Our Lady of Victories News
OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCE
are offered to Michael and Alison Williams and their boys on the unexpected death of Michael’s Dad. May his soul now rest in peace in the fullness of redemption in the presence of the Risen Lord and in the company of the angels and saints.
TODAY AT OUR 10.00 AM MASS:
We welcome our Confirmation Candidates for enrolment on their preparation programme in anticipation of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 8th 2020. the enrolment ceremony affirms the parishioners acceptance of and prayers for our candidates on this journey, with monthly meetings over the 12 months preparation period. The enrolment also confirms the candidates intent, willingness and cooperation on this faith journey, to and through, the reception, celebration and living out this sacrament in their daily lives. The thanks and appreciation of the entire parish, to our volunteer Catechists preparing the Candidates.
PRAYERFUL CONGRATULATIONS
to our First holy Communion children, as they celebrate this coming Saturday morning at 10.00 am. First Holy Communion Day is such an important day in every parish. Our prayer, hope, and indeed request, to the parents, is that you will continue to lead by example, that you will inspire your child to a great love for daily prayer, and for your Saturday evening/Sunday morning Mass. Your children are God’s gift and blessing to you, and for you. You have a duty and responsibility as parents to acknowledge this wondrous gift from God, and to share the joy of the faith with your child. The thanks and appreciation of the entire parish goes to the volunteer Catechists who have prepared our children for this wondrous celebration.
So PRAYERFUL CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Abbie Joseph Aecvia Pereira
Alannah Fowkes Albert Blagburn
Amelie Dales Amelka Pietrusza
Arthur Unwin Barnaby Haynes
Beatrix Asbury Benedict Duncan
Benjamin Horder Charlie Astin
Fraser Walls George Barrand
Georgia Parker Jade Thayaseelan
Jim Wilde Katya Pallett
Lila McCann Matthew Kvist
Matthew Percival Maya Salah
Milena Jefferys Philippa Bodey
Toya Pallett
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Mary Kate O’Driscoll and James O’Driscoll, who made their First Holy Communion at Mass last Friday evening.
AN OPEN INVITATION
is extended to all who can, to a Coffee Morning at the Torch Centre (near Leisure Centre) this coming Saturday from 10.00 am - 2.00 pm. The last half hour will be a time of Praise and Worship.
JOB VACANCY: COMMUNITY AND MISSION YOUTH WORKER:
Working base: Anglican Parishes of Market Harborough Resourcing Church Team
Working hours: 22 hrs/wk (37 hours before the start of formal training in September 2019)
Overall aims of the post: To support young people in growing to be the people that God calls them to be, specifically in terms of a confident and secure identity in who they are, in their relationships with others, and in service with and to the wider community.
Main Responsibilities: Work with The Cube and other community groups to establish a town wide youth ministry across Harborough, the Bowdens and Lubenham
Training and development
Develop the skills of a reflective practitioner, continually seeking to improve, develop practice and stay up to date with issues facing young people and trends in youth and community work practice. Undertake relevant training and engage in your own professional and faith development, being an active staff team member and part of the worshipping community of the Harborough Anglican Team.
Essential
Commitment to the well-being and development of young people
Experience of working with young people
Commitment to study for 3 years and gain a degree in Youth and Community Work and Theology (or equivalent)
Calling to serve young people; Desire to build teams; Is organised and manages themselves and their work; Self-motivated; Ability to organise own transport for work and study;
To explore further or to express an interest contact Dawn O’Connell, dawn@harborough-anglican.org.uk, the Families Development Worker for the Anglican team.
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2019. Interviews will be arranged as applications are received to enable appointment decisions to be made earlier.
Further information and an Application Form are available from Leicester Diocese website https://www.leicester.anglican.org/vacancies/ You can also contact Sue Macdonald sue@harborough-anglican.org.uk
or 01853 469 330 for an application pack to be emailed to you.
This post is subject to DBS enhanced disclosure and there is a
Genuine Occupational Requirement that the holder of this post is a Christian.
SEAN RYAN OF CARITAS
will be speaking in Leicester to members of faith communities about the Community Sponsorship Scheme which enables community groups including charities, faith groups and churches to take on the role of supporting resettled refugees in the UK. It would be good to have individuals from parishes which would like to find out more about how this scheme works. The meeting takes place at 7pm on Monday 24th June at the Friends Meeting House, 16 Queens Road, Leicester, LE2 1WP.
VISITORS:
On Sunday 28th July, a delegation from the Hungarian Speaking Transylvanian Reformed Church are beginning a three day visit to the Congregational Church here in Harborough. If you know of any Hungarian speakers in the Harborough area (or anyone else) who would like to meet these visitors, then I’d be pleased to facilitate this. They will be interested to speak those people from their part of Europe, who have settled in our churched here. Just to confirm, for the geographically challenged, Transylvania if is a part of modern day Romania.
