Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
The Missionary Sisters of Saint Peter Claver will be here on 27 and 28 April 2024 to appeal on behalf of the Sisters Mission Committee of England and Wales. They will tell us about their missionary work and will be grateful for your support.
Sadly we have two funerals, Bill O’Reilly this week on 18 April 2024 at 1.00 pm. Please pray for all the family.
Also we have the funeral of young Matthew Liddle who died on Good Friday. His funeral will be on Friday 26 April 2024 at 1.30 pm. Please pray for Jon and Karen.
May they rest in peace.
CONFIRMATION 2024:
We are due to prepare our children for Confirmation. We aim to do this every three years. I am hoping that Bishop Patrick will come in the Autumn in October. I would like to get a group together who might be interested in helping with catechesis. If you would like to help please contact or email Fr Chris (parishpriest@olvic.com). We are also looking for an organiser for this. As for all these roles we need to do a DBS check.
Take part in a nationwide act of witness to the lives of the 10 million unborn babies killed by abortion since the implementation of the Abortion Act in April 1968. The Nottingham SPUC Pro-Life Chain will be on Trent Bridge, West Bridgford, from 10.00 am until midday on Saturday 20 April 2024. Meet at the Brewhouse and Kitchen pub on the north side of the bridge, at 9.55 am. For more information, please contact John on 07757 815 625 or email pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk. Be a voice for the voiceless.
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.
There are New Year Books available for £6 with a few articles and of course obituaries from last year. You can buy them on the card reader.
Keep up your prayers for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Say the Rosary.
Fr Chris PP
The government’s flagship CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL has two important amendments, that will likely be debated and voted on shortly in the House of Commons, that could fundamentally change our laws on abortion. We uphold the dignity and value of every human life from conception to natural end and have clear views on these amendments.
New Clause 1 (NC1) – Decriminalisation An amendment New Clause 1 (NC1) has been tabled by Dame Diana Johnson MP. This amendment would remove offences that make it illegal for a woman to perform her own abortion at any point right through to birth. These changes to the law would apply throughout all nine months of pregnancy and would create a situation where abortion, including sex-selective abortion, is legal at any stage.
As Pope Francis says: “It is troubling to see how simple and convenient it has become for some to deny the existence of a human life as a solution to problems that can and must be solved for both the mother and her unborn child”. In England and Wales, both unborn child and pregnant mother deserve full protection under our laws, as some of the most vulnerable in our society. As such we oppose this amendment.
New Clause 15 (NC15) – Upper Limit This amendment has been tabled by Caroline Ansell MP, representing a cross-party group of 25 MPs, with a view to changing the law to lower the abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. Due to advances in medical science, many babies can now survive before Britain’s 24-week limit. The current limit is also double that of most of our neighbouring countries. We would encourage MPs to support this amendment.
Cf Opposing the Decriminalisation of Abortion - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)
Would you like to learn how to have a meaningful and productive conversation on abortion with those around you? In our secular society most people think abortion is okay, because it is legal. So how can we discuss our views with others on this sensitive but important issue? Come to the RETHINK ABORTION INTERACTIVE TRAINING DAY on Saturday 11 May 2024 and meet other like-minded people and so become confident in sharing our beliefs in the most effective way. The day is held at Trinity School, Aspley (NG8 3EP), from 10.00 am until 4.30 pm, and the cost is £25 per person, including a sandwich lunch and drinks.
Bookings can be made at: https://TimetoRethinkAbortionNottingham.eventbrite.com
RETROUVAILLE – Do you need help in your marriage?
Retrouvaille has helped many couples find new hope, nourishment and growth in their marriages. If you want to uncover or reawaken the love, trust and commitment that brought you together and work through difficult times in your marriage contact Retrouvaille confidential for more information about our 2024 programmes. There is no group therapy or group work. Our next programme commences with a weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 14 - 16 June 2024.
Call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443, email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com - or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
A REFLECTION FROM POPE FRANCIS FOR THE YEAR OF PRAYER, Third Sunday of Easter:
The beauty and mystery of Creation create in the human heart the first impulse that evokes prayer (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2566). It is an experience that many of us have had. If life's events, with all their bitterness, sometimes risk choking the gift of prayer that is within us, it is enough to contemplate a starry sky, a sunset, a flower..., in order to rekindle a spark of thanksgiving.
You can download or stream it from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and more or by visiting www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/yearofprayer A prayer sheet is available
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?.
The Nottingham Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Patrick between Monday 15 and Friday 19 July 2024. By air from East Midlands Airport directly to Lourdes, prices for the full-board five-day pilgrimage start at £819, including a full liturgical programme, and medical care and assistance for those who need it.
