Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear all
We begin Advent this weekend and indeed the Church’s Year. Advent is a time of hope and expectation and above all encounter with Christ. Advent is a spiritual season to grow closer to Christ and prepare for his coming to us in a new or deeper way. The words of John the Baptist ring true for this time: prepare away for the Lord. Can we make space and time for him in these coming weeks? See the resources in this Newsletter.
Our Parish CAROL SERVICE organised by the Catenians is scheduled for Sunday 10 December 2023 at 3.00 pm. 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
Also the Weekly Rosary Group meets every Sunday 3.30 pm - 4.00 pm outside in front of the statue of Our Lady praying especially for Peace and Reconciliation in Society. Contact Maureen Douglas.
The funeral of Catherine Ford from Evington in Leicester will take place on Tuesday 5 December 2023 at 11.00 am.
May she rest in peace.
Keep up your prayers for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Say the Rosary.
CAFOD Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal:
Donate to CAFOD’s Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal at cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need. Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Thank you for your prayers.
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 this special season.
From the start of December CAFOD is sharing daily Bible reflections, stories of our global family, prayers and practical ideas for action, as we create a space to prepare for the coming of Christ.
This online Advent calendar of daily prayer and reflection will offer an opportunity to pause, reflect, pray and take action as we prepare for Christmas. To sign-up for the Calendar, visit: https://cafod.org.uk/pray/advent-calendar
A REFLECTION FROM POPE FRANCIS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER:
The world is divided in two: those people who do not give thanks and those who do; those who take everything as if it is owed them, and those who welcome everything as a gift, as grace. The prayer of thanksgiving always begins from here: from the recognition that grace precedes us. A prayer sheet is available.
ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL
invites you to their Nativities which this year are taking place in our church: Foundation (reception Class) on Wednesday and Thursday at 2.00 pm. Year 1 and 2 Nativity on Wednesday 13 December at 2.00 pm, Thursday 14 December 2023 at 11.00 am and 6.30 pm.
THIS FRIDAY:
A Half Hour for Life on Friday 8 December 2023 (The Feast of the Immaculate Conception) with Exposition from 6.30 - 7.00 pm followed by Holy Mass at 7.00 pm.
An Opportunity to meet Our Lord and pray for the respect for human life from its beginning to its natural end!
CHILDREN’S LITURGY:
Thanks to our safeguarding coordinators, we have nearly got through our DBS checks. I thought we could have an initial meeting to take it forward after the 10.00 am Mass on 17 December 2023. Many thanks Fr Chris
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
We are now looking forward to First Holy Communion in 2024. Application forms are now available from Fr Chris after any of the Masses. Please return the form by 7 January 2024. It is for children in year 3 and above.
The first meeting for parents will take place on Wednesday 17 January 2024 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 21 January 2024 from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and the children will join their parents and the congregation after the Liturgy of the Word.
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.
SYNOD AND SYNODALITY
on Wednesday 6 December 2023. Caritas Leicester and Leicestershire invite all who are interested to Saint Wilfrid of York in Coalville (LE67 3JB) for an evening of reflection and discussion on the Synod and Synodality. Facilitated by Father Jonathan Cotton, it is a chance to talk about the Synod and Synodality and what it means for us. The evening will last from 7.00 pm until 9.00 pm.
LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth)
Calling all young people, families and friends to join LACY (Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth) at St Thomas More Church, 75 Knighton Road, Leicester, LE2 3HN for an afternoon of craft and liturgy, on Sunday 10 December 2023 creating cards with Christmas messages to be distributed to the sick and housebound, both at home and in hospital. Help us to pass on the Christmas message of hope, love and peace. Our afternoon begins at 3.00 p.m. and ends with a short liturgy at 4.30 pm. The LACY team will be joined by one of the Chaplains from the Leicester Hospitals, Ed Pike, and your presence will make the afternoon very special. Christmas treats, mince pies and drinks will be served in the hall during the afternoon.
We’re looking forward to seeing YOU! More information if required from Pauline Payne – Tel: 07885 187374 or e mail joshearer@hotmail.com/paulinepayne@hotmail.com
ANGEL TREE PROJECT
The local Prison Fellowship group will be running the Angel Tree Project this year at HMP Gartree and Five Wells Prison in Wellingborough and would like your help.
The purpose of this project is to purchase Christmas presents for children of some of the prisoners. The gifts will be sent to the children as from their dad’s. The value of each gift will be approx £15. The aim is to alleviate some of the sadness experienced by prisoners and their families at Christmas time. Angel Tree provides a crucial link between innocent children and their imprisoned father.
If you would like to help with this project, either with a monetary donation or a suitable gift you will be given a gift tag with the first name, age and gender of the child. The gift can be wrapped by yourself in Christmas paper if you wish, but we do need to have a photo of the gift for security reasons otherwise a member of Prison Fellowship will wrap the gift. A handwritten gift tag from their dad will be attached to make it extra special. All presents will be posted so please keep them light.
Local bank account details: Prison Fellowship (Gartree Angel Tree) Sort code: 40 32 04 Account: 91564005 For your donation to be Gift Aided contact info@prisonfellowship.org.uk Thank you for your kindness this is very much appreciated by prisoners, their families, staff and chaplaincy.
Maureen Douglas, Angel Tree Co-ordinator 43 Gardiner St, Market Harborough, LE16 9QN Tel 07966 515115 maureen.e.douglas@btinternet.com
RED BOXES:
Many thanks to everyone who continues to find coins to put into their Red Boxes (increasingly difficult in post Covid/card only times) to help the poor and needy in our world. Your support is so much needed and very greatly appreciated. As always, please leave your box on the table in the Cloister and it will be returned after emptying, to the same place. Should anyone wish to help by taking a box, please speak to Father Chris or to Bob and Chris Shepherd. Thank you very much once more.
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
to Catholic Primary Academies (Reception Year) - Children born between 01/09/2019 and 31/08/2020
The deadline for submitting your application for a school place is 15 January 2024.
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, eg baptism certificate (photocopies acceptable). 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. *If you do not have the required evidence please contact the parish where your child was baptised for a copy certificate in good time.
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.
THE PRESENTATION SISTERS:
I have had a communication from the leadership team of the Presentation Sisters in this Province to say that the Sisters here have been assigned two other communities and that the Convent here will close in due course. The Sisters are sorry to leave Market Harborough after so many years of serving the Parish community and school. We will of course have a Mass of Thanksgiving when everything is finalised. Please keep the Sisters in your prayers.
There are New Year Books available for £5 with a few articles and of course obituaries from last year.
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? NB The children in school loved it!!!
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: (In order of how urgent they are.). Tinned Carrots, Tinned Sweetcorn, Jam, Marmalade, Sandwich Paste, Cordial / Juice Drinks, UHT Milk (semi-skimmed or full fat), Biscuits, Tinned Rice Pudding, Crackers, Tinned/Jarred Hot Dogs, Tinned Ham, Corned Beef, Fray Bentos Pies, Smash / Dried Potato, Tinned Fruit,
Other Suggested Food Donations: Mayonnaise, Tinned Potatoes, Sugar (small bags if possible, 500g), Pasta sauce, Tinned chicken in sauce, Tinned red meat (bolognaise, mince, stewed, chilli), 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, Jars of coffee, Hot chocolate, Packet Rice, Tinned Fish, Dried pasta, Tinned Custard.
DIOCESAN E-MAGAZINE
The latest edition of the Diocesan e-Magazine was published last week on the Feast of Saint Hugh of Lincoln. Read and subscribe to receive it directly via email here: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news
AID TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES:
The green envelopes for ADC are now available for collection on the table in the cloister. Our very sincere thanks to everyone for continuing to help our charities through our envelope scheme. Our appreciation is also extended to all who are donating their unwanted goods and gifts for us to sell through eBay. This invaluable support brought in over£4000 during the past year and together with the envelope donations enabled us to make payments to Father Ed, Father John, Water for Kids, The Philippines Schools Project and Aid for Chad.
Some donated clothes, books and household goods were crated up and sent out to the Philippines for distribution to the school children and our money was used to help build a classroom extension. Further boreholes have provided water for two more communities in Chad. Thank you so very much for making this work possible through your generosity.
If anyone would like to join the monthly envelope scheme please have a word with Father Chris, Margaret Atkinson or Chris Shepherd.
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
“THE FRIENDS OF NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL”
aims to support the work and mission of the Cathedral through prayer, encouragement of social and cultural opportunities, and financially in order to maintain its position as a magnificent spiritual and culture gem at the heart of the city and Diocese. Our Mother Church needs your support.
To find out more about the Friends please see the St Barnabas Cathedral website under Community. Friends of Nottingham Cathedral: Nottingham Cathedral (stbarnabascathedral.org.uk)
PARISH GIVING
Many thanks to all who continue giving to the Parish.
Envelopes for the financial year beginning 2 April 2023 have been given out. If you would like some please speak to Fr Chris.
Anyone who would like to give through Standing Order or is new to the parish please pick up a form in the Narthex. There are also 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.
FINANCE (26 November 2023):
Envelopes: £289.53, Loose: £258.72, Standing Order: ---, Total: £548.25
VICTORY PRIZE DRAW - NOVEMBER 2023 WINNERS:
First Prize - £60 - T Ruane - ticket number 26
Second Prize - £25 - T Ruane - ticket number 18
Third Prize - £15 - G Cottrell - ticket number 221
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 2 December 2023: C Baldam
Sunday 10.00 am 3 December 2023: R van der Liet and C Sellechia
Saturday 6.00 pm 9 December 2023: M Mihovilovic
Sunday 10.00 am 10 December 2023: J Thayaseelan and P Green
PUBLIC PRAYING OF THE ROSARY
at Our Lady’s Statue outside in front of the church. 3.30 - 4.00 pm every Sunday.
As Catholics we pray the Rosary for cohesion and reconciliation in society, for peace, and freedom. We pray for the people, for the rulers, and for the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ in society. At the same time always for the freedom of the Church, for the Clergy, for the Bishops, for the Pope, and in reparation for the sins committed against God Almighty and His Holy Mother.
For more details contact Maureen Douglas 07966 515115 - http://UKPrays.org
GOING DEEPER
Do you want to go deeper into your Catholic spiritual life and prayer life? A monthly ‘Going Deeper’ gathering will continue on Tuesday 19 December 2023 at 6.30 pm and continue thereafter on the third Tuesday of the month. It will be in the Kavanagh Room. The main components of the meeting will be: the Evening Prayer of the Church; discussion of a classic text on prayer by one of the great spiritual teachers, a period of silent prayer. The plan is to finish around 8.00 pm. For more information, email Cyprian Blamires on cpblamires@aol.com or phone him on 01858 468224 or 07714 651756.
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.
