Please note: items are in reverse chronological order - most recent item first. This also contains some of the items from the Covid crisis as it unfolded during those uncertain times.

 Feast of the Ascension of the Lord - Holy Day of Obligation

9th May 2024

The 12 noon Mass at St Mary's will be live streamed

for the benefit of any parishioner unable to get there in person

Calling All Catholic Health Care Workers!

Catholic Medical Association Invitation,

7:00 - 9:00pm Wednesday 27th September 2023

The CMA is an association of Catholic healthcare professionals (so, not just doctors but anyone in health care). We are meeting monthly, celebrating Mass together, followed by a presentation and/or discussions on topics that are (loosely) related to healthcare and the intersection with faith. The group provides the company of likeminded people, 'moral support' when we are feeling lost or overwhelmed in our jobs, or just the opportunity to network with others. The presentations are often by group members about things close to their hearts or interests, or we are getting external speakers on something interesting.

The meetings used to be at St Catherine's in Didsbury, and the hospital chaplain for the Manchester hospitals (currently Fr Gavin Landers, who used to be curate at St Mary’s) celebrates the Mass and hosts the meeting, which covers the entire diocese. However, many people from our area found it difficult to attend due to the long drive to South Manchester from here after a long working day. So currently we are trialing to rotate the location, and Burnley/St Mary’s is the first ‘non-Manchester’ parish to host the meeting. See the poster below for more information.

The meetings are open to any Catholic healthcare professional, not just CMA members.

No booking is needed, just turn up.

Click here for how you can help the earthquake appeal through CAFOD

Parish coach trip to Oscott College, Birmingham

 Mark McGeehan, our seminarian has invited us to spend an afternoon at St Mary's College, Oscott, Birmingham, as part of a college initiative called "Parish Sunday". The day will comprise afternoon tea on arrival at the College, a tour of the college by Mark and other seminarians and culminates in joining the Community for solemn Vespers in the college chapel. This will take place on Sunday 12th February.

A coach has been booked & will be leaving at:

St John's (Colne Road) 12 Noon ~ St Mary's (Yorkshire St) 12.10pm ~ Christ the King (Manchester Road 12.20pm)

We hope to be back in Burnley by 9pm. Places are limited so please book early to ensure you get a place.

The cost of the whole experience is £20 per person. If interested, please contact Lynne, tel 07850 048 538

Thank you.

Bookings for the previously advertised Parish Christmas Lunch have now closed. However, if you're stuck on your own at Christmas email Mike Morris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will see if there are any alternatives available. No promises but he will try his best!

Parish Christmas Day Lunch

 Thanks to a terrific response to our recent appeal for help, we now have a strong team of volunteers to enable us to offer a free two course Christmas Day lunch in the parish for those who would otherwise be on their own. This will take place in the parish rooms on Sunday 25th December.

Places are strictly limited to those who book. If you would like to book a place please contact Michael Morris by Sunday 11th December on tel 07929 451 566 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. When booking please give your name, tel number, and any dietary requirements. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Month of the Most Holy Rosary

The Parish of the Good Samaritan Burnley

St Marys Church Friday October 7th 6-15 start

Evening Vigil

The Holy Rosary at the Grotto followed by Holy Mass in the Church

Celebrated by Father David Featherstone

Refreshment break in the Parish Rooms Then Exposition and Benediction

 St Mary's is back open  -  yay!!  :-)

OSCOTT ACTION FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

Rosary Rally for Ukraine

Mark our seminarian and the other seminarians at Oscott College are walking round their grounds 100 times in order to raise funds for CAFOD to support Ukraine. They are also incorporating the Rosary into their sponsored event. They have asked for our support, please see poster below.

We include the Just Giving link should anyone be kind enough to donate a few pennies.

100 laps of the grounds is no mean feat!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oscott-action-for-justice-and-peace1

The first of this years Deanery Lenten Station Masses will be celebrated in the Good Samaritan Parish at St Johns 7pm March 24th and there is a request for all who enjoy singing or playing an instrument to gather and lead our music.

Meeting at 6pm on the same evening will give us a chance, yes you've guessed it, to ensure we are all singing from the same hymn sheet! You are very welcome.

Parish Appeal in support of Lepra for World Leprosy Day

29th & 30th January

Watch this short video:

 Click below and double your donatation at no extra cost!

If you don't wish to donate online there will be a collection at both Christ the King and St John's this week-end

Parents of Children Preparing to Celebrate Their First Holy Communion

Please click on the attached link, which will assist parents of children preparing to celebrate their first communion in the coming days and weeks. This is in lieue of the normal parents meetings that have been cancelled due to covid.

https://youtu.be/cY3AEmXxQIA

Parish Appeal for Lepra, 29th & 30th January

At the end of the month it will be World Leprosy Day and the parish is mounting an appeal on behalf of Lepra, the charity caring for those with leprosy.

