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 CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH -- PLANNING MEETING We are hoping to once again put on a Christmas day lunch for those who would like to attend, especially people who might otherwise be on their own. There will be a planning meeting for anyone wishing to volunteer to be part of this event at St Mary’s presbytery at 2pm on Saturday 7th November. For more information, please contact Fr David |
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BEREAVEMENT MASS There will be a Mass, celebrated at St Mary’s church, at 7.00pm on Thursday 12th November at which the names of all who have died and have had their funeral in or through the Parish of The Good Samaritan in the last 12 months will be prayed for individually . A candle will be lit for each of the faithful departed by a member of the family (or a friend) who will be invited personally to come to the Mass. Light refreshments for all present will follow in the parish rooms. |
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SVP CHRISTMAS FOOD BAG APPEAL Last Christmas the SVP made up twenty seven food bags to give to families in need within our Parish. All these items were paid for out of our funds. We would like to do the same again this year but unfortunately our funds won’t stretch that far. To help us achieve this objective we would like to engage the help of the parish and every week until mid December we ask if you could buy one item suitable to go in a Christmas hamper. Suggested items, non perishable food, chocolates, tins, biscuits, selection boxes etc. A box will be placed at the back of each church for your donations. We thank you in advance for your support and generosity. |
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WELL DONE! – YOUR POWER CHANGED THINGS ON ASSISTED SUICIDE The Newsletter, supported by Fr Theo’s excellent homily, asked you to write to your MP to vote against this legislation. You did and it worked! When the legislation started last year, Oliver Ryan voted in favour of its progress. He voted against on this last occasion and the bill has been defeated. Our letters contributed to him reviewing all the details of the legislation which ultimately led to his change of heart. Well Done Everybody! |
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DEANERY MASS FOR THE DECEASED CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE This will take place at St Mary’s church on Thursday 5th November at 10.00am. All are welcome.
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Dear Lord Thank You for Your unfailing love that surrounds me each day and for being my safe refuge. Teach me to trust in Your love and wisdom, instead of worrying and seeing myself as the one who decides my future
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CAFOD NEWS - OCTOBER 2026 The CAFOD Group would like to thank James for running the Great North Run for CAFOD; raising an amazing £1,025. James and the CAFOD Group are grateful for the wonderful support of parishioners. CAFOD is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and the Church’s official aid agency. CAFOD believes a better world is one that's good for everyone, so we work with local experts and leaders to build a world where no one has their life limited by the injustices of poverty, conflict or the climate crisis. CAFOD helps hardworking women and men to face these injustices head on, bravely turning hope to joy. As part of Caritas lnternationalis we support families to flourish no matter their religion.
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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 Intention for October For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses |
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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
VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL: UPDATE AND THANKS
Our CAFOD Group would like to thank parishioners for their generous donations to CAFOD's appeal. Cash donations of £290 have been passed to CAFOD and many parishioners will have donated online to the appeal.
Thank you for your continued generosity in these difficult times.
You can donate in the following ways:
1) via the CAFOD website at: https://cafod.org.uk/give/donate-to-emergencies/venezuelaearthquake-appeal OR
2) via phone by calling 0303 303 3030 (9.30am–5.30pm, M–F) OR
3) Make a cash donation in an envelope marked “CAFOD Venezuela Earthquake Appeal” and placing it the offertory collection.
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 from 1.30pm. to 3.30pm . Please join us for cards, table tennis, darts, a quiz, a cuppa and a biscuit and most importantly a chat. 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 34
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s: ~ Rollover St Mary’s: ~ Sean 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, Jesus makes a deep impression on his listeners because he speaks with authority. Once again, he is being tested by the religious leaders. The denarius that Jesus is given would have
had a picture of the Emperor Tiberius.
By Jesus saying ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s’ he makes a clear distinction between God and Caesar; between divine power and earthly power. Jesus was able to turn the question back on the Pharisees.
He reminded them that God is greater than Caesar. The whole world and everything in it belong to God. Everything belongs to God! We are even made in the image and likeness of God so we
are to give back to God what belongs to him, by putting our gifts and very lives at his disposal, listening to what is asked of us by God.
This is because he is over and above everything and his portrait is stamped all over creation.
The whole of our lives should be involved in giving back to God what belongs to him we do this essentially by living faithful lives authentic Christian living is the best form of witness and the most
likely way that we can be missionary and attract others to share in what we have is because with God in our life, we are made whole our lives are complete and make sense.
So let us allow saints to inspire us and to shape our lives. Let us model ourselves on Christ who was always guided by the spirit to say the right thing.
May we be good citizens of our country. May we also always live our lives as Jesus desires of us by giving back to God through our service of each other, our prayer and our faithfulness to the Lord. May we also live as St Thomas More wisely stated as; “the King’s Good servant but God’s first”.
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.