MARKET HARBOROUGH STREET PASTORS
are looking for a new Administrator. This is a self-employed post averaging 10 hours p.w. For further details contact Peter Arnold 01858 446102 or 07595217968 by 23rd. June.
EILEEN AND BILL
invite everyone to their PRO LIFE Coffee Day, at 56 Granville Street, Market Harborough. from 12 noon to 5 pm, on Saturday, 29th June.
NEXT WEEKS NEWSLETTER
will carry our parish accounts for the financial year 2018 / 2019. It was my intention to publish them this week, but there is not enough space in this weeks newsletter. So better news next week, I hope!
DAY FOR LIFE: (sponsored by the Bisops of England and Wales)
Today, June 16th. This year the Day for Life will focus on all those who are suffering domestic abuse. It provides an opportunity to pray, reflect, and to chose the ways in which action, as well as practical and emotional support, can ensure the dignity of human life at every stage of a persons life.
“A day for Life” card with a real life story of domestic abuse; the reality of the problem; what can parishes do; and how can we respond, is available for all who wish to have this information.
ANNUAL ROSARY RALLY
on Sunday 1st September at Mount St Bernard Abbey, starting al 2 pm. See poster on notice board.
FINALLY:
To all Fathers, both deceased and still with us, and of course our own Fr Owen, a very happy Fathers Day today.
WANTED: WANTED:
Your foreign coins and used or unused stamps - all can be sorted and values, with profits to our Bazaar fund. See Fr Owen or Mick Crook for further information.
INVITATION TO BOWER HOUSE A.G.M.
Harborough Christian Counselling Service Annual General Meeting, Thursday July 11th, 6.30 pm Market Harborough Methodist Church, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HE. Under Clause Q (ii) (4) of its constitution, members of the charity include ‘up to four representatives appointed by each church which belongs to Churches Together in Harborough (these may be the nominated representatives for the Churches Together in Harborough) whose names have been notified to the Secretary of HCCS at least seven days before the Annual General Meeting.’
As we will issue the Annual Report and Accounts before the meeting, please include addresses and email addresses, if available, of the representatives.
LUNCHTIME PRAYER FOR CLIMATE AND CREATION EMERGENCY
Thousands will be marching to Westminster on Wednesday June 26th in a peaceful mass lobby by people of many faiths. The aim is to meet MPs and ask them to act urgently to halt climate disaster and work towards restoration of the natural world. Christian conservation charities such as A Rocha (Eco Church) will be among them.
We’re calling the people of Market Harborough to come together in prayer for climate change and in support of that march. St Dionysius Church in the High Street will host an hour of prayer from 1 to 2pm that day. Will you join us? Wednesday June 26th, 1-2pm at St Di’s … come for the whole hour or drop in if you can just spare a few minutes.
This prayer time is organised by the Churches Together Eco Church group in response to a public statement put out by Andy Atkins, CEO of A Rocha UK. You can find the text of that at: https://arocha.org.uk/when-silence-is-not-an-option/
NEXT PRE BAPTISM COURSE
will be held on Sunday July 14th at 11am (i.e. following the 10am Mass). This preparation meeting is now essential for ALL parents requesting Baptism for their born or expected child.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING FOR LIFE:
Sponsored by Good Counsel Network on 020 7723 1740.
Saturday 22nd June 2019.
Join us each month in Prayer and Fasting: Fasting: Fast from all food except bread and water for the day.
Or Fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, TV.
Fast from whatever you can, given your state of health etc, but make sure it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself.
Prayer:
We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already).
You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass (or an extra Mass) on the day, or going to Adoration. You can even pray before a closed tabernacle if Adoration is not available near you.
On Saturday 22nd June, two days before the Feast of St John the Baptist, please pray and fast, for the end of abortion and euthanasia. Your prayer and fasting is urgently needed.
ST JOE’S FEST 2019:
Our annual summer PTFA event takes place on Saturday 29th June from 3:30 pm onwards and offers a great range of traditional stalls, live music, BBQ and well stocked bar. We hope that as many families as possible will be able to join us and continue to support the PTFA’s fundraising efforts for St Joseph’s Academy.
Tickets are £5 per person including either a burger or hotdog and pre-schoolers are free (but do still require a ticket). Tickets can be bought from the school office or from either Catherine Searcy (Tel: 0772 555 1009) or Victoria Roberts (Tel: 07740 179 639) or via email to stjoesptfamarketharborough@gmail.com
Alternatively you may wish to join us after Mass on the Saturday evening, to enjoy our final musical act of the Fest at a reduced entry price of just £1 on the gate! Thank you for your continued support – St Joseph’s PTFA.
FIRST COMMUNION DAY:
Saturday the 22nd. of June at 10.00 am. Twenty three children being prepared. Pray for them and their families.