Please click here for further information.

(NB scroll down to the bottom of the Lepra page, where you'll see a handy QR Code which you can use to donate :-)

A short film (2m 40 sec) about what Lepra is doing to combat leprosy

 Click below and double your donatation at no extra cost!

If you don't wish to donate online there will be a collection at both Christ the King and St John's that week-end

Carmine’s thought for the day ~ Tues 18th January 2022

I would like to thank all parishioners for the warm welcome I have received during my placement here at the Parish of the Good Samaritan. I have enjoyed getting to know the town of Burnley and meeting the parishioners. Fr David and Fr Damien have been a great asset and I have learned a lot from them, much of which I will use in the future. Furthermore, I would to thank them for their hospitality, generosity and support. I was told before I came, that the people of Burnley are kind and down to Earth and this has definitely been my experience of you.

During the last two weeks, I have visited the sick and bereaved as well as helped to arrange other sacraments like Baptism. I have really enjoyed serving on the altar at parish Masses including a number of funerals. I have also been involved in working with a visiting school group to St John’s church. In addition to this there are lots of other things which I have been involved with.

It has been a privilege to see “behind the scenes” at the life of a priest and all that goes on in a parish. This placement has passed very quickly and am saddened to be leaving now. Thanks again for everything and please keep myself and the other seminarians for our Diocese in your prayers.

Carmine

 Universal Synod

Down-to-earth explanations of the very worthwhile Synodal project....

Journeying Together

What is this Synod?

Tuesday, 7 December 7:00pm-8:00pm but register for catch-up link later

Come along to an interactive panel discussion about the Synodal Pathway in the Catholic Church in England and Wales, as we respond to Pope Francis' call and start to listen, reflect and discern where the Holy Spirit might be moving us. Find out how you can get involved in your parish and diocese. With Synod experts Fr Jan Nowotnik from the Catholic Bishops' Conference, Dr Pat Jones from Durham University and Francis Stewart from CAFOD.

Register to join us

Many parishes have already commenced or about to commence their synodal journeys. We hope this online discussion will be helpful to everyone interested in the Synod and inspire more people to get involved in their parish and diocesan journeys.

Please forward this invitation to anyone you think might be interested – your family, friends in the parish, your parish priest, the Synod facilitators in your parish. All are welcome. Feel free to share the registration link on social media too.

Remember that if you can't attend live, you can still register and watch it on catch-up and share the link with others afterwards.

A Lovely Letter to Fr David, Fr Damien and All Parishioners

from Frs Emmanuel and Clement:

Dearest Brethren,

May the peace and blessings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you.

To be honest we lack words to express our gratitude to the members of Good Samaritan Parish Burnley for all the demonstration of love and affection fr Clement and I received from you. Words are not enough but we will continue to pray for each and every one of you.

It was really overwhelming as the cards poured in, emotional expressions, gifts of all kinds and so much coming from all the three churches. We will not forget you as we will carry you always in our hearts and prayers.

Blackley is not too far from Burnley and we will be very delighted if any of you visiting Manchester decides to drop by for a cup of tea or coffee in our much more humble presbytery.

Thank you, thank you and thank you.

Yours sincerely

Frs Clement and Emmanuel.

Burnley Catenians celebrated their Centenary (albeit 12 months later than expected) with a banquet at Turf Moor.   There were 136 diners including guests who travelled from as far away as Southampton, Ascot, Stirling and Worsthorne.  The Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley and the Catenians National President were the principal guests.  The photo shows Burnley Catenian Brothers and the principal guests.

 Pope Francis Calls Universal Synod

Pope Francis has called a Universal Synod which is taking place in every Catholic diocese across the world. The Synod is themed: "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission". Our Diocese wants to  hear from as many people as possible, those involved in the church and those who are not.

For more information, click here

The Diocese of Salford is highlighting an annual campaign to fight religious persecution for Christians around the world which returns this week with a special focus on women and young girls.

Red Wednesday is an annual initiative from Aid to the Church in Need that aims to highlight the daily suffering, oppression, violence, torture, and death endured by the Christian community the world over.

This year, Aid to the Church in Need is highlighting the plight of women and girls in particular, who in many parts of the world live under the constant threat of kidnap, forced marriage and conversion, rape, and sexual enslavement.

For further information see:

https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/red-wednesday/

 CAFOD Page updated: click here for more details

We're looking for a couple more people to help out with live streaming Mass every other Sunday.

It's interesting, it's easy, good on the job training given, bags of support!

