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)
“The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer”—Pope Paul VI
Please click here for this week's Masses
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PARISH GARDEN PARTY - NEXT SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST Following the planning meeting, our annual Parish Garden Party will take place next Sunday 23 August 2026 from 2pm to 4pm. Afternoon tea and the Tombolas will largely be based in St Mary’s Parish Rooms and the usual games including Spin the wheel, Spot the ball, knock the cans, Velcro darts and bonanza. Tickets for entrance to afternoon tea are £5 per person with accompanied Under 16’s being admitted free, and are available from the back of each Church or from Seamus tel: 01282 420294 There is a box at the back of each of the three churches for anyone to donate items for the tombola stall. If we are receive too many such gifts we would like to use them at another parish fundraiser. Anyone wanting to pledge baking home-made cakes are to contact Barbara tel: 07930 508209 Please note there will not be any tea/coffee after Sunday Mass next Sunday at St Mary’s as we are setting up the hall for the Garden Party. Please try to support this fun annual event. |
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AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP AND LEARN Can you help our less able, more isolated parishioners, please, by bringing Mass into their homes on Sundays (St Mary’s 10.00am). Here’s a great opportunity to learn and add to your skills and knowledge - skills that you can offer your current or future employer, or add to your UCAS application. Our current team who stream our Sunday Masses can quickly teach you, sitting with you until you feel able to go solo. We have written guidance to reassure, and help you develop. It’s an impressive skill set easily learnt, no matter your current ‘tech’ knowledge. Our streaming of Sunday Masses brings God’s word, and a sense of belonging to our community to those who can’t get to Mass every week, and you can bring this joy to our faith family. Please talk to Fr David, or call Mike Morris on 07563 998 334 or email him via |
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PARISH COACH TRIP TO ST ANNES ON SEA A coach has been booked for our parish trip to St Annes on Sea, which will also in-corporate the summer treat for the parish Altar Servers. This will take place on Tuesday 25th August and the cost will be £12.50 per person. We will be leaving after 9.15am Mass from each of the three churches. To reserve a seat please contact Lynne on 07850 048538, who will give details of how to pay and pick up times. |
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Free Firewood for collection from St Mary's Following some tree work on an unsafe tree at St Mary's , there is some firewood/logs suitable for a log burner available for collection. Please contact Andrew ( 07745491050) or Gunther (0777615530) for details and to arrange collection. |
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UNIFORMS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED- DEADLINE DATE Do you have any unwanted school uniform items? We are collecting school uniforms from any school and in any condition to help local families affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Collection boxes labelled “School Uniform Collection” will be available at the entrances of all three churches. This is a joint project, led by The Rotary Club and Building Bridges in Burnley. Last day for donations is this Tuesday 09/08/2026. Thank you for your support and generosity which has been very good.
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PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURES OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS OUTCOME FOLLOWING OUR PROTESTS Can I thank those parishioners who responded to the consultation by letter and by signing the petition. Fr David, along with representatives from St Catherine's, local and County Councillors, recently met with BFC, Lancashire County Council, Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire Police. The Police and BFC pointed out that discussion on the issue had been going on for the last 18 months and were triggered by the Police nationally divesting themselves from traffic management for events such as football matches (and Remembrance Day parades etc). It was acknowledged that earlier involvement with interested parties might have assuaged some of the dismay, concern and anger felt. We received assurances that access to St Mary's car park would be preserved in that it was unlikely that Todmorden Road and Yorkshire Street would be subject to closure and there would be a soft closure on Belvedere Road between the Cricket Club and the Fire Station which would ensure access to Holcombe Drive. In effect, the only change from last season's approach is that responsibility for managing traffic to ensure safety of residents and supporters would rest with the Football Club, albeit working in concert with other statutory agencies, and the current road closure regime would be extended to include short stretches of Brunshaw Road and Higgin Street. The Football Club and Lancashire County Council have issued a joint statement which covers most of the above points |
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DATES FOR NOTING; DETAILS ABOVE Parish Day Trip to St Anne’s Tuesday 25th August. |
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DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that Ferrero Rocher is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Michele Ferrero, who built the company, declared "The success of Ferrero we owe to Our Lady of Lourdes. Without her we can do little." He placed Virgin Mary statues in every single one of his production acilities worldwide and led annual pilgrims to the Shrine at Lourdes. ENJOY |
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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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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 August 2026 For evangelization in the city. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community |
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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
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 Thursday 20th August from 1.30pm. to 3.30pm . All are welcome.
PARISH BONUS BALLGAME—WINNERS!
PARISH BONUS BALL GAME— IMPORTANT UPDATE
Thanks to all who support the Bonus Ball game in each of the three churches, which will continue each week. Since changes to the National Lottery, we will use the first of the two draws as our source for our Bonus Ball.
So in the light of the above information, the winning Bonus ball number for Wednesday was number 52
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s: ~ Rollover St Mary’s: ~ Zoe Christ the King: ~ Rollover
Please collect your prizes from the appropriate presbytery
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 EVENTS AT NELSON KSC CLUB
There are some great events on the horizon, and everyone is warmly invited to come along and support the work of the Knights of St. Columba.
Inter-Parish Quiz Night Friday 24th July starting at 8.00pm.Current champions: Parish of the Good Samaritan. There will be FREE pie and peas for all participants.
British Heart Foundation Charity Afternoon on Sunday 26th July. Entertainment by vocalist Mike Lester. £3 admission. Have enjoyable afternoon while helping to raise funds for a very worthy cause.
“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 today’s Gospel, Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. After warmly greeting her cousin as the mother of my Lord, Elizabeth goes on to say; “Blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
Blessedness of those with faith is a central theme of the Gospel. It’s not just a simple case of believing but of believing and acting on that belief. Mary is blessed not simply because she believed but because she acted on her belief.
The very idea of desiring to visit her cousin to celebrate their respective Good News of having a child is very proof of Mary’s faith in God. For Mary, her faith was something to call her into action. The Gospel passage quotes from Mary’s Magnificat.
This is a prayer that the Church prays the end of each day as part of Vespers, (Evening Prayer of the Church). As we come to pray each day, we acknowledge with Mary the greatness of Our God who has done great things for us. In this prayer, Mary, not only gives the greatest glory to God but also reveals who she is.
She is the one whom “all generations” will call “blessed.” And she is that lowliest of servants whom God has raised up to the greatest glory. So today we reflect with the whole Church, upon the Most Glorious Ever-Virgin Mary who was conceived without sin, remained sinless throughout her life, and was taken body and soul into Heaven where she now adores God and intercedes for us and for the whole Church.
This is a Solemnity of great rejoicing! So let us also resolve to Share in this joy with the whole Church and put our faith into action like Mary; let us also share her humility in recognising the hand of the Lord in our lives, may we also be people who never give up believe, but persevere even when our faith leads us to suffering.
Even in such difficult moments may we trust the promise of the Lord to be with Mary and with all the saints in Heaven!
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.
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.