Our Lady of Victories News
FR CHRIS WRITES:
You can follow the Holy Father on twitter etc. As he begins he said on twitter:
Christ's peace is not the silence of the tomb after a conflict, and it is not the result of subjugation. Peace is a gift that gazes at others and renews their lives. Let us pray for this peace, which is reconciliation, forgiveness, and courage to turn the page and start again.
NEXT SUNDAY WE CELEBRATE SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY:
Our Parish is taking part to highlight the importance of creating safer places for all. And to encourage churches to talk about safeguarding throughout the year and make it part of who we are. We will be joining thousands of other churches of all denominations across the UK to share this message and demonstrate unity and our Commitment to all those who are vulnerable.
The funeral of Jim Atherton will take place on Monday 19 May 2025 at 11.00 am at Countesthorpe Crematorium. You may remember Jim as a recent Sunday Mass attender when he came down from Wigan. He loved to join us for Sunday Coffee with his Son in Law. His funeral Mass will be back at his home Parish in Wigan.
Also Margaret Monk died, a long time parishioner here. Our condolences to Frankie and her family. Her funeral will be on Wednesday the 21 May 2025 at 11.00 am.
We pray for Betty Pointon who died at Sibbertoft.
On Thursday 5 June 2025 at 10.30 am we will be celebrating A MASS IN THANKSGIVING WITH THE PRESENTATION SISTERS and the School in respect of their many years of ministry in our Parish and School. They have touched many lives over the years. We will pray for them.
GOING DEEPER to nourish our faith. If you would like to Go Deeper, join us in the Kavanagh Room this Tuesday, 20 May 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm when we will say Evening Prayer together, read and discuss a text and spend some time in silent prayer. If you are interested and would like more information, phone 07714 651756 or email cpblamires@aol.com
Walsingham 2025: Join Bishop Patrick on the Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 14 June 2025. From 11:30 am there will be youth activities in the Anglican Shrine. The opening liturgy will be at 12:45 pm with the procession to the Catholic Shrine. At 3.00 pm there will Divine Mercy and youth Stations, ending with Mass at 4.00 pm.
Could we get a coach/ minibus together? Please sign up if you would like to come. Speak to Robert van der Liet 07977 531236 for any further information.
SPUC:
Eileen Hill invites you to a Coffee day with strawberries, cream cake etc from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday 7 June 2025 at 56 Granville Street.
Also on Sun 1 June 2025 a SPUC meeting in the Kavanagh Room after the 10.00 am Mass
New Jubilee Prayer Books are available "The Prayer of Jesus".
New Diocesan Year Books are available £6 with up to date information and various articles and obituaries.
ENABLING OUR MISSION CAMPAIGN UPDATE:
Please pick up an updated handout for Our Parish. Thank you everyone for your generosity to date! We have now secured over 80% of our target and over £108,000 from 25 families! We are confident of reaching £135,000 if as many parishioners as possible provide support. With the campaign coming to an end in our parish soon, we need everyone to play their part.
If you did not receive a pack through the post please pick one up in the Cloister.
https://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/mission-enabling-fund
MISSION LAB
is a new series of monthly inspirations for parish evangelisation and outreach, a space to discover great ideas and support to put them into practice. Each session will showcase how parishes around the Diocese are building vibrant, outward-facing Catholic communities.
Sessions take lace online at 7.00 pm; sign up for the first one, which is on Tuesday 20 May 2025: Welcomers and welcoming. First impressions count: they can make the difference between keeping a newcomer and losing them. How can we ensure everyone who comes to our parish has a welcoming experience and feels they belong? Join Caritas and Adult Formation to hear from parishioners from Buxton and Glossop how they do it there.
Sign up at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/reIUs744Qg6Mau7MEGHiaA#/registration
Aid to the Church in Need is seeking to employ a COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER for the Midlands area. More details can be found at: https://acnuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/May-25-Community-Fundraiser-Midlands.pdf
RED BOXES
It is time once again for the red Missio boxes to be returned for emptying. Could you please leave your boxes in the Sacristy area or hand to Father Chris or to Bob and Chris Shepherd,
They will be returned as soon as possible for you to collect from the table in the cloister. Sincere appreciation to everyone for having a red box - we appreciate that loose change is in short supply these days but over £600 was raised last year. Thank you so much for continuing to support Missio.
ADC
Many thanks to everyone for helping to support our overseas efforts in providing help for some of the poorest people in the world through donations and providing clothes and goods to be sold on EBay.
The white envelopes for monthly offerings are now available on the table in the cloister .
Could we please ask you to remember ADC when you are clearing out your wardrobes and cupboards, or if you are disposing of unwanted goods - items can be left under the table in the cloister or could be collected by arrangement. We are so grateful for your help with the envelopes or by contributing clothes etc which are now our major sources of income for our needy causes. Thank you.
Taking place in the grounds of Ampleforth College from Friday 22 - Monday 25 August 2025, the YOUTH 2000 SUMMER FESTIVAL provides young adults (aged 16-35) from across the UK the opportunity to come together and explore faith, build relationships and find hope. This four-day festival includes great speakers, social time, break-out sessions, Daily Mass, 24/7 Adoration and much more! Register your place at: www.youth2000.org/events/summerfestival2025
Tickets are also available for priests, religious, families and groups. If you have any questions, please email: events@youth2000.org.
SUMMER FETE:
Saturday May 17, 2025 11:00 – 3.00 pm: The St Joseph's PTFA are holding the Summer Fete which includes Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Fire Engine Visit (1-3pm), 3D Printing Demos Craft Fair, Games and Live Entertainment, BBQ, Ice Cream Van, Cocktails and so much more!
Raffle and thanks to the generosity of a range of companies we have a fantastic range of prizes on offer including lots of amazing days out. If you would like to be in with a chance to win, tickets are £1 each and can be purchased online at www.pta-events.co.uk/stjosephsptfa
Unveiled Faces: Healing and Transformation with the Saints; a WEEKEND RETREAT between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 June 2025 led by Father Emmanuel Mansford, CFR at the Christian Heritage Centre, contemplating the healing and transformational work of grace in the ordinary and imperfect lives of the saints. In the light of their example, the retreat will offer an opportunity to reflect on and to seek healing for the wounds in our own lives. To book, visit: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/unveiled-faces/
Bishop Patrick invites parishioners to join the NOTTINGHAM DIOCESAN JUBILEE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE taking place between Monday 14 and Friday 18 July 2025. The Pilgrimage includes a full liturgical programme, with Mass each day; return direct flights from East Midlands Airport to Lourdes; full board for four nights in a three- or four- star hotel; assistance (for those who need it) from the Diocesan Hospitalité and Health Team. Prices start from £899, and more details are at: www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/events/lourdes
OPEN GARDENS IN MELTON MOWBRAY, Sunday 8 June 2025, 11.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Come for a day out in Melton Mowbray! We have nine private gardens open, with the kind owners waiting to welcome you to chat, relax in the fresh air, and have tea and cake in several of them. There will be plant sales, garden items, bric-a-brac and maybe even a quiz. See Melton from a different angle, and support the building of our new church and community hall as well. Admission is just £5 for adults - that's for all nine - and kids are free. Tickets are available in advance or at most gardens on the day. For a list, map and tickets, contact Frances on 07790 631635 or franceslevett@gmail.com. The church garden can't open this year due to the building work, but If you would like to see round our church, which is historic and interesting, please email in advance.
More info on this link: https://www.opengardens.co.uk/open_gardens.php?id=2433
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:
Please pray for our First Holy Communion children and their families who continue their preparation this Sunday from 9.20 am - 10.20 am and will join us after the Liturgy of the Word.
THE LADIES MIDSUMMER LUNCH
in support of Saint Joseph school MHET will be on Thursday the 12 June 2025 at Marston Trussell hall at 12:30 pm tickets are £40. For tickets please contact Kate Crawford 01858 446873 / 07814629927
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?.
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
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.
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.
You can also give via the weblink: https://donate.mydona.com/our-lady-of-victories-church
Keep up your prayers for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. Say the Rosary.
Fr Chris PP
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 17 May 2025: M Atkins
Sunday 10.00 am 18 May 2025: J Thayaseelan and P Green
Saturday 6.00 pm 24 May 2025: J Rowland
Sunday 10.00 am 25 May 2025: C McHugh and S McGlone
Saturday 6.00 pm 31 May 2025: P Green
Sunday 10.00 am 1 June 2025: B Tyrell and D Chappell
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Saturday 6.00 pm 17 May 2025: A Hall
Sunday 10.00 am 18 May 2025: S McGlone, C McInnes and J O'Leary
Saturday 6.00 pm 24 May 2025: J Mugoni
Sunday 10.00 am 25 May 2025: A Randle, T Page and T Ruane
THURSDAY COFFEE
will continue in the Octagonal Hall on Thursdays after 10.00 am Mass.
SUPPORTING PRISONERS’ FAMILIES: COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER?
PACT is a Catholic charity and their Prisoners’ Families Helpline are currently seeking to recruit more helpline volunteers. The role can be carried out remotely. https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk/Pages/Category/volunteer
CATHOLIC NEWS
in England and Wales Please see the Bishop’s website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/news-and-media/news/
GRAPEVINE - News from Justice & Peace and Caritas:
Grapevine is the Diocesan Newsletter for Adult formation , Justice & Peace and Caritas in our diocese.
THE DIOCESAN CARITAS NEWSLETTER is available online:
WANTED: WANTED:
Your foreign coins and used or unused stamps - all can be sorted and valued, with profits to our Bazaar fund.
See Fr Chris or Mick Crook for further information.
DATA PROTECTION:
All data is stored securely on computer and access is limited to the Parish Priest and a small number of people authorised by the priest, to assist with parish administration. The Diocese remains the sole Data Controller (i.e. has responsibility for the use and control of this data), even where processing is carried out by parishes. The Diocesan Policy can be found at http://www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/data-protection-policy
WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
All who are associated with the Parish in any way are invited to register. When completing the form please use BLOCK CAPITALS and complete all relevant boxes. If there is not enough room on the form for any information please use the reverse. Thank you for your co-operation.
HAVE YOU BEEN AWAY? WANT TO CATCH UP ON PARISH NEWS?
If you have been away and want to catch up on what's been happening in the parish you can now read the Parish Newsletters for the previous four weeks. Click the "Newsletters" button at the top of this page. You can also download a copy of this week's Newsletter.
ACTIVE GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA:
Great news for Market Harborough. In addition to the Carers Support Group there will now be an Activity Group for people with Dementia. We are looking for people who would like to volunteer for the Activity Group on a Friday morning from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm. You will be involved in welcoming people with dementia and their carers and helping people with dementia to take part in a variety of discussions and activities. Please contact Alison Chaplin of Alzheimer's Society on 0116 231 1111
GOING INTO HOSPITAL FOR ANY REASON!
If so please ask your family, or if you are well enough to do so yourself, to let the Catholic Chaplain know that you are there. Otherwise you will not have a visit from the Catholic Chaplaincy or be able to receive Holy Communion. Under the Data Protection Act, the hospital staff can no longer reveal to any chaplain, or to anybody else enquiring, the religion of any patient in their care. The same applies to Residential Homes and other places of care. The onus is now on the patient or their family to inform the Chaplain.
COMMUNITY COMPANIONS - Supporting Older People back into the heart of their communities:
Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) has been offering a befriending service in the Harborough District for over 14 years and are keen to recruit more volunteers who could visit an older person for 1 - 2 hours a week. Training and ongoing support are given, and travel costs are covered. If you could volunteer, or you would like a befriender to visit you, please contact Rohini Corfield (Community Champions Project Manager) or Jenny Young on 01858 439262. More information is available at www.VASL.org.uk/our-projects/community-champions
SUPPORT FOR CARERS:
The Market Harborough Carers Support Group facilitated by Alison Chaplin meets on the first Friday of every month at 10am at the Coffee Lounge of the Methodist Church on Northampton Road. This group gives carers an invaluable opportunity to share some of their experience of caring for a loved one with dementia. There is also an opportunity to hear about the latest news from Alzheimer’s Society and to look at books and leaflets about dementia, including many written from a Christian perspective. If you or anyone you know is in a caring situation, do let them know about the group. Contact Alison on 0116 031 1111 (alison.chaplin@alzheimers.or.uk). Or just turn up on the day and Alison will be thee to welcome you.
Alzheimer’s Society is also looking for volunteer befrienders in Market Harborough and area. The volunteer befriender enables a person with dementia to participate in an activity they would like to do in the community - perhaps going out for a cup of tea, shopping, going for a walk, doing a sport or taking a class. The befriender needs to be available for a session of up to 4 hours a week between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Mondays to Fridays. It is useful to be able to drive too. Volunteers will receive induction and ongoing training and support from the Befriending Manager. If you would like to hear more, please contact Alison as above.
BOWER HOUSE:
The Bower House Christian Counselling Service offers counselling and help to people of the local community. We are open from 9 am to 9 pm and need Support Worker volunteers to offer hospitality within the house as well as some admin. such as answering the phone and taking referrals. We have a lovely band of volunteers but could do with more help. How will you be spending your time this autumn and winter? Could you offer a three hours slot once a week or once a fortnight? If you are interested please ring Jadz Bower, Chris Hodgson or Jeanette Payne on 01858 469257 or drop in to see us between 9 am and 5 pm.
THE LIFE GROUP:
wish to thank each and everyone for their gifts to the “LIFE SHOP”. When bringing in goods for the LIFE SHOP, can they be clearly marked with “LIFE” on the outside of the plastic bag. Small items of furniture will also be welcome, but please contact the Life Shop direct for collection. Please DO NOT place small furniture in the Cloister for collection.
INTERPRETING THE LAW:
Our Diocesan advisors have informed us that legacies left in wills, directly to the parish, should really be directed to the registered charity. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham is the registered charity. The advice given, is to encourage parishioners contemplating leaving a legacy via their will to their parish, and to make sure the parish will be the beneficiary , is to direct the legacy to the Registered Charity - the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham with strict instruction that it is (in our case) for the parish of Our Lady of Victories, Market Harborough.
VOLUNTEERS FOR TORCH:
Torch Trust is an international Christian Mission that aims to help people with sightless to discover faith in Christ and live fulfilling Christian lives. They are continually developing their service for blind and partially sighted people and as a result the volunteer needs are also changing. Perhaps you know someone who has recently retired and is looking to use their gifts and skills, honed in the workplace, in a new avenue. Or perhaps you know someone who has been long termed unemployed, volunteering can help to raise self esteem and build new skills that can go on the CV with a view of getting back into work.
Further information on what volunteering roles are available can be found on the poster on the notice board.
"The Lord's Day" -
Weekly Newsletter of the Watermead Apostolate: https://www.watermead-apostolate.co.uk/the-lords-day
NEWS ITEMS FOR THE WEBSITE:
This webpage is updated from the Weekly Newsletter. Sometimes due to shortage of space it is not possible to include everything in the weekly Parish Newsletter. If you would like an item published on the website please email any items to newsletter@olvic.com
We can only publish items which meet the criteria for inclusion in the weekly Parish Newsletter.