Contact Mike Morris on 07929 451 566

or

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

St. Mary's Church Update

We received some encouraging news, although St Mary's church unfortunately remains temporarily closed. A new architect has been appointed to the project and over the next few weeks up to Christmas is carrying out the essential background checks and assessments that are particularly necessary for a listed building such as St Mary's church. He has also produced a works schedule which would see the necessary internal and external repairs beginning simultaneously on the second week of January. This is scheduled to be completed by the end of February and we envisage reopening in early March in time for the start of Lent. We will continue to keep you informed through the newsletter and through this website. 

STOP PRESS - WE'RE IN THE NEWS!

Our very own Good Samaritan Parish CAFOD Group, who are urging action at COP26 to save the earth feature in a Burnley Express article just published.

Read all about it!

We have been asked to put this on the website as it is felt some parishioners may find this cause to be of interest and may wish to support it:

MESSAGE FROM FR DAVID

Last weekend Fr David announced that that our wonderful Vincentian Fathers have been asked by their Superior and by Bishop John to take up a new mission in the Diocese. Therefore by 12th November, Fr Emmanuel and Fr Clement will have been transferred to the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St John Bosco in Blackley in North Manchester, which is already being run by the Vincentian Fathers.

We are very grateful for the joyful ministry of Fr Blaise, Fr Emmanuel, Fr Lawrence, Fr Benneth and Fr Clement which has greatly enriched and blessed our Parish here in Burnley over the last four years and more. We have really loved having them among us with their missionary charism and their desire to serve the poor and needy. They have made a major contribution and a lasting impression upon us all.

We know that the Vincentian Fathers will be greatly missed and their leaving will bring some questions and uncertainty. However please be assured that Fr David and Fr Damien are fully committed to doing their very best to serving and leading the Parish of the Good Samaritan. As we have planned for this eventuality, we are confident that the parish can continue to grow and flourish. We thank you for your continuing support, understanding and cooperation and ask your prayers for your priests during this time of change.

Fr Emmanuel & Fr Clement

We are most sad to learn that we are to lose Fr Emmanuel & Fr Clement in November as they are being transferred to another parish by bishop John. No doubt the other parish's needs are even greater than ours but neverless we are very sorry to see them go.

Like our other Vincentian Missionary priests before them, they have made a terrific contibution to the life of our parish and we have been well blessed to have had the benefit of their enthusiasm, dedication and service to us.

May God go with them to their new challenge; they will remain with us in the form of happy and grateful memories.

The parish CAFOD group tried unsuccessfully to arrange a meeting with our local MP regarding the upcoming UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, COP26. The meeting was going to involve group members, pupil representatives from our parish schools and other interested parishioners or constituents. Since Antony Higginbotham is unable to meet us, as a group we have decided to write a letter urging him to ensure our UK Government leads by example and helps secure a just climate deal for all the world. We think it is very important that he knows the views of his constituents and we are hoping parish groups or parishioners will add their signatures to this letter:

 Please have your name added as a signatory to this letter (below), to do so contact Paul Carney, a member of the CAFOD group, by email:

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

Letter to Antony Higginbotham for COP26

(updated 20/10/21)

From This Week's Burnley Express...

Burnley kindness for Afghan refugees shines through

Our parish gets a very positive mention in this week's edition of the Burnley Express. As one of our parishioners noted, people "opened their hearts and their hands to reach out to care for their fellow humans in need."

Read all about it here

Afghan Refugee Appeal—WHAT A RESPONSE!

Caritas Salford requested that we collect goods for the displaced people. The parish joined forces with New Neighbours Together, the refugee charity that does so much of its excellent work from St John’s premises.

What followed was amazing! Firstly, our volunteers—a lovely group of parishioners, from teenage to ‘don’t ask!’, all our church communities, received, labelled, and stacked so much stuff! We had three lines of tables running the length of St John’s Parish Hall stacked, below and above up to shoulder height! It was five hours of intensive work, all done with great spirit and fun. Thank you all so much, and well done!

Our other volunteers were refugees who set the room up, and came to load up the van(s) to take the goods to Caritas’ depot in Manchester. They were non-stop-go! So much committed effort and at such speed! (Amongst them were a young couple who had brought goods from a mosque nearby, who stayed and got stuck in as well!) This reflects the spirit of the ‘project’ throughout.

On Friday and Saturday people came in their droves to bring their donations, from all part of our local community. There were lots of different schools, churches, mosques and other local charities from across East Lancs. All of these people were like the other hundreds of individuals who came with goods. They shone out with their kindness, generosity, and real wish to help their unknown ‘neighbours’ from the terrors of all that we have seen going on in Afghanistan.

