Welcome to the Church of
St Mary of the Assumption
Burnley
Address: St Mary's Presbytery, 3 Todmorden Rd, Burnley, BB10 4AU
Tel no. 01282 422 007
Church entrance on Yorkshire Street, just around the corner from Todmorden Road.
St Mary's Parish Safeguarding Representatives:
Carole Biddulph 07944 407 765
Diane Orrel 07497 519 153
(please note, these numbers are only for Safeguarding issues)
If for some reason you're unable to get through, in an emergency contact police or Social Services
On this Page:
Masses | Other Notices | Knights of St Columba | Christmas Masses
Christmas Celebrations | Reasons to Be Cheerful |Live Streaming
Prayers and Reflections | Foodbank | CAFOD Updates
Other Pages in this section:
Introduction | Mass & Confession Times | Where to Find Us | Virtual Tour of St Mary's
Sister Churches - Links | A Walk Around St Mary's | St Mary's Groups
St Mary's Photo Album | St Mary's History
Our Local Primary School (opens in a separate window)
MASSES AND OTHER SERVICES: : FOR EASTER WEEK - 21ST TO 27TH APRIL 2025
There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament starting 30 minutes before each weekday Mass, Monday to Friday (Except before Funerals)
Please note the changes this week.
MondayEaster Monday
9.30am St Mary’s NB: Only one Mass today
Tuesday Easter Tuesday
9.30am St Mary’s
10.00am Funeral Mass at St John’s for Rose Jackson RIP
Wednesday Easter Wednesday
9.30 Christ the King 7.00pm St John’s
Thursday Easter Thursday
9.30am St Mary’s 10.00am St John’s
Friday Easter Friday
12 Noon Mass preceded from 11.30am to 1155am with Exposition and Reconciliation
Saturday Easter Saturday
9.30am St Mary’s, followed by Reconciliation with Exposition: 10.30 to 11.30am
Vigil Masses: 6.00pm St John’s preceded at 5.15pm until 5.55pm with Reconciliation and Exposition 6.30pm St Mary’s
Sunday Second Sunday of Easter
Christ the King: 9.15am and 5.00pm
St Mary’s: 10.00am (This Mass will be live-streamed on the parish website*)
St John’s: 10.45am
(*A recording of the Mass should be available later from Sunday afternoon)
Stay with us Lord on our journey
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Sincere Thanks A sincere word of thanks o all who have joined us and helped in anyway to make our Lenten and Holy Week services so beautiful and meaningful |
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| Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy - Pope Francis |
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EASTER MESSAGE
Fr David, Fr Job and Deacon Theo wish you every blessing for Easter and the Easter season. May the joy of the Risen Lord bring joy and peace to you and all those you love. Happy Easter. |
“The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer”—Pope Paul VI
Please click here for this week's Masses
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ST MARY’S CLEANING TEAM SEEK SUPPORT The cleaners work for just one hour every Tuesday at 1.00pm. If you can help, you will be most welcome to join the team. Just call Seamus on 01282 420294. Thank you. |
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CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AND REFLECTION SESSION The 4th and final session will take place on Friday 25th April in St. Mary's Parish rooms starting at 12:40 pm. This free session lasts about an hour with no booking required. Everyone welcome, including newcomers! Please feel free to bring a packed lunch as there will be a short break for refreshments at the start of the session, followed by Meditation in the Newman room. |
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CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BURNLEY SERVICE There will be a Churches Together in Burnley Service at St Mary’s on Pentecost Sunday 8th June at 6.30pm. |
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ST MARY’S MEMORIAL CORNER Historic Photos: Peek into our community past with the new photo display at the back of church. Our record of our men who died in WWI has been transferred into a folder which is set out there. Lately Dead Memorial: There is a stand with Orders of Service of people who have recently had their Funeral at St Mary’s to enable your remembrance and to ask for your prayers. Older ones are. filed aside. A Brief history and Short Guided Walk around the Church: The leaflet has been updated and is now available at the back of church, for your interest. |
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HOME BLESSINGS WITH DEACON THEO Thanks to those who have already had their home to be blessed by Deacon Theo. If anyone else would like to have their home blessed, please arrange a convenient time by getting in touch with Deacon Theo on 01282 422007 or email: |
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DIOCESAN YOUTH MINISTRY PILGRIMAGES The first pilgrimage will take place on Saturday 3 May with a pilgrimage to Walsingham, in conjunction with our main diocesan pilgrimage. The second is a pilgrimage to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, taking place between 20-22 June. Find out |
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SALFORD DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2025
