angel’s message that she would become the mother of the Saviour, Mary does not turn her attention towards herself. Instead, she sets out in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Her faith immediately becomes an act of love and service.
When Elizabeth sees Mary, she recognises the extraordinary work God is accomplishing through her. Filled with gratitude, Mary responds with the beautiful Magnificat, praising God for His mercy and faithfulness. She acknowledges that God has looked with favour upon His humble servant and has remained faithful to His promises to His people.
Mary’s greatness lies in her willingness to trust God and surrender herself completely to His plan. She did not know everything that lay ahead, yet she believed that God’s word would be fulfilled. Her simple and courageous “yes” became an instrument of salvation for the whole world.
Mary is therefore a model for every Christian. Like her, we are called to listen to God, trust Him even when the path is uncertain, and respond with generous hearts. May our faith lead us to serve others, praise God in every circumstance, and become willing instruments of His love and grace.
Responsorial Psalm: On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
About the Solemnity
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a cherished Catholic belief and a profound sign of hope for all Christians. In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly defined as dogma that Mary, preserved from sin, was taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. As the first to share fully in the redemption won by her Son, Jesus Christ, Mary stands as a sign of the salvation promised to all who place their trust in God.
Her Assumption reminds us of our heavenly destiny.
Baptisms
Elias Oreofe Olatunji – Saturday 15 August, 12 noon
We joyfully welcome Elias into the family of the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. Please keep Elias in your prayers, together with his parents, Oxford and Maryann, his brother, and his godparents, Eric and Thoman, as they support him in growing in faith and in the love of Christ.
Chioma Chantella Okoye – Friday 21 August, 11.30am
We give thanks and rejoice as Chioma is welcomed into the family of the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. We ask you to remember Chioma in your prayers, along with her parents, Christopher and Gloria, and her godparents, Charles and Orji, as they accompany and encourage her on her journey of faith and help her grow in the love of Christ.
May Elias and Chioma glorify God by growing in faith and in the love of Christ.
Vocations Update
Eighteen men from across the Diocese gathered at St Augustine’s, Milton Keynes, for a Vocations Discernment Day organised by Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Pius Amoako. The day offered an opportunity to pray, reflect and explore where God may be calling them, alongside five priests, two seminarians and a deacon who shared their experience and encouragement.
The day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, allowing the men to place their hopes and questions before the Lord.
Pope Sends Financial Aid to Colombia After Earthquake
The sum of €100,000 was sent directly to the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care – Caritas Colombia, the Church’s central coordination centre for the collection and distribution of aid.
Please pray for the victims of the earthquake, that they may receive the urgent support they so desperately need. May God grant eternal rest to those who have died and bring comfort, strength, and consolation to their grieving families.
Day of Healing at St Thomas Centre
Saturday 7 November 2026, 10.15am – 4pm
Venue: St Thomas Centre, Semilong Road, Northampton NN2 6AG
Join us for a Day of Healing including praise and worship, teaching, testimonies and opportunities to receive prayer. All are welcome to come for the full day or drop in. Refreshments from 10.15am. Led by Fr Kevin Dixon, Mrs Helen Callaghan and the Littleway Team. Please bring a packed lunch if staying.
Contact:
All are warmly welcome.
Diocesan Mass in Celebration of Marriage and Family Life
All are welcome to the Diocesan Mass for Marriage and Families at Northampton Cathedral on Saturday 5th September at 12 noon.
Please register online at bit.ly/43Qkt0u. For more information, please contact Fran Watson on 07761 470888 or
First Holy Communion and Confirmation
Registration for our 2027 First Holy Communion and Confirmation Programmes will begin after the summer holidays. Preparation sessions will take place on Sundays after the morning Mass, in the church and the parish meeting room.
Registration forms and further details will be available soon. Please watch the newsletter and parish notices for updates.
Prayer Request Book
If you would like our prayer group to pray for a special intention, please write your request in the Prayer Request Book at the back of the church. Prayer requests marked with a tick are included in the prayer group’s intentions and are also offered to the Lord during Sunday Mass.
Our Offertory Collections
| Date | Loose | Envelopes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 August | £186.90 | £129.85 |
| 8/9 August | £140.40 | £166.00 |
Standing orders: £400.00 per week.
Thank you for your very generous contributions.
Food Bank
The food bank box is on a table to the right as you enter the church. Thank you for all your contributions. They are appreciated.
