Our Lady of Victories News
FR OWEN’S FUNERAL:
Sadly, due to Government COVID-19 restrictions it will not be possible for all those who would like to attend Fr Owen’s Funeral Mass to be present. Government restrictions mean that a maximum of thirty people can be in attendance.
Fr Owen’s mortal remains will be received Into Our Lady of Victories Church, Market Harborough, at a 6.00 pm Mass on Sunday 25 April 2021. Mass will be celebrated for the repose of Fr Owen’s soul led by Fr John Joe Maloney.
Bishop Patrick will be the Principal Celebrant at Fr Owen’s Funeral Mass which will take place at 11.00 am on Monday 26 April 2021. Only those who have been specifically invited will be allowed to attend in person.
However, both the Mass for the Reception and Fr Owen’s Funeral Mass will be live streamed to enable family members, friends and parishioners who are unable to be present in person to join together in saying their farewell to Fr Owen. Also we will inform you of the route the hearse will take when he is received into Church on Sunday evening so you can pay your respects along the route in safety!
It was Fr Owen’s wish to be buried in his native Ireland and so, after the Funeral Mass on Monday 26 April 2021, Fr Owen’s mortal remains will be transported to Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, Ireland for a Funeral Mass and burial on Saturday 1 May 2021. Those closest to Fr Owen and responsible for ensuring that his wishes are met will be working on the practical arrangements and as soon as more details are available these will be published.
Some people have been asked to attend representing Fr Owen’s family some groups within the Parish and Community and indeed there will be one or two guests from his previous Parishes but I am hoping there will be space at the vigil Mass for more people from the Parish.
To give the same fair opportunity to all those who would like to be present anyone who would like to attend in person is asked to email Fr Chris parishpriest@olvic.com by 12 noon on Thursday 22nd April expressing their wish and giving contact details. Places will then be allocated “by drawing lots” and those whose names are drawn will be duly notified.
We have a live streaming viewing room: for both Masses for Fr Owen. In addition to the livestreaming, you will see that the page contains some lovely photos, a link to the online donations page for CAFOD and a Tribute from Fr John Joe Maloney and you can leave messages of condolences as well:
Also Fr Owen's family in Ireland have opened a Book of Condolence if you wish to add your own message:
You can find details of all the arrangements by clicking here. This link will be updated as soon as any further details are available. This was last updated on Saturday 17 April 2021.
On-line Booking for Mass
Latest News: If you are a couple living in the same house or bubble you only need to book one seat!
As we gradually come out of lockdown, after long reflection I have decided to move to on-line booking for Mass. I have been asked to do this by many of the younger families who find this much more convenient and it is easy for those who have internet access. Also you can see at a glance if a Mass is full. This will be happening more and more as numbers increase with the vaccine roll out but social distancing remains.
We have our own Diocesan website for all the Churches to book Mass: https://massbooking.uk/
How do I do it?
- You just sign up with your details and create a password (write it down!) NB confirmation email could go to spam folder
- Click on the Churches tab and select our Church which is under Leicester and you will see a booking button next to the particular Mass. (They appear about a week ahead.) Now you can book your seat or seats or choose to book for someone else.
- Some seats are allocated as family benches which are particularly for those who are 4 or more in a family or part of a “social bubble”. (there are 2 family benches at present)
- For Couples or 3 people in a bubble, I suggest you book one place as you can sit together giving all your names.
- For 4 people in a bubble if there are no family benches left I suggest you book 2 places
- If you cannot come please cancel the booking. You can go to my details on the web page when you have signed in. Someone else can use your place.
- Booking closes 4 hours before the Mass.
How do I book if I am not online or find it difficult?
You can ask a family member or friend to do it for you. I would ask people to help those they know who do not have internet access. You can book for others with their details. That would help me. Otherwise you can email me parishpriest@olvic.com or ring me at the Church (01858 462359). It will only take me a couple of seconds to book you in.
What about weekday Masses?
Booking is not strictly necessary at the moment as they are not full. However it is helpful to the Stewards who will only have to tick your name.
There is a very good help section on the website.
Please remember the following:
You should not turn up for Mass if you feel unwell particularly if you experience a new persistent cough, a high temperature, or a change in your sense of smell or taste.
All must enter the Church through the through the Fairfield Road doorPlease come in good time so we do not have large gatherings.Please sit where you are shown by the stewards for safety reasons. You can no longer choose which side.Our Lady’s side to leave by the Coventry Road door and Sacred Heart side from Fairfield Road.Please do not stop and linger near the doors as this is unsafe and causes a hold up for people leaving.Please do not mix with people outside your bubble.Remember to always keep your 2m distance and remember there is no rush to leave Church.
