16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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The Virtue of Hospitality This Sunday’s readings invite us to rediscover the sacredness of hospitality. In Genesis, Abraham welcomes three mysterious visitors at the Oaks of Mamre. He runs to meet them, offers water, bread, and rest. It is only later that we realise – Abraham has unknowingly welcomed the Lord Himself.   In the Gospel, Martha offers generous service to Jesus, while Mary sits at His feet and listens. Both women show love in different ways, but Jesus reminds us that hospitality is not only about doing – it is about being present.   True Christian hospitality begins with recognising the presence of God in others. Every person bears the image and likeness of God. When we welcome the stranger, the neighbour, the lonely, or the guest at Mass, or in daily life, we are welcoming Christ Himself. In our Parish, hospitality is not just about tea and biscuits after Mass – it is about having a  spiritual posture, and a mindful disposition to intuit and welcome God’s presence in those we meet. It is the smile we offer the newcomer, the chair we make space for, the time we give to listen. Like Abraham, we are called to welcome others generously, without calculation, knowing that in doing so we will encounter God.   Let us open our hearts and homes this week, and over the summer months, remembering that “whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Fraternally in Christ, Deacon Paul Please pray for those recently deceased:  Kitty McGovern-O’Connor, Alfredo Monteleagre, Camilla Mackeson, Andreaj Katinger, Hennie Kelder, Daniela Amoroso, Camilla De Falco   Please pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Sheila Sullivan, Bill Peacock, Margaret Cronin, Mary Lavelle, Fr Tony O’Sullivan, Elsie Maher, James Cosgrove, PJ Williams, Robert Murdock, Margaret McCluskey, Mary Mahoney, Mary Horan, Teresa Goddard, Maria Fojeite, Yehia Soliman, Rosemarie Hull. Requiescat In Pace - Kitty McGovern-O’Connor On Monday 4th August 2025, there will be no 10am Parish Mass. There will instead be a Funeral Mass at 11am for Kitty McGovern-O’Connor RIP. Jesus mercy, Mary Pray. Missio Impact Report—Red Box Donations Fr Anthony Chantry, the National Director for Missio, extends his gratitude for the generosity of all parishioners in supporting their work, particularly through Red Box contributions. In 2024, across the Diocese £441,882 was raised, with £150,624 of this coming from Red Box donations. Thank you to your parishioners for their support. Going on holiday? Don’t forget to check out weekend Mass times: search “Catholic church near me” on Google maps (etc) for the area you’re staying in. Wishing safe travelling and a good rest for all those going away for the summer! Newsletter & August Schedule Next weekend, 26th & 27th July, will be the last newsletter until the beginning of September. The Parish website will be kept updated, so please keep an eye on it for updates and information.    Please note there will be no evening (6pm) Mass on Sundays during August (i.e. from 3rd - 31st); Sunday evening 6pm Mass resumes on 7th September.  Announcement - Updated As most of you know, we will be saying farewell to Fr Francis Thomas, Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Victories since his priestly ordination 2 years ago. He has been appointed Youth Chaplain of Westminster Diocese as well as Assistant Priest at St John Fisher, Harrow North. We'll be losing a joyful, enthusiastic and very hard-working member of the team, but we will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Fr Francis: his farewell Mass will be the 12pm Mass on Sunday 31st August, followed by refreshments in the parish centre. If you’d like to contribute to a farewell gift for Fr Francis, you can donate online via HSBC, Sort code 40 05 20 Account 61263714 Account name WRCDT Our Lady of Victories Thank you! Fr Nigel Children’s Liturgy The 10.30am Children’s Liturgy team are taking a break for the summer, an opportunity to express our grateful thanks to Francesco, Tamara and the team for their tremendous dedication to this essential service! If you feel called to join the liturgy team, new catechists are always welcome (Sundays in term-time); please contact the parish. More information about Children's Liturgy Volunteers needed: For cleaning the Church on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Thank you for all your help. Date for your Diary Friday 17th October 2025 at 7pm, Grand