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
THIS WEEK'S MASSES
“The Mass is the most perfect form of Prayer”—Pope Paul VI
Please click here for this week's Masses
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Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us
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CHANGE OF SUNDAY MASS TIME – 22ND NOVEMBER ONLY
The Blackburn Rovers match at Turf Moor will take place on Sunday 22nd November at midday.
This will cause problems for St Mary’s Mass goers and also for the people running the football car Park.
Therefore we have decided that the Mass on that day ONLY will be at 9.00am NOT 10.00am. We will unfortunately also need to cancel the tea/coffee and “produce stall” in the parish rooms after Mass that day.
We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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PARISH CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH -- PLANNING MEETING THIS WEEK
We are hoping to once again put on a Christmas day lunch for those who would like to attend, especially people who might otherwise be on their own.
There will be a planning meeting for anyone wishing to volunteer to be part of this event at
St Mary’s presbytery at 2pm on Saturday 7th November.
For more information, please contact Fr David
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NOVEMBER MASSES IN THE PARISH FOR THE HOLY SOULS
November is the month when we remember our dead --family, friends, and people we have known. We ask God’s mercy on their journey to heaven, and we also ask them to intercede for us as we pray. The parish offers a number of Masses to help us focus on this aspect of our own journeys:
ALL SOULS DAY 2nd November - ADDITIONAL MASS
On Monday 2nd November, in addition to the usual morning Mass at 9.30am, there will be an extra Mass in the parish at 6.30pm in Christ the King church.
DEANERY MASS FOR THE DECEASED CLERGY OF THE DIOCESE - Thursday 5th Nov
This will take place at St Mary’s church on Thursday 5th November at 10.00am. All are welcome.
PARISH BEREAVEMENT MASS – Thursday 12th December
The parish comes together for a Mass, celebrated at St Mary’s church, at 7.00pm on Thursday 12th November. During the Mass the names of all who have died and have had their funeral in or through the Parish of The Good Samaritan in the last 12 months will be prayed for individually . A candle will be lit for each of the faithful departed by a member of the family (or a friend) who have been invited personally to come to the Mass. Light refreshments for all present will follow in the parish rooms.
KSC MASS FOR DECEASED BROTHERS Saturday 14th November
The Knights of St Columba come together to remember deceased brothers, their families, and all those who have supported them in their work at 9.30am on 14th November St Mary’s.
Try to take an opportunity during the month to
quietly and prayerfully remember a loved one.
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SVP CHRISTMAS FOOD BAG APPEAL
Last Christmas the SVP made up twenty-seven food bags to give to families paid for out of our funds. This year our funds won’t stretch that far.
To help us achieve this objective we ask for your help. Every week until 29th November we ask to buy an item for a Christmas hamper.
Suggested items, non-perishable food, chocolates, tins, biscuits, selection boxes etc. A box is at the back of each church for your donations.
Thank you in advance. for your support.
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WELL DONE! – YOUR POWER CHANGED THINGS ON ASSISTED SUICIDE
The Newsletter, supported by Fr Theo’s excellent homily, asked you to write to your MP to vote against this legislation. You did and it worked! When the legislation started last year, Oliver Ryan voted in favour of its progress.
He voted against on this last occasion and the bill has been defeated. Our letters contributed to him reviewing all the details of the legislation which ultimately led to his change of heart.
Well Done Everybody!
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AFTERNOON TEA FOR REMEMBRANCE at St Mary’s
This will take place at 12.30 On Wednesday 11th November 2026 in St Mary’s Parish Rooms. The Cost is £7.00. A list is at the back of the church at St Mary’s.
All are welcome
For information contact Elaine 01282 413127.
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Dear Lord
Thank You for Your unfailing love that surrounds me each day and for being my safe refuge.
Teach me to trust in Your love and wisdom, instead of worrying and seeing myself as the one who decides my future
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DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Ferrero Rocher is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Michele Ferrero, who built the company, declared "The success of Ferrero we owe to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Without her we can do little." He placed Virgin Mary statues in every single one of his production acilities worldwide and led annual pilgrims to the Shrine at Lourdes.
ENJOY
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GIFT AID ENVELOPES
These are now available at the back of each church. At St Mary’s the Gift Aid boxes are labelled with your name. At Christ the King church please take a box of envelopes and look for the form inside the box, please complete form and return to the sacristy or please give to Mick Frazer or Tim McCarthy.
Those who would like to start to gift aid, please also take a box , complete form inside and return to the appropriate sacristy.
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HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME
If you, or someone you know cannot get to Mass but would like to receive Holy Communion in their home, please ask their permission, then talk with Fr David to arrange things.
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Pope Leo’s Intention for November
For the proper use of wealth
Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and in solidarity with those who have less.
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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.
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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’.
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OTHER NOTICES
CAFOD NEWS - NOVEMBER 2026
HARVEST FAST DAY APPEAL
A huge thank you from the parish CAFOD Group to all who donated to the Harvest Fast Day appeal which raised £1,268.81, some of which was boosted by Gift Aid. The CAFOD Group also thank those who donated online or by post and those who make regular donations by standing order. CAFOD will use your donations wisely to improve lives.
CAFOD WORLD GIFTS: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR THIS CHRISTMAS
Share the joy of Christmas with a CAFOD World Gift - from safe water to school supplies! A meaningful way to bless loved ones while putting your faith into action in solidarity with families around the world. Since 2004, when CAFOD World Gifts was launched, over £21.5 million has been raised bringing joy to people and communities in poverty. Visit worldgifts.cafod.org.uk to view all the gifts.
MONDAY MORNING MASS AT ST. MARY’S
Tea and toast will be served in the parish rooms after 9.30am Mass on Mondays.
This will be organised by the Legion of Mary who will commence their weekly meeting at 10.30am in the Newman Room. All are welcome.
SOCIAL GROUP AT ST. MARY’S
Our next gathering for cards, a quiz, darts, table tennis, a cuppa and a chat will at Thursday from 1.30pm. to 3.30pm . Please join us for cards, table tennis, darts, a quiz, a cuppa and a biscuit and most importantly a chat. All are welcome.
PARISH BONUS BALLGAME—WINNERS!
PARISH BONUS BALL GAME— IMPORTANT UPDATE
Thanks to all who support the Bonus Ball game in each of the three churches, which will continue each week. Since changes to the National Lottery, we will use the first of the two draws as our source for our Bonus Ball.
So in the light of the above information, the winning Bonus ball number for Wednesday was number 51
Congratulations to last week’s winners who are as follows:
St John’s: ~ Rollover St Mary’s: ~ Ita 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.
KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA
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.
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
“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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Here’s one of our latest - on being allowed to ‘play out’ (for exercise)
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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
Join the fun—share the joy! Tell us your Reasons to be Cheerful! ????
Back to guide >>>
LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES
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).
Back to guide >>>
PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS
FR DAVID’S REFLECTION
The saints we celebrate today were just ordinary men and women like us. These are the people who have inspired us; parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbours, teachers, friends, work colleagues and others by their example and their love.
These are people who have touched us by their closeness with God: we realise that they are holy people, whole people, because God completed their lives. They may have been people of prayer, people who showed their gratitude to God through their faithfulness to Mass and the Sacraments and through their activity in the Church.
In addition, their relationship with God and Christ will have been noticeable in every dimension of their lives. Today’s Gospel tells us how we need to be to reach Heaven. In the Beatitudes, Jesus gives his followers a “self-portrait” in words, of how he is.
Every one of these words of Jesus ring true and are illustrated by actions from his life. They are like a mirror for us to look at and to see how closely the way we live, resembles the life of the Lord. Among other things we are to be pure in heart, peacemakers and poor in spirit.
If we want to be truly happy then as his followers, we are to imitate and put the Beatitudes into practice through our faithfulness to Christ. Today we are celebrating all those who to a certain extent imitated Christ by living the Beatitudes to arrive at heavenly bliss.
On the feast of All Saints, the Church invites us and encourages us to imitate the lives of the saints by embracing the teachings of Christ ourselves and over everything putting on love.
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”.
Back to guide >>>
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!
FOODBANK
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.
CAFOD NEWS
INTRODUCTION:
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.
MASS TIMES:
Saturday Vigil 6:30pm
Sunday Mass10:00
For other Masses, please see the Latest Newsletter
CONFESSION TIMES:
Mon - Weds - Fri: 12:00 - 12:30
Saturday Morning: 10:00 - 11:30am
WHERE TO FIND US:
St Mary of the Assumption, Burnley.
Entrance on Yorkshire Street, just around the corner from Todmorden Road.
Click here for a map
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:
Christ the King
St John the Baptist
Magnifying glass original (amended here) by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay. With thanks.
Interior of Saint Marys 1
Altar Boys: 2