We were also greatly assisted by three local organisations: Furniture for Education Worldwide (FEW), Calico and Emmaus who all offered transport to take the goods to Manchester. In the event the huge FEW van took the lot!! This itself felt like a miracle—the more we put in, the space never diminished until it was full!! Thanks to all three organisations.

But the greatest gift that the people and volunteers brought was their kindness, generosity, their loving care and concern for people in need. They opened their hearts and their hands to reach out to care for their fellow humans in need.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GIVING OF GOODNESS. A BRILLIANT RESPONSE BY WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Just In...

Bishop John was on the phone yesterday morning to appoint Fr David as the new Rural Dean of St John Vianney Deanery in succession to Fr Simon Stamp who has this week been moved from Accrington to Manchester. Fr David feels honoured to be asked to become Dean and is very pleased to know that he was nominated for the role by several of the priests of the Deanery. It comes just as he just finished his diocesan vocations role which he had done for over 15 years.

He counts on your continuing support and prayers as he takes on this new role.

Congratulations to Fr David!

Update to yesterday's notice:

A chance to help financially or donate items to refugees arriving in the North West:

 https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/afghanistan-appeal-2021/

Concerned about the plight of those seeking refuge from the turbulent, dangerous situation in Afganistan?

Wish you could do something to help?

See this page on the diocesan website.

 Burnley Catenians

For more information about the Catenians you can contact the Burnley Circle Membership Officer, Mick Armfield, on 01282 459424. Please give him a call. It's a great organisation to be part of.

 Burnley Catenians

Good news! After 17 months of virtual Zoom meetings, Burnley Catenians are meeting in person, 7:30pm on the 11th August at Burnley Football Club and just in time to celebrate their Centenary Banquet (albeit a year late!) at the same venue on the 12th November.

To outline what the Catenians do and the benefits Parishioners can get out of it by joining, a short informative video has been produced. It can be viewed by visiting https://youtu.be/RtKf41p1jwA

For more information about the Catenians you can contact the Burnley Circle Membership Officer, Mick Armfield, on 01282 459424. Please give him a call. It's a great organisation to be part of.

Sad News: Canon Francis Deeney RIP

Fr David has received the following from Bishop John's PA:

Dear Father,

I write to inform you of the sad news that Canon Frank Deeney died peacefully early this morning at McCauley Mount Care Home in Burnley.

Please remember him in your prayers and in the celebration of Mass. May he rest in peace.

An obituary notice will follow in due course.

Yours in Our Lord,

Marie

Below is the link for this week's Theme of the Week

from Rebecca Wilkinson of Blessed Trinity College

This week's theme is The Parable of the Talents

Thank you to Fr. David for his 'Thought of the Day' and to James and Bethany (Year 10) for their readings.

https://youtu.be/RVMEXO-WF8A

Sponsored Bike Ride – Job Done! (Last Reminder)

James Capstick arrived at his destination in Leeds last Thursday after his 770 mile cycle trip from Burnley via Inverness! That’s about 30 Marathons!! Well done Jamie!! Leeds is the centre of the Rob Burrow Foundation, which helps research and supports people suffering from Motor Nuerone Disease. If you would like to sponsor James, or learn more about this event, please see the following “Just Giving” page:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamescapstick4

Below is the link for this week's Theme of the Week

from Rebecca Wilkinson of Blessed Trinity College

This week's theme is St Peter & St Paul

Big thanks to Fr David for his 'Thought of the Day' and to Matthew and Sebastian (Year 9) for their readings.

https://youtu.be/7hPeb4_llb8

After over eight solid months of publishing them, six days a week, we're beginning to run out of Quips!

Can you help? We need you to send in your quips (the dafter the better) if we're to continue.

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

And may we take this opprtunity to thank again all of you who've already sent quips in the past - you know who you are!

Sister Clare Crockett

One of our parishioners found a documentary film on You tube and wanted to share it with us. It's about a young girl from Derry, Clare Crockett, who became a nun. It's an amazing and moving film - inspirational for all, especially, perhaps, for young people. The film is at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL565Cwmg9o&t=1s

Here is a quote by Sr Clare:

 "Stop looking at everything that makes you sad and look at all the beautiful things you have around you! Always smile, even if it is hard."

Sister Clare Crockett

"Fancy a weekend away in November?!"

It's at The Passionist Minsteracres Retreat Centre near Hexham with the international speaker, song writer and author from the Iona Community - the Rev John Bell and is entitled " Humour and Horror in the Bible "

Some members of the Good Samaritan Parish are now booking and you are welcome to join in. All details are available in printed form at the back of all three churches, or on our website, or ring Karen 431723 who will forward them to you. Highly recommended!!

