Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear all,
Our second set of JUBILEE PRAYER BOOKS for this March is now available.
Praying with the Psalms. Please take one. Donations are invited for this set if you can afford it. Either through the Basket or the Card Machine They are £5.00 each.
Jubilee Lenten Station Mass with Bishop Patrick: Thursday 13 March 2025 at Holy Cross Priory at 7.00 pm with Adoration and Confessions beforehand.
CAFOD Lent Appeal – Family Fast Day Friday 14 March 2025.
Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection and be a pilgrim of hope with CAFOD this Jubilee Year. You’ll be supporting communities suffering the impacts of war, poverty and climate change to find solutions and hope. Use the CAFOD envelope in church, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call us on 0303 303 3030. You can also text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. Include this QR code to take supporters straight to CAFOD’s virtual envelope.
LENT: A PILGRIMAGE TO THE PASSION:
A series of Saturday morning Retreat-style meetings looking at the passion of Jesus according to John’s Gospel. The purpose of the sessions is to prepare our minds and hearts to hear and reflect on Jesus’ journey to the Cross in preparation for Good Friday and Easter. The series of meetings will be led by Father John Farrell, OP, a Dominican preacher based in Leicester. Father John is experienced in retreat-giving in Britain and abroad He has a lovely ability to make the text of the New Testament ‘live’ for ordinary believers seeking to know more about Jesus.
DATES AND TIMES: Saturdays 15, 22, 29, March Saturday 5 April.
Please bring a Bible, New Testament or the Gospel of John. 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start.
10.30 am - 11.15 am Talk, followed by discussion
11.15 am - 11.30 am Break
11.30 am - 12.15 pm Talk, followed by discussion
12.15 pm - 12.30 pm Silent Prayer
12.30 pm Lunch (Bring your own. Tea/Coffee provided).
There are no charges, but voluntary donations to defer expenses may be given. The meetings will be held in the Octagonal Hall in Market Harborough. Further information from Father Chris O’Connor, (462359) or Peter Green (414964) (email: green853@btinternet.com)
LENT STATIONS OF THE CROSS: 7.00 pm on Fridays. Normally followed by Mass
Holy Hour with Benediction: Thursdays 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm with a meditation on next Sunday's readings. This is an opportunity for the most powerful prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Our Bishop and the Holy Father have called us to adoration. Many graces are received before the Blessed Sacrament.
FRIDAY LENT LUNCHES
begin 14 March 2025 Time: 12.30 - 1300.
Reflections on the theme - Journey’s of Faith. Venue: Baptist Church, Coventry Rd.
Light lunch after the service of Soup, bread, Tea, coffee and Cake. Suggested donation of £5.00.
ENABLING OUR MISSION CAMPAIGN:
‘Thank you to everyone that has come along to learn more about the Enabling Our Mission Campaign that is happening in our parish so far. Many of you have expressed an interest in seeing further details of the projects that have been funded by the Mission Enabling Fund to date and further details can be found below:
https://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/mission-enabling-fund
In addition to this, the first edition of the Enabling Our Mission Impact Report will be published later this month so please do keep an eye out for copies in our parish.’
CALLING CATHOLIC TEACHERS
If you are a Catholic teacher currently working outside of Catholic Education and would like to find out more about the joys of working in a Catholic school within the Diocese of Nottingham, a virtual information session will take place on Wednesday 26 March 2025 from 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm. Please see the poster on the parish notice board. For further information, please contact: Julie Sweeney at the Diocesan Education Service (gill.burns@nottingham-des.org.uk).
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
Please pray for our First Holy Communion children and their families who continue their preparation this Sunday from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and will join us after the Liturgy of the Word.
HELP NEEDED WITH OUR TRAVELLERS COMMUNITY:
We no longer have Sister Helen with us who organised and prepared traveller basis for Holy Communion and Confirmation. Often they do not read. Sister Bernadette who was in the Convent will help with some training. She is the Diocesan Chaplain for travellers. A DBS children for the Sacraments. We are looking for Volunteers to help with this. It tends to be on an adhoc check is need for this role.
WORSHIP AND PRAYER NIGHTS
On Good Friday this year (Friday 18 April 2025), we will be sharing the full Easter story of Jesus with our community on Good Friday, in ways that are accessible, relevant and fruitful, utilising the creative gifts, skills and talents of the church body in Harborough. To support this event there will be a series of worship and prayer nights, where brothers and sisters in Christ from across the churches in the town gather together to seek the Lord together, to intercede and pray over the town together, and to ask God to move in power at the event itself:
BINGO - BINGO - BINGO!