Organ Concert at OLV by Jan LIEBERMANN (Germany) Tickets Support the Caritas Westminster Charity Shop Donation Weekend: 26th & 27th July at Our Lady of Victories please bring items over the donation weekend. Caritas Westminster is opening its first-ever charity shop - and your support can make it a success! Out Lady of Victories is taking part in the donation drive to collect good-quality, wearable and usable items that can be sold in the shop. All proceeds will go directly towards Caritas Westminster’s vital work in our parishes and Caritas Westminster Services. We are gratefully accepting: · Clean clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories Jewellery, belts, scarves, and hats. Married Love Project     The Married Love Project teaches the greatness of the Sacrament of Marriage and uses the catechesis of St John Paul II to implement these teachings in daily life. Three pillars: Formation, Prayer and Love. To start at Our Lady of Victories on Saturday 13th September 2025 at 3pm. More information to follow. Housebound or in Hospital? If you are housebound, even for a short period, please let the Parish Office know so arrangements can be made for a visit. If you are going into hospital and wish to see a priest, you will need to inform the staff so a visit can be arranged by the Catholic Chaplain.   Retrouvaille:- A Lifeline for Married Couples Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or are already divorced? If you are open to try again – Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Call to find out more  www.retrouvaille.org.uk +44 797 338 0443 Pilgrimage to Paris - a Journey of Faith & History 12th-15th September 2025 - with The Tablet & McCabe Travel   Join us for a 4-day pilgrimage to the heart of Paris, where history, culture and spirituality converge. Explore sacred sites, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, with expert guides. Spiritual guide: Fr Nigel Woollen. Three nights in a four-star, art-deco hotel near Montmartre. Return Eurostar travel from London. All breakfasts, dinners & 2 lunches included. From £1,890 per person sharing, limited single rooms available. To book, call McCabe Travel: 01252 226133 quoting “The Tablet” or visit: https://www.mccabe-travel.co.uk/pilgrimages/notre-dame-de-paris/ Pauline Books and Media The bookshop will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday and Sundays. The contact number is 07561 456074. Young Married Couples Group Are you a young married couple seeking to build friendships and desiring to connect with other young married couples? Well, a young married couples group is present in our parish. The purpose of the group is to offer support and foster friendship and connection among the many young married couples present in our parish. The ideal age range of the group is under 40. The group meets every month to socialize and foster communion and support. Among the different activities offered are meals together, trips out, games nights and social exercises. If you’re interested in attending, please email Steve and Annie Caprio at [email protected]. You can also join our Whatsapp group using the QR code below:  Welcome to all our Parishioners If you are new to the parish, please come and say hello and complete the parishioner registration form which can be found on our website:  https://www.ourladyofvictories.net/support.html Here you can also find further information on all our parish activities. Weekly Mass Schedule Saturday (vigil): 6 pm Sunday: 9 am, 10.30 am, 12 pm and 6 pm.  Monday to Friday: 10 am   All our Masses are live-streamed from our website.  Please note: the sanctuary and first five pews are livestreamed 24/7. All the celebrations of Mass are recorded. The recordings are kept securely for 28days, after which they are deleted.   Eucharistic Adoration and Confession On Wednesdays, after the 10am Mass, there is Eucharistic Adoration. This is an opportunity to spend some time in prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. A priest will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 10.30 to 11.15 am. Adoration concludes with Benediction and the Angelus at Noon. Confession also available every Saturday from 5 to 5.45 pm. Parish Team: Fr Nigel Woollen (Parish Priest) Fr Francis Thomas (Assistant Priest) Rev. Paul Hewitt (Permanent Deacon)  Sr Maureen McNamara rsm (Sacramental Programmes) Mrs Rachel Mulira (Parish Secretary) Our Lady of Victories 16 Abingdon Road London W8 6AF 020 7937 4778  [email protected] Support our Parish Financially here