OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCE

 

are offered to Brenda Woodhouse and her family on the death of her sister, Veronica Smith, who died recently after a short illness. May all our departed loved ones be welcomed with mercy and love to their eternal home, as we in faith believe that our departed loved ones, through death, return to God, to their eternal home, remembering and recalling the words of Jesus Himself who said to His apostles and disciples “Where I am going, you too will follow.” We pray that all our departed loved ones are now in the presence of the Risen Lord, in the company of the angels and saints.

 

YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO AFTERNOON TEA :

 

The Third World Group would like to invite you to 46 Roman Way in Market Harborough on the 27 July, between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm for tea (or coffee), served with a scone with cream and jam,  or a piece of cake, for just £4. There will also be a raffle and tombola. Come and relax in the garden, just 4 minutes walk from the town centre, and make sure to bring your friends.

 

BACK IN TOWN - THE CREATON SINGERS :

 

The Creation Singers, who gave a concert in our Hall some 4/5 years ago, to raise funds for Fr. John Mensah’s mission in Ghana, are organising another fund raising concert for Fr. John on August 24th. Do put the date and event in your diary now, and make sure you will be free to come and have a lovely evening’s entertainment.

 

All for a worthy cause.

 

THE DIOCESAN DAY WITH DAVID WELLS:

 

Last Saturday, David Wells, a ‘son’ of Market Harborough, a National and International Speaker, Lecturer and Author, on Catechesis, Liturgy, the Church in our times and many more faith based issues and church teachings, addressed some 200 Catechists and parish helpers in general from all parishes in our diocese, on Saturday, 13 July at Trinity School in Nottingham. Sr. Helen from our Convent here in Harborough was one of the attendees and has given me the following summary of David’s talks. Read them now for yourself and reflect on their reality, depth and guidance:

 

NOTES FROM CATECHISTS DAY WITH DAVID WELLS:

 

To be Catechists:

 

Fall in love with Christ’s message; Grow in love with the Faith;  Become ever more disciples of Christ Pope Paul VI said: ‘People listen to witnesses more than teachers.’ We must be both witnesses and teachers. Teach what you want to receive ‘Give and it shall be given to you’.

 

Not just today is the Church in chaos/dying/being persecuted. Therefore, let us not give the message: ‘It’s going to get worse’. Let us not tell anyone under 25 ‘These are the best days of your life’. Let us put down the anxiety > Live in the Spirit > If God wanted, He could make disciples out of stones.

 

Pope Francis’ Gestures teach us how to behave. Notice how Pope Francis structures his communications. He begins by helping to unlearn what is unhelpful from the past. He often begins with a challenge. Notice that there are appeals and exhortations. Most of his five exhortations are about JOY.

 

We notice that first we Learn, next we Unlearn and then we Relearn.

 

This follows the pattern of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke: in the early chapters Jesus says, for example: ‘It was said to you from of old….. but I say to you’. The Jews had to unlearn ‘An eye for an eye….’ They had the wrong idea of who God was.

 

Do we know that people out there think they are not good enough to come to Church? If someone thinks they are the untidiest thing in your house they will not come back. What are Parish meetings for? We need to Reflect: ‘Is it working?’ If it isn’t, avoid repeating it. Why do young people leave? Most commonly cited reason in a recent survey was the behaviour of parents and second came the behaviour of the Community. This is not to blame the parents.

 

For example, a young person knows from science that the world wasn’t created in seven days. But if he asks his parent if the Bible is true, the parent may feel that he is supposed to say that yes, the world was created in seven days. If you want to remain yourself, you must have a friend in your life who will disagree with you, who is unlike you. Keep out of Holy Huddles!

 

Our Pentecostal friends may ask: ‘Are you saved?’ We have to remember that Conversion is both a moment and a lifetime…… The Church teaches the we are on a Pilgrimage with Jesus to the Father and it will end with our Death / our passing into eternity.

 

Learning and Unlearning > A number of years ago, everyone was going on Assertiveness Courses. Now, people are going on courses to learn how to cope with assertive people.

 

A Missionary Catechist recognises an opportunity instead of a threat.  Develop the skills to know what you are dealing with.

 

The theology of accompaniment is important for the Catechist:

 

We must walk with people and stop being focussed on the destination only

Look for green shoots

Cononcentrate on the next step

Be careful with people

 

Pope Francis said ‘A Church on the defences loses its humility and stops listening, turns into a Museum (frozen in time, held in a glass box).

 

Let us not be impeded by rigidity. Question what you’re doing: ask ‘Is there another way?’.

 

Present the truth, enjoy it, don’t be a champion of the familiar.