Click here for more details

Thy Kingdom Come

 Praying the Psalms from Ascension to Pentecost

Churches Working Together in Burnley

A series of 11 videos, one for each day between Ascension and Pentecost

Here's the final installment - we hope you've enjoyed the series!

 Pentecost Sunday - https://youtu.be/8LTswgzJbg4

(premiers at 6:00am)

Previous Videos:

Ascension Day - https://youtu.be/SamocEa8QOg

Day 1 -  https://youtu.be/SBwY-sJ9Its

Day 2 - https://youtu.be/hnLkFu9O3lo

Day 3 - https://youtu.be/C_miDDBwY7g

 Day 4 - https://youtu.be/6lJw_FPZM_E

Day 5 - https://youtu.be/x5-FaMawL4Q

Day 6 - https://youtu.be/hr4GlrQ42E8

Catenians 100

You may remember that Burnley Catenians were 100 years old last November but the planned celebration had to be cancelled. We are pleased to announce it has now been rearranged for 12 November 2021.

Please click here for more details

Preparation video for parents of Year 4 children registered on the 2020 parish Sacramental programme

We have put together a short video whereby we help you as parents to prepare for your child's first Communion by reflecting on the Eucharist. I am very grateful to Miss Wilkinson at Blessed Trinity Catholic College for producing this Youtube video. Before you book your child's First Holy Communion Mass, please watch the video and take part in the Quiz which forms part of the presentation. The link for the video is as follows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou7S_9aqI2Q

Thanks,

Fr David

 MISSIO - RED BOX DONATIONS

Many thanks to the Red Box holders in the Christ The King and St. Teresa's Church Communities for their donations for the period March 2020 - March 2021. A magnificent £1,200 has been donated, contributing to the work of the Mill Hill Missionaries throughout the world. God Bless you all.

The next collection, God willing, will be in October this year. If you would like a Red Box or have one that needs collecting please call Stephen/Francesca on 423496.

Thanks

Following this morning's Requiem Mass for David Hartley RIP we received this email from Fr Michael Waters, former parish priest of St John's Parish:

I offered Holy Mass, here in Larmenier Retirement Village, Blackburn, for the repose of the soul of David simultaneous with his Requiem in St. John’s church, and I was privileged to join the celebration live, on-line, for the prayers of commendation.

Today is the feast of Timothy and Titus who were the closest supporters of St. Paul in his missionary activity and they eventually became bishops in their own right. I dare say that had David been living at that time he would have been accorded the same honour!

May he rest in peace.

Fr. Michael Waters.

The recording of this morning's Requiem Mass for David Hartley RIP

which was live streamed from St John's is now available to view:

click here to go straight to it

David Hartley

When Father David said at Sunday morning's Mass that he was very saddened to hear of the death of David Hartley he was reflecting what a great many people in the parish were feeling. Not only had David Hartley done so much for St John's and, more latterly, the Parish of the Good Samaritan as a whole, he played a key role in the creation of this website and so it is only right and fitting that he should be remembered here.

David was much admired and respected by so many who knew him and tributes have poured in. Some of them are shared below, with grateful thanks to their authors for granting permission:

8/12/2020

A Warm Welcome to the Parish of the Good Samaritan!

We welcome Fr Clement Kafor C.M. who arrived on Monday at St John’s presbytery.. We look forward to getting to know him!

11/12/2020

Altar Servers Online Retreat –

'Serving God and our neighbour in the everyday'

05/12/2020

Catenians Score a Century

Last month the Catenians in Burnley celebrated their first 100 years - though not quite in the the way they would ever have envisioned!

Click below to find out more:

Burnley Catenians Centenary Celebrations 

04/12/2020

01/12/2020

This appeared on the BBC News site this morning - a significant slice of life in Burnley today.

Just shows you why your contribution to the Foodbank is so important:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-55133081

30/11/2020

 28/11/2020

Covid-19 Infographics

Here is an interesting and valuable resource in the fight against Covid-19

Just click below, select your preferred language then whatever topic interests you:

https://covid19graphics.info/

27/11/2020

How the virus spreads; each link in the chain is a social bubble:

Ladies and Gentlemen: Please Tighten Your Bubbles!

21/11/2020

For more InfoGraphics on Covid go to https://covid19graphics.info/ then select your prefered language

19/11/2020

Ladies and Gentlemen: Please Tighten Your Bubbles!

15/11/2020

COVID - Remember the F A C T S

11/11/2020

01/11/2020

15/10/2020

08/10/2020

For more information on Hope in the Future stage 3 click the link below to download

https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Stage-3-Celebration-Booklet.pdf

07/10/2020

Pope Francis – Prayer to Mary for Protection during the COVID–19 Pandemic.

