Live Streamed Services

Sunday 1 March 2026 at 10:15am

The Second Sunday of Lent

Services are live streamed on our website and via our YouTube Channel.

Sunday 22 February 2026 at 10:15am

The First Sunday of Lent

Did you miss our previous live stream? You can catchup here. Watch Now

Welcome to the Parish Website for St Matthew's, Northampton

The Revd Canon Nicholas Setterfield

Welcome to our parish website. I hope you will find your visit informative and interesting, a valuable way of discovering more about the rich and varied life of our Parish. Above all, I hope what you find here will inspire you to come and see us in person.

St Matthew's is an Anglo-Catholic parish in the Diocese of Peterborough which has been serving God and the world in and around Northampton for more than 130 years. A daily Mass continues to be offered as we aspire to 'worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness' and bring people to know, love, and follow Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We welcome each individual as a child of God and foster a sense of belonging to a porous and outward looking worshipping community. Our diverse parish family is characterised by mutual respect and affirmation based on a recognition that, though unique, we are each created in the likeness of Christ.

We endeavour to live out the implications of the Christian Gospel within our contemporary setting. We do so via a well promoted pattern of worship, nurture and, in a spirit of service, through a variety of community-based activities and events that attract growing numbers of people from far and wide.

Canon Nicholas Setterfield
Vicar

What's coming up

Junior Church

Sundays during term time, except on All Age Mass weeks

Join us during the 10:15am Sunday Mass in the children's area for adult-led stories and crafts linked to the Church Year.

Junior Church will take place every Sunday during term time, except on All Age Mass weeks. Find out more...

Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

Fridays at 7:30pm

Once again we will be sharing the fourteen Stations of the Cross with our Christian brothers and sisters from St Gregory's Church on Friday evenings during Lent at St Matthew's Church. Take a look at what dates these will take place. Find out more...

Five Lent Group Meetings

Thursdays at 2:00pm

Starting Thursday 26th February, Lentwise is a five-session course designed to engage honestly with the demands of real life. Drawing on fresh insights from John's gospel, it explores five vital themes Find out more...

Mothering Sunday

Sunday 15 March 2026

Join us as we celebrate Mothering Sunday, a day that dates back to medieval times and is a day for honouring a person's 'mother church' - the place where they were baptised and became a child of the church.

Today also coincides with Mother's Day, a time to celebrate and give thanks for mothers and those who nurture and care for others.

Northampton Philharmonic Choir - The Armed Man

Saturday 21 March 2025 at 7:00pm

Join the NPC for a memorable evening as they present The Armed Man : A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins. This powerful work weaves together the traditional Catholic Mass with poetry, the Islamic call to prayer, and the haunting French folk melody L'homme armé.
Find out more & book

Passion Sunday

Sunday 22 March 2026

Join us for Passion Sunday - the fifth Sunday of Lent, traditionally marking the start of Passiontide, a two week period focusing deeply on the impending suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, leading into Holy Week. It serves as a somber transition, shifting focus from the general penitence of Lent to the specific events of Christ's passion.

The Crucifixtion

Sunday 22 March 2026 at 4:00pm

The choir or St Matthew's will sing The Crucifixion by John Stainer on Passion Sunday. First performed in 1887, Stainer's work has long held a cherished place in Lenten devotion. Combining choir, soloists, and well-known congregational hymns, it leads us prayerfully through the story of Christ's Passion.

Annunciation of the Lord

Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 7:30pm

The Feast of the Annunciation takes place exactly nine months before Christmas Day. There will be a Parish Mass where we will be joined by our Christian brothers and sisters from Hanslope and Castlethorpe. Members of the Walsingham Cell will kindly provide refreshments afterwards.

Palm Sunday

Sunday 29 March 2026 at 7:30pm

Palm Sunday has a double focus. We begin by recalling Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, greeted with palms and shouts of praise. Yet the same liturgy leads us swiftly into the solemn proclamation of his Passion. This year we hear St Matthew's account in full.

St Matthew's Monthly Magazine

The St Matthew's Mail is packed full of information about activities and events taking place at or around the church. With a suggested donation of just £1, you will find everything you need. Discover more...

St Matthew's Minis

Thursdays in term time from 9:45am to 11:30am

A pre-school play group for children under five years of age. It provides a safe environment for children to play, with lots of toys - under the supervision of their parents or care-givers - and an opportunity for the adults to have a chat and meet new friends. Find out more...

Facilities for Hire
St Matthew's Parish Centre

The St Matthew's Parish Centre, has excellent facilities and has rooms available to hire at exceptional rates. The grassed area may also be used for outside events. Find out more...

Information Quick Links

Safeguarding

Read our safeguarding policy and find out how to get advice and support. Learn More...

Building a Generous Church

Find out how you can donate to St Matthew's Church. Donate today...

Current Music List

Discover what music has been planned for the current month. Show me...

Worship Calendar

Take a look at this month's worship calendar. Take me there...

Scripture Readings

Step forward in your discipleship and join others in weekday scripture readings. Show me...

Special Services Coming Up

Information about special services coming up at St Matthew's Church. Take me There...

Forthcoming Musical Events

Information about forthcoming musical events accompanied by event posters. Show me...

A Brief History

Read about the fascinating history of St Matthew's Church. Read more...

Parish News & Weekly Notices

Read the weekly notices and latest parish news at St Matthew's Church. News Notices

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