Welcome to the Church of
St Mary of the Assumption
Burnley
Address: St Mary's Presbytery, 3 Todmorden Rd, Burnley, BB10 4AU
Tel no. 01282 422 007
Church entrance on Yorkshire Street, just around the corner from Todmorden Road.
St Mary's Parish Safeguarding Representatives:
Carole Biddulph 07944 407 765
Diane Orrel 07497 519 153
(please note, these numbers are only for Safeguarding issues)
If for some reason you're unable to get through, in an emergency contact police or Social Services
On this Page:
Masses | Other Notices | Knights of St Columba | Christmas Masses
Christmas Celebrations | Reasons to Be Cheerful |Live Streaming
Prayers and Reflections | Foodbank | CAFOD Updates
Other Pages in this section:
Introduction | Mass & Confession Times | Where to Find Us | Virtual Tour of St Mary's
Sister Churches - Links | A Walk Around St Mary's | St Mary's Groups
St Mary's Photo Album | St Mary's History
Our Local Primary School (opens in a separate window)
“The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer”—Pope Paul VI
Please click here for this week's Masses
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PARISH GARDEN PARTY Thanks to all who organised and supported the most enjoyable garden party last Sunday. It most importantly brought people from across the parish together in an enjoyable and fun atmosphere and in the process raised an amazing net total of £1150.00 towards parish funds. Sincere thanks to everyone. HAMPER RAFFLE—PRIZES TO CLAIM A few prizes—including the Luxury Hamper remain unclaimed. The winning ticket are: Hamper Green 415 Pamper Set Green 613 Wine Orange 334 Wine Orange 518 Wine Green 504 Ginger Wine Orange 401 ‘Make your Own Kit Green 543 Jigsaw Puzzle Orange 446 Please call Barbara 07713 718 700 0r Frank 07930 508 209 to claim you prizes. |
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VOLUNTEERING CAN BE SO REWARDING As Catholics we need to have access to Holy Mass, and so to feel part of a caring community. Could you do something that helps our housebound friends to be able to do both things? Yes, it could be you. We can train you quickly and constantly help you to get and develop the skills which will help you at work, in your studies, and in your everyday life. You would learn to set up and operate the kit to broadcast the Mass at 10.00am on Sundays. It may sound ‘too hard’ but those who do it now learnt in a few sessions and were competent. The team and written guidance supported them along the way. So, yes you could do it. As one of our team will be leaving to train for the priesthood and another is getting married and moving away we’re getting to the stage where we may not be able to continue the weekly broadcasts, so please think hard, and yes, it could be you. Call Mike on 07563 998 334 to chat with no commitment. Try it once or twice with no commitment. Even with no IT skills now, yes, it could be you. Don’t let our friends who need you down, because yes, it could be you.
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PARISH COACH TRIP TO ST ANNES ON SEA Thanks to all who organised and supported the trip to St Annes on sea on Tuesday which went really well. It also served as a treat for our altar servers with whom we continue to blessed with a strong team across the parish. Thanks also to the parents and families who support our servers and enable them to carry out their ministry so regularly |
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Free Firewood for collection from St Mary's Following some tree work on an unsafe tree at St Mary's , there is some firewood/logs suitable for a log burner available for collection. Please contact Andrew ( 07745491050) or Gunther (0777615530) for details and to arrange collection. |
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CAFOD NEWS – 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 30TH AUGUST 2026 ‘One of our own’ runs for CAFOD – On Sunday 13th September, James Capstick, one of our own parishioners will be taking on the challenge of a half-marathon. James will be part of TeamCAFOD as they return to the streets of Newcastle to face the world- famous Great North Run. He has run previously in support of CAFOD’s work but has kindly offered to do so again. However, James needs your help to do this. Please will you consider sponsoring his efforts. Your sponsorship donations will help to transform the lives of communities overcoming poverty and injustice around the world. James and members of the parish CAFOD group will be collecting sponsors over the weekend prior to the race with forms available at the back of our churches. However, the best way to sponsor him is via his JustGiving page, which is the easiest and cheapest method for CAFOD to collect sponsorship. Through your sponsorship donation you can help make the world a better place for all: https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-capstick-7 The parish CAFOD group want to thank James for deciding to run the Great North Run in aid of CAFOD and wish him the best of luck on race day. Go James, go!
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A DAY OF HEALING AND PRAYER—ST MARY’S OSWALDTWISTLE TUESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 On Tuesday 8th September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Mary’s Parish, Oswaldtwistle, will celebrate a special Day of Healing and Prayer and everyone is warmly invited to join us. This is an opportunity to bring ourselves, our families and those we love before the Lord in prayer. You may wish to come seeking healing for yourself or for someone you love, or to pray for those experiencing difficulties in body, mind or spirit. Sometimes illness, suffering and the difficulties of life can become a barrier or stumbling block in our relationship with Our Lord Jesus. This day offers an opportunity to place these burdens before Him and to seek His mercy, peace and grace. Programme 12.00 noon – Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration, with several visiting priests available to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession. 1.00pm – Holy Mass Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There will be an opportunity during Mass to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Refreshments will be served afterwards. 7.00pm – Evening Healing Service An evening of prayer for healing, with the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and individual prayer ministry.
