Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear all,
We have the funeral of Tennyson Fernandes at 11.00 am on Friday 17 January 2025. His body will be received on Thursday 16 January 2025 at 5.00 pm.
May he rest in peace.
ENABLING OUR MISSION CAMPAIGN
A copy of Bishop Patrick’s letter which was read out inviting our parish to take part in a fundraising initiative aimed at raising funds to help our Diocese in becoming more outward looking and missionary is now available in the cloister.
As explained, it is important that our parish has up to date parishioner contact details. There will be an opportunity for you to do so this Saturday and Sunday if you were away from the parish last weekend. Please pick up a census form.
The Jubilee Year ~ Pilgrims of, Jubilee Prayer Cards have been printed and are available. A Jubilee year is celebrated every 25 years. It is a year of favour of the Lord.(Luke 4;18-19) and intended as a time of conversion and emphasis on God’s mercy and forgiveness of sins.
Jubilees begin with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica and then in each diocese. The 2025 Jubilee, which has the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” will be a year of hope and trust for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased threats to the climate. We will be having various events during the year to emphasise prayer, the Passion of Christ and our Christian faith as these years also marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea from which came our Creed.
Our prayer will come soon in a series of aids to prayer over the coming months. We will be having some Days of Recollection on some Saturdays during Lent: 15 March, 22 March, 29 March, 5 April with Fr John Farrell OP. More details to follow.
A YEAR OF HOPE:
An Introduction to the Jubilee Year with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.
2025 is a Jubilee year, but what does that mean? Catholic talk show host and author Nana Churcher, and CAFOD’s Simon Giarchi will be hosting Fr Jan Nowotnik (Director of Mission for the Bishop’s Conference), Christine Allen (CAFOD’s Director) and Kayode Akintola (CAFOD’s Head of Africa) and more for a lively start to the Jubilee. With a special appearance by Catholic band Ooberfuse. Saturday 18 Jan, 10:30 am - midday, online. All are welcome. Register here for free: cafod.org.uk/jubilee
On Saturday 25 January 2025, any young adults (18-35) are warmly invited to join JOEL’S BAR FOR A DAY RETREAT at Holy Trinity Church, Newark. The day starts at 3.00 pm with Mass, followed by a time of worship, supper, a talk and ending in worship. To buy a ticket for just £10, visit: https://linktr.ee/yaminthedon
If you would like to deepen your faith, grow in community with other 18 - 35 years olds as well as engage more fully in your parish then the brand-new YOUNG ADULT FORMATION COURSE run by the Diocese of Nottingham is the course for you.
For more information contact charles.archer@dioceseofnottingham.uk or sign up at:
https://forms.office.com/e/9qvH5SjRHh
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
We are now looking forward to First Holy Communion in 2025. Application forms are now available from Fr Chris after any of the Masses. Please return the form by 12 January 2025. It is for children in year 3 and above,
The first meeting for parents will take place on Tuesday 21 January 2025 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 26 January 2025 from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and the children will join their parents and the congregation after the Liturgy of the Word.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY:
Sunday 19 January 2025 – United service at Methodist Church at 3.00 pm
Monday 20 January 2025 – prayer meeting at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Victories
Wednesday 22 January 2025 – Harborough Anglican Team Zoom prayer meeting. Time to be confirmed.
Friday 24 January 2025 – lunchtime prayer meeting at the Baptist Church in the Café Space at 12.30 pm.
Join CAFOD online on Saturday 18 January 2025 from 10.30 am until 12.00 noon for Get Jubilee Ready, a general introduction to the Jubilee Year with some special guests. Hear what Jubilee years are all about, how we’re celebrating as a global and national Church, and how we can be tangible signs of hope and build a better world together throughout this holy year. Visit: https://cafod.org.uk/news/events/a-year-of-hope-an-introduction-to-the-jubilee-year
Please see Poster: Gala Evening in Aid of Bower House Monday 13 January 7.45 pm: Drama Society Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
resumes this week.
For Safety and good safeguarding Parents need to fill out a registration form - available from Fr Chris.
YOU CAN HELP YOUR MARRIAGE:
Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped because it only makes it worse? Retrouvaille has helped 10s of 1000s of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage.
For confidential information about the next programme which will be presented on Zoom, Thursday 27 February 2025 – Sunday 2 March 2025 please email: info@retrouvaille.org.uk, telephone 07887 296983, or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
VICTORY PRIZE DRAW:
December was the last ever draw, many thanks for the support over the years. A reminder that all direct debit or standing orders should be cancelled by now. All monies received from 1 January 2025 will be paid into the Church Funds.
A MEETING OF HARBOROUGH CLIMATE ACTION:
In Octagonal Hall: Market Harborough An active Transport revolution? Wednesday 15 January 2025, 19:30 - 21:00. See poster.
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?.
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TO CATHOLIC PRIMARY ACADEMIES (Reception Year)
The deadline for submitting your application for a school place is 15 January 2025. 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 Baptismal 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.
Just letting you know that St Joseph's Catholic Academy PTFA are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easy fundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!
You can find our #easyfundraising page by clicking https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/step-1/?char=364722&invite=zjz2pi&referral-campaign=c2s
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
The UK's largest Catholic Youth Event, Flame's Unstoppable, is happening on Saturday 15 March 2025 at London's Wembley Stadium. The Diocesan Youth Service, NDCYS, is offering young people a wonderful opportunity to be involved, with tickets and return coach travel packages. For more information please visit ndcys.com/events-and-opportunities/ or email michelle.thomas@ndcys.com
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 11 January 2025: M Atkins
Sunday 10.00 am 12 January 2025: C Reed and C Goddard
Saturday 6.00 pm 18 January 2025: J Rowland
Sunday 10.00 am 19 January 2025: D Chappell and B Tyrell
Saturday 6.00 pm 25 January 2025: P Green
Sunday 10.00 am 26 January 2025: M Blake and M Douglas
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 11 January 2025: J Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 12 January 2025: F Wilson, V Winter and J Shellard
Saturday 6.00 pm 18 January 2025: B O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 19 January 2025: P Green, W Kwacz and K Crawford
Saturday 6.00 pm 25 January 2025: A Hall
Sunday 10.00 am 26 January 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.
