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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Which Mass to Choose? At the moment the demand for Vigil Masses is less than those on Sunday mornings, so it may ease the stewarding and social distancing considerations if you choose to attend either of the two Vigil Masses. Weekday Masses are more lightly attended and can be used unless your only option is at the weekend.

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 Canon Francis Deeney RIP

We received the sad news of the death of Canon Francis Deeney who served St Mary's Parish between 1972 to 1995. He was known, respected and loved for his kindness, supportiveness, encouragement and wisdom. As we commend his soul to the Lord, may we be particularly grateful for his faithful and dedicated ministry to the people of Burnley and other parts of the Diocese of Salford.

May he rest in peace

For previous Themes of the Week please click here

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For previous Themes Of The Week please click here

We will pray for David that the angels welcome him and he receives his reward for all the work he has undertaken on behalf of the Parish for so many years. May God rest his soul and console his family.

Anne Marie

He was loved and highly respected by so many and will be so missed. He was truly a great man, and so too will his reward in heaven be great. We pray that David will rest in everlasting peace and that God will console and comfort his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Bernadette

It struck me from time to time how, in a very quiet and unpretentious way, David was very devout as a Catholic. Bless you, David, you could also be as stubborn as a mule (Eileen and Rachael may know more about that!). Reflecting on those two things, I can see a clear connection, and they were both, I am sure, within the Lord's plan for his life, for all that he was able to give to us all.

David

David was a man with a big heart, boundless energy and commitment for the Church and parish. God rest his soul and grant comfort to Rachael, Eileen, Fiona and all the family at this most difficult of times.

Dominic

Over many years David was constantly involved and supported all the many various groups at St John's. He was always there to help when it was needed and he was a firm friend to many.
In more recent times he has been a friend and support to our new priests, He will be missed by everyone in every area of work at St Johns as a friend, guide and support. God rest you David and sincere sympathy to your dear family.

Eileen E

David will always be remembered at Saint John's. We have been in the parish for over 40 years and David has always been there. He was a very kind, caring and hardworking man who devoted his life to his family and the church. For the parish of Saint Johns, he was like the head of a very loving family. He always showed concern and care for others and made light of his own problems. The comfort his family and friends can take following his sad death is that the selfless love, devotion and faith that he showed throughout his life will surely be rewarded in heaven.

Eileen and Patrick

He was a Good Samaritan in every sense...

Fr David

 We have read all of the wonderful and well deserved tributes to David, and recognise his goodness in all of them, from our thirty years of knowing him well. His dedication and utter selflessness were combined with such passion and compassion. I would like to add, amongst all his other great works, a recognition of his work for Refugees and Asylum Seekers through New Neighbours which operates so much of its work at St John’s. He has always been positive and taken initiative to promote their interests with his compassion, recognising the migrants as ‘neighbours’ in the sense used in the parable. He never passed on the other side. The Trustees have all expressed their dismay, sadness and deep gratitude for his work for the charity.

God bless David, Eileen and the family. They are in our prayers.

Frank, Barbara, and New Neighbours

He was such a lovely man indeed and will be greatly missed. Love to Rachael and all the family xx

Julie

I had the privilege of working  at church with David over the last few months what a dedicated and prayerful man he was all the unknown kindness he has shown to so many people over the years
Rest in peace dear David

Margaret

David will be missed by all who knew him. He was a man with a big heart and a very generous person in more ways than one. He was the face of St John's as everyone knew him and if you wanted to know anything, ask David. He was a friend to many and will leave a very big hole which wont be filled. Both on a personal level and from the SVP members I send my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Eileen, Rachael and all the family. May the Good Lord watch over you all and bring you comfort. RIP David  it has been a privilege to have known you.

Marie

David, as well as his many ministries in the Church, was a good friend to St John's School.  A School Governor and Chair of Governors for many years, he also ran the Sacramental Programme and developed 'Minnie Vinnies' in the School.  He introduced me to Governance and was extremely supportive when I took over the role of Chair, always available to offer his years of expertise when required.  His depth of knowledge of Church and School matters was exceptional.  His presence at School will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace David.

