Bishop's "welcome home" messages as Northampton's churches open their doors for private worship

The Bishop of Northampton has sent a "welcome home" message as the county's churches get ready to reopen their doors today (Monday).

Places of worship came under step three of the Government’s road map to lifting restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 crisis.

They can open for private prayer from today although a full reopening with services is not expected for another three weeks until July 4, at least. Not all churches are open and many that are will only be available at weekends.

But Bishop David Oakley said: “At this stage, our buildings will only offer a space for private prayer, planned gatherings for prayer and devotions are still not permitted as these gradual, measured steps are introduced.

"These continue to be challenging times, but at least we are able to spend a few moments before the Blessed Sacrament today.

"Amongst your many prayers at this time, please do say a prayer for me as your new bishop.

"In asking this, I know you will remember our clergy and religious, our schools and people across the Diocese. Please do keep especially in prayer those who have suffered with coronavirus and have lost loved ones.

"Remember all those who are struggling with the financial impact of this crisis too. And finally, let’s all pray together that we may soon gather again to celebrate public liturgy, especially Holy Mass and the sacraments.”

Churches that are open in Northampton south and west are — The Sacred Heart and Our Lady at Aston le Walls, on Saturdays 10:30am–noon; St Augustine's Daventry on Saturdays 4pm–6pm; the Cathedral Northampton Mondays to Saturdays 10:30am–noon; St Francis and St Theresa at East Hunsbury on Saturdays 7pm–8pm and Sundays 2:30pm–4:30pm; and St Thomas More at Towcester on Sunday 11am–noon.

In the North of the Diocese — Our Lady of Walsingham in Corby is open from 10:30am to 12:30pm; St John Ogilvie in Corby is open Monday to Friday 9.00am-9.30am and on Sunday 2pm–4pm; St Paul in Thrapston is open on Sunday 10:30am–noon; and St Brendan’s in Corby is open for two hours on Saturday and Sunday but please see the church website for exact timings.

In the Northampton north and east area — visitors to St Gregory in Northampton should see the church website for ldetails, Sacred Heart at Weston Favell is open Tuesdays 10:00am–noon, Thursdays 6pm–8pm and on Sunday 2pm–4pm.

The Norhampton Diocese has published a full list of open churches and times on its website HERE.

Many churches have gone online to broadcast services during the lockdown, including Northampton Cathedral.

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