Thank you to those who have expressed an interest in joining as a Youth (16-35) volunteer group in Lourdes this year from 30th July to 7th August. It is still possible to express interest by contacting Deacon Theo. There have been a number of kind offers of substantial financial support for the pilgrimage which we hope will enable anyone wishing to come on this life changing experience to do so without financial worries. Please contact Deacon Theo (
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THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Thanks to all those who have submitted Application Forms for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents should receive an acknowledgement email from the parish in the coming week. The programme of preparation begins on 29th April and we are really looking forward to working with the young people as they prepare for this important landmark in their Christian journey. |
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CHRISM MASS The beautiful Mass of the blessing of the oils will be held at St Patrick’s church, Collyhurst, Manchester on Wednesday 16th April. We need a couple of people who have not been before to represent our parish at this important event. Transport is provided. |
CHURCH STEWARDS
Huge thanks to our stewards who make attendance at church possible as we continue to work at remaining safe whilst in church. Please call Fr David if you would like to join this invaluable team.
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POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTION - APRIL 2025 For the use of the new technologies. Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times. |
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PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME 2025—UPDATE In the last few weeks, the children have been celebrating their First Reconciliation. Please continue to pray for the children and their families as they prepare to receive the Lord in First Holy Communion. |
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THE GOOD SAMARITAN WHATSAPP GROUP Continues to go strong with many varied items shared and is an extra layer of communication. across the Parish. Recent items include prayer intentions and a link to a petition to keep the hospital shuttle bus. If you'd like to connect please contact Margaret P 07751 025178. And we ask our Whatsappers to share with any none-Whatsappers in a more traditional manner - over a cup of tea!! I am choosing to rest in you and to allow your peace to calm me in my difficulties, and to strengthen me with the courage to face the challenges with your Spirit by my side. |
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KSC QUIZ NIGHT KSC QUIZ NIGHT AT ST MARY’S PARISH ROOMS Our next quiz night will be on Monday 28th April at 8pm in St Mary’s parish rooms
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FOREIGN CURRENCIES, PENNIES, MEDALS AND GOLD If you have any of these items please bring them to church and place them at a box at the back of each church. The parish has received over £500 from what has already been raised.. Thank you. |
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175TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST MARY’S OPENING On 2nd August 1849 St Mary’s was opened by Bishop Brown, and a week of celebrations followed. We celebrate this septaquintaquinquecentennial anniversary(!!). We pray for the continued work within The Good Samaritan parish and all parishes to which it is ‘Mother Church’. |
CAFOD NEWS
Myanmar Earthquake Appeal – Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, CAFOD is responding through the Catholic Church there to support families affected by the disaster. Your donations will provide essentials like water, food, solar lights, and mosquito nets.
Please give to CAFOD’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal in church by placing your donation in an envelope marked “CAFOD Earthquake Appeal” and putting it in the collection, you can donate online at cafod.org.uk/myanmar or by calling 0300 999 0030.
You can also text EARTHQUAKE to 70450 to donate £10. Catholic Church leaders, including Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo (Archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar) and our own Bishop John have asked for prayers and donations to support the people of Myanmar. To watch short video clips of all three urging us to support the people of Myanmar use the following link: https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/ church-leaders-urge-donations- to-myanmar-earthquake-appeal
TUESDAY CLUB AT ST MARY’S
The Tuesday club meets every Tuesday from 1pm to 3.30pm in the Parish Rooms at St Mary’s. We have games of Bingo, refreshments and a good “catch up” with friends. All are welcome from across the parish. For more information please contact Marie tel 07427770970.
MONDAY MORNING MASS AT ST. MARY’S
Tea and toast will be served in the parish rooms after 9.30am Mass on Mondays.
This will be organised by the Legion of Mary who will commence their weekly meeting at 10.30am in the Newman Room. All are welcome.