Michael

David's devotion and dedication to the Parish of St John's was unequalled. He was always there working behind the scenes or visible in the in the church answering questions, organising or sharing a caring word with someone. 
When my niece was going through a tough time with her health, David would make a point to search me out before mass to enquire how she was doing. It meant alot to my sister and I. His kindness and caring words were a great comfort. St John's parish was so important to him and he was determined to help keep it running smoothly, even though in poor health. A true Christian who will be so missed by all. 

Sandra

We continue to pray for David and all his family with love and thanks for all his hard work, support and kindness over the years. I'm sure he is welcomed by "well done good and faithful servant" love and God bless to Rachel and family and also to all in the group here too

Veronica

I can't remember when I first came across David it seems like he's always been in the parish. 

On reflection it seems he's been part of the parish family for 30 years during which he supported me personally, by listening and helping with problems within my family, with illnesses and especially when my daughter died suddenly over 9 years ago. I was so grateful for his help organising the funeral and afterwards at the parish hall. He said don't worry we're all one family and that's what families do, we support each other. Again when both my mum and dad died.

I help in the repository on Sundays and as my "boss" he also used to keep an eye on me but it gave me a chance to see how much he was quietly doing after the mass. 

He has a legacy of all the good work he did tirelessly and as a prayerful Catholic but it is also the time and interest he took in people on a personal level.

There's so much he did and so much to be grateful for. As a parishioner worshipping at St John's and despite the pandemic, whatever we do collectively going forward we do owe in no small part to David and his example.

God bless him and his family.

Veronica G

Saturday 27^th February 2021 – 10am-12pm (Ages 8-11) and 1pm-3pm (Ages 12-17) - Servers aged 18 and over please email the address below

The day includes a keynote from Bishop John on the ministry of serving during this time and in the future, times of prayer, a recommissioning service and workshops on 'Challenges & Opportunities', 'Prayer - A Friendship with Jesus', and 'Called to Serve'.

To register your place or for more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An under 18's videoconferencing consent form must be downloaded from here, completed by parents/carers and returned to the above email address. The retreat will take place on Zoom.

Mary’s Meals

Mary’s Meals have asked us to share this video, which we do with pleasure -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyTQtQUUB1M&feature=youtu.be

They have another exciting piece of news is about their "Double The Love" match funding campaign:

“So much can be asked of us at this time of year. It may be hard to always say yes. Mary said yes to being the Mother of Jesus and as a young, unmarried girl this must have been a terrifying moment for her. Yet her 'yes' brought Jesus into the world and changed lives forever. Throughout this year of many challenges, thanks to our generous supporters, Mary's Meals has continued to say yes to feeding desperately hungry children with a daily meal in a place of education.

Now we are delighted to share with you a new opportunity to say yes and provide 43,000 hungry children in Bong County, Liberia, with a life-changing meal at school. From 2nd November until 31st January 2021, donations made to our Double The Love campaign will be matched by the UK government, up to £2 million.

Please consider setting a place at our Big Family Christmas dinner table or buying a Christmas gift card on our website. More information on how to support us can be found at www.marysmeals.org.uk/doublethelove.

Thank you”

Blessed Trinity are supporting the Burnley Together Foodbank. You can donate online: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blessedtrinitysupportingburnleytogether

Or you may leave a cash donation (in a clearly marked envelope) at St John's presbytery or contact David H on 07434 763822 and they will pass them on to the Foodbank via the Blessed Trinity website (above).

  Good To Hear! 

The sound sytem at Christ the King church, including the Loop System, has been upgraded and is now fully functioning, just in time for public Masses to be reinstated!

Lest We Forget...

Today we remember all the young men who fell in the Great War of 1914 - 1918:

To view a list of those from our parish who fell in the Great War, and in some cases learn a little about them, click on the links below:

St Mary's (which in those days covered the area which later became Christ the King Parish) click here

St John's - click here

To learn more about Herbert Gavin who was featured on this page: click here

English and Welsh Martyrs

A little reminder from last month that to mark the forthcoming 50th anniversay of the canonisation of 40 Martyrs of Engalnd and Wales by the Pope on 25/10/70, Terry Hephrun has sent us a copy of the programme for the the concelebration of a Mass followed by a torchlight procession from Towneley Hall to the church of St Mary of the Assumption in Burnley held to celebrate the event.

