Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear All
This weekend we welcome John Edwards the Bishop’s Pro Life Coordinator who will give the White Flower Appeal and will be available after the 11.00am Mass for coffee and discussion in the Hall.
We have managed this week to install the new boiler in the hall which went well thank God. So I hope that we have no further problems with the heating there. Thank you for the patience that the various users have shown. Thank you to Jon Randle for their excellent work.
It was lovely to gather in the Baptist Church for the Christian Unity Service and experience their more free flowing style of prayer and worship.
PS There is a lady in Fleckney who needs a lift to church. Is there anyone who can oblige?
FUNERALS:
Grace Cotter died on Saturday 14 January 2023. Her funeral will be on Friday 3 February 2023 at 10.00 am. Our condolences to Mary, Trish and Eammon.
May she rest in peace.
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 28 January 2023: J Snaith
Sunday 9.00 am 29 January 2023: F Thompson
Sunday 11.00 am 29 January 2023: B Tyrell
Saturday 6.00 pm 4 February 2023: J Rowland
Sunday 9.00 am 5 February 2023: D Chappell
Sunday 11.00 am 5 February 2023: R van der Liet
Fr Chris PP
FIRST COMMUNION
Our children have started their First Communion sessions and each session will take place in between the Masses with the children joining their parents and the congregation after the Liturgy of the Word.
Please pray for them and their Catechists.
SPUC White Flower appeal 2023:
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children will be holding its annual appeal this weekend. SPUC wants a world where abortion is unthinkable, and is raising awareness of the widespread problem of abortion coercion.
According to an independent poll, 87% of GP’s are concerned that the governments “pills by post” scheme leaves women vulnerable to coerced abortion. SPUC Is calling on the Prime Minister to contend this abhorrent tragedy. as generous as you can to help SPUC defend unborn babies and their mothers by highlighting this urgent crisis.
The appeal will be made by John Edwards who was a deputy head teacher in the Becket School in Nottingham. Bishop Patrick has asked him to be the Pro-Life Coordinator in the diocese which he does on a voluntary basis. He will also fill us in I am sure with an update of the Pro-Life activities and indeed situation in this country. I am sure he will encourage us and our small Pro-Life group which needs further members for this vital work.
There will be Coffee after the 11.00 am Mass for people to meet John when he will answer any questions and speak further.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY, 27 January:
Bishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Bishop’s Conference’s International Affairs department, is encouraging us to pause and remember the millions who were murdered and pray that “love will triumph over evil.” On Holocaust Memorial Day, we pray for the six million people who were murdered and all those affected by the Holocaust. We also remember those who suffered and died in the genocides that followed. This year’s theme is Ordinary People, recognizing that it was ordinary people who fell victim to ordinary people perpetrating evil acts, while so many ordinary people stood by. It was also the bravery and selflessness of ordinary people that helped to rescue others.
“Each one of us has the capacity for both immense good and for evil. As we take a moment to pause from our daily lives, let us reflect upon our own responsibility to prevent future genocides and consider how we view marginalised people in our communities. We commit ourselves to stand against antisemitism, injustice and prejudice wherever it might be found. Together we remember the Holocaust and pray that love will triumph over evil.”
Some words from Pope Francis in an address to Participants in a liturgical Conference in Rome on Saturday.
One of the aims of the Council was to accompany the faithful in recovering the capacity to live liturgical action fully and to be astonished at what happens in the celebration under our very eyes (cf. Desiderio desideravi, 31). Note that it does not speak about aesthetic joy, for example, or the aesthetic sense, no, but rather wonder. Wonder is different to aesthetic pleasure: it is the encounter with God. Only the encounter with the Lord gives you wonder. …. And finally, I urge you to cultivate silence. In this age, we talk, we talk… Silence. Especially before the celebrations – a moment that is at times taken for a social gathering. We talk: “Ah, how are you? Is everything going well? Why not?”. Silence helps the assembly and concelebrants to concentrate on what is to be done. Often sacristies are noisy before and after celebrations, but silence opens and prepares for the mystery: it is silene that enables you to prepare for the mystery, it permits its assimilation, and lets the echo of the Word that is listened to resound. Fraternity is beautiful; greeting one another is beautiful, but it is the encounter with Jesus that gives meaning to our gathering, to our coming together. We must rediscover and cherish silence!
