Who do I contact to reserve a place?

 

For those wishing to come to the 6.00 pm Mass on Saturday please ring Judith Snaith on 01858 419108 between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

 

For those wishing to come to the 9.00 am Mass on Sunday please ring Jo Shellard on 01858 440983 between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

 

For those wishing to come to the 11.00 am Mass on Sunday please ring Stephen McGlone on 01858 465939 between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

 

Please only ring on the above stated evenings and times.

 

Reminders

 

Don’t forget to bring and wear a Face Mask.

 

Please follow the stewards requests at all times.

 

Sanitise your hands on entering and leaving the Church.

 

 

Please remain seated or standing during Mass. Do not kneel.

 

Remember the Church must be cleaned and sanitised after every service.

 

Please remember also that all toilets WILL NOT be in use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your help and cooperation in everyway is required and expected.

 

You must book beforehand to come to Mass because of limited places.

 

Because we are observing the distance of a metre plus, face Masks must be worn by all from the moment you step inside the Church door, to the end of Mass when you step outside the Church door.

 

If you happen to forget to bring your mask, we have some disposable ones available for you to purchase at 60p. each. We would request that children of 12 years and upwards, wear a mask during Mass.

 

PLEASE NOTE that Maggie is still making washable fabric Face Masks and can be contacted on 01858 - 461909

 

Both Church doors will be open. Those wishing to sit on Our Lady’s statue side of the Church, please enter through the front door entrance on Coventry Road.

      

Those wishing to sit on the Sacred Heart Altar side, please enter by the side doors on Fairfield Road.

 

After you have sanitised your hands, you will be taken to your seat by a steward. During Mass, you can remain seated or stand as you wish, but please do not kneel. You will leave the Church through the door you came in through.

 

Whilst our car parks will be opened, you will have to walk around the outside to enter the Church. You will not be able to come through the Hall doors as you normally will have done.

 

Also please be aware that the toilets will not be in use.

 

With every good wish to you all, and God’s blessings to you and your loved ones.

 

Fr. Owen.

 

Questions people are asking:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why have you changed Mass times?

 

This is a temporary measure, so that those who have to clean and sanitise the Church after everybody has gone on a Saturday evening, can do so without disturbance and get to their homes in reasonable time. Likewise on Sunday Mornings, there must be at least an hour to give time for cleaning and getting ready for the 11a.m Mass.

 

Why no Mass at Husbands Bosworth?

 

The Church has not been approved for reopening for services. Because it is so small and narrow, Social Distancing would create big problems, with very few being able to attend, so it will remain without it’s Sunday Morning Mass until further notice.

 

Why are only so few allowed to go to any one Mass:

 

As already stated many, many times, we must adhere to Social Distancing. The Church has had to be adapted to the maximum it can admit for any one service.

 

Why are we asked to wear a Face Mask in Church?

 

Again because we have opted for the metre plus in distancing, as against the 2 metre, we are required to wear a Mask for obvious reasons.

 

Why can’t we sing our hymns and have music?

 

To prevent the droplets from your mouth from spreading further out. Apparently singing spreads the droplets further afield than just speaking.

 

Why are we not using our Mass books?

 

To prevent the spread of any germs which might be already there, or which may attach themselves from your hands to the surface of the cover or the pages.

 

Why only one Reader and why must she/he sanitise and wear gloves during that ministry?

 

One Reader cuts down the movement within the Church, also helping to curtail any possibility of passing on any signs of the virus to anybody else. Gloves are worn because the Lectionary and microphone may be touched inadvertently or otherwise by the Reader.

 

Why are we not allowed to pick up a Newsletter on our way in to Mass as against when leaving?

 

Any paper, books etc. that you might touch can become infected. So the idea is that any loose leaflets such as the Newsletter, should be picked up on your way out and taken away with you. Please, please, do not leave any loose leaflets, papers, sheets of any kind behind you in Church. Take them home with you and dispose of them appropriately.

 

Why are we not allowed to walk along the Cloister and go through the Rooms etc. to the Hall and into the car park as we have always done.? 

 

Again for very practical reasons. Any area that has been used for whatever reason or for access, must be cleaned and sanitised. The less area and equipment used, the less the cleaning afterwards by our volunteer stewards.

 

What is the biggest change we can expect next Sunday, or whenever we feel ready and able to go back to Mass:

 

The biggest change will be the lay out of the Church and being shepherded by stewards, remembering that you will not be able to sit in your customary seat, that you will not be able to ramble around to greet or chat with your friends whom you have not seen for weeks. There will be a complete change in atmosphere in the Church. The celebration of Mass will be much shorter than usual, to try and prevent you being “indoors together” for as short as possible. But your great reward, happiness and joy, will be in being able to receive our Divine Lord again in Holy Communion. What a blessing that will be for all of you who have been denied that joy, that great privilege of receiving your Eucharistic Lord for such a long time. Like St. Paul you will be saying :  “I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me”.

 

Will we be able to receive Holy Communion?

 

Yes indeed you will in the hand only, through the Sacred Host. You will not be able to receive from the Chalice. You will receive further instructions at Mass re. approach, keeping the correct distance, stretching out your hand as far as possible, and how you will return to your place. Again following the advice of the stewards will be absolutely essential for all of us. By the way, you will not see any Altar Servers on the Altar for the time being, or anybody allowed on to the Sanctuary except the Eucharistic Minister(s) on duty. He/she will have to sanitise, keeping the Social Distancing, as will the Priest, before and after distribution.

 

Why are we using both Church doors for entry and exit?

 

Again in the hope that this will help with the Social Distancing required. Those entering the side doors will be asked to use the seats on the Sacred Heart Altar side. Those who come through the front doors on Coventry Road will be asked to use the seats on Our Lady’s Statue side of the Church. You will leave the Church via the door you entered through.

 

Please remember the importance of the required Social Distancing.

 

Lastly, remember that during this time of pandemic, only those who feel ready, those who feel comfortable with it, those who are fit and healthy, should consider coming to Mass. Those with serious underlying health issues, and those who are very elderly, should not consider coming at this time. Remember your Sunday obligation to attend Mass has been suspended during this time. So please do not take any chances if you are not comfortable. Do not take any risk, and certainly do not put others in any danger of risk. For those who cannot come for whatever reason, at this time, be assured that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of all who can, and will come to Mass. God bless you all and keep safe.

 

SMALL STEPS BUT WONDERFUL RELIEF AND BLESSING:

 

What a joy and blessing it was to be able to celebrate Mass again in our Church last weekend, with a congregation, though limited - present. There was a lovely feeling and sense of being back in our own HOME again. Although the liturgy was ”somewhat muted and very low church”, it was such a blessing to welcome home those who came and to assure those who are not yet ready to take that step that you were all remembered and prayed for.

 

If you intend coming to our weekend Mass, you must pre book. This idea of pre booking goes entirely against our open door policy and welcome for all who wish to come. But in these challenging and strange times, pre booking is absolutely essential for social distancing - spaces and places being limited - and also of course for the safety and wellbeing of all present. You will be met at the door by a steward who will confirm that your name is on the booking list. The steward will then lead you to your seat in Church, families, will of course sit together. Please note that everybody must wear a face mask which covers both your mouth and your nose Apparently not everybody has been covering their nose with the mask. Mouth and nose must be kept covered all the time, except of course when you drop the mask to receive Holy Communion.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

Lastly, remember that during this time of pandemic, only those who feel ready, those who feel comfortable with it, those who are fit and healthy, should consider coming to Mass. Those with serious underlying health issues, and those who are very elderly, should not consider coming at this time. Remember your Sunday obligation to attend Mass has been suspended during this time. So please do not take any chances if you are not comfortable. Do not take any risk, and certainly do not put others in any danger of risk. For those who cannot come for whatever reason, at this time, be assured that you will be in the thoughts and prayers of all who can, and will come to Mass. God bless you all and keep safe.

 

LACY Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth: 

 

will be celebrating the feast of The Assumption on line, via Zoom, on Sunday 16^th August at 4.00 pm.  We warmly invite all young people, their families, friends and parishioners to share this exciting liturgy with us.  We will be remembering especially in our prayers those young people receiving their exam results in August.  Fr. Simon Gillespie will be leading us in our prayer and reflection.  We are also looking for people to share in the liturgy and this could be YOU!  We will enjoy to hear from you as we are looking forward to another AMAZING celebration!  Contact us via email at paulinepayne@hotmail.com  Please ensure that all under 18 years of age do ask parents/guardians to make the contact and when sharing the celebration should be on line with the young person.  On the Solemnity of the Assumption, let us remember our Mother Mary who is in Heaven and who loves us very much.

 

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU: 

 

You will have read in the Newsletter a few weeks ago a request for sponsorship towards the purchase of a specially made power wheel chair for Milosz, now that he is moving on to Secondary School, and has outgrown his current wheel chair. Glad to report that the £6,000 plus required for this special chair has now been raised and an order placed for the new wheel chair. Milosz  and his family have asked that their thanks and appreciation be passed on to all who supported this appeal. A special word of thanks to the Organisers and his pal Stanley, who ran a mile a day for 26 days, to complete his sponsored marathon. Congratulations and very well done to one and all.

 

THANK YOU: THANK YOU: THANK YOU:

 

As I have done in previous years, so also this year as I present our accounts for 2019/2020 to you, for your information, interest and digestion (please see the Newsletter for details).  You will be glad to see that our parish is financially healthy, which gives me great relief, joy and assurance that I am handing over the parish to my successor, knowing that there are sufficient funds in our account to meet any essential and hidden repairs and maintenance that maybe necessary in the future. Our account is healthy, thanks to each and every parishioner, who has contributed in anyway whatsoever. You have made it so. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Special thanks to those who have made my accountability so much easier - our many counting teams; our folks who balance and bank; our parish accountant - God bless her - what would I have done without you Angela; our Gift Aid organisers who do so much sterling work; the many who quietly and willingly step in to help when required. To all of you, dear parishioners of every age - Thank you; thank you; thank you.

 

WANTED: WANTED:

 

Your foreign coins and used or unused stamps - all can be sorted and valued, with profits to our Bazaar fund.

See Fr Owen 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.

 

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.