05/10/2020 

22/09/2020

English and Welsh Martyrs

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. 

17/09/2020

19/08/2020

CAFOD have a new page with lots of useful information - to open the page click here and see more 

 (for future reference, you can access the new CAFOD page from the drop-down menu under 'Home Page')

17/08/2020

07/08/2020

The Jesuit 5 Finger Examen Prayer

This is a simplified version of the “Examen” prayer inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola. St Ignatius gets us to see that God is in everything each day including all our events and encounters. This prayer uses the fingers of one hand to think of different aspects of the day (or week) that we are reflecting on. This is a perfect spiritual exercise to do at the end of the day. You can take as much time in praying this exercise as you need.

Concluding prayer;

Lord, thank you for the fingers of my hand that enable me to do so much that is good. As I reflect upon this day, you have enabled me to reflect on my life in prayer. Help me to see Your hand and Your presence in every aspect of each day. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ Pray for us
St Joseph ~ Pray for us
St Ignatius of Loyola ~ Pray for us
All holy men and women~ Pray for us

31/07/2020

All the Very Best Father Kevin - and thank you

20/07/2020

Religious Quiz

Here are the answers to last week's quiz

Thanks again to Geoffrey Taylor & Fr David

Well done if you got all 20 right!

Quiz Time

Another chance to look at this week's quiz:

Answers will be posted here on Monday, 20th July.

With thanks to Geoffrey Taylor for the quiz, thanks too to Fr David for passing it on.

Answers will be posted here on Monday, 20th July. Good luck!

Exposition and Reconciliation at St Mary's 

St Mary’s church will be open for private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on Friday 17th July from 10.30am to 11.30am.  During this time the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in the Sacred Heart Chapel.  Please be guided and directed by the stewards.

13/07/2020

Quiz Time

With thanks to Geoffrey Taylor for the quiz, thanks too to Fr David for passing it on.

Answers will be posted here on Monday, 20th July. Good luck!

30/06/2020

Here are the answers to last week's Religious Quiz

How many did you get right?

Thanks again to Fr David for sharing this quiz

If YOU have a quiz to share, please get in touch - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,uk

27/06/2020

23/06/2020

The latest in our occasional series of quizzes come from Fr David -

many thanks to him

Religious Quiz

The answers will be published here in a week's time, Tuesday 30th June.

In the meantime if YOU have a quiz to share, get in touch - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

16/06/2020

The Wine Quiz Answers

Thanks again to Stephanie of Christ the King community for this quiz

Once again many thanks Stephanie. If anyone else has an idea for an item please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

14/06/2020

12/06/2020

Did You Know...?

This website has grown to be pretty large over the last year and there are now many pages. But did you know that wherever you are in the website, a quick way to get back to this Home Page is to simply click on the Good Samaritan Parish logo in the top left-hand corner? And it's not just this website either - this trick works with quite a lot of other sites that have a logo too. Go on, give it a try!

09/06/2020

The Wine Quiz

Last week we had the yummy Chocolate Quiz (answers are immediately below this quiz)

This week it's the intoxicatingly good Wine Quiz!

Again, our thanks to parishioner Stephanie Balko for this

Good luck with the quiz - the answers will be posted here next Tuesday, 16th June

09/06/2020

The Chocolate Quiz - with Answers

How many did you get?

08/06/2020

The Chocolate Quiz

Here's a reminder of last week's quiz

The answers will be posted here a little after Mass tomorrow, together with this week's quiz.

08/06/2020

...to all those parishioners from all three of our churches who kindly gave us such valuable feedback and helped us improve our live streaming of Masses over the last few weeks!

06/06/2020

02/06/2020

Family service video for the Feast of Corpus Christi

Luke Bradbury and Fr David would like to put together a video for families and involving families in order to mark the forthcoming Feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ). This is the feast whereby we celebrate the great gift to the Church of the Eucharist. If any families would like to take part in this service, please contact Fr David by Friday 5th June. We will let you know how you can specifically get involved when you get in touch. Thank you. Tel 422007 or email; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

02/06/2020

The Chocolate Quiz

Here is a delicious quiz for you to enjoy, the first in a short series of two.

Guaranteed non-fattening - have a go!

The answers, and a new quiz, will be posted in a week's time, on Tuesday 9th June.

With thanks to parishioner Stephanie Balko

26/05/2020

We know that even in these lockdown days, people often have busy lives but please take just 5 minutes of your day to watch this video from Sister Emmanuel (click here).

As she says, priests are often subject to spiritual battle. But our priests are precious and need the protection of our prayers. In this parish we have four priests who we see regularly, (in alphabetical order) Fathers Benneth, David, Emmanuel & Kevin, plus two others you may not know so well but who help out from time to time, Fr Jennings & Mgr Challoner, so that’s six in all who need our prayers.

