Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
Dear all,
We had a wonderful day at our Bazaar. It was wonderful to see so many people come to celebrate and meet each other and have fun from the oldest right through to the youngest baby in a pram. A big thank you to everybody involved from our committee led by Alan, Stephen, all our stall holders and those who worked getting everything ready and clearing up in the end. Thank you to our school and the children who provided so many prizes and our after school club who do such a wonderful job with the grotto. There are so many thank you’s to make with all the refreshments as well of different sorts including the wonderful cakes. Our final total seems to be about £8500 so far after all the costs. But what was a wonderful memory was watching people reaching each other and hugging each other. Many, Many thanks to everyone who supported in whatever way! Prize sheets are on the notice board.
Advent is a time of hope and expectation and above all encounter with Christ. Advent is a spiritual season to grow closer to Christ and prepare for His coming to us in a new or deeper way. The words of John the Baptist ring true for this time: Prepare a way for the Lord. Can we make space and time for Him in these coming weeks?
Also the Weekly Rosary Group meets every Sunday 3.30 pm - 4.00 pm outside in front of the statue of Our Lady praying especially for Peace and Reconciliation in Society.
The WI have their Carol service with us on Monday 9 December 2024 at 7.00 pm
Our Parish CAROL SERVICE organised by the Catenians is scheduled for Sunday 15 December 2024 at 3.00 pm followed by refreshments. St Joseph’s children will also be taking part.
Come along to take part and listen to the Christmas readings and the wonderful words of the carols.
Repository:
Christmas Cards diaries and so on are available in the Repository
Sadly, we have had several deaths recently in the Parish.
Joan McGuire whose funeral will be on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at 10.00 am
Domenica Ditri whose funeral will be on Friday 13 December 2024 at 11.00 am
Margaret Knowles whose funeral will be on Monday 23 December 2024 at 10.00 am.
May they all rest in peace.
A reflection from Pope Francis for the Year of Prayer, for the SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
To God who blesses, we too respond by blessing — God has taught us how to bless and we must bless — through the prayer of praise, of adoration, of thanksgiving. The Catechism writes: “The prayer of blessing is our response to God’s gifts: because God blesses, the human heart can in return bless the One who is the source of every blessing” (n. 2626).
To read the full reflection and find more resources www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/yearofprayer A prayer sheet is available.
CHRISTMAS MASSES
As Christmas falls on Wednesday this years:
Christmas Eve: 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm (preceded by Carols at 9.30 pm)
Christmas Day: 10.00 am
St Stephen's Day (Boxing Day): 10.00 am
CONFESSION FOR CHRISTMAS:
We are going to have to have a special service for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 19 December 2024 at 7.00 pm. There will be visiting priests available. Many parishes have the celebrations in Advent and Lent and it is an opportunity to go to another priest other than the parish priest. We can make it a great opportunity to prepare for Christmas in a special way this year with the Sacrament of Confession. There will be a little introduction, a couple of prayers and examination of conscience and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed while confessions are heard.
Come along and meet the merciful Lord!
YOUNG ADULTS
from across the Diocese are invited to Vespers, Carols, and Festive Nibbles at Sacred Heart Church, Leicester, on Friday 13 December 2024 with Mass at 6.00 pm and then Vespers and Carols celebrated with Bishop Patrick, followed up with some festive nibbles afterwards!
For more information or to log a dietary requirement please contact charles.archer@dioceseofnottingham.uk/
READERS WANTED:
I shall soon be compiling the Readers' Rota for 2025. Please would anyone who would like to read at Saturday evening or Sunday morning Mass please give their name and contact details to Fr Chris or Margaret Atkins. If you don't catch me at church, email or call me on margaretatkins52@gmail.com or 01858 446369.
All volunteers in the church have to complete a volunteer form as part of our duty of care to each other.
FORMATION FOR READERS IN CHURCH:
With the introduction of a new translation of the Scripture Readings for Mass the priests of the Deanery encourage all current and prospective readers to attend a Readers Course we are running in advent this year at St Peter’s Parish Hall, Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0TA Saturday 14 December 2024 11.00am - 1.15pm.
The course will be presented in four sessions on these two days and will provide Deanery level certification for Readers. Please register with your parish priest or directly to Fr Vitalis Akandu: vitalis.akandu@dioceseofnottingham.uk
CARITAS LEICESTER AND LEICESTERSHIRE ADVENT CALENDAR:
In this Advent season, we are amplifying the reach of some local charities which aim to bring light into darkness. There are, of course, many others. Please have a look and join us in raising hopeful voices. The colour version is at: https://bit.ly/3ZmMGuI, and the black and white version is at: https://bit.ly/40UwnGw
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
continues now at the 10.00 am Mass. Registration forms for children starting school are available from Fr Chris.
Any new leaders to help on our rota would be most welcome - a DBS is required which we do as a Parish.
Please contact Fr Chris.
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 ST JOSEPH’S PTFA:
You may have recently seen that Asda and Joe Wicks have joined forces to help raise funds for primary schools across the UK. The PTFA and school have signed up to the scheme to help us reach our fundraising targets and continue to support the school. The scheme sees Asda donate 0.5% of the total value of any amount spent by a customer who has signed up to the Cash pot scheme.
If you are an Asda shopper either instore or online please consider signing up to Cash pot for Schools in your Rewards App and selecting St Joseph’s as your beneficiary. The quickest way to do this is to search by the school postcode LE16 9BZ. If you’re not an Asda shopper you can still support this scheme by downloading the Asda Rewards App and selecting St Joseph’s as your beneficiary – for every individual who opts in the school will receive £1 in our Cash pot account.
Please also consider sharing this with any family or friends who may be Asda shoppers and willing to help us in our fundraising efforts. If you would like to know more about the scheme the full details are available here: https://www.asda.com/cashpotforschools
Just letting you know that ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY PTFA are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! You can find our easyfundraising page by clicking:
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TO CATHOLIC PRIMARY ACADEMIES (Reception Year)
The deadline for submitting your application for a school place is 15 January 2025. Application forms are available on your ‘home’ Local Authority website. For every Catholic school you apply for if you wish your child to be considered and ranked under a faith criterion you should also complete a supplementary information form, and return this form to the school by the deadline, (forms are available from the LA and the school).
You MUST also include the supporting evidence* as required with this form, eg Baptismal Certificate (photocopies acceptable). Failure to supply the required supporting evidence will mean your child is ranked in a lower criterion which may affect your chance of a place. *If you do not have the required evidence please contact the parish where your child was baptised for a copy certificate in good time.
CONFIRMATION 2024:
Application Forms available for our young people.
If you would like to help please contact or email Fr Chris. We are also looking for an organiser for this: parishpriest@olvic.com As for all these roles we need to do a DBS check.
PARISH SAFEGUARDING UPDATE: TRAINING FOR DBS VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to the volunteers in DBS roles who have been completing their online CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency) Safeguarding Training. A few weeks ago we sent the CSSA training webpage link to each relevant volunteer to register and complete their online training along with a CSSA information sheet, which contains FAQs and joining instructions. It may also be possible to arrange a small group training session. If you do not have internet access at home, have lost the email with the link or are having any problems completing the training then please let Christine or Theresa know as soon as possible. You can speak to either of us after Mass, or email us at safeguarding@olvic.com
Theresa and Christine
All training needs to be completed by 10 December 2024.
SAFEGUARDING SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Safe Places – a free and independent support service that provides a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with the Catholic Church.
Phone 0300 303 1056 Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
The Bower House – Harborough Christian Counselling Service offers counselling to those who live in the Harborough District 01858 469257
NAPAC offers support and advice to adult survivors of childhood abuse 0808 8010331
Spiritual Abuse - www.spiritualabuse.com
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline – 0808 808 8141
More details can be found on our website by clicking Safeguarding
MEN’S SPIRITUAL EXERCISES, Monday 31 March 2025 – Saturday 5 April 2025
A 5-day version of the Ignatian Exercises offered specifically for men (whether lay or ordained), this retreat will be preached at the Christian Heritage Centre, Lancashire, by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Joseph’s Abbey, France. Founded in 1988, this community has retained its charism of a specific apostolate to men. One-to-one direction will be offered alongside the talks.
For more information and to book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-spiritual-exercises/
VICTORY PRIZE DRAW - NOVEMBER 2024 WINNERS:
First Prize - £60 - K P Doyle - ticket number 235
Second Prize - £25 - T Davis - ticket number 262
Third Prize - £15 - J Brown - ticket number 97
Due to the lack of tickets, which has gone down from 280 to 103, it is no longer viable to continue with the draw.
I will therefore close it from January 2025 the last draw to be December 2024.
All members paying by Direct Debit or Standing Order should cancel by January 2025.
Many thanks for all your support in the past.
GIVING IN MARKET HARBOROUGH:
Many thanks to all who continue giving to the Parish.
For anyone who is new to the Parish 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.
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 (1 December 2024):
Envelopes: £291.02, Loose: £188.04, Total: £479.06
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.
Keep up your prayers for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Say the Rosary.
Fr Chris PP
RED BOXES AND ADC (Aid to Developing Countries) group
Many thanks to everyone for your continued support for the Missio Red Boxes and for our ADC group. It is now time once again for the Red Boxes to be emptied so we would be most grateful if you could leave your box on the table in the Cloister and then collect it the following week (or two!).
Our ADC group is rapidly decreasing in numbers and capability so our fundraising efforts are now minimal. We do however still try to raise money for our various groups around the world by selling your unwanted clothes etc. so if you are discarding your winter wardrobe or off loading last year’s summer clothes to make more space, please remember our box under the table in the Cloister and help to fill it at your convenience so that we can help those in need.
Your giving in this way has been absolutely invaluable over the past few years and has enabled us to keep sending donations to our very needy causes. Again we offer our most sincere thanks to all who are supporting the poor and underprivileged in our world through the above agencies.
If you would like to help by taking a Red Box (or the White Envelopes for ADC) or need any further information about Missio or ADC, please see Father Chris or Bob and Chris Shepherd. Thank you so very much.
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
READERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 7 December 2024: N Williamson
Sunday 10.00 am 8 December 2024: C Reed
Saturday 6.00 pm 14 December 2024: C Baldam
Sunday 10.00 am 15 December 2024: C Sellechia and R van der Liet
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 7 December 2024: M O'Malley
Sunday 10.00 am 8 December 2024: T Ruane, A Randle and T Page
Saturday 6.00 pm 14 December 2024: B Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 15 December 2024: J Shellard, V Winter and F Wilson
Saturday 6.00 pm 21 December 2024: A Hall
Sunday 10.00 am 22 December 2024: W Kwacz, K Crawford and P Green
Saturday 6.00 pm 28 December 2024: S Jones
Sunday 10.00 am 29 December 2024: J O'Leary, S McGlone and C McInnes
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.