OCTAGONAL HALL - THURSDAY EVENING - 20 MARCH 2025
DOORS OPEN 6.45 pm. BINGO STARTS 7.30 pm prompt.
Eights games - £1.25 per game. Come and join us for a ‘Loadsa Fun’ social evening. Meet up with other parishioners and friends. For more details phone your Bingo caller: Alan Sear (07850-252064) Bring your own drinks / refreshments
40 DAYS FOR LIFE
You can protect mothers and children by joining this world wide mobilisation to pray and fast for an end to abortion. During Lent March 5th -April 13 a lawful, peaceful prayer vigil will be taking place on Paigle Rd and the junction of Aylestone Rd, Leicester LE2 8PW from 8am - 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Local contact: leicester40daysforlife@gmail.com
To learn more get involved and sign up for prayer times visit the website below. www.40daysforlife.com/en/leicester
PARENT’S RETREAT:
The Diocese of Nottingham is organising a day retreat for parents on Sunday 16 March 2025 at Our Lady of Lincoln Parish (LN2 2HE), 10.00am-3.30pm. The day will be led by Mike and Alicia Hernon, international Catholic speakers and hosts of the successful podcast: ‘The Messy Family Project’. The day will include Sunday Mass, talks, activities for Children, Eucharistic Adoration and more. Booking is essential. The cost is £25 per couple, please also bring a packed lunch. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/parentsretreat25
SICK AND RETIRED PRIEST FUND:
I have become aware that there is a 10 year impact report on the Sick & retired Priest fund on our Diocesan website which I find difficult to navigate!! But it is at https://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news/sick-and-retired-priests-fund I have done a few copies for those not on the internet.
The Catholic Union is holding a WEBINAR ON THE TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS (End of Life) BILL on Thursday 3 April 2025 at 6.30 pm. Chaired by Baroness Hollins, President of the Catholic Union, it will give members and supporters the chance to unpick the Bill guided by three experts: Dr Matthew Doré; Dr Philip Howard and Professor Julian Hughes, before the Bill returns to the Commons’ Chamber for Third Reading on 25 April 2025.
To sign up for the webinar register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hard-cases-dont-make-good-law-assisted-suicide-webinar-tickets-1233106176769?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Diocesan WOMEN’S LENT RETREAT returns to Nottingham this year on Saturday 5 April 2025. The theme of the retreat is ‘The Sacred Heart: An Icon of Hope’ and it will be given by Canon Jonathan Cotton, a fantastic retreat leader. Good Shepherd Church, Nottingham (NG5 4HT) will host the retreat which will include Holy Mass, Talks, confession, social time and more. The cost of the day is £15, please bring a packed lunch. For more details and to book please see the poster in church or visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events
Join men from across the diocese on Saturday 12 April 2025 for our annual MEN’S RETREAT, once again at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. The theme of the retreat is ‘The Journey Through Holy Week’ and it will be given by Father John Farrell OP, former provincial of the Dominican Order. The retreat will include Holy Mass in the Abbey, Talks, confession, guided adoration and more. The cost of the day is £15, please bring a packed lunch. For more details and to book please see the poster in church or visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events
THE LADIES MIDSUMMER LUNCH
in support of Saint Joseph school MHET will be on Thursday the 12 June 2025 at Marston Trussell hall at 12:30 pm tickets are £40. For tickets please contact Kate Crawford 01858 446873 / 07814629927
HOLY HOUR AND BENEDICTION:
We continue our Holy Hour on Thursdays with Exposition from 7.00 pm. There will be some meditations and finishing with Benediction about 7.50 pm. The Eucharist and the Real Presence of Our Lord is so important for us. The opportunity to come and pray with Our Lord when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed is a source of special graces.
For families with Children Why not one of the parents come and pray for the whole family for a time during the hour?.
SAFEGUARDING SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Safe Places – a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Catholic Church.