For more details visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/lourdes or email the Pilgrimage Deputy Director at simon.gillespie@dioceseofnottingham.uk
WALSINGHAM 2024:
Join people from around the Diocese of Nottingham for the annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham. Gather together with Bishop Patrick on Saturday 15 June 2024 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham as we seek Our Lady of Walsingham’s intercession for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Diocese.
Could we get a coach together? Please sign up if you are interested.
THE LADIES MIDSUMMER LUNCH
in support of Saint Joseph’s School will be on Thursday 13 June 2024 at Marston Trussell Hall 12 noon – 4.00 pm. Tickets are £40. For tickets please contact Kate Crawford 01858 446873.
WEEKLY ROSARY GROUP
meets every Sunday 3.30 - 4.00 pm outside in front of the statue of Our Lady praying especially for Peace and Reconciliation in Society. Contact Maureen Douglas 07966 515115.
Do you want to GO DEEPER into the treasures of our Catholic faith? Join us on the third Tuesday (this month that’s 16 April 2024) in the Kavanagh Room 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm where we will say Evening Prayer together, discuss a text from St Teresa of Avila (a great teacher of prayer) and share a period of silent prayer together. For more info phone 07714 651756 or email cpblamires@aol.com
ADC (Aid to Developing Countries) group would like to extend our very sincere thanks for your continued support through the envelope scheme and with your generous donations for Ebaying - both of which have been invaluable and have enabled us to send help to our very deserving charities. We have recently had an update from Father Ed in Peru who is hoping to pay us a visit in Spring to give us an update on his projects there.
We have recently been asked to support a small community in Africa by collecting children's clothes to be sent out to Gambia We would therefore be most grateful if you could possibly fill our box in the Cloister with any outgrown or unwanted baby / child's clothing of any age for us to donate. Many thanks again for all your efforts to help the poor and underprivileged.
CAFOD
The Church relies on people getting involved. Our parish, our community, our world needs you. Could your New Year’s resolution be getting more involved in the life of our Church? Which aspects of Church brings you life or joy? Could you give a bit of time to help those parts flourish? CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, is looking for people to give some time and join in its mission. Could you help in your parish, inspiring our Church to help build a better world or by visiting our local schools? Maybe you could raise a voice and campaign for justice, or perhaps speak for CAFOD throughout the area? Could you support local volunteers or share your admin or people skills to help CAFOD keep costs low? Roles are flexible to meet your availability, and full training and support are provided.
See cafod.org.uk/Volunteer for more information or get in touch with Will, the local CAFOD worker, on wcruddace@cafod.org.uk or 07710 094455. Or could you take part in The Big Lent Walk? cafod.org.uk/walk
RED BOXES:
Many thanks to everyone who continues to find coins to put into their Red Boxes (increasingly difficult in post Covid/card only times) to help the poor and needy in our world. Your support is so much needed and very greatly appreciated. As always, please leave your box on the table in the Cloister and it will be returned after emptying, to the same place. Should anyone wish to help by taking a box, please speak to Father Chris or to Bob and Chris Shepherd. Thank you very much once more.
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
PARISH GIVING
Many thanks to all who continue giving to the Parish.
Envelopes for the financial year which began on 6 April 2024 are available after all Masses. If you would like some please speak to Kate or Fr Chris.
Anyone who would like to give through Standing Order or is new to the parish please pick up a form in the Narthex. There are also Gift Aid Forms in the cloister near the wall.
Name of account: Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough RCP
Sort Code: 30 - 95- 47 Account: 00068953
Just put a note to say it is church donation. If You are a tax payer you can pick up a gift Aid Form (if you have not completed one) at the Church or email Fr Chris parishpriest@olvic.com and I can send you one by email. We can claim an extra 25% on top of anything you give if you are tax payer.
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.
FINANCE (7 April 2024):
Envelopes: £416.98, Loose: £249.93, Standing Order: - , Total: £666.91
VICTORY PRIZE DRAW - MARCH AND APRIL 2024 WINNERS:
March:
First Prize - £60 - J F Nowakowski - ticket number 124
Second Prize - £25 - J Masding - ticket number 107
Third Prize - £15 - J Davis - ticket number 59
April:
First Prize - £60 - M Naef - ticket number 76
Second Prize - £25 - M Packer - ticket number 46
Third Prize - £15 - P Armstrong - ticket number 55
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 13 April 2024: J Rowland
Sunday 10.00 am 14 April 2024: B Tyrell and D Chapell
Saturday 6.00 pm 20 April 2024: J Snaith
Sunday 10.00 am 21 April 2024: M Douglas and M Blake
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 13 April 2024: P Bebb
Sunday 10.00 am 14 April 2024: K Crawford, P Green and W Kwatz
Saturday 6.00 pm 20 April 2024: A Hall
Sunday 10.00 am 21 April 2024: J O'Leary, S McGlone and C McInnes
Saturday 6.00 pm 27 April 2024: M O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 28 April 2024: J Shellard, T Page and T Ruane
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.