To view this interesting piece of our parish history please click here. 

"Simply going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car."

"Seven prayerless days make one weak"

With thanks to Karen for today's quote. If you have a quote, or a quip, or a saying you'd like to share please do get in touch with us at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain,
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that,
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us,
through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test –
and deliver us from every danger,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Please pray also for the people of our Parish of the Good Samaritan in Burnley who are suffering from Covid-19 that they may be healed and have a full and speedy recovory.

 Seen on a church notice board: "If being a Christian was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

 We’re

One of our Live Stream Team is leaving to join the navy – we’ll miss him badly and need to replace him – but we’re not only recruiting one volunteer to join our small team, we’re changing the way we work so we need two people!

If you can help us to live stream Sunday Masses for a couple of hours every other Sunday morning, ie one week in two, then we’d love to hear from you. The job’s not too tricky, full on-the-job training is given and lots of support is available. All you need to begin with is basic computer knowledge.

If you’d like to learn a new skill while at the same time providing an invaluable service to those who are not in a position to attend Mass, contact Mike Morris on 07929 451 566 or email him via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. The thumb;

First look at your thumb ~ and whenever we use it in the “thumbs up” position, it means that something is good. So let us think about something good that has happened in the day and thank the Lord for it.

2. Index finger

We use this finger for pointing where something is. Let is take time to reflect where Christ has been in our day ~ maybe in our prayer, hearing the Gospel at in the kind or merciful actions we have witnessed In our encounters.

3. Middle finger

Our middle finger is the longest finger so its that one that “stands out”! Reflect on what stands out from the day ~ it might not necessarily be something good ~ it could well be something that happened that was challenging or even difficult.

4. The ring finger

The next finger is the one on which that those who married would wear a wedding ring. The ring is therefore a sign of commitment. On this finger we reflect on how faithful we have been to our Christian commitments to love and serve the Lord and one another. For occasions when we have fallen short of what is asked of us, we ask the Lord’s mercy.

5. The little finger

In the light of all that we have reflected on during this time of prayer, this last and smallest finger asks us to think about what action God is asking us to take in the near future. For example; If on the ring finger we reflected that we had neglected to do something important for another person, then we should consider that as something to prioritise the next day.

1. Which book of the Bible is a collection of 150 songs and poems? Psalms

2. What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights? Diwali or Deepavali

3. Which religious leader’s teaching consisted of four ‘Noble Truths’? Buddha

4. Taoism is an ancient religion which originated in which country? China

5. Cheondoism (or Chondoism) is a religion originating in which historical country? Korea (now divided North & South)

6. Which is the holiest book of Judaism? The Torah

7. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion which originated in which country? Iran

8. At what age does a Jewish boy become a ‘Bar Mitzvah’? Thirteen

9. How many books are there in the protestant Christian Bible? 66

10. How many Popes have been Spanish? Two

11. Name all of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’. Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, & Sloth.

12. The most important Muslim practices are known as the ‘Pillars of Islam’ – how many are there? Five

13. Joseph Smith, Jr. was a religious leader and founder of which religious movement? Mormonism or Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints

14. Who was the Greek god of war? Ares

15. Which is the largest religious structure in the world? Angkor Wat in Burma

16. Which movement, sometimes referred to as a religion, started in Jamaica in the 1930s and worships Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia until 1974? Rastafarianism

17. Who was the founder of Sikhism? Guru Nanak

18. Which four-letter word beginning with ‘H’ is a term used for the yearly Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca? Hajj