Phone 0300 303 1056 Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
The Bower House – Harborough Christian Counselling Service offers counselling to those who live in the Harborough District 01858 469257
NAPAC offers support and advice to adult survivors of childhood abuse 0808 8010331
Spiritual Abuse - www.spiritualabuse.com
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline – 0808 808 8141
More details can be found on our website by clicking Safeguarding
MEN’S SPIRITUAL EXERCISES, Monday 31 March 2025 – Saturday 5 April 2025
A 5-day version of the Ignatian Exercises offered specifically for men (whether lay or ordained), this retreat will be preached at the Christian Heritage Centre, Lancashire, by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Joseph’s Abbey, France. Founded in 1988, this community has retained its charism of a specific apostolate to men. One-to-one direction will be offered alongside the talks.
For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-spiritual-exercises/
GIVING IN MARKET HARBOROUGH:
Many thanks to all who continue giving to the Parish.
For anyone who is new to the Parish there are Gift Aid Forms in the cloister near the wall.
Name of account: Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough RCP
Sort Code: 30 - 95- 47
Account: 00068953
Just put a note to say it is church donation. If you are a Tax payer you can pick up a Gift Aid Form (if you have not completed one) at the Church or email Fr Chris parishpriest@olvic.com and I can send you one by email.
We can claim an extra 25% on top of anything you give if you are tax payer.
If you are a Gift Aid Declaration Holder please advise your parish office, or the Diocesan Gift Aid Department (parish.giftaid@dioceseofnottingham.uk) of any change in your circumstances, such as name change / address change / no longer a taxpayer. If your spouse has died and the GA Declaration was in his / her name, and you wish to continue to contribute because you are a taxpayer, then a new GA Declaration Form will need to be completed. Please also advise of the date of your spouse’s death. Your continued support of both parish and Diocese is always very much appreciated – thank you! If you do not Gift Aid your contributions, and you are a taxpayer, and wish to do so, please speak with your parish priest, or contact the parish office for a Gift Aid Declaration Form.
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING CONTACTLESS DONATIONS:
You will find our DIGITAL COLLECTION PLATE, contactless terminal in the Cloister.
Just use your contactless debit/credit card or smart phone / device to make a donation, there are options for other church funds such as General donation to the Parish / Repository/ candles or Second Collection.
Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and hold your card onto the reader. You can also opt-in for Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%. for the Church. Once a card is registered the machine will remember. If you are a UK taxpayer, then donating with Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 received. Contactless donations are simple to administer, secure and convenient.
It is of course better to give regularly to the Church through Standing Order as this cost us less.
You can also give via the weblink: https://donate.mydona.com/our-lady-of-victories-church
Keep up your prayers for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Say the Rosary.
Fr Chris PP
A REGISTER OF CHURCH VOLUNTEERS:
Many thanks to all who have completed their forms. Any last volunteers to fill out your details?
Registration forms are now available In the Narthex or by email.
Who does this apply to? Really anyone who helps in any way in the Parish! From Church Cleaner, flower arranger reader, Coffee volunteer, church collection Bazaar Offertory PPC, welcomer and so on.. You can also receive the form by email from parishpriest@olvic.com
PS Just one form is necessary for all your roles in the parish.
Many thanks, Fr Chris.
A PRAYER FOR UKRAINE:
We pray that the Lord God send His Holy Spirit to all the people of Ukraine and gives them the grace of endurance in faith, hope and love amid the current ordeals; may peace be granted throughout Ukraine and may the Ukrainian nation be delivered from all enemies, so that we may glorify the good and merciful God in justice and truth.
Lord hear us and have mercy. Amen.
