Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear All
We are moving closer to the last days of Advent which begins on 17 December 2025 when we look directly to the Feast of Christmas especially with Mary as we seek to open our hearts to the Word made Flesh. As you can see there are opportunities for Confession this week with Fr Michael and Fr Peter joining us for confession on Thursday evening.
Also St Joseph’s School invite all parishioners, families and friends are welcome to join them for the Christmas Liturgy in Church at 9:30 am on Friday.
Sadly we have had some deaths recently.
Richard Parker: his funeral will be on 17 December 2025 at 11.00 am.
Also Ron Sambrook whose funeral will be on Monday 22 December at 10.00 am.
Also please pray for Shan Martes, a young man who died. His funeral is on Monday 15 December 2025 at 2.00 pm.
May they all Rest in Peace.
Our Parish CAROL SERVICE organised by the Catenians is scheduled for Sunday 14 December 2025 at 3.00 pm followed by refreshments.
St Joseph’s children will also be taking part. Come along to take part and listen to the Christmas readings and the wonderful words of the carols.
THE REPOSITORY has Diaries, Christmas cards and so on. Buy something Holy as a Christmas Present!
A JOURNEY THROUGH ADVENT with Fr John Farrell OP
Using the daily lectionary readings at Mass to guide us through the Advent Season.
The second part of Advent from 17 December. Now the Gospel readings are about events leading up to the birth of Christ Matthew chapters 1 and 2, Luke Chapters 1 and 2
Saturday 20 December 2025. 10.15 am (coffee) for a 10.30 am start, finish at 12.30 pm.
There are no charges, but voluntary donations to defer expenses may be given. The meetings will be held in in the Catholic Church Hall in Market Harborough.
WALK WITH ME BOOKLETS for adults and also children’s booklets and calendars are available at church. They have a meditation for each day based on the readings for Mass each day including the Christmas period. They are a great resource to help us pray in Advent.
Our faith is a gift. Would you like to GO DEEPER and explore its riches. Each third Tuesday of the month, we meet in the Kavanagh Room, 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm. Come along this week, Tuesday 16 December 2025. Together, we will say evening prayer, discuss a text and finish with a period of silent prayer.
If you are interested and would like more information, phone 07714 651756 or email cpblamires@aol.com
CHRISTMAS MASSES:
Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm. (preceded by carols 9.30 pm)
Christmas Day: 10.00 am:
St Stephen’s Day (Boxing day) 10.00 am
CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS:
We are going to have to have a special service for the Sacrament of reconciliation on Thursday 18 December 2025 at 7.00 pm. There will be visiting priests available. Many parishes have the celebrations in advent and lent and it is an opportunity to go to another priest other than the parish priest. We can make it a great opportunity to prepare for Christmas in a special way this year with the sacrament of confession. There will be a little introduction, a couple of prayers and examination of conscience and the blessed sacrament will be exposed while its confessions are heard. Come along and meet the merciful Lord!
COLLECTION AT ALL OUR CHRISTMAS MASSES will be your Christmas gift to Fr Chris. Envelopes available as you come into Church. Thank you in anticipation.
READERS WANTED:
We are about to organise the rota for 2026 for readers at both weekend masses and are inviting anyone who would like to take part in this vital ministry to let us know as soon as possible. We particularly need more readers for Saturday evening at 6.00 p.m.
If you are interested please contact Margaret Atkins at church or by email - margaretatkins52@gmail.com or telephone 01858 446369 or give your name and contact details to Fr Chris.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY CLASSES
for children aged 4 - 8 years have now re-started at the 10.00 am Sunday Mass.
For safeguarding reasons registration forms must be filled in and returned before children attend. The forms are available from members of the team when you bring your child to join the group.
If your child is a little uncertain of attending at first, parents/carers are welcome to come with them.
WHAT A CATHOLIC BELIEVES AND WHY will continue after Christmas on 13 January 2026.
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?
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
We are now looking forward to First Holy Communion in 2026. Application forms are now available from Fr Chris after any of the Masses. Please return the form by 11 January 2026. It is for children in year 3 and above.
The first meeting for parents will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 7.00 pm in the Octagonal Hall when we will introduce the course and give out the plan.
The first session for children will take place on Sunday 25 January 2026 from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and the children will join their parents and the congregation after the Liturgy of the Word
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TO CATHOLIC PRIMARY ACADEMIES
(Reception Year) - Children born between 01/09/2021 and 31/08/2022. The deadline for submitting an application for a school place is 15 January 2026. Application forms are available on your ‘home’ Local Authority website.
For every Catholic school you apply for if you wish your child to be considered and ranked under a faith criterion you should also complete a supplementary information form, and return this form to the school by the deadline, (forms are available from the LA and the school). You must also include the supporting evidence* as required with this form, ie a baptism certificate (photocopies are acceptable; contact the parish of baptism if you don’t have a copy); failure to supply the required supporting evidence will mean your child is ranked in a lower criterion which may affect your chance of a place
CHURCH FLOWER ROTA:
We are hoping to find someone who would be willing to organise the rota of volunteers who arrange flowers in church. If you can help please contact Pauline Bebb (07715624012) or Mary Penney (07790883361).
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Ladies Midsummer Lunch supporting St Joseph’s Academy Thursday 18 June 2026.
