"At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.'"
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1323
Some of our Catholic churches are open yet some are still closed at this time, in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19. What does this mean for Catholics about attending Mass?
We are asked to pray at home with our families. We can follow a live streaming of Mass – see the links below. Also, we can ask for and experience a spiritual communion at this time (this is a way of uniting deeply with Jesus in prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit). We do not have an obligation to attend Mass at present (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2181).
Cardinal Vincent Nichols (England and Wales) stresses that we must all play our part to safeguard the NHS and to save ‘precious lives. Watch his video message here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our-work/health-social-care/coronavirus-guidelines/
Participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass by watching a live stream
Northampton Cathedral – live streaming of Mass
Mass is celebrated daily from the Cathedral, with no congregation present. However, you can participate via the internet, following a live stream.
Click here to view the live stream or to watch previously recorded services https://northamptondiocese.org/live/
- Daily – Mass 9:30am followed the rosary; Angelus at Midday and 6:00pm
- Saturday – Mass 6:00pm
- Sunday – Mass 8:30am, 11:00am, 5:15pm
- Monday – Mass 9:30am, 7:00pm
- Wednesday – Angelus at Midday followed by Stations of the Cross
- Friday – Stations of the Cross 7:00pm
Church Services TV
This website provides a listing and links to Catholic churches around the country that live stream mass: https://www.churchservices.tv/country/england/
Our local parishes
Our local Catholic churches are closed at present. For the latest information about your parish, please visit your parish website