Information from Caritas on the Ukraine and the Welcome scheme is available from the Grapevine Newsletter:
Also see Catholic Social Action Network (CSAN) https://www.csan.org.uk/ukraine/
Parishioners can be part of the Church’s response by giving to CAFOD’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at cafod.org.uk/Ukraine
JUBILEE FOOD BANK:
You are asked to leave food bank items in the trolleys at various supermarkets when you shop. Henderson Connellan on the High Street, Spar on Coventry Road, Eco Village, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Both Coop supermarkets, B&M, Everyone's Active: leisure centre cf https://www.jubileefoodbankmh.uk/
Shopping List:
WE HAVE AN URGENT NEED FOR: Dried Potato (like Smash), Tinned chicken in sauce,Tinned Veggie Meals ​​​​​​​
Other Suggested Food Donations​​​​​​​​: Tinned Custard,Tinned Ham,Corned Beef,,Tinned Rice Pudding,Tinned/Jarred Hot Dogs,Crackers,Jars of Coffee,Sandwich Paste (small jars),Sugar (small bags if possible, 500g)Jam,Tinned Fruit, Snacks such as small bags of nuts, cereal bars, chocolate bars, dried fruit for lunch boxes and homeless. Mayonnaise,Tinned Potatoes,Tinned red meat (bolognaise, mince, stewed, chilli),UHT milk (semi-skimmed and whole),Tins of beans (red kidney beans, chickpeas... etc.),Porridge oats, Shampoo,Toothpaste,Toothbrushes, Shower gel,Feminine products--sanitary towels and tampons, Used, clean, strong 'bags for life', strong carrier bags, Jars or pouches of baby food,Packets of Rice (500g if possible),Cereal,Jars of curry sauce to go with rice,Tinned potatoes,Tinned meatballs,Hot chocolate,Angel Delight,Microwave Sponge Puddings,Packets of dried custard,Packet Rice,Tinned Carrots,Marmalade,Cordial / Juice Drinks, Biscuits, Sweetcorn, Fray Bentos Pies
DIOCESAN E-MAGAZINE
The latest edition of the Diocesan e-Magazine was published last week on Ash Wednesday, featuring reflections, articles, and news from across the diocese, including NDCYS, CAFOD and Caritas. Read and subscribe to receive it directly via email at: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news
CATHOLIC LISTENERS
is a confidential telephone helpline service set up for those returning Catholics who want to return to the faith and need a safe space to be heard. A Diocese of Westminster initiative, the helpline is staffed by a team of volunteers who are welcoming, friendly, empathetic and non- judgemental.
The helpline is also based on the Landings ethos of compassionate listening. Operating three days a week from 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays calls are free to the helpline on 0800 448 0704 or by email at catholiclisteners@gmail.com
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 8 March 2025: P Green
Sunday 10.00 am 9 March 2025: M Douglas and M Blake
Saturday 6.00 pm 15 March 2025: N Williamson
Sunday 10.00 am 16 March 2025: C Sellechia and R van der Liet
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 8 March 2025: P Bebb
Sunday 10.00 am 9 March 2025: J Shellard, F Wilson and V Winter
Saturday 6.00 pm 15 March 2025: J Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 16 March 2025: W Kwacz, K Crawford and P Green
Saturday 6.00 pm 22 March 2025: M O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 23 March 2025: J O'Leary, S McGlone and C McInnes
THURSDAY COFFEE
will continue in the Octagonal Hall on Thursdays after 10.00 am Mass.
SUPPORTING PRISONERS’ FAMILIES: COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER?
PACT is a Catholic charity and their Prisoners’ Families Helpline are currently seeking to recruit more helpline volunteers. The role can be carried out remotely. https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/Pages/Category/volunteer
CATHOLIC NEWS
in England and Wales Please see the Bishop’s website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/news-and-media/news/
GRAPEVINE - News from Justice & Peace and Caritas:
Grapevine is the Diocesan Newsletter for Adult formation , Justice & Peace and Caritas in our diocese.
THE DIOCESAN CARITAS NEWSLETTER is available online:
WANTED: WANTED:
Your foreign coins and used or unused stamps - all can be sorted and valued, with profits to our Bazaar fund.
See Fr Chris or Mick Crook for further information.
DATA PROTECTION:
All data is stored securely on computer and access is limited to the Parish Priest and a small number of people authorised by the priest, to assist with parish administration. The Diocese remains the sole Data Controller (i.e. has responsibility for the use and control of this data), even where processing is carried out by parishes. The Diocesan Policy can be found at http://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/data-protection-policy
WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
All who are associated with the Parish in any way are invited to register. When completing the form please use BLOCK CAPITALS and complete all relevant boxes. If there is not enough room on the form for any information please use the reverse. Thank you for your co-operation.
HAVE YOU BEEN AWAY? WANT TO CATCH UP ON PARISH NEWS?
If you have been away and want to catch up on what's been happening in the parish you can now read the Parish Newsletters for the previous four weeks. Click the "Newsletters" button at the top of this page. You can also download a copy of this week's Newsletter.
ACTIVE GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA:
Great news for Market Harborough. In addition to the Carers Support Group there will now be an Activity Group for people with Dementia. We are looking for people who would like to volunteer for the Activity Group on a Friday morning from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm. You will be involved in welcoming people with dementia and their carers and helping people with dementia to take part in a variety of discussions and activities. Please contact Alison Chaplin of Alzheimer's Society on 0116 231 1111
GOING INTO HOSPITAL FOR ANY REASON!