We will continue to review Mass in the light of our local situation.
Confessions is a difficult one at the moment! But I will be available as always on Saturday at 11.00 am.
God Bless you all and especially all who are isolating and unable to come to Church.
Those of you with internet please print off a copy of the Newsletter for Parishioners who do not have the internet. Paper copies are available at church.
May God bless you all and your loved ones in these coming days of grace.
Fr Chris
NB ESSENTIAL:
It is absolutely essential to pre book your intention of coming to Mass. Unless you have previously booked, and all places are filled to our limited capacity, it will not be possible or permissible for us to let you in. It goes without saying that this disappoints and hurts us as much as it does you, and especially so the stewards who have the responsibility to implement the very strict rules and regulations imposed on us by Government Law, together with our Church Compliance and implementing of those laws. Also please note that nobody should, or can enter the Church for Mass without being greeted and taken to a seat by one of the stewards.
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.
Both Church doors will be open.
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.
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 Chris
SOME LINKS FOR FOLLOWING MASS ONLINE
There is a good website: www.churchservices.tv with regular Masses from all over the country.
St Barnabas Cathedral will be live streaming Mass accessed at:
Also Walsingham is very popular at: https://www.walsingham.org.uk
Bishop Patrick tends to stream his Mass on Sundays via: www.youtube.com/channel/UCaf7upUMsn3Kl8GD79FotjQ/featured
(This can be found by searching for 'Bishop Patrick McKinney' on YouTube)
FOR OUR LITTLE CHURCH AGE GROUP AND YOUTH:
CAFOD also have Children's Liturgy activity resources on their website. Please see the link:
There is also https://video.ewtn.com/kids/ which has videos for children including Stations of the Cross.
Also St Mary's Parish and School Derby have a podcast channel - https://www.mixcloud.com/DerbyCatholic/ Sundays 9 am - Children's Liturgy.
Also check out our Youth Service NDCYS for their live streaming on you tube: https://ndcys.com
NDCYS (Nottingham Diocese Catholic Youth Service) have a "YouTube" Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP-_eQ-lNxAhDYRhy8KdP8Q
FR CHRIS: THOUGHTS ON THE READINGS:
Our gospel today seems to be Luke's description of the appearance of our Lord which we heard last week from Saint John when the risen Lord gave his Church the ministry to forgive sins through the Power of the Holy Spirit which he breathed on them. That is the theme today too. It is as if the church wants to emphasise message of Easter of the forgiveness of sins - the gift of mercy again and again.
St Peter does not mince his words in the first reading: he names the evil committed by the leaders and people of Israel in killing Jesus and simply calls them to repentance and conversion. It struck me how direct Peter is at various moments of his preaching in the Acts. I wonder how often we name evil and wrong. Do we challenge people - Our friends and family work colleagues as Peter did in a gentle but clear way? Or do we just keep quiet with our heads down and let moments pass, assenting to wrong by our silence. Yet there was a great response to Peter’s call to repentance on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus in the Gospel sees this as an essential part of what it is to be a missionary disciple. He opens the hearts and minds of the disciples to understand the scriptures which all pointed to him in numerous ways particularly to his suffering, death and resurrection. But not only that but also that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations in his name through his witnesses. The witnesses of course are all of us in various ways. In our various vocations and spheres of life. This is the fruit of his death and resurrection that repentance and forgiveness should be preached and made present. We can put that in another way: to bring the resurrection to people.
But first we must repent and experience forgiveness. Easter is the time of forgiveness of sins because it is a fruit of Christ’s passion death and resurrection. We often talk about “Easter duties” in respect of making a confession before Trinity Sunday as a minimum. However, it does remind us that this is precisely the time to make a good confession if we have not done so recently. Indeed, it may be many years since we have made a confession. We may be embarrassed or afraid. I say: do not be afraid to come during this time to meet the risen Lord to touch his wounds and encounter his merciful love as we said last week. We can thus share the Good News of repentance and forgiveness as true witnesses from personal experience with those we meet - that certain hope that things can change and that when we change a whole bright future is there waiting for us.
God bless you and your families!
Fr. Chris
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION:
I recommend that you pray this prayer every. morning.
A “Spiritual Communion” encouraged when we are unable to receive Holy Communion Sacramentally. This prayer was composed by St Alphonsus Liguori:
My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since this moment I cannot receive you sacramentally, I embrace you as being already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
RECENT DEATHS
Please remember those who have died:
James Van Der Liet whose funeral is on 23 April 2021, Gurmen Sari whose funeral is on Wednesday 21 April 2021, Dennis White and Bridget West. Our condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.