 

‘Sadness can be a sign of ingratitude’; Christian joy is accompanied by a sense of humour.

 

When Pope Francis says ‘Go out’, he means ‘go out from yourself’. (NB When they discover the centre of the Universe, a lot of people will be disappointed).

 

Two Heresies: Gnosticism and Plagiarism – are all about yourself: what you know and what you do.

 

Pope Francis says we must be a Church on the move… His Encyclical ‘Gaudete et Exultate’ can be translated as

 

‘CHEER UP’. Let us remember that the Gospels call us to be faithful.

 

Avoid Institutionalism: Open the doors / Go out (its not about people coming in). The Church doesn’t want to be a decoration.

 

The Pope has said: ‘Please don’t put the Holy Spirit in a cage’. He also said ‘Don’t be a photocopier!

 

NB Authenticity is your Sanctity.

 

NEWS RELEASE FROM JUBILEE FOODBANK, Friday 12 July 2019:

 

Summer holidays have now started for Leicestershire schools. Good news for children and teachers but for parents who are struggling to make ends meet it can be a worrying time. Those whose children have free school meals during term time now have the prospect of six weeks when they have to provide more meals for their children. The Jubilee Foodbank found that requests for help increased significantly for families with children under 16 during August last year, and expect a similar rise this year. 

 

The Jubilee Foodbank was set up in 2012 to support families and individuals in Market Harborough who are in food crisis and has found the need has grown over the years. Referrals come through various sources in the town including Citizens Advice, Harborough District Council, Homestart and local doctors. Several charities have supported the foodbank's increasing demands on its service and its need to move premises. Recently, the Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity, and the Market Harborough and Bowden's Charity have given significant support to help the foodbank. Now, non-perishable food will help Jubilee Foodbank to meet the summer holiday demands.  Liz Mills, Chair of Jubilee Foodbank Committee, said: “We are asking the people of Market Harborough to support the Foodbank at this difficult time for families. If everyone bought something extra to donate when they are shopping we would have enough to cover the expected requests for help.

 

Check out our website jubileefoodbank.info or our Facebook page for current shortages.” 

 

Items needed include cereals, UHT milk, tinned food such as meat, vegetables, potatoes, fruit, rice pudding; jars of jam, marmalade or fish paste. No fresh or frozen foods. Collection points for donated food are at Sainsbury's, Co-op, Waitrose, B & M, Halifax Building Society, Nationwide Building Society and Congregational Church Office.

 

MARKET HARBOROUGH STREET PASTORS:

 

Invite you to join us in a celebration service to mark our  10^th Anniversary.

 

Where: Methodist Church, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HE.

When: Friday 13 September 2019

Time: 7:30 pm start. Please arrive 15 minutes prior. 

 

We will welcome the Rev Les Isaacs, founder of Street Pastors UK, who will be delivering a speech.  Refreshment will be served after the service. We really hope you can attend and will look forward to celebrating this achievement with us. R.S.V.P.  marketharborough@streetpastors.org.uk

 

CHURCHES TOGETHER, PRAYER FOR EACH OTHER:

 

Rev. Derek Williams, Communications Officer for C.T.H writes:

 

“Churches in Harborough are good at working together on joint projects, but we're not so good at supporting each other's ongoing activities. Churches Together in Harborough would like to encourage prayer support for Christian mission, ministry and service across the district. To that end we would like to produce an occasional prayer bulletin, to be posted on the CTH website and available for churches and associated groups to reproduce or distribute in any appropriate way”.

 

BIDDING PRAYER ROTAS:

 

The new rotas for 2019 - 2020 are ready for collection from the basket in the porch. Please tick your name on taking yours. Thank you all for your regular and inspired prayers during the past year. If anyone would like to write prayers and join the rota, please contact Phil Danks on 01858 463922. Please remember Fr. Owen has a right and duty, to edit some submissions, to comply with a particular theme, or to make last minute adjustments for specific intentions.

 

HOLIDAYS AT HOME:

 

Rev. Barry Osborne, Holidays at Home team writes: 

 

“I am emailing you and other local church secretaries/administrators with the latest news. This email also complements an email sent to church leaders.

 

Firstly,  I am glad to tell you that we have almost the entire programme planned with an interesting range of activities and speakers.  We anticipate finalising everything by the end of this week. Those who have offered a hospitality team will be receiving confirmation. You will receive another communication next week with flyers also coming your way.

 

Secondly, I have to confess to deep disappointment that we have only attracted two new team members and no potential coordinators despite the advertising and emails to churches.  As we explained at the outset, this is the last year I think I can be involved because of my responsibilities caring for Doreen.  I have no other family to support.  It was therefore important to have new people shadowing  this year so that I can hand over next year.  With so many retired people in our churches it is amazing that no one is offering. We have made this a major issue for prayer and encouraged prayer in the churches.  I'm sure that God has the right people to keep this important ministry going”.