HARBOROUGH CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING SERVICE (The Bower House) would really like to hear from you if you would like to volunteer as a support worker, you are a professional counsellor or clinical supervisor, you have an interest in fundraising or have other skills you’d like to offer. Build your CV, use your skills to help others and be part of a supportive community!
Find out more at: bowerhousecounselling.org (O1858) 469257 We look forward to hearing from you!
STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM!
Consider signing Aid to the Church in Needs’ global petition supporting persecuted Christians. Your voice matters. By signing this petition, you can help us urge world leaders to act on behalf of those who suffer simply for practicing their faith. Follow the link www.acnuk.org/article-18-petition-religious-freedom-human-right-not-privilege
HELPING YOUNG CATHOLICS TO HELP OTHERS:
The Catenian Association Bursary Fund gives financial support to young Catholics volunteering to do something wonderful by helping those less fortunate than themselves. Whether this is an individual project, or with others, in a developing country; or travelling to Lourdes to help an assisted pilgrim, we would like to help you to achieve your aim of helping others. If you know someone planning to volunteer in such ways, take a look at https://catenianbursary.com/ where further information and an application form can be found.
RED BOXES
How time flies by! It is time once again for the emptying of the Missio Red Boxes. We are so grateful for your continuing support for the Missions. It really is true that if you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves! Our Parish has continued to do this in a very generous way. Could you please leave your box in the Sacristy or hand it to Father Chris or Bob and Chris Shepherd and we will return it to the table in the cloister shortly afterwards.
ADC:
Just a quick update as we continue to help the poor and underprivileged in our world and to thank you most sincerely for your generous donations through our White Envelope Scheme and with your contributions of goods, books and clothes.
As well as raising funds for our charity through EBay selling, we are now sending clothes and household goods to the Philippines and the Gambia, and items for babies and toddlers to an orphanage in Senegal. None of this would be possible without your help so please, please continue to leave your unwanted or surplus clothing and goods in the cloister so that we are able to make life just a little bit better for those who have so very little. Heartfelt appreciation for all that you do to enable ADC to support Father John, Water for Kids, Aid for Chad and Peru and The Philippines Schools Project. Thank you so very much.
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 MOST URGENT NEED FOR:Tinned Fruit; Tinned Sweetcorn;Baked Beans with Sausages; Cereal; Tinned Ham ; Crackers;We also need:UHT milk (whole or semi skimmed); Tinned Red Meat ; Tinned Chicken; Hot Dogs (tins or jars) ; Corned Beef; Tinned Carrots; Dried Potatoes (Smash); Tinned Meatballs; Chicken in Sauce; Small packs of sugar; Microwave puddings; Marmalade; Jam; Tinned Potatoes; Coffee (small jars); Biscuits; Crisps; Tinned Tomatoes; Tinned chickpeas, mixed chilli beans, lentils; Custard; Tinned Rice Pudding; Sachet Meals (pan or microwave); Cordial; Pasta sauce; Fray Bentos pies; Microwave Rice; Tinned Soup; Cup a Soup; Sugar (500g if possible); Tinned Sausages with beans; Tinned Peas; Tinned Vegetarian Meals, such as veggie chilli; Snacks and Cereal Bars; Robinsons minis or similar for families (small squash concentrates); ALPRO yoghurts (long-life, for the shelf not fridge); Tinned red meat, such as tinned mince, Bolognese, stew and chilli. Microwave puddings; Pasta sauce; Peanut Butter; Chicken in sauce; Small cartons of long life milk (for homeless people or someone without a fridge); Meals that do not need cooking (for example John West Fish and rice meals); Sweets, snacks & crisps; Chicken in Sauce; Tinned Pasta; Teabags; Tuna;
Where possible and available, consider giving tins with a ring-pull as these can also be used for homeless people where the food is appropriate. (E.g., fish, tinned fruit...) We ask for smaller size items as many people do not have a car and it reduces the weight of the parcel.
Other Suggested Food Donations: Mayonnaise; Porridge ; Oats; UHT fruit juice; Microwave rice; Veggie meals (tinned); Tinned meals; Packets of Rice (500g if possible); Packets of pasta; Jars of curry sauce to go with rice; Teabags; Sponge Puddings; Dried fruit; Angel Delight; Small sachets of herbs; Shampoo; Toothpaste; Toothbrushes; Deodorant; Sunscreen (for homeless people in the summer); Shower gel, soap; Feminine products--sanitary towels and tampons.
We don’t currently need, please do not donate:Baked beans
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
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
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 13 December 2025: M Atkins
Sunday 10.00 am 14 December 2025: C Sellechia and R van der Liet
Saturday 6.00 pm 20 December 2025: J Rowland
Sunday 10.00 am 21 December 2025: R Lewin and M Lewin
Saturday 6.00 pm 27 December 2025: J Rowland
Sunday 10.00 am 28 December 2025: P Green and J Thayaseelan
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 13 December 2025: J Lowe
Sunday 10.00 am 14 December 2025: M Douglas, V Winter and J Shellard
Saturday 6.00 pm 20 December 2025: B Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 21 December 2025: P Green, W Kwacz and K Crawford
Saturday 6.00 pm 27 December 2025: M O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 28 December 2025: C McInnes, J O'Leary and S McGlone
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.
