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: MONDAY 20th APRIL TO SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2026
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.
Monday Easter Weekday
9.30am St Mary’s
Tuesday St Anslem
9.30am St Mary's NB: Only one Mass today
Wednesday Easter Weekday
9.30am Christ the King NB: Only one Mass today
Thursday St.George Patron Saint of England
9.30am St Mary's 10.00 am St John's
Friday Easter Weekday
9.15am Mass at St John’s school
12.00 noon St Mary’s preceded by Exposition and Reconciliation from 11.30 to 11.55am
Saturday St Mark
9.30 St Mary’s 10.30 to 11.30am Exposition with Reconciliation at St Mary’s
Vigil Masses
6.00pm St. John’s preceded by Reconciliation with Exposition from 5.15 to 5.55pm
6.30m St. Mary’s
Sunday Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Christ the King: 9.15am 5.00pm Christ the King
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
St Carlo pray for us and especially for all our young people.
“The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer”—Pope Paul VI
Please click here for this week's Masses
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AFTERNOON TEA AT ST MARY’S—THIS WEEK This ever-popular event will take place this Wednesday 22nd April at 12.30pm in St Mary’s Parish Rooms. The theme for which is St George’s Day and the cost will be £6.00. To book and obtain further information please Contact Elaine on 01282 413127.. |
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LAUDATO SI’ PARISH AWARD – OVERALL WINNER We’re delighted to share some wonderful news: St Mary’s Bible Garden has been named Overall Winner of the Laudato Si’ Parish Awards! The garden was entered at the invitation of the Diocese’s Laudato Si’ Environment and Learning Officer, who encouraged us to put it forward. The Award recognises ‘outstanding achievements in caring for God’s Creation’. It’s listed by Wikipedia as one of only three ‘Noteworthy Biblical gardens in Europe’, The garden was celebrated at a joyful awards event led by Bishop John Arnold at Wardley Hall last Tuesday, 14th April. Members of the St Mary’s gardening team travelled to collect the plaque and certificate which was presented alongside other inspiring entrants and winners. To find out more, visit www.stmarysbiblegarden.co.uk. Congratulations, thanks and well done to our gardeners! |
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DO YOU ENJOY SINGING? Would you like to come and sing with St Mary’s singing group at the 10.00am Sunday Mass? Singing is a very healthy pastime for mind and body, and when you sing prayer, you sing twice. You will be very welcome. Come and talk with us after Mass for more information |
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NEW HEADTEACHER AT ST. MARY’S We are delighted to announce that Laura Bushell has been successfully appointed as Headteacher of St. Mary’s R.C. Primary School. Please join us in congratulating Mrs Bushall on her well deserved appointment and we wish her success going forward. |
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STRUNG SUNG SUPPER This enjoyable evening will comprise of live music featuring the band led by Fr David, Pie and peas, as well as song sheets for everyone to sing along. It will be held at St John’s Parish Hall on Friday 8th May, doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets are now £7.50 available from Seamus Tel 01282 420294 |
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SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Bishop John will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for St John Vianney Deanery at St. Mary’s church, Burnley at 7pm on Thursday 25th June. |
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CATHOLIC SAFER RECRUITMENT -THANKS Many thanks to all the parish volunteers for the great response last Thursday to the Safer Recruitment event held in St. Mary’s Parish Rooms. Sincere thanks to all volunteers for your continuing support for the parish and the mission of the Church. |
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RIGHT TO LIFE — ACTION PLEASE! The House of Lords will vote on Wednesday which will decide whether abortions become legal up to the time of actual birth. Many C of E Bishops do not attend the House of Commons frequently, and their votes are vital to prevent this happening. Go to the website: https://righttolife.org.uk/bishops. There is a preprepared letter for you to read (and adjust if you wish). Enter yor name address and vote. Simple BUT VITAL. - Please act! |
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A DAY FOR THE PARISH IN SOUTHPORT On Tuesday 28th April we are planning a day out in Southport. We would leave Burnley around 9.30am and arrive at Holy Family RC Church in the Meols Cop area of Southport. On arrival we would have tea/ coffee in the parish rooms then afterwards receive a spiritual talk by the Parish Priest Fr Kevin McLoughlin. Fr Kevin will then preach at a concelebrated Mass in the church around midday. We would then proceed towards Lord street and the promenade for lunch and time to explore. We plan to leave around 3.30pm and be home for 5pm. Our mode of transport will depend on how many people are interested; but if we work on the cost being £10 per person then we can adjust accordingly. If interested in booking a place, please call Lynne .tel 07850048538. |
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GIFT AID ENVELOPES These are now available at the back of each church. At St Mary’s the Gift Aid boxes are labelled with your name. At Christ the King church please take a box of envelopes and look for the form inside the box, please complete form and return to the sacristy or please give to Mick Frazer or Tim McCarthy. Those who would like to start to gift aid, please also take a box , complete form inside and return to the appropriate sacristy. |
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SALFORD DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES If you, or your child, would like to join this group please contact Fr Theo ( during the coming week so that we can form a group. Every year Salford Diocese takes hundreds of pilgrims on pilgrimage to Lourdes. Many pilgrims are sick, elderly or disabled and so require additional care. Pilgrims are supported by a medical and nursing team and a group of volunteers from across the Diocese. Last year one of our young people from the parish joined the volunteer team alongside Fr Theo and had a wonderful time. This year we would again like to offer young people (from Year 11 upwards) the chance to join the pilgrimage. The group will travel to Lourdes by coach from 29th July to 6th August 2026 as part of the Diocesan Youth Group (DYG). The special “youth price” for this is £699 which includes travel, accommodation and all meals. Funding and fundraising will allow this cost to be reduced significantly (such as £100 from the Catenian Association). We wouldn’t want anyone not to put themselves forward due to cost. If anyone would like to join the medical and nursing team or would like more information about joining as a pilgrim, then please speak to Fr Theo who can provide more information |