If by now you've watched the video you may wish to make a prayer flower by joining with others, maybe some others in your parish group such as the Legion of Mary, SVP, etc, or maybe you can call on six friends, perhaps fellow parishioners, with whom you can join in prayer as the video suggests.

On the other hand, if you nearly have a full flower but are maybe seeking another petal or two, or perhaps you’re looking for a prayer flower to join, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will try to put you in touch.

When you're ready, choose a priest to pray for, maybe one who celebrates Mass at your church, or one of the above priests chosen at random, or perhaps pray for all 6 as a group.

Finally, if you'd find it useful to download an A4 sized copy of the blank prayer flower above on the left, please click here

(With grateful thanks to parishioner Veronica Gonzalez for bringing the video to our attention and suggesting this article)

24/05/2020

22/05/2020

20/05/2020

Reasons To Be Cheerful... 

Today it is Frank's welcome contribution.

My 5 reasons to be cheerful are:-

• • • • So much unseasonal sunshine. 
      • People smiling because you are deliberately avoiding them.
      • The fresh green of the springtime trees. 
      • Towneley Park. 
      • Unexpected meetings and chats. 

Many thanks Frank for your contribution!

We love hearing your contributions so if you too would like to help cheer us up with your contribution, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.org 

18/05/2020

For the time being we can't physically place our offertory contributions in the collection basket but would you still like to make donations to support your parish? Now you can - online! Just click on the DONATE button to the right and take it from there (don't forget to Gift Aid your donation).
NB we realise that under the circumstances many folk are no longer in a postition to give as they used to - if this applies to you, please do NOT feel obliged to give until you are once more in a postion to do so. Thank you, God Bless and take care!

 16/05/2020

Web Site Story...

Since its beginnings a little over a year ago, our parish website has steadily grown and is updated regularly by a small team of dedicated volunteers, several from each of our 3 churches. During lockdown our remit has extended to cover live streaming of Sunday Mass, all the while increasing the number of items posted to the website on a daily basis.

For example, during these days of isolation we post Fr David's daily Thought For The Day and other regular items have included the Blessed Trinity College weekly readings video, as well as the Lord’s Day At Home Sunday prayer sheets, to name but a few. As ever, the weekly newsletter is a very popular feature, especially welcome as we cannot attend Mass right now.

As you might expect, during the crisis our ‘readership’ has also grown considerably, especially on a Sunday. Statistics are collected completely anonymously and interestingly last Sunday, May 10th we had 410 visitors who between them viewed a record 2,157 web pages. Most of our visitors came from Burnley of course but people from all parts of the country and abroad have visited the site, many on a regular basis, and many of them take the opportunity to view the Mass live.

It’s gratifying and encouraging for those of us who maintain the website week in, week out, to know that we are providing a vehicle for Fr David & others to continue to communicate to the parish and beyond during these troubled times. Finally, thank you to those who have sent messages expressing appreciation of the website and the live streaming of Masses – we are very grateful for your kind thoughts and take encouragement to continue.

15/05/2020

THANK YOU TOM, CONGRATULATIONS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Parishioner and D-Day hero Tom Edmondson featured in a brilliant appearance on the BBC 1 VE Day celebration programme on Friday 8th May. He and Cecilia had a very warm congratulatory chat with David Dimbleby, when the full extent of Tom’s brave war service was outlined and emphasised with his great medal collection – topped off with the illustrious Legion D’Honneur, France’s very top military award. It was a lovely cameo about a very modest hero, an unsung hero until now, who recently celebrated his 100th Birthday! The feature finished with a personal rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You’ sung by Alfie Boe no less! And we're given to understand that the birthday cake was sent by the BBC - a nice touch! Well done Tom, thank you for your contribution to our freedom, and Happy Birthday. We’re all proud to know you!

Watch it on BBC iPlayer for the programme 'VE Day 75 - The People's Celebration'. Tom and Cecilia's chat with David Dimbleby starts 21 minutes and 43 seconds into the video. Go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000hyw2/ve-day-75-the-peoples-celebration (we think it's only available until about Sun 7th June 2020 - but do check)

Also, Tom & Cecilia's son John has sent in a few photos taken down the years in celebration of their long life together - to see them Click Here

15/05/2020

Reasons To Be Cheerful... 

Today it is Frank's welcome contribution.

My 5 reasons to be cheerful are:-

• • • • My wife of 50 years.
      • The weekly Zoom hour with the whole "clan"!
      • Our kids frequently phoning to make sure we are OK.
      • Chats with our kids and grandchildren from the front door to the end of the drive.
      • Our kids telling their kids "Keep away from Grandad".