INTER CARE WITH LACY:
Leicestershire Active Catholic Youth warmly invite all young people, families and friends to join them on Sunday 12 March 2023 at 2.00 pm in a social walk, doing laps of Knighton Park, Leicester to raise funds for Inter Care.
Inter Care provides free access to medical aid for vulnerable patients across sub-Saharan Africa. Take on board as short or long a walk as you wish. All monies received will help towards medical aid for the people of Africa.
4.00 pm hot drinks and cake will be provided at St Thomas More Church, 75 Knighton Road, LE2 3HN.
5.00 pm a Youth Mass - which will be celebrated for us by Fr. Simon Gillespie. (Lifts available from Knighton Park to the Church if required). The Mass will be offered for the vulnerable people of sub-Saharan South Africa.
Sponsor forms available from paulinepayne@hotmail.com and fundraising@intercare.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing you! Help us to make this the most amazing event ever! All donations to Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lacysponsoredwalk2023.
COACH PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
County Mayo from the 7 -12 May 2023 led by Fr John Joe Maloney. A few places left. See poster for details
THE WEEKLY ROSARY GROUP
meets outside in front of Our Lady’s Statue Sunday 3.30 pm - 4.00 pm. For more information contact Maureen Douglas 07966 515115 - http://UKPrays.org
DIOCESAN WIDE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
Are you involved in communications in your parish, deanery, or Catholic organisation as a social media manager, newsletter editor, photographer, writer or journalist (or something else)? Training and networking opportunities will soon be available to members of a diocesan 'Communications Network'.
If interested please email naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk with your name, parish and role using the subject 'Communications Network'.
COME AND SEE WEEKEND
The Sacred Heart Fathers and Brothers (Betharram) invite you to a ‘Come and See Weekend’ to explore the Gift of Vocation to the Religious Life and Priesthood. The Weekend will take from Friday (Evening) 24 February 2023 to after lunch on Sunday 26 February 2023 at Shallowford House Retreat Centre, Staffordshire, ST15 0NZ. For more information please contact Brother Andrew Ferris SCJ (br.andrewscj@holyname.org.uk) or Father Wilfred Joseph SCJ (wilfreed15@hotmail.com).
GIVING IN MARKET HARBOROUGH:
Many thanks to all who continue giving to the Parish. For anyone who is new there are Gift Aid Forms in the cloister near the wall.
Name of account: Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough RCP
Sort Code: 30 - 95- 47
Account: 00068953
Just put a note to say it is church donation. If You are a Tax payer you can pick up a Gift Aid Form (if you have not completed one) at the Church or email Fr Chris parishpriest@olvic.com and I can send you one by email. We can claim an extra 25% on top of anything you give if you are tax payer.
WELCOMERS NEEDED:
We're very short of welcomers at the 11am Mass, so if you mostly go to that Mass and think that you could spare a half hour or so, once a month (or less often if that's what you can manage) to welcome your fellow parishioners we'd love to hear from you. New volunteers to welcome at other Masses would be very helpful too. Please contact Theresa Kendrick on 07748 591398 or Beatrice Stewart on 01858 465492, or just have a word with Fr Chris.
MISSIO BOXES
Please would people bring in their red Missio Boxes for emptying. Thank you.
If anyone would like a box please let myself or Christine Shepherd know.
VICTORY PRIZE DRAW - JANUARY 2023
First Prize - £60 - M O'Malley - ticket number 140
Second Prize - £25 - P Armstrong - ticket number 55
Third Prize - £15 - B Stewart - ticket number 16
Due to the lack of members re-joining we have had to lower the prize money to comply with the law. It is hoped this may be only a short term measure.
Annual members are reminded that their fees are due in January 2023 and can be forwarded to K Shiers 23 Fairfax Road Market Harborough LE16 9JT cheques made out to Victory Prize Draw. Thank you all for your support.
ST THOMAS AQUINAS CMAT
is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic faith leader with a passion for working with children and young people helping them to explore and engage with their faith. As school lay chaplain working in St Martin (secondary) and the local primary schools, Saint Peter, Earl Shilton; Saint Peter, Hinckley; and Saint Charles, Measham. For more information contact Tom Shannon tshannon@aquinas-cmat.org
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES
The Nottingham Diocesan Catholic Youth Service is looking to recruit a new Director of Youth Services to start work later this year. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced individual to be at the helm of Catholic Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Nottingham.
For more information visit www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/careers/director-of-youth-services or see the poster at the back of church.
CALLING YOUNG ADULTS OF THE DIOCESE (those aged 18-35)
The diocese will also be bringing a group of young adults to World Youth in Lisbon next August.
