Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
On this great feast may I take this opportunity of wishing you all the Joy of the Risen Christ.
We often forget about Easter after Easter Sunday. Yet it is the greatest Season of the Year. Easter day is in fact celebrated for eight days and then Eastertide for a further forty. Lent is but a preparation for what is to come, and it is strange that we tend to put more emphasis in preparing for Easter than celebrating it. Easter is fifty days of joy. That is quite something! The reason is because Jesus Christ has risen, and love has conquered all things and even death itself. He has pulled back the bolt and opened the gate to the pastures of eternal life and invites us to enter. We have but to follow though. And the joy of Easter is special. It comes from knowing we are absolutely and definitively loved, no matter what and that Paschal love is stronger than everything. That sort of joy can be present always and indeed especially in the broken world in which we live. It is a joy that is deep and lasting. It comes from the truth that now we know for certain that with God all things are possible. I wish you all a Blessed Easter!
And may I thank all who have helped us celebrate the Easter Triduum & all who keep the Parish running - the musicians and singers, the altar servers, readers, those who have prepared our wonderful flowers, those who have cleaned the Church, our sacristans, our catechists, our welcomers, EM’s and admin support and all who have helped in any way. May I thank all who help run our Parish & school in all the varied ministries and activities. “Love lives again, Alleluia. May God Bless you all and you loved ones in these coming Days of Easter Joy.
New Jubilee Prayer Books are available "The Prayer of Jesus" - appropriate for Holy Week!
THE IMPORTANT VOTE for all MPs on the assisted suicide legislation, known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, is likely to take place on Friday 25 April 2025. The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to allow people to contact their Member of Parliament and it only takes a few moments to submit a message to ask an MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law. It can be accessed at https://righttolife.org.uk/asvote
Congratulations to Bishop John Sherrington on his appointment as Archbishop of Liverpool in succession to Archbishop Malcolm. He was a priest of our Diocese.
CARITAS SOCIAL ACTION NETWORK (CSAN) has recently launched a lived experience survey to better understand the impact of the two-child benefit cap on Catholic families in England and Wales and to explore how parishes are supporting families in need. The responses will contribute to a short report, and insights will inform advocacy work to support families affected by the cap, as well as other financial hardship. To complete the survey, please follow this link: www.csan.org.uk/news/familysurvey/ before the end of April.
EASTER OFFERING
Traditionally the Easter Offering goes to the Priest of the parish and forms the major part of his income for the year. Envelopes for the offering can be found at the back of church.
RED BOXES
It is time once again for the red Missio boxes to be returned for emptying. Could you please leave your boxes in the Sacristy area or hand to Father Chris or to Bob and Chris Shepherd,
They will be returned as soon as possible for you to collect from the table in the cloister. Sincere appreciation to everyone for having a red box - we appreciate that loose change is in short supply these days but over £600 was raised last year. Thank you so much for continuing to support Missio.
ADC
Many thanks to everyone for helping to support our overseas efforts in providing help for some of the poorest people in the world through donations and providing clothes and goods to be sold on EBay.
The white envelopes for monthly offerings are now available on the table in the cloister .
Could we please ask you to remember ADC when you are clearing out your wardrobes and cupboards, or if you are disposing of unwanted goods - items can be left under the table in the cloister or could be collected by arrangement. We are so grateful for your help with the envelopes or by contributing clothes etc which are now our major sources of income for our needy causes. Thank you.
THE ST JOSEPH’S PTFA are holding a summer raffle and thanks to the generosity of a range of companies we have a fantastic range of prizes on offer including lots of amazing days out.
If you would like to be in with a chance to win, tickets are £1 each and can be purchased online at
www.pta-events.co.uk/stjosephsptfa Paper tickets can be purchased from the school office.
The Lester family will be hosting a JUBILEE ART EXHIBITION fundraiser over the weekend of 10 and 11 May 2025 in the church hall at Saint Pius X, Narborough. This will be a significant event for the two local parishes as many non-parishioners are expected. Opening times are 10.30 am until 3.30 pm on Saturday 10 May 2025 and 10.30 am until 4.30 pm on Sunday 11 May 2025.
Bishop Patrick invites parishioners to join the NOTTINGHAM DIOCESAN JUBILEE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE taking place between Monday 14 and Friday 18 July 2025. The Pilgrimage includes a full liturgical programme, with Mass each day; return direct flights from East Midlands Airport to Lourdes; full board for four nights in a three- or four- star hotel; assistance (for those who need it) from the Diocesan Hospitalité and Health Team. Prices start from £899, and more details are at: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/lourdes
ENGLISH MARTYRS SCHOOL 60TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY:
Saturday 3 May 2025 10.00 am -1.00 pm. Blessing and opening of the Prayer Garden. Tour the school catch up with former Staff and pupils and many other things see poster.