FIRST COMMUNION CELEBRATION MASS AT ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL:
On Wednesday morning, June 26th. St. Joseph’s School, will host a special Mass of celebration for all the children, who will have made their First Holy Communion in Church on the previous Sunday. The children will again wear their First Holy Communion outfits, and the whole school will join in giving glory and praise to God, for the precious gift of Himself in the Eucharist, to and for, those little children, and to each and all of us. “Deo Gratias”.
JUBILEE FOODBANK:
In recent weeks there have been some erroneous reports in the local social media, to the effect that the Jubilee food bank may be forced to close. The organisers are keen to stress that this is most certainly not the case and they plan to remain open, as long as there is a need. However, there has been a lot of pressure on their resources in recent weeks. Items currently in short supply:
Small bags of sugar,
Jars of jam, marmalade, peanut butter, meat or fish paste.
Tinned minced beef and onion, stewed steak, curry, chilli con carne.
Tinned ham, spam, bacon grill.
Tinned veg, (carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts)
Tins of ravioli and macaroni cheese
Tins of fruit, pots of fresh fruit.
Packets of instant custard, tins of custard, cartons of ready to use custard.
Tins of rice pudding.
FR JIM’S ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
28th June - 5th July. Flying from Stansted and staying at Hosanna House. £733 includes coach from Market Harborough; flight; 7 nights with Full Board at Hosanna House; travel into Lourdes and insurance. For more details contact Fr Jim Cahill on 01530 832326
THE NEW DATA PROTECTION ACT:
A registration form to comply with the new Data protection Act has now been prepared for our parish, approved by the Diocese and accepted by our Parish Pastoral Council. Beginning in January every family in our Parish, or attached to our parish, will be invited to fill in a registration form.
THE PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION:
The purpose of storing this data is to assist in the administration of the parish. The information also helps the priest in his pastoral role, e.g. at times of bereavement or family emergencies.
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.
FAIR TRADE:
Market Harborough Fairtrade Town are promoting a bag of Rice can change a life in September and October. If they can sell NINETY one-kilogram bags of Kilombero rice then: ONE Malawian rice farmer can afford to send ONE of his/her children to secondary school for ONE year. Kilombero rice £2.99 will be available from The Oxfam Shop, The Growing Tree in Manor Walk, Anita Beer 07910 073436.
RELAXING SCRABBLE
tea and a chat, every Tuesday 2.30 pm in Octagonal Hall. All welcome, If anyone has a Scrabble game they don’t use please donate to the group. Thank you.
STEP BY STEP:
A new group for former carers. Supporting carers whose caring role has come to an end, helping them to rebuild their lives, explore new hobbies, coping strategies make new friends etc. Every 4th Wednesday of the month. More information call Jackie or Gurjit on 0845 689 9510.
WE NEED THEM!
Yes, don’t forget to bring along your used postage stamps and foreign or old coins. We can use them. Just pop them into the box marked for that purpose in the cloister.
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.
JUBILEE FOODBANK:
We are grateful for your generous support and would ask you to continue with your donations please. The following items are urgently required:
· Fruit Juice
· Tinned Sponge Puddings
· Tinned Meat Pies
· Tinned Meat
All non perishable donations will be appreciated. There is also an urgent need for more volunteers to help at the Foodbank. Those interested can leave their details at the Congregational Church Office on 01858 462376 or via email at jubileefoodbankmh@gmail.com
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
THE THIRD WORLD GROUP
sell clothes on e-bay to raise funds for their charities. Last year, thanks to your very generous donations, we raised £1,000 in this way. Life is busy and we have had very few donations recently. This is a gentle reminder that we still use this method to fundraise and are most grateful for your donations. When the weather breaks and you get out your winter wardrobe please remember us. Clothes can be left in our box in the cloisters. Thank you.
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
MOTHERS PRAYER MEETING
every Thursday in the Parish room from 11.00 - 11.30 am. All are welcome including dads who wish to meet to pray for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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.
TORCH BOOK GROUP:
The Torch Book Club requires sighted people to be part of their group. They meet at the Congregational Church room on 1st Friday of the month from 2 pm - 4 pm. Book of the month ‘Faith like Potatoes’. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to find out more please contact Angela Butlin 01858 467419.
AFRICAN CHURCH NEEDS ROSARY BEADS:
The developing Church in Africa is in need of Rosary Beads. If you have a surplus Rosary, or part of a Rosary, beads, or crosses and centre pieces surplus to requirement, please hand them to Vanessa, Lisa or Fr Owen.
USED CLOTHES FOR THE THIRD WORLD:
Just a reminder that the Third World Group eBay’s clothes in order to raise funds, so if you have been sorting out you wardrobes after incorporating all the Christmas newbie’s please pass your cast-off’s onto us. We do get money for rags, so everything is most welcome. Please mark bags clearly with “For 3rd World”. Thank you for your continuing support.
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: http://www.watermead-apostolate.com/lords_day.html
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.