If you would like to be part of this exciting pilgrimage there are 20 spaces available, please visit:
www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/wyd23 for more information and how to book.
GOING DEEPER
Do you want to go deeper into your Catholic spiritual life and prayer life? A monthly ‘Going Deeper’ gathering will continue on Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 6.30 pm and continue thereafter on the third Tuesday of the month. It will begin in the Kavanagh Room. The main components of the meeting will be: the Evening Prayer of the Church; discussion of a classic text on prayer by one of the great spiritual teachers, a period of silent prayer. The plan is to finish around 8.00 pm. For more information, email Cyprian Blamires on cpblamires@aol.com or phone him on 01858 468224 or 07714 651756.
AID to DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - ADC (formerly Third World Group)
Due to the ongoing limitations on social events for fund-raising, our main source of income at the moment is selling items on eBay, but our stock is dwindling. If we are to keep our promises to our beneficiaries we must maintain this activity. Please look through your cupboards, drawers, lofts, even sheds and garages, for good quality items that you no longer need. Clothing is the most popular but anything as long as it is in good condition and still has some value. Our box is under the table opposite the noticeboard in the cloister.
RETROUVILLE: A Programme for Couples Struggling in their Marriages
Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples who have difficulties in their marriage. It brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage.
Tens of thousands of couples headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriages by attending and using the tools provided. The programme helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. It helps them through difficult times whether they are disillusioned or in deep misery. There is no group therapy or group work.
For confidential information about ‘Retrouvaille’ or to register for the next programme commencing with a Virtual weekend on 13 - 16 October or a Face to Face weekend in Welwyn Garden City on 24 - 26 February 2023, call or text 07887 296983 or 07973 380443 or email retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com - or visit www.retrouvaille.org.uk
KEY HOLDERS:
We need to establish a list of key holders to Parish Property. I do not have one. Could those who hold keys to the Church, Hall or Presbytery let me know what keys they hold. Many thanks.
DIOCESAN E-NEWS
The next edition of the Diocesan E-News is on the horizon, sign up to make sure you don’t miss it. It only takes 60 seconds!
Register via www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/news/mailinglist by emailing naomi.roberts@dioceseofnottingham.uk or scanning the QR code on the poster.
JUBILEE FOOD BANK:
You are asked to leave food bank items in the trolleys at various supermarkets when you shop. Refill Revolution at the Eco Village, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Both Coop supermarkets,B&M, Nationwide, Coop, Great Glen cf https://www.jubileefoodbankmh.uk/ Shopping List: MOST NEEDED--URGENT: : Pasta sauce Tinned chicken in sauce Tinned red meat (bolognaise, mince, stewed, chilli, corned, ham...) Other beans (red kidney beans, chickpeas...) Custard Jam or marmalade Snacks (snack bars, small bags of nuts, dried fruit...) Porridge oats Soup We would also appreciate: Used, clean, strong 'bags for life', strong carrier bags Jars of sandwich paste Crackers (cream crackers or similar) Sugar (small bags if possible, 500g) Packets of Rice (500g if possible) Tinned hot dogs Powdered mashed potato (like Smash) Fruit (tinned) Rice pudding (tinned) Crackers Cereal Tinned peas Bottles of squash Jars of curry sauce to go with rice UHT Semi-Skimmed milk UHT Whole milk UHT juice Biscuits Tinned potatoes Tinned meatballs Tomatoes (tinned) Jars of coffee Hot chocolate Mild curry sauces. Please leave in trolley at Supermarket.
We don’t currently need: Baked beans, Baked beans with Sausage, Carrots, Sweetcorn, Tinned tomatoes.
COVID-19:
We are now making all the benches available for people to sit on except those under the Choir gallery at the back. These remain for social distancing.
A reminder that if you do not want people to sit next to you, please put your hymn book or mass book on the bench.
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
THURSDAY COFFEE
will continue in the Octagonal Hall on Thursdays after 10.00 am Mass.
The Universe Catholic Weekly
is thrilled to announce that we have launched our new online newspaper with the full support of our first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Order your Digital copy by going to www.universecatholicweekly.co.uk or call us on 0743661 7650 and ask for Michelle. Special offer: Only £20 for 3 months.
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.
The Church is open for Private prayer each day
Enter through Fairfield Road
Sanitize your hands on Entry and Exit
Please wear a face mask for the sake of others
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
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.