19. In which year did just under 400 thousand people state their religion as ‘Jedi’ on their UK census forms? 2001

20. Freddie Mercury and his family were observers of which religion? Zoroastrianism

1. In which country did the poets Shelley and Keats both die?

2. How many tusks does a warthog have?

3. Who wrote “Porgy & Bess”?

4. Which card game has two forms, called auction and contract?

5. In ads, what sign meant Happy Motoring?

6. Who burned his guitar at the Monterey pop festival in 1967.

7. Who preferred “50,000 rifles to 50,000 votes”.

8. Whose fan did Oscar Wilde write about?

9. On which day in 1066 was William the Conqueror crowned?

10. What is the name of the national airline of Spain?

11. Who was Pinocchio’s father?

12. Who composed the opera “The Tales of Hoffman”

13. For what is Frank Lloyd Wright famous?

14. In “Treasure Island”, which sailor dreamed of toasted cheese?

15. Which pop singer’s real name was Mary O’Brien?

16. What is a Mazurka?

17. Who wrote the ‘Inspector Morse’ novels?

18. What term is given to the making of patterns by inlaying different pieces of wood?

19. Which Chocolate bar was supposed to help you Work, Rest & Play?

20. Which city does the snooker player Willie Thorn come from?

1. In which country did the poets Shelley and Keats both die?

2. How many tusks does a warthog have?

3. Who wrote “Porgy & Bess”?

4. Which card game has two forms, called auction and contract?

5. In ads, what sign meant Happy Motoring?

6. Who burned his guitar at the Monterey pop festival in 1967.

7. Who preferred “50,000 rifles to 50,000 votes”.

8. Whose fan did Oscar Wilde write about?

9. On which day in 1066 was William the Conqueror crowned?

10. What is the name of the national airline of Spain?

11. Who was Pinocchio’s father?

12. Who composed the opera “The Tales of Hoffman”

13. For what is Frank Lloyd Wright famous?

14. In “Treasure Island”, which sailor dreamed of toasted cheese?

15. Which pop singer’s real name was Mary O’Brien?

16. What is a Mazurka?

17. Who wrote the ‘Inspector Morse’ novels?

18. What term is given to the making of patterns by inlaying different pieces of wood?

19. Which Chocolate bar was supposed to help you Work, Rest & Play?

20. Which city does the snooker player Willie Thorn come from?

1. Which book of the Bible is a collection of 150 songs and poems?    Psalms

2. What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights?    Diwali or Deepavali

3. Which religious leader’s teaching consisted of four ‘Noble Truths’?    Buddha

4. Taoism is an ancient religion which originated in which country?    China

5. Cheondoism (or Chondoism) is a religion originating in which historical country?    Korea (now divided North & South)

6. Which is the holiest book of Judaism?    The Torah

7. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion which originated in which country?    Iran

8. At what age does a Jewish boy become a ‘Bar Mitzvah’?    Thirteen

9. How many books are there in the protestant Christian Bible?    66

10. How many Popes have been Spanish?    Two

11. Name all of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’.    Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, & Sloth

12. The most important Muslim practices are known as the ‘Pillars of Islam’ – how many are there?    Five

13. Joseph Smith, Jr. was a religious leader and founder of which religious movement?    Mormonism or Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints

14. Who was the Greek god of war?    Ares

15. Which is the largest religious structure in the world?    Angkor Wat in Burma

16. Which movement, sometimes referred to as a religion, started in Jamaica in the 1930s and worships Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia until 1974?    Rastafarianism

17. Who was the founder of Sikhism?    Guru Nanak

18. Which four-letter word beginning with ‘H’ is a term used for the yearly Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca?    Hajj

19. In which year did just under 400 thousand people state their religion as ‘Jedi’ on their UK census forms?    2001

20. Freddie Mercury and his family were observers of which religion?    Zoroastrianism

Strung Sung THREE, Live from Burnley

We're afraid this is the last in the series as Luke leaves us today.

Hope you've enjoyed this brief series - here it is:

 Ladies and Gentlemen, for your further delight and delectation -

In Music and Song; Fr David (guitar) with seminarian Luke Bradbury (keyboard)

with the second of their musical renditions:

Enjoy - Click Here!

1. Which book of the Bible is a collection of 150 songs and poems?

2. What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights?

3. Which religious leader’s teaching consisted of four ‘Noble Truths’?

4. Taoism is an ancient religion which originated in which country?

5. Cheondoism (or Chondoism) is a religion originating in which historical country?

6. Which is the holiest book of Judaism?

7. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion which originated in which country?

