Live Streamed Services

Sunday 22 March 2026 at 10:15am

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Passion Sunday

Services are live streamed on our website and via our YouTube Channel. Download the Order of Service for this live stream.

Sunday 15 March 2026 at 10:15am

Mothering Sunday

Did you miss our previous live stream? You can catchup here. Download the Order of Service for this live stream. Watch Now

Welcome to St Matthew's.

The Revd Canon Nicholas Setterfield

Thank you for visiting our parish website. Whether you are exploring the Christian faith, looking for a church to call home, or simply wanting to learn more about our parish, you are most warmly welcome here.

St Matthew's is an Anglo-Catholic parish in the Diocese of Peterborough that has served God and the people of Northampton for more than 130 years. At the heart of our life is the daily celebration of the Holy Mass, where we seek to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" and grow together in knowing, loving, and following Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are a diverse and welcoming parish family of all ages, seeking to honour the dignity of every person as a beloved child of God. Our life together is shaped by prayer, sacramental worship, friendship, and a shared commitment to living out the Gospel in the world around us.

Alongside our pattern of worship, we offer opportunities for learning, fellowship, and service, as well as a range of community activities that bring people together from across Northampton and beyond.

If you are new to the area, returning to church, or simply curious, we would be delighted to welcome you in person. There is a place for you here at St Matthew's.

Canon Nicholas Setterfield
Vicar

What's coming up

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...

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...

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 Crucifixion

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.

Northampton Bach Choir - Handel's Messiah

Saturday 28 March 2026 at 7:00pm

The Northampton Bach Choir is once again proud to be performing one of the greatest choral masterpieces of all time. Loved by audiences around the world for its stirring choruses and memorable arias, Messiah is a cornerstone of the choral repertoire.
Find out more & book

Palm Sunday

Sunday 29 March 2026 at 9.30am

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

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Scripture Readings

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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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