SOCIAL GROUP AT ST. MARY’S
PARISH BONUS BALLGAME—WINNERS!
Thanks to all who have supported the bonus Ball game and it will continue each week.
The winning Bonus ball number for Wednesday 16th April was number 45
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s ~ Esther St Mary’s ~ Theresa Christ the King ~ Daniel
Please claim your prize from the appropriate sacristy.
BURSARIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO “ HELP YOU TO HELP OTHERS”
The Catenian Association offers financial support to young Catholics (aged 16—24) who are involved in development projects which help less fortunate people, (including Diocesan and HCPT Pilgrimages). For more information go to catenianbursary.com
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST MEMORIAL CORNER
Take a look at the two very interesting volumes of information regarding all those named on the war memorial at Saint John’s. They can be found in the memorial corner.
They have been compiled by one of our parishioners Linda. Her extensive work has involved studying a number of Internet sites, such as ancestry.com, the Commonwealth War Graves, British newspaper collection at findmypast and many more.
We thank Linda for her, thoroughly detailed research.
COST OF LIVING SUPPORT
This is a grocery targeted for those people who are having difficulties with the cost of living crisis. You pay a registration fee of £5 for the year, and can then shop weekly (or more often if need be) for £4 per visit — the usual ‘shop’ is equal to about £20/£30 in any other supermarket.
The two shops are 1) in the shopping centre square above New Look, and 2) Valley St near the cemetery. They’re open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm. Just drop in, see and buy!
The people of the parish have given donations and goods, through and in addition to the excellent work of Blessed Trinity College, who have raised over £14,000 since they started.
You are asked to continue to put food into the collection point in many supermarkets, as well as using the Blessed Trinity site for financial donations at https://tinyurl.com/ BlessedTrinityJustGiving. St John’s will continue to accept money gifts, in an envelope clearly marked dropped into the presbytery letterbox.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PARISH BY STANDING ORDER
You can make your contributions to the parish online by Standing Order; Please contact your bank and inform them that payment should now be made as follows:
Name: The Salford Diocesan Trust : The Good Samaritan Parish
Sort Code: 205558
Account number: 50404640.
Many thanks.
KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS—24TH MAY 2025
100 YEARS OF CATHOLIC CHARITY AND SOCIAL ACTION IN BURNLEY
The Knights would invite and welcome everybody to join them in celebrating their Centenary Anniversary on Saturday 24th May, The events are:
Evening Mass of celebration at 5.30pm at St Mary’s church. Bishop John Arnold has honoured the centenary as Celebrant of this Mass.
A three-course meal at Turf Moor and entertainment with fantastic artist Sean Middleton. Tickets are selling fast and are £20per person!
If you are interested please contact a Brother or Grand Knight Tom Wilkinson for more information: Mobile: 0789112951 Email:
“I used to have an open mind, but my brain kept falling out!”
Here’s one of the Quotes sent from a parishioner on the website. There are many more—and Quips!
Have a laugh! Enjoy the wisdom! Send us one of your own favourites!
We’re all deeply into our new way of life and most of us we need to look for the silver linings. Till things go back to normal, let’s try to cheer each other up. Parishioner Tony Waters, who many of you may know from St Mary’s, has contacted us with a brilliant idea. In the current climate, why not have a series of items on reasons to be cheerful?…we reckon that anything that lightens up some of the doom & gloom has got to be good! We’ll publish them on the website, and in the Newsletter when space allows.
Email us with your suggestions to
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- So much unseasonal sunshine
- People smiling because you are deliberately avoiding them
- The fresh green of the springtime trees
- Young families out together for their walk
- Unexpected meetings and chats
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Join the fun—share the joy! Tell us your Reasons to be Cheerful! 😃
Video Recording Of Sunday Mass For The Parish
Like last week, we will be again uploading onto the parish web site a video recording of this Sunday’s Mass from St Mary’s
This should be available from late morning/early afternoon on Sunday. Thanks to all those who have helped to make this possible:
Video Recording: http://goodsamaritanparish.org.uk/index.php/view mass
Other Live-streamed Masses
The National Shrine in Walsingham; www.walsingham.org.uk
The Good Shepherd parish in Colne; www.goodshepherdpendle.org.uk.
You can also find the Readings for Mass each day on www.universalis.com
It is also possible that these streams will offer the Triduum services. The latter will coincide with our parish worship (if you see this Newsletter before the weekend is over).
FR DAVID’S REFLECTION
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Intentions in Ordinary Time
● A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews
● Those who suffer persecution oppression and denial of human rights
● Europe
● Seafarers
MESSAGE FROM POPE FRANCIS ABOUT RECONCILIATION
These words from the Holy Father should help us while the Sacrament is not currently available:
“Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterwards I will go to confession.’ “You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the Catechism teaches us to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.”
“The greatest miracle accomplished by Jesus for Simon and the other disappointed and tired fishermen, is not so much the nets filled with fish, but to have helped them to not fall victim to disappointment and discouragement in the face of setbacks. He opened the way for them to become heralds and witnesses of His word and of the Kingdom of God”.
COMMUNITY GROCERY
This is a grocery targeted for those people who are having difficulties in the cost of living crisis. You pay a registration fee of £5 for the year, and can then shop weekly (or more often if need be) for £4 per visit — the usual ‘shop’ is equal to about £20/ £30 in any other supermarket. The two shops are 1) in the shopping centre square above New Look, and 2) Valley St near the cemetery. They’re open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm. Just drop in, see and buy!
The people of the parish have given donations and goods, through and in addition to the excellent work of Blessed Trinity College, who have raised over £14,000 since they started.
You are asked to continue to put food into the collection point in many supermarkets, as well as using the Blessed Trinity site for financial donations at https://tinyurl.com/BlessedTrinityJustGiving.
St John’s will continue to accept money gifts, in an envelope clearly marked dropped into the presbytery letterbox. Thank you all.
CAFOD NEWS
Campaigns Update – Pope Francis has announced he will be attending the global UN climate conference COP28 in Dubai this month. He’s called for political leaders at the COP28 talks to prevent the climate crisis from causing even greater tragedies for communities that have contributed least to causing it. We can support his message by asking our MP to act on the Pope’s call. To take part just follow the link: https://action.cafod.org.uk/page/137965/action/1
CAFOD’s World Gifts – Christmas is fast approaching, but don’t worry CAFOD have the best unusual presents for your friends and family that can make a real difference to people living in poverty. World Gifts are CAFOD range of gifts that help those families in most need across the world. For each gift you buy this Christmas, you will receive a beautiful gift card to pass on to your loved one. For the latest selection visit the CAFOD website or pick up a brochure at the back of our three parish churches: https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/
The present church building dates back to 1849, but its history dates back far beyond, to the days when the Catholic Church was persecuted in England, to secret masses at Towneley Hall and the time of priest holes.
There eventually came a time towards the end of the 18th Century when Catholics were tolerated and in the early 19th century a chapel was built at Burnley Wood, which became the direct predecessor of today's St Mary of the Assumption church.
During the 19th and into the 20th Centuries the parish grew, and nowadays St Mary's is a lively and outgoing parish with lots going on - see our Parish Groups page.
Saturday Vigil 6:30pm
Sunday Mass10:00
For other Masses, please see the Latest Newsletter
Mon - Weds - Fri: 12:00 - 12:30
Saturday Morning: 10:00 - 11:30am
St Mary of the Assumption, Burnley.
Entrance on Yorkshire Street, just around the corner from Todmorden Road.
Take a virtual tour of St Mary's church by clicking here.
With thanks to the former St Mary's Gem Church website (now defunct)
A Walk Around St Mary's (opens in separate page)
Church History in Outline, including former Parish Priests (opens in separate page)
A Short History of St Mary's, Burnley -
a comprehensive booklet by Margaret Durkin, BA, to mark the church's first centenary in 1949
(opens in separate page)
NEW! Added 26th Aug 2019 -
Silent Film of Canon Morrissey's Funeral, 1903
A Mitchell and Kenyon Film - when the page opens, click on the "Watch for Free" button - fascinating!
Parish War Dead (opens in separate page)
Links to our sister Churches in the Burnley Catholic Community:
Magnifying glass original (amended here) by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay. With thanks.