Ss John Fisher and Thomas More

Introduction

Ss John Fisher and Thomas More in Burley in Wharfedale, in the Diocese of Leeds, was consecrated in 1932, with Frederick Le Fevre as its first parish priest. It was the first church in England dedicated to Thomas More and John Fisher, who were canonised three years later.

History

In 1930, a separate parish for Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston was proposed, and land for a church and house was bought. The bulk of the funding came from retired civil servant Frederick Le Fevre. The Parish Hall was added in 1936. In the late 1980s, a major restoration was carried out, renewing much of the fabric and adding a new foyer and passageway to the hall.

The church and new altar were consecrated in October 1989. Assistant priests included Patrick Roche, Francis Blanchfield (1952-1955), Edward Horkin (1955-1960) and John MacMahon (1984-1987).

Parish life

An organist can be engaged for funeral services in the church. The church serves the villages of Burley in Wharfedale and Menston, as well as Tranmere Park and Hawksworth village. The parish gained CAFOD's LiveSimply award, celebrated on its Tree of Life page. The parish received the LiveSimply award, as reported in the September 2022 Diocesan newsletter.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish priest offers pastoral care to families after a death and helps them plan the funeral service. The priest advises couples about marriage preparation.

Visiting

At funerals, a well-known psalm such as 'The Lord's My Shepherd' may be sung in place of the responsorial psalm. During a requiem Mass, family or friends may bring the bread and wine to the altar in the offertory procession.