Many thanks Frank for your contribution!

We love hearing your contributions so if you too would like to help cheer us up with your contribution, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.org 

13/05/2020

10/05/2020

Reasons To Be Cheerful... 

Today it is David Ross' welcome contribution.

My 5 reasons to be cheerful are:-

A friend made me a fasemask (though I look more fearful than cheerful wearing it!).

The beautiful weather on Saturday out on my bike. 

Mary dressed very smartly on her 94th birthday and delivered wrapped slices of her cake around our neighbourhood.  

From a distance, the delight of seeing one grandchild, and some friends' children.  How they have grown in six weeks!

My hair is becoming curly again, like when I was little.

Many thanks David for your contribution!

If you too would like to help cheer us up with your contribution, please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

It’s Been a Strange Year So Far…

 … and today Bank Holiday Monday falls on a Friday! But as the nation celebrates the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, maybe we can pause for a moment to give Him thanks for 75 years of peace in Western Europe, and to reflect on & remember the sacrifices that made that possible. Even amidst the pain & hardship we can have something to be glad for.

07/05/2020

Supporting Our Parish Financially

It’s fully recognised that some people will now be in a worse financial position and less able to give at the moment, though others less financially effected have asked how they might contribute to the weekly offertory collection now that churches are closed?

This is a diocese-wide problem as parishes have seen their income drastically reduced and so the diocese has set up a web page where you may donate to your local parish if you are in a position to do so.

It’s planned that some time next week you would be able to fill in a Standing Order to the parish. Although that option is not available yet (and we’ll let you know when it is) you can still make a single contribution by going to

https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/

Click on the ‘Make a Donation’ button near the bottom of the page, towards the bottom of the next page enter "The Good Samaritan, Burnley" and follow the instructions from there (don't forget to Gift Aid It if you can). Note that for legal reasons the Cathedral Centre address is given but the diocese will transfer any money you donate to The Good Samaritan Parish, Burnley.

Thank you in advance if you are in a position to help.

07/05/2020

Today it is Margaret Orrell's welcome contribution.

Many thanks Margaret for your contribution. If you too would like to help cheer us up with your contribution, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

06/05/2020

06/05/2020

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-recognise-pain-of-catholics-who-cannot-pray-in-church-or-receive-the-sacraments/

05/05/2020

From Rebecca Wilkinson of Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College, who produces the videos of the wonderful readings we publish here weekly:

05/05/2020

Today it's David Ross' welcome contribution:

Many thanks David. If you too would like to help cheer us up with your contribution, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(please note the change of email address)

04/05/2020

Janet Beddows writes, my reasons to be cheerful are:

Many thanks Janet! To add your Reasons to be Cheerful please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rosie Balwin writes: "I've just asked Connie and Gabriel this question. Here are their responses - "

Gabriel aged 7:

1. I'm alive
2. Mummy, Daddy, Fran and Connie
3. Playing in my den in the back garden
4. Jesus
5. NHS and my teacher Mrs Neill

Connie aged 12:

1. Family
2. Cooking
3. WhatsApping my friends  
4. Sunshine
5. Netflix

Rosie Baldwin

2/5/2020

This has just been sent in by Sarah McLaughlin:

Seamus McLaughlin’s reasons to be cheerful:

Many thanks Sarah & Seamus. Anyone else like to contribute?

29/04/2020

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!

Tony starts the ball rolling with his top 5 suggestions (and asks other parishioners for theirs):

What would YOUR top 5 Reasons to be Cheerful be?

Just email us with your suggestions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

28/04/2020

Last Sunday's newsletter dated 26/4/20 featured an item on a really interesting local project, Burnley Together. We've been asked to point out that in fact the service is open 7 days a week. 

Well worth taking a look at the item, second page of the newsletter.

13/4/20:

Fr David's Got Talent - From Sermons to Serenades!

At the end of Easter Sunday Mass, Fr David encouraged us to do something we particularly enjoy doing that day. Fr David himself enjoys singing and playing the guitar and so, leading by example, on Easter Sunday afternoon he recorded himself doing just that, playing & singing some of his favourite songs!

We hope you enjoy!

Click to see & hear

13/4/20:

For those of you who have lost track of time since the lockdown began, today is the 97th of March     :-)

12/4/20:

Holy Week and Easter Quiz from Fr David  - see the questions & answers!

Click here

(for the answers, follow the link at the top of the questions page)

10/4/20:

Don't forget!

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

Click here to see...

Answers will appear here on Easter Sunday, about an hour after Mass

Palm Sunday, 5/4/20:

4/4/20:

4/4/20: