Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear all.
This Sunday we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis. We pray for him at this time that the Lord will bless protect and strengthen him. There is much that has been written by people but perhaps the best insight are the words he spoke when accepting the ministry of Pope: “I am a sinner, but having trusted in the mercy and infinite patience of our Lord Jesus Christ and in a spirit of penance, I accept.”
“For me,” he said, “feeling oneself a sinner is one of the most beautiful things that can happen, if it leads to its ultimate consequences. When a person becomes conscious that he is a sinner and is saved by Jesus . . . he discovers the greatest thing in life, that there is someone who loves him profoundly, who gave his life for him.”
He lamented that many Catholics have, sadly, not had this fundamental Christian experience. “There are people who believe the right things, who have received catechesis and accepted the Christian faith in some way, but who do not have the experience of having been saved and who therefore lack the experience of who they are. I believe that only we great sinners have this grace.” This acute awareness comes from knowing oneself a sinner. We need to experience this.
Pope Francis learnt this from years of going to Confession where his vocation began. He continues to go every two weeks.
The Pope goes to Confession. Have you this Lent?
It is a truly wonderful sacrament that absolves us of our sins – sets us free! As we come to Holy Week it is a great opportunity for us all.
On Thursday 30 March 2023 7.00 pm instead of the Holy Hour, there will be visiting priests available for Confession as well as Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.
I have asked Fr Jim Cahill, Fr John Joe and Fr Peter to come for the Confessions.
Please note the School children are using the De Trafford room for the next few weeks. The door in the cloister may not be used during school hours (9.00 am - 6.00 pm). Urgent heating repairs are being done in the school.
Walk with me booklets: These have a mediation for each day to bolster your prayer. Also available are activity booklets and a calendar for children.
Stations of the Cross: 7.00 pm on Fridays. Normally followed by Mass
Holy Hour with Benediction: Thursdays 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm.
This is an opportunity for the most powerful prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Our Bishop and the Holy Father have called us to adoration before the Blessed Sacrament especially at this time. Many graces are received before the Blessed Sacrament.
Some Lent Resources can be found at: https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/the-god-who-speaks/focus/preparing-for-lent-and-eastertide/lent-and-eastertide-resources/
So what will we do this Lent? Many people like to give up something for Lent. Many do something positive, like greater emphasis and time on prayer, scripture readings, charitable acts, trying to be especially kind, willing and cooperative and generally more helpful and cheerful to a family member whether as parent or child. We can make an effort to attend an extra Mass on a weekday and to come to the Stations of the Cross on a Friday evening, that lovely traditional Catholic devotion, which is so special, reflective and prayerful for a Lenten devotion. Or we can make a time to pop into Church during the day and waste some time with Jesus instead of the TV! We also have our Ecumenical prayer groups as below.
CHALLENGE FOR LENT
Would you like a new spiritual challenge this Lent? Do you want a challenge which is more than giving something up? From Wednesday 22 February 2023 (Ash Wednesday), you’re invited to join other Christians in 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion in our community. You’re also invited to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside the BPAS abortion clinic in Stapleford, offer practical alternatives to abortion for women who need it, and help spread the word about this important community outreach.
More information about this global prayer movement, which has saved the lives of thousands of unborn children, is at www.40daysforlife.com/Nottingham Contact John on 07757 815625 or 40daysforlifenotts@gmail.com Jesus said, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
FUNERALS:
The Funeral Mass of Betty Ruane will be on Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 11.00 am.
The Funeral Service of Joe Fitzpatrick will be on Wednesday 29 March 2023 at 2.15 pm.
May they rest in peace.
CAFOD Family Fast Day Collection Lent Appeal
Thank you for giving to CAFOD’s Family Fast Day appeal this Lent.
Final total £1168.84. Your generous donations, rooted in love, will support families around the world to grow in strength to fight the climate crisis. You can still give online at cafod.org.uk/lent
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
BACK AFTER COVID!! OUR ECUMENICAL LENT FRIDAY LUNCH TIME SERVICE
on the Fridays of Lent, in the Octagonal Hall from 12.30 – 1.00 pm followed by the famous soup etc, prepared by our Third World Group. This is an opportunity to pray together and get to know each other.
3 March 2023 – Harborough Anglican Team;
10 March 2023 – Baptist Church;
17 March 2023 – Congregational Church;
24 March 2023 – Harborough Community Church;
31 March 2023 – Methodist Church.
TIMES FOR HOLY WEEK:
Palm Sunday times as normal. However the 11.00 am will have the procession with Palms starting outside hopefully!
Wednesday: Chrism Mass at the Cathedral 11.30 am
Maundy Thursday 7.00 pm
Good Friday: Liturgy of the Passion 3.00 pm
Stations of the Cross 7.00 pm
Easter Vigil: 8.00 pm – First Mass of Easter: Mother of all Masses
Easter Sunday: Masses at 9.00 am and 11.00 am
FIRST HOLY 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.
RETREATS IN THE DIOCESE OF NOTTINGHAM THIS LENT
After the great success last year, The Diocese of Nottingham is again offering day retreats to help you grow closer to God this Lent through talks, discussion, prayer, Mass, confession and social time.
The Men’s Retreat on Saturday 18 March 2023 given by Fr Julian Green (Priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham) will be focused on men of scripture and what we can learn from them, and the Women’s Retreat given by Sr Ann Swailes on Saturday 25 March 2023 will be following the theme of ‘Here I am Lord, I come to do your will’ – How can we know and accept God’s will for our lives?
The Men’s and Women’s Retreat will be held at the Rosmini House of Prayer (LE7 4SJ) and cost £20 which will include lunch and a light breakfast.
To book your place or for more information visit:
www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events, email adult.formation@dioceseofnottingham or call 0115 953 9841.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP FORMATION PROGRAMME
The Christian Heritage Centre’s 2023 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP FORMATION PROGRAMME for Sixth Formers is open for applications until Friday 31 March 2023.
Further information about the programme can be found at www.christianheritagecentre.com/clf or by emailing
admin@christianheritagecentre.com
SUNDAY COLLECTIONS IN CHURCH.
We are managing to take collections in Church once again. Thank you to those who have begun to do it. We had a few volunteers for collections sadly the list I had put out disappeared during the time of the Bazaar. My fault. Apologies!
Could I ask people to sign up again. There is a list in the Cloister for you to sign up with name, Mass and contact details. Many thanks
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES 2023 - 2024
Thank you to all the parishioners who donate using the Offertory Envelopes. Envelopes for the next financial year beginning 2 April 2023 will be available for collection at all Masses on the weekend 18 /19 March 2023.
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.
FINANCE (12 March 2023):
Envelopes: £267.00, Loose: £249.00, Standing Order: £761.38, Total: £1277.10
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 18 March 2023: M Atkins
Sunday 9.00 am 19 March 2023: S Acton
Sunday 11.00 am 19 March 2023 2023: J Thayaseelan
Saturday 6.00 pm 25 March 2023: J Snaith
Sunday 9.00 am 26 March 2023: M Crook
Sunday 11.00 am 26 March 2023 2023: C Sellecchia
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.
COME TO LOURDES!
Bishop Patrick invites everyone in our diocese to join him in coming to this beautiful Marian Shrine between Saturday 15 and Thursday 20 July 2023. Travel will be by air from East Midlands Airport, and the five-night all inclusive prices (full board) start at £709.
See the poster at the back of church for more details, or visit:
https://www.tangney-tours.com/pilgrimages/lourdes/diocese-of-nottingham
COME AND SEE WEEKENDS
The Cistercian Nuns of Holy Cross Abbey (Whitland, Pembrokeshire SA34 0QX) are holding a series of COME AND SEE WEEKENDS, August and October. More information is available on the poster at the back of church, or by contacting comeandsee@gmail.com, or visiting www.hcawhitland.co.uk
They provide our church with the Altar Breads.
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
CALLING CATHOLIC TEACHERS:
If you are a Catholic teacher currently working outside of Catholic education and would like to find out more about the joys of working in a Catholic school within the Diocese of Nottingham, a virtual information session will take place on Wednesday 29 March 2023 from 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm.
See the poster on the parish notice board for further information, and to book contact: Julie Sweeney at the Diocesan Education Service (julie.sweeney@nottingham-des.org.uk )
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 - FEBRUARY 2023
First Prize - £60 - B O'Malley - ticket number 43
Second Prize - £25 - G R Bell - ticket number 24
Third Prize - £15 - A Wade - ticket number 213
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.
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 21 March 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.
THE LADIES MIDSUMMER LUNCH
in support of Saint Joseph School will be on Thursday 29 June 2023 at Marston Trussell Hall at 12:30 pm.
Tickets are £40. For tickets please contact Kate Crawford: 07814629927.
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.
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.
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.