If so please ask your family, or if you are well enough to do so yourself, to let the Catholic Chaplain know that you are there. Otherwise you will not have a visit from the Catholic Chaplaincy or be able to receive Holy Communion. Under the Data Protection Act, the hospital staff can no longer reveal to any chaplain, or to anybody else enquiring, the religion of any patient in their care. The same applies to Residential Homes and other places of care. The onus is now on the patient or their family to inform the Chaplain.
COMMUNITY COMPANIONS - Supporting Older People back into the heart of their communities:
Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) has been offering a befriending service in the Harborough District for over 14 years and are keen to recruit more volunteers who could visit an older person for 1 - 2 hours a week. Training and ongoing support are given, and travel costs are covered. If you could volunteer, or you would like a befriender to visit you, please contact Rohini Corfield (Community Champions Project Manager) or Jenny Young on 01858 439262. More information is available at www.VASL.org.uk/our-projects/community-champions
SUPPORT FOR CARERS:
The Market Harborough Carers Support Group facilitated by Alison Chaplin meets on the first Friday of every month at 10am at the Coffee Lounge of the Methodist Church on Northampton Road. This group gives carers an invaluable opportunity to share some of their experience of caring for a loved one with dementia. There is also an opportunity to hear about the latest news from Alzheimer’s Society and to look at books and leaflets about dementia, including many written from a Christian perspective. If you or anyone you know is in a caring situation, do let them know about the group. Contact Alison on 0116 031 1111 (alison.chaplin@alzheimers.or.uk). Or just turn up on the day and Alison will be thee to welcome you.
Alzheimer’s Society is also looking for volunteer befrienders in Market Harborough and area. The volunteer befriender enables a person with dementia to participate in an activity they would like to do in the community - perhaps going out for a cup of tea, shopping, going for a walk, doing a sport or taking a class. The befriender needs to be available for a session of up to 4 hours a week between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Mondays to Fridays. It is useful to be able to drive too. Volunteers will receive induction and ongoing training and support from the Befriending Manager. If you would like to hear more, please contact Alison as above.
BOWER HOUSE:
The Bower House Christian Counselling Service offers counselling and help to people of the local community. We are open from 9 am to 9 pm and need Support Worker volunteers to offer hospitality within the house as well as some admin. such as answering the phone and taking referrals. We have a lovely band of volunteers but could do with more help. How will you be spending your time this autumn and winter? Could you offer a three hours slot once a week or once a fortnight? If you are interested please ring Jadz Bower, Chris Hodgson or Jeanette Payne on 01858 469257 or drop in to see us between 9 am and 5 pm.
THE LIFE GROUP:
wish to thank each and everyone for their gifts to the “LIFE SHOP”. When bringing in goods for the LIFE SHOP, can they be clearly marked with “LIFE” on the outside of the plastic bag. Small items of furniture will also be welcome, but please contact the Life Shop direct for collection. Please DO NOT place small furniture in the Cloister for collection.
INTERPRETING THE LAW:
Our Diocesan advisors have informed us that legacies left in wills, directly to the parish, should really be directed to the registered charity. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham is the registered charity. The advice given, is to encourage parishioners contemplating leaving a legacy via their will to their parish, and to make sure the parish will be the beneficiary , is to direct the legacy to the Registered Charity - the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham with strict instruction that it is (in our case) for the parish of Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough.
VOLUNTEERS FOR TORCH:
Torch Trust is an international Christian Mission that aims to help people with sightless to discover faith in Christ and live fulfilling Christian lives. They are continually developing their service for blind and partially sighted people and as a result the volunteer needs are also changing. Perhaps you know someone who has recently retired and is looking to use their gifts and skills, honed in the workplace, in a new avenue. Or perhaps you know someone who has been long termed unemployed, volunteering can help to raise self esteem and build new skills that can go on the CV with a view of getting back into work.
Further information on what volunteering roles are available can be found on the poster on the notice board.
"The Lord's Day" -
Weekly Newsletter of the Watermead Apostolate: https://www.watermead-apostolate.co.uk/the-lords-day
NEWS ITEMS FOR THE WEBSITE:
This webpage is updated from the Weekly Newsletter. Sometimes due to shortage of space it is not possible to include everything in the weekly Parish Newsletter. If you would like an item published on the website please email any items to newsletter@olvic.com
We can only publish items which meet the criteria for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter.