 

Anyone enquiring about joining the team will receive further information and the opportunity to explore what is involved without any obligation.

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

 

July 21st: 12 noon - Baptisms.

 

July 22nd: The burial of Ashes of a loved one.

 

July 24th: Fr Owen leaving on holidays.

 

July 27th: Afternoon tea at 46 Roman Way.

 

July 27th / 28th: Fr John Owens on duty.

 

August 1st: Fr John Mensah arriving from Ghana

 

August 3rd: 1pm - Wedding of Jason Stafford and Sian Frowen. Fr John Owens will be the Celebrant.

 

August 8th: - 7.30pm - Bingo & Supper.

 

August 15th: Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady - A Holy Day of Obligation.

 

August 24th: Concert in Hall for Fr John Mensah.

 

August 31st: 1pm - Wedding of Jane Kuzyk and David Vickers at Husbands Bosworth.

 

August 31st: LACY sponsored Funday at Rutland Water for all family members.

 

September 8th: Confirmation Class, 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm.

 

September 20th: “Musical Showtime” sponsored by our Third World Group.

 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FOR LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE SCHOOLS

 

began last Friday. It is our hope and prayer that all our families will have a wonderfully happy and safe holiday wherever you go. I hope too you will be able to find a Church reasonably near you, where you can attend Mass in whatever language it might be celebrated. The language may differ, but the Mass will always be the same. Don’t forget to bring back a newsletter with you.

 

FOR INFORMATION - COURSES ON OFFER:

 

Fulfilled: Uncovering The Biblical Foundations Of Catholicism

 

A vibrant, contemporary 7 week DVD Presentation - 30 minutes looking at the sources and significance behind all of our Rituals, Sacraments and Practices; followed by discussion.  To be held at: St Barnabas Cathedral Hall, Ellis Room, 2 pm - 3.30 pm on the following Thursdays: July 4, 11, 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22 - Mark the dates in your diary - We would love you to join us. God’s plan for us – is wild and precious….

 

Mass for Catholics Working in Healthcare

 

In recognition of the contribution Healthcare workers make to the lives of others, Bishop Patrick will be celebrating a Mass for all Catholics working in the Diocese on Saturday 7 September at 11.30 am in  St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham. If you are a Nurse, Doctor, Allied Healthcare Professional, Healthcare Support Worker, Paramedic, Ancillary staff, or work in any other role which supports the delivery of our greatly valued health and care services, you are welcome to attend the Mass  and you will also have the opportunity to meet others who work in the health and care sectors across the diocese.  The Mass will also recognise the work of all Hospital and Hospice Chaplains.   If you require any further information please contact Deacon David Knight  (Email: david@sthughslincoln.org.uk)

 

Mass for Altar Servers- Annual Guild of St Stephen Mass- Saturday 9 November 2019 

 

Bishop Patrick McKinney invites all Altar Servers and their families across the Diocese of Nottingham to the Annual Guild of St Stephen Mass on Saturday 9 November 2019 at St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham. Servers should bring their cassock and cotta or alb and be vested in Cathedral Hall at 10 am. There will be the opportunity for renewal of promises, to meet other servers and to pray for our ministry as Altar Servers. This year is a special year as the Cathedral marks 175 years and its 50th Anniversary of affiliation to the Arch Confraternity Guild of St Stephen in Westminster. For more information contact mail@nottinghamguildofststephen.co.uk

 

ANNUAL ROSARY RALLY

 

on Sunday, 1 September at Mount St Bernard Abbey, starting al 2 pm. See poster on notice board.

 

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.

 

VISITORS:

 

On Sunday 28 July, a delegation from the Hungarian Speaking Transylvanian Reformed Church are beginning a three day visit to the Congregational Church here in Harborough. If you know of any Hungarian speakers in the Harborough area (or anyone else) who would like to meet these visitors, then I’d be pleased to facilitate this. They will be interested to speak those people from their part of Europe, who have settled in our churched here. Just to confirm, for the geographically challenged, Transylvania if is a part of modern day Romania.

 

THE NEW DATA PROTECTION ACT:

 

A registration form to comply with the new Data protection Act has now been prepared for our parish, approved by the Diocese and accepted by our Parish Pastoral Council. Beginning in January every family in our Parish, or attached to our parish, will be invited to fill in a registration form.

 

THE PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION:

 

The purpose of storing this data is to assist in the administration of the parish. The information also helps the priest in his pastoral role, e.g. at times of bereavement or family emergencies.

 

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.