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RCIA SCRUTINIES We are hoping to have a number of people from our parish to be baptised or received into full Communion with the Church this Easter. Four of them; Jake, Izzy, Joshua and Adam are currently “Catechumens” and so will receive the “Scrutinies” during the Sunday Masses over the next three Sundays, starting this Sunday the 3rd Sunday of Lent at 10.45am Mass at St John’s. This is based on the Gospel of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the well This is a very important time for them so please pray for them and the candidates over the coming few weeks as Easter draws near. |
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HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME If you, or someone you know cannot get to Mass but would like to receive Holy Communion in their home, please ask their permission, then talk with Fr David to arrange things. |
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Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention for April 2026 For Priests In Crisis Let us pray for Priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer. |
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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. |
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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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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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
CAFOD NEWS APRIL 2026
Campaigning petition: Aiysha from Bangladesh once worked as a day labourer, barely earning enough to support her husband and son.
Then, with CAFOD’s help, Aiysha learned about a sustainable way of growing food called ‘agroecology’ that works with nature, not against it. Agroecology doesn’t rely heavily on single crops, as industrial agriculture does, nor on chemicals that make farmers sick. Instead, farmers use their local knowledge to grow food that fits their specific climate, soil and culture. Since Aiysha learned about agroecology, she has almost doubled her income.
Will you please help CAFOD urge the government to support sustainable food systems? Please send a message to the Minister of International Development, Baroness Chapman, calling on the UK government to do more on this issue at - https://action.cafod.org.uk/page/183763
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
Our next gathering for cards, a quiz, darts, table tennis, a cuppa and a chat will at 1.30 to 3.30pm on Thursday 23rd April. All are welcome.
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 last Wednesday was number 25
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s ~ St Mary’s ~ Christ the King ~ Mick
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.
KSC: BFC SIGNED FOOTBALL SHIRT RAFFLE—A COLLECTOR’S ITEM??
It looks, alas, like the Clarets are going down! Who knows when they will be back ….? We have what may become a unique memento of having a Premier League team for the town and it could be YOURS. It’s a signed, framed BFC official shirt and we’re offering you the chance to win a potential collectors item it in our raffle.
Numbers are only £5.00, and you can get yours by calling Brother or Tom (07891 124951) to buy or for more information.
All proceeds will go to Pendleside Hospice and the Georgia Fourie Butterfly Fund.
“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
In the Gospel we have just heard which is set on the first Easter Sunday, two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem. They are confused and grieving and their heads are all over the place. So they are walking away, but they are going the wrong way.
The Risen Jesus accompanied them as they go on this journey even though it is in the wrong direction, He listened to them and they then allowed him to fit their story of set backs, disappointment and shattered dreams into his story of Easter joy, which makes sense of all the pain, suffering and shattered dreams.
They couldn’t get enough of this, they were really enjoying Jesus, who was taking them out of themselves and their woes and troubles. He was getting them to think about the bigger picture of their lives. However it was at the breaking of bread, which led them to recognise it was Jesus.
They suddenly know what they have to do, everything falls into place and they hasten back to where they have come from to share the Good News that they have seen Jesus and he is alive. Sometimes in life we have to go the wrong way for a while to find out what the right path is for us.
It may be surprising to discover God in times of pain rather than in times of joy but that can happen, the light and joy of Easter is only found through the darkness and pain of Calvary. So on our own road to Emmaus, in times of darkness and confusion, thanks to the Risen Lord, we can now get back on the right road in life.
We have to look out for the Lord at our side: it may be he reveals himself through prayer, through the wise words of another person or maybe just patience, determination and perseverance. We will then be allowing the Lord to stay with us on the right path, the road to salvation and eternal joy.
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
CAFOD NEWS APRIL 2026
Campaigning petition: Aiysha from Bangladesh once worked as a day labourer, barely earning enough to support her husband and son. Then, with CAFOD’s help, Aiysha learned about a sustainable way of growing food called ‘agroecology’ that works with nature, not against it.
Agroecology doesn’t rely heavily on single crops, as industrial agriculture does, nor on chemicals that make farmers sick. Instead, farmers use their local knowledge to grow food that fits their specific climate, soil and culture.
Since Aiysha learned about agroecology, she has almost doubled her income. Will you please help CAFOD urge the government to support sustainable food systems? Please send a message to the Minister of International Development, Baroness Chapman, calling on the UK government to do more on this issue at - https://action.cafod.org.uk/page/183763
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.