Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and St. Thomas of Canterbury, Northampton

Introduction

The cathedral's crossing tower, transepts and chancel were built between 1948 and 1955 by Albert Herbert.

History

In 1825, Father William Foley built a presbytery, school and small chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew, using stone from the former Saint Andrews Priory. The first Pugin church was demolished, replaced by new windows, transepts, a central chancel and tower and gallery linked to the Nave, and the High Altar was returned to the Eastern wall.

Architecture and furnishings

Edward Welby Pugin built the nave and aisles mainly in 1863, enlarging a much smaller church of 1844 by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The 19th-century parts are in Decorated style, built of brick with stone dressings.

The stained glass windows date from the 1860s and were made by John Hardman of Birmingham. The windows depict the Barque of St Peter and other local saints, and a small window depicts the Eleanor Cross. There are five Victorian carvings representing angels playing musical instruments. A window is a memorial to William Wareing, the first Bishop of Northampton, with left panel Saint William and right panel Saint Felix. The icon of the Holy Spirit at the east end was carved by Stephen Foster and dedicated by the papal nuncio in 1998.

Music and liturgy

The music group includes guitarists, a flutist and singers, performing traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs in a folk style, along with chants in vocal harmonies such as the music of Taize. The music group participates with the Cathedral Choir in Diocesan Masses, Easter and Christmas liturgies, and events such as Bereavement Services, Anointing Masses and weddings.

The Cathedral houses a historic tracker-action pipe organ installed in 1976 by Hendrik ten Bruggeucate from the Swiss firm Metzler. The organ has a modest specification, being part of a larger scheme that was left incomplete.

Parish life

The SVP Cathedral Conference was re-established in 2005 with 10 parishioners. The SVP provides about 140 Christmas hampers to families suffering financially.

The parish supports the Fair Trade movement by offering products that provide funds for growers and craftsmen in developing countries. The Cathedral serves as a hub for other parishes in Northampton, including Saint Aidan's in Kingsthorpe and Saints Francis and Therese in East Hunsbury.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The SVP visits the housebound, isolated, disadvantaged and vulnerable in their homes, care homes and hospital, offering Holy Communion to those who request it, making about 150 visits a month. The RCIA course is open to all persons of any age exploring joining the Catholic Church, baptised Christians wanting to become Catholic, and baptised Catholics who missed first holy communion or confirmation. Adults who wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, or missed confirmation at a younger age, can take part in adult preparation known as RCIA.