8. At what age does a Jewish boy become a ‘Bar Mitzvah’?

9. How many books are there in the protestant Christian Bible?

10. How many Popes have been Spanish?

11. Name all of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’.

12. The most important Muslim practices are known as the ‘Pillars of Islam’ – how many are there?

13. Joseph Smith, Jr. was a religious leader and founder of which religious movement?

14. Who was the Greek god of war?

15. Which is the largest religious structure in the world?

16. Which movement, sometimes referred to as a religion, started in Jamaica in the 1930s and worships Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia until 1974?

17. Who was the founder of Sikhism?

18. Which four-letter word beginning with ‘H’ is a term used for the yearly Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca?

19. In which year did just under 400 thousand people state their religion as ‘Jedi’ on their UK census forms?

20. Freddie Mercury and his family were observers of which religion?

1. Along which river and its tributaries do the German vineyards lie? - Rhine

2. Along which river is most of France’s Sauvignon Blanc cultivated? - Loire

3. Claret wine is produced in the region surrounding which French city? - Bordeaux

4. How are fizzy wines, other than Champagnes, described? - Sparkling

5. How many normal sized bottles of wine would you have in a Methuselah? - Eight

6. In which area of Italy is Chianti Classico produced? - Tuscany

7. In which country is Rioja produced? - Spain

8. In which country is the Marlborough wine region? - New Zealand

9. In which country is the wine-growing Barossa Valley? - Australia

10. In which country is the wine-making area of Stellenbosch? - South Africa

11. In which country was a vine variety called ‘vegetable dragon pearls’? - China

12. In which part of the United States is the Zinfandel grape chiefly cultivated? - California

CORPUS CHRISTI FAMILY SERVICE

PARISH OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN BURNLEY

A short video of readings, hymns & prayers celebrating the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Prepared by Fr David & seminarian Luke Bradbury and featuring them, Fr Kevin & a number of families of our parish.

A very big thanks for all those families who participated in the making of this lovely video. Children appear with the consent of their parents.

Click here to enjoy!

1. Along which river and its tributaries do the German vineyards lie?

2. Along which river is most of France’s Sauvignon Blanc cultivated?

3. Claret wine is produced in the region surrounding which French city?

4. How are fizzy wines, other than Champagnes, described?

5. How many normal sized bottles of wine would you have in a Methuselah?

6. In which area of Italy is Chianti Classico produced?

7. In which country is Rioja produced?

8. In which country is the Marlborough wine region?

9. In which country is the wine-growing Barossa Valley?

10. In which country is the wine-making area of Stellenbosch?

11. In which country was a vine variety called ‘vegetable dragon pearls’?

12. In which part of the United States is the Zinfandel grape chiefly cultivated?

1. A well-loved cuddly toy might go to one of these - Picnic
2. An upper class address - Quality Street
3. A Triangular prism  - Toblerone
4. Fasteners - Buttons
5. To spin round and round - Twirl
6. Tricks in the dark - Black Magic
7. A feline with the latest gear - KitKat
8. Nine - After Eight Mints
9. Useless for carrying anything – Chocolate Fingers
10. Sounds like a quiet voice - Wispa
11. Two minus zero plus nine - Twix
12. The King of the Jungle might have a tipple here - Lion Bar
13. Clever people - Smarties
14. Red v White at war - Roses
15. A subject - Topic
16. Rebellion at sea on this ship - Bounty
17. Plop a stone into a pond to make one - Ripple
18. I’m forever blowing bubbles - Aero
19. Chocolate marbles - Maltesers
20. Rhymes twice with early - Curly Wurly
21. Street that can melt in your hand - Treets
22. Not made of snow as expected – Flake
23. No silver - All Gold
24. Fodder mixed for children - Freddo
25. Two tiered transport - Double Decker
26. Scrambled boots is a tonic - Boost
27. Brave people – Heroes
28. You’ll go a long way for this one - Mars
29. Internet dating sites - Matchmakers
30. From Eboracum - Yorkie
31. Festive occasions - Celebrations
32. Old Singers and musicians - Minstrels
33. With fruity segments - Chocolate Orange
34. A cluster of stars - Milky Way

