The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
This weekend the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). The feast invites us to deepen our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of the Church's life. As we give thanks for this great gift, we are reminded that our worship, prayer and service all flow from our encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. As Bishop Paul Mason (Catholic Bishop of the Forces) reminds us:
“The Blessed Sacrament is something of a North Star. It gives us light, it gives us direction, it gives purpose, and without that, we can end up a bit lost. Simply being able to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament ensures that we don’t spin off on a frolic of our own pursuing do-goodery. This is the work of God that we’re called to be engaged in. If we don’t spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, it would be so easy to simply end up in a type of activism which doesn’t go anywhere. We need to be sure that, in the work that we do, that we’re following God’s promptings. Being able to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament – some people say wasting time with Almighty God before the Blessed Sacrament – is so important to feed our souls and give us that sense of where we’re going and what we’re supposed to be doing. The real presence of Christ lies at the heart of our faith.” At the end of each of the Masses this weekend, here at St. Mary’s, there will be Solemn Benediction.
Deanery Corpus Christi Procession – This Sunday at 3.00pm
The Deanery Corpus Christi Procession takes place this Sunday, and everyone is warmly encouraged to join us for this special afternoon of prayer and devotion in honour of Our Eucharistic Lord. The procession will begin at 3.00pm and will include Eucharistic devotions, reflections from members of the deanery clergy, and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession. Please note: if the weather is unsuitable for an outdoor procession, the event will take place inside St Mary Magdalene’s RC Church, Gawthorpe Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 0JP. Those travelling by car may wish to note this address. Thanks to the generosity of Paul and Jennifer Pickles, a minibus will be available from St Mary's for parishioners who would like to attend but do not have access to transport. A sign-up sheet remains available at the stewards' desk for those wishing to reserve a place. Occasions like these are so important for us as Catholics. They strengthen and encourage us in faith and draw us together before Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. What makes such moments prayerful and grace-filled is simply this: that we come; that we accept the Lord's invitation to be with Him. The Lord Himself asks: “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Mt 26:40). All are warmly welcome.
Spend Some Time With the Lord – Extended Eucharistic Adoration Begins Today!
A gentle reminder that our extended Fridays of Eucharistic Adoration begin today (Friday 5th June) at St Mary's. Throughout the month, the church will remain open every Friday from 3.00pm until 9.00pm for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. In the midst of busy lives, endless demands and constant distractions, the Lord continues to invite us to come and spend time with Him. Whether for ten minutes or several hours, why not make a visit to church this Friday? Come and sit quietly before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Bring your prayers, your worries, your thanksgiving, or simply your presence.
In his Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia, St John Paul II beautifully wrote:
“It is pleasant to spend time with him, to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple and to feel the infinite love present in his heart. If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the ‘art of prayer’, how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament? How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation and support!”
Many churches today are no longer open for extended periods of quiet prayer. Here at St Mary's, we are seeking to provide that opportunity for people to "drop in", encounter the Lord, and spend time in the peace of His Eucharistic Presence. In the silence of Adoration, Christ strengthens us, consoles us, heals us and draws us ever closer to Himself. The programme each Friday is as follows:
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
5.00pm – Confessions
6.00pm – Holy Mass
6.30pm – Continued Adoration
8.50pm – Benediction
The remaining Fridays are 12th, 19th and 26th June. "All who are thirsty, come to the water..." (Isaiah 55:1)
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – Friday 12th June
This Friday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of the most beloved feasts of the liturgical year. The Sacred Heart is a powerful symbol of Christ's immense love for humanity – a love that is faithful, merciful, compassionate and self-sacrificing. Through devotion to the Sacred Heart, we are invited to reflect upon the depth of God's love revealed in Jesus Christ and to respond by placing our trust in Him and seeking to love others as He has loved us.
We will celebrate the Solemnity at St Mary's with the following programme:
10.00am – Holy Mass with the children and staff of Sacred Heart School
3.00pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
3.00pm – 9.00pm – Extended Eucharistic Adoration
5pm Confessions
6.00pm – Solemn Mass of the Sacred Heart
All are warmly invited to join us as we honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, drawing strength and consolation from the Lord's loving presence.
Safeguarding at St Mary's
Last Thursday, Vinette Davitt, our Parish Safeguarding Representative, and I attended the Diocese's annual safeguarding training at the Cathedral Centre. The training provided valuable updates and guidance to help ensure that St Mary's continues to be a safe, welcoming and caring place where people of all ages can encounter the presence and love of the Lord. We were reminded that safeguarding is not simply the responsibility of a few individuals but of the whole parish community. Each of us has a duty of care towards one another and a responsibility to help create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and compassion. This commitment is rooted in the Gospel itself. Jesus says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34). Safeguarding is one practical way in which we seek to live out this commandment in the life of our parish. Vinette continues to meet with parish volunteers on Fridays to complete the necessary safeguarding documentation. If you have not yet been contacted, please do not worry—you will be contacted in due course. Thank you to everyone who has cooperated so willingly and generously throughout this process. I would also like to thank all our parishioners for the many ways in which you help make St Mary's the welcoming family home that it is. Together, let us continue to ensure that our parish is a place where all people feel safe, valued and loved. God Bless, Fr O'Brien
Congratulations to Fr Robert Livesey
Warm congratulations are extended to Fr Robert Livesey, one of the retired priests of our deanery, who continues to generously assist in the parish of St Anne’s & St Joseph’s, Accrington. Fr Livesey will celebrate the remarkable milestone of 60 years of priesthood this year – a lifetime of faithful service to Christ and His Church in preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, and caring for God’s people. To mark this special occasion, a Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, Accrington, on Monday at 7.00pm. All are warmly invited to attend and join in giving thanks for Fr Livesey’s long and devoted ministry. Please keep him in your prayers as he celebrates this joyful anniversary.
Day for Life – Sunday 21 June 2026
Every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God Who was made flesh (Jn 1:14), is entrusted to the maternal care of the Church. Therefore every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church’s very heart; it cannot but affect her at the core of her faith in the Redemptive Incarnation of the Son of God, and engage her in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the world and to every creature (Mk 16:15). - Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope Saint John Paul II
There will be a Novena in preparation for the Day for Life which will run from Saturday 23rd May to the Feast of the Visitation (Sunday 31st May). This is the third year in which the Dioceses of England and Wales will join with those of Scotland and Ireland to pray this Novena. It will be available on the Bishops’ Conference website, as well as at https://prayforlife.ie/.