POSSIBLE DATES FOR REOPENING
Baptisms and Weddings from 17 May 2021 with up to 30 people
1st Holy Communion will be celebrated in late June
APF RED BOXES:
Could you please bring in your boxes for emptying?
THIRD WORLD GROUP:
Just a gentle reminder that the Third World Group is still selling clothes and other items through Ebay to try and maintain donations to our six charities. Please could you possibly make us your first choice Charity Shop at the moment by leaving any unwanted clothing, shoes, books etc in our box in the cloister or arrangements could be made to collect from your home - with strictest safety measures in place. Please contact Chris 01536 711560, or Judith or Margaret at church.
Many thanks to everyone for continuing to help all those in our world who are so very needy
ALTAR SERVERS: We’re on our way back!
If you were fortunate enough to get a place at Mass over Easter you will have noticed Fr Chris has an assistant on the Sanctuary. Until restrictions are eased, we are allowed one Server or two from the same family or bubble at Mass. We have to wear a mask and gloves and keep our 2m social distance. I am putting together a rota for existing Servers who are comfortable to come back and assist so am having a phone around, trouble is I don’t have all the numbers (parents number for the younger Servers) so if I haven’t called you please do get in touch on 07981 205861 and I’ll add you to the rota. Absolutely no pressure to come back if you or your parents are not comfortable, we will be happy to see you as and when the world opens up a bit more. Thanks to everyone and Stay Safe.
Dave Percival.
APRIL WINNERS OF VICTORY PRIZE DRAW:
1st Prize £70 ticket No 94 R Sambrook2nd Prize £30 ticket No 112 J Loakes3rd Prize £20 ticket No 107 J Masding
Many thanks.
A FATHER’S HEART - A PODCAST FOR CATHOLIC DADS:
The Diocese of Nottingham has launched a new Podcast to celebrate the Year of St Joseph. A Father’s Heart takes its name from Patris Corde (Pope Francis’ letter that launched this special year). This letter is split into 7 sections, each highlighting a different characteristic of St Joseph’s fatherhood. Each month the podcast will pick a section for 2 dads, from around the diocese, to reflect on and discuss. Find out how to listen (and subscribe) by going to: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/podcasts’
SHARING THER CHURCH’S STORY:
Catholic Voices will be hosting an online conference exploring simple, powerful tips and workshops so that everyone can share the Church’s story with charity, clarity, and confidence. Register for the conference on Saturday 17th April here: https://smartcatholics.com/sharing-church-story/
COMPLETE THE SURVEY: HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOU AND YOUR FAITH?
Bishop Patrick would like to hear from you! The Diocese of Nottingham has launched a short survey in order to deepen its understanding of Covid-19’s impact on all Catholics across the diocese. Bishop Patrick is eager to know more about peoples’ experiences of the pandemic, with a view to ensuring that the faithful are well supported and understood in the years ahead. Please visit https://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/whats-on/news/share-your-story-how-has-covid-19-affected-you-and-your-faith and fill out the short questionnaire. Please encourage other parishioners to do so. The deadline for submissions is July 4th 2021.
TO OUR CATHOLIC UNIVERSE AND CATHOLIC TIMES READERS IN THE PARISH:-
At the moment you are unable to collect your paper at Mass, but you can get it delivered direct to your home every week, POST FREE. Please go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com or call them on 0161 820 5722 and they will arrange for you. SPECIAL OFFER 3 MONTHS :-£25.00; 12 Months:- £99.00 Or DIGITAL COPY:- 12 Months: £55.00.
CATHOLIC NEWS
in England and Wales Please see the Bishop’s website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/news-and-media/news/
GRAPEVINE 21 - Easter Greetings - new edition:
Grapevine is the Diocesan Newsletter for Adult formation , Justice & Peace and Caritas in our diocese.
This week there are various bits of news and events.
JUBILEE FOODBANK:
The Most Useful Foods Cartons of long life semi-skimmed milk, Tinned Meat, Tinned
Chicken, Instant Mash Potato sachets, Porridge Oats, 1 litre cartons of Fruit Juice, Sandwich Paste, Tinned Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, peas), Soap.
The following supermarkets are still kindly collecting for us: Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, B&M an both Coops. Refill Revolution at the Eco Village is our newest donation point. Lidl is on board now too! Thank you to the supermarkets and the work of their teams!
We do not need: Beans, tinned tomatoes, tinned fish, soup, fizzy drinks, pasta & meatballs, pasta sauce, rice, cereal, tins or large/family size packets of
biscuits.
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.
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.
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
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 Chris.
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.