1. A well-loved cuddly toy might go to one of these
2. An upper class address
3. A Triangular prism
4. Fasteners
5. To spin round and round
6. Tricks in the dark
7. A feline with the latest gear
8. Nine
9. Useless for carrying anything
10. Sounds like a quiet voice
11. Two minus zero plus nine
12. The King of the Jungle might have a tipple here
13. Clever people
14. Red v White at war
15. A subject
16. Rebellion at sea on this ship
17. Plop a stone into a pond to make one
18. I’m forever blowing bubbles
19. Chocolate marbles
20. Rhymes twice with early
21. Street that can melt in your hand
22. Not made of snow as expected
23. No silver
24. Fodder mixed for children
25. Two tiered transport
26. Scrambled boots is a tonic
27. Brave people
28. You’ll go a long way for this one
29. Internet dating sites
30. From Eboracum
31. Festive occasions
32. Old Singers and musicians
33. With fruity segments
34. A cluster of stars

Strung Sung TWO, Live from Burnley

Ladies and Gentlemen, for your further delight and delectation -

In Music and Song; Fr David (guitar) with seminarian Luke Bradbury (keyboard)

with the second of their musical renditions:

Enjoy - Click Here!

1. A well-loved cuddly toy might go to one of these
2. An upper class address
3. A Triangular prism
4. Fasteners
5. To spin round and round
6. Tricks in the dark
7. A feline with the latest gear
8. Nine
9. Useless for carrying anything
10. Sounds like a quiet voice
11. Two minus zero plus nine
12. The King of the Jungle might have a tipple here
13. Clever people
14. Red v White at war
15. A subject
16. Rebellion at sea on this ship
17. Plop a stone into a pond to make one
18. I’m forever blowing bubbles
19. Chocolate marbles
20. Rhymes twice with early
21. Street that can melt in your hand
22. Not made of snow as expected
23. No silver
24. Fodder mixed for children
25. Two tiered transport
26. Scrambled boots is a tonic
27. Brave people
28. You’ll go a long way for this one
29. Internet dating sites
30. From Eboracum
31. Festive occasions
32. Old Singers and musicians
33. With fruity segments
34. A cluster of stars

 Prayer Petals

What a Good Idea – Protect Our Priests!

We are very pleased to publish some delightful prayers from our youngest-ever contributors, Imogen & Reuben (with mum Lisa's permission).

To view, click here. Enjoy!

Strung Sung, Live from Burnley

Ladies and Gentlemen, for your delight and delectation -

In Music and Song; Fr David (guitar) with seminarian Luke (keyboard)

Enjoy - Click Here!

Reasons To Be Cheerful... 

My 5 reasons to be cheerful are:-

1.  Being able to keep in touch with my family on the internet. 

2.  Appreciate my family and friends and what I have.  

3.  My faith. 

4.  Being able to watch the live streaming of Mass with Fr David each Sunday. 

5.  Appreciate my church friends.  

During the present situation we've been putting on this page items about relevant information & announcements, help offered and donations requested. As more items are added daily, these important notices 'slip down' the page & are in danger of getting lost. You may find it helpful to know that we are now also placing these relevant COVID-ralated items & their links on the Links Page where you might find them again more easily - just click on the word 'Links' on the blue menu bar above.

Here is a link to a letter from the Archbishops of England and Wales, in which they recognise the pain of Catholics who cannot pray in church or receive the sacraments but the archbishops add that they are in discussion with the Government about how they might re-open churches once the lockdown is eased. That is probably quite some way off yet but, to paraphrase something from our own Bishop John, it does give us hope for the future! Please click on the link below:

We have been trying to decide for a while how best to support the local community during this crisis, given that many families (now more than ever) will be in desperate need of help.  With this in mind, we have teamed up with Burnley Food Bank, who have seen quadruple the number of people (now stands at over 2000 per week!) coming to them for help and support.