Everyone is warmly welcome. Please feel free to come for all or part of the day, and particularly consider bringing a family member or friend who may be experiencing a difficult time physically, emotionally or spiritually. Let us entrust this special day to the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, asking her to lead us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. |
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DATES FOR NOTING; DETAILS ABOVE Parish Day Trip to St Anne’s Tuesday 25th August. |
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DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that Ferrero Rocher is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Michele Ferrero, who built the company, declared "The success of Ferrero we owe to Our Lady of Lourdes. Without her we can do little." He placed Virgin Mary statues in every single one of his production acilities worldwide and led annual pilgrims to the Shrine at Lourdes. ENJOY |
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GIFT AID ENVELOPES These are now available at the back of each church. At St Mary’s the Gift Aid boxes are labelled with your name. At Christ the King church please take a box of envelopes and look for the form inside the box, please complete form and return to the sacristy or please give to Mick Frazer or Tim McCarthy. Those who would like to start to gift aid, please also take a box , complete form inside and return to the appropriate sacristy. |
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HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME If you, or someone you know cannot get to Mass but would like to receive Holy Communion in their home, please ask their permission, then talk with Fr David to arrange things. |
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Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention for August 2026 For evangelization in the city. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community |
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ST MARY’S MEMORIAL CORNER Historic Photos: Peek into our community past with the new photo display at the back of church. Our record of our men who died in WWI has been transferred into a folder which is set out there. Lately Dead Memorial: There is a stand with Orders of Service of people who have recently had their Funeral at St Mary’s to enable your remembrance and to ask for your prayers. Older ones are filed aside. A Brief history and Short Guided Walk around the Church: The leaflet has been updated and is now available at the back of church, for your interest. |
CHURCH STEWARDS
Huge thanks to our stewards who make attendance at church possible as we continue to work at remaining safe whilst in church. Please call Fr David if you would like to join this invaluable team.
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THE GOOD SAMARITAN WHATSAPP GROUP Continues to go strong with many varied items shared and is an extra layer of communication. across the Parish. Recent items include prayer intentions and a link to a petition to keep the hospital shuttle bus. If you'd like to connect please contact Margaret P 07751 025178. And we ask our Whatsappers to share with any none-Whatsappers in a more traditional manner - over a cup of tea!! I am choosing to rest in you and to allow your peace to calm me in my difficulties, and to strengthen me with the courage to face the challenges with your Spirit by my side. |
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FOREIGN CURRENCIES, PENNIES, MEDALS AND GOLD If you have any of these items please bring them to church and place them at a box at the back of each church. The parish has received over £500 from what has already been raised.. Thank you. |
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175TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST MARY’S OPENING On 2nd August 1849 St Mary’s was opened by Bishop Brown, and a week of celebrations followed. We celebrate this septaquintaquinquecentennial anniversary(!!). We pray for the continued work within The Good Samaritan parish and all parishes to which it is ‘Mother Church’. |
CAFOD NEWS
MONDAY MORNING MASS AT ST. MARY’S
Tea and toast will be served in the parish rooms after 9.30am Mass on Mondays.
This will be organised by the Legion of Mary who will commence their weekly meeting at 10.30am in the Newman Room. All are welcome.
SOCIAL GROUP AT ST. MARY’S
Our next gathering for cards, a quiz, darts, table tennis, a cuppa and a chat will at Thursday 20th August from 1.30pm. to 3.30pm . All are welcome.
PARISH BONUS BALLGAME—WINNERS!
PARISH BONUS BALL GAME— IMPORTANT UPDATE
Thanks to all who support the Bonus Ball game in each of the three churches, which will continue each week. Since changes to the National Lottery, we will use the first of the two draws as our source for our Bonus Ball.
So in the light of the above information, the winning Bonus ball number for Wednesday was number 52
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s: ~ Rollover St Mary’s: ~ Genna 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 tells his disciples after Peter’s profession of faith that he is destined to suffer persecution and death at the hands of the religious leaders but will rise again on the third day. This follows Peter’s profession of faith that we heard last week about who Jesus is for him.
Peter reacts to this saying that this must not happen. Much as Jesus might delight to hear the temptation that an easier life is possible for him, he is wise to see through them, because he is determined to be obedient and faithful to the Father’s will.
He knows that what lies ahead is necessary for God’s plan of salvation for all humankind to be realised. Peter’s objection is a stumbling block in his way. In Gethsemane when he will pray, just before His Passion begins, that the cup of suffering may pass him by, he ultimately asked for His Father’s will to be done ~ not his own will.
He goes on to say, that if anyone wants to be a follower of his, they should renounce themselves, take up their cross and follow him. He goes on to talk about losing our life; if we want to save it. This means being conscientious in the living out of our faith.
It also means not selling God short. It means putting our heart and souls into the tasks that we have been given to do. Through a life of prayer and faithfulness we can work out what God’s plan is for us. Whatever our role is, we are to not give into temptation to take the easy way out.
This will lead sometimes to confrontation and conflict, but we need to be prepared for that. Jesus teaches us that the right way is always ultimately the best way and is most likely to be God’s way too. Anything less than that is to cheat ourselves and cheat God.
We might fool other people, but when we cheat, we don’t fool ourselves and we don’t fool God. Our following of Christ can be in small steps. God is patient. His challenge is an invitation.
Following Christ means faithfulness to our chosen way of life, It also involves concern for others in whatever manner that might involve; the caring gesture, the kind word, the unspoken sorrow, the secret suffering; these all add up.
Jesus supports all those who follow him down the narrow road of sacrifice and shares his paschal victory with them.
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.