The Nottingham Diocesan MISSIO MASS in thanksgiving for all Missio’s volunteers and supporters will be celebrated at Saint Winefride’s Church, Charnwood Road, Shepshed LE12 9QF on Saturday 10 May 2025 at 3.00 pm. Bishop Patrick will celebrate the Mass, joined by Father Anthony Chantry (Missio National Director) and Father Patrick Bassey (Diocesan Director for Missio). All are warmly welcome, and to stay for the refreshments after the Mass also.
CALLED TO LOVE: MASCULINE OR FEMININE, Friday 9 – Sunday 11 May 2025.
A weekend for young adults, whether single, dating or engaged, exploring the nature of masculinity and femininity. The retreat, at the Christian Heritage Centre, Lancashire, will consider the contemporary challenges to being a man and a woman and the Church’s wisdom for this, drawing particular inspiration from Saint John Paul II. For more information and to book visit https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/called-to-love/
SAFEGUARDING:
I would like to congratulate our Parish and thank you for all your help in keeping our Parish safe. It was recently commented to me that we are in the top 5 if not top 3 Parishes in the Diocese. Thank you for your cooperation in this vital work and particularly our Volunteers when they have to do our checks which make sure that we are all kept safe. Many, many thanks to our team of Christine and Teresa who lead us in this and do so much work behind the scenes. Our safeguarding is a fundamental part of the Gospel in looking after all the little ones.
ENABLING OUR MISSION CAMPAIGN:
Thank you to those of you who have already made your decision, returned your pledge form and supported this extremely important endeavour for our Diocese. Please pick up an update handout for Our Parish.
£92,538 pledged to date towards our target of £135,000. Thank you!
If you did not receive a pack through the post please pick one up in the Cloister.
https://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/mission-enabling-fund
NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL has received a £1.69m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the breathtaking original vision of architect A W N Pugin. Restoring Pugin will revive the Cathedral’s east end, and open up this heritage gem to over 20,000 people across our Cathedral city, and diocese. New tech, community activities, educational programmes, and even a video game (!) are all on the way. Read more on the diocesan website (www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news) and watch the announcement video on YouTube (www.youtube.com/@NottsDiocese). Please share this great news widely!
The Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service (NDCYS) is running an open retreat, SEARCH FOR THE LIGHT, during Easter weekend, Maundy Thursday 17 April – Easter Sunday 20 April 2025, at The Briars Catholic Youth Retreat Centre. Join the mission team as they walk with young people in Years 10 - Year 13 through the Easter Triduum.
To book visit: ndcys.com/events-and-opportunities/search/
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
Please pray for our First Holy Communion children and their families who continue their preparation this Sunday from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and will join us after the Liturgy of the Word.
THE LADIES MIDSUMMER LUNCH
in support of Saint Joseph school MHET will be on Thursday the 12 June 2025 at Marston Trussell hall at 12:30 pm tickets are £40. For tickets please contact Kate Crawford 01858 446873 / 07814629927
HOLY HOUR AND BENEDICTION:
We continue our Holy Hour on Thursdays with Exposition from 7.00 pm. There will be some meditations and finishing with Benediction about 7.50 pm. The Eucharist and the Real Presence of Our Lord is so important for us. The opportunity to come and pray with Our Lord when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed is a source of special graces.
For families with Children Why not one of the parents come and pray for the whole family for a time during the hour?.
SAFEGUARDING SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Safe Places – a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Catholic Church.
Phone 0300 303 1056 Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
The Bower House – Harborough Christian Counselling Service offers counselling to those who live in the Harborough District 01858 469257
NAPAC offers support and advice to adult survivors of childhood abuse 0808 8010331
Spiritual Abuse - www.spiritualabuse.com
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline – 0808 808 8141
More details can be found on our website by clicking Safeguarding
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 8.00 pm 19 April 2025: P Green
Sunday 10.00 am 20 April 2025: D Chappell and B Tyrell
Saturday 6.00 pm 26 April 2025: N Williamson
Sunday 10.00 am 27 April 2025: M Blake and M Douglas
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 8.00 pm 19 April 2025: B Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 20 April 2025: C McInnes, J O'Leary and S McGlone
Saturday 6.00 pm 26 April 2025: B O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 27 April 2025: T Page, T Ruane and A Randle
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.