 As you know, these are tough times for us all, and for some, everyday life could be made near impossible if it wasn't for the amazing work of charities like this. So please, donate if you can, spread the word to those around you and support us in our efforts to help those most in need in our local community.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blessedtrinitysupportingburnleytogether?fbclid=IwAR0ywZGm2N4Wn_MZaJE5el8RSxTLCbpg3ZEhIZa7IaEZ-AizvDvpGnvoJSk

Thank you,

Miss R Wilkinson

(Faith Life Coordinator, Blessed Trinity R.C College)

Reasons To Be Cheerful...   

As requested, here's 5 that cheer me:

P.S. 4 and 5 are inseparable

Reasons To Be Cheerful...   

Family & grandchildren

Staying safe and healthy

My husband Kevin

Walking our dog

Having my faith

Reasons To Be Cheerful...   

Reasons To Be Cheerful...   

1) Walking our dog Rosie

2) Daily mass at Knock Shrine

3) My wife, Maureen

4) Gardening

5) Irish music

6) Telling jokes

Reasons To Be Cheerful...   

1. Our Lady

2. The NHS

3. Grandchildren

4. Ice Cream

5. Songs of Praise on the telly

In keeping with the 'Beautiful Idea for Palm Sunday' item below (see entry dated 1/4/20), this is how the front door at St Mary's prebytery is looking right now:

The St John's Flower Ladies had better look to their laurels (pun intended!)

PS after witing that, I've been severely admonished - it WAS the St John's Flower Ladies who did it, and donated it to St Mary's!! So that's me put in my place then :-)

Here's a link to Holy Week at Home - adaptations of the Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday Rituals for Family and Household Prayer.

In the absence of public worship we hope you find it useful.

 1/4/20:

As I post this it's only lunchtime and, no joke, it's been a busy day already! See below:

Holy Week and Easter Quiz from Fr David  - how many can you get right?

Click here to see...

Dominic Aunger sent this in for the website & newsletter via Fr David:

"We have been sharing jokes, prayers and ideas for coping in the “lockdown” situation. We saw this & wondered if we could share it with the rest of the parish through the newsletter or website. It regards attaching a green branch of any sort to one’s front door to visually celebrate Palm Sunday, see the link below."

https://thedeaconsbench.com/a-beautiful-idea-for-palm-sunday/

 Dominic concludes by saying, "Please God we’ll all safely come through this pandemic stronger, kinder and more faithful to the Lord’s mission."

Just had this in too - click on the message:

 Bishop John has recorded a message for all clergy,

religious and parish volunteers which you can find here.

31/3/20:

Many thanks to Mick Armfield for bringing this to our attention:

The Burnley Community Hub has been set up by Burnley Council and other partner organisations to help the most vulnerable in our community who may be facing difficulties as a result of Covid 19.

There may be some of our older/sick or single Parishioners who may be struggling for whatever reason who could benefit from the services they aim to provide.
For more information for you access to further information is available at www.burnleytogether.org.uk

On the other hand, if you want to volutneer they would be glad to hear from you...

31/3/20:

29/3/20:

Lovely readings for Sunday 29th March; please use these prayers to unite yourself with the worship of the Universal Church, and our own Parish of the Good Samaritan. Click on the link below:

THE LORD’S DAY AT HOME

Fifth Sunday of Lent (A)

28/3/20:

A Cheerful, Hopeful Message -
sent by Barbara Grime

My cousin sent this to me. It is supposed to be from Pope Francis. Whether it is or not, I think it is worth sharing!

So beautiful. Tonight before falling asleep, think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let's think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will all be a memory, but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift.
We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us. Every second will be precious.
Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage. See you soon.

Papa Francesco

27/3/20:

In case you were unable to watch the Pope's live Urbi et Orbi broadcast, here's a link to the full text of his meditation:

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html

26/3/20:

23/3/20:

 21/3/20:

We aim to provide a video of each Sunday's Mass celebrated at St Mary's, Burnley, for the duration.

Click on "View Mass" on the menu bar above to watch this week-end's Mass, celebrated by Fr David.

 19/3/20 (since updated):

 18/3/20: