Dear Parishioners,
I hope you are all still in the joyous and thanksgiving spirits of Easter. Time to savour the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ who has risen from the dead Alleluia, Alleluia! God gave so much of His love to us and through his death and resurrection he has enabled us renew our faith in him once more .This unconditional partnership shows us how the Lord has shown himself to us and should lead us to search for him every day in our life. His rising to life must help us to continue to make us want to continue to hold on to him. In this way we can appreciate that in our lives he must be our Lord forever.
My dear parishioners, it has been brought to my attention these past few days that we are not fully following and implementing the recommendations of the Fire Risk Assessment relating to health and safety matters. During the Easter Services our church was full of people which brought the numbers beyond the allowed capacity of 208. This includes all present (priests, altar servers, choir, and parishioners) this has also been evident at some of our Sunday Masses. The church doors that serve as primary emergency exit points during any emergency situation are often blocked by chairs, people standing, child pushchairs or buggies and bicycles in the porch. Cars outside are parked irresponsibly causing congestion and leaving no space for our minibus to get through. This minibus service is to cater for the elderly and those with mobility issues. If we had to call for any emergency assistance there would be no room for these vehicles to get through safely. We all have a responsibility to make sure no one is injured or hurt and therefore I am asking for your full cooperation. We all need to take responsibility for health and safety in and outside our church premises. Therefore, I appeal to all of you to be extra careful to observe the Health and Safety Rules and Regulations. This will enable us to work together to help us avoid any occurrences which may lead to a situation that we were responsible for now and cause regret later. As the main responsible person for everything here in the parish I likewise would ask you all to take these matters seriously.
It is now urgent that I appeal to you again to come forward as volunteers or appointed parishioners to help implement our health and safety procedures here. We urgently need fire safety marshals and ushers at all Masses especially the 11.30 Sunday Mass.
Thank you
Father Alex
1st Reading: Acts 3: 13-15.17-19
Responsorial Psalm: Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord
2nd Reading: 1 John 2:1-5
Gospel: Luke 24: 35-48
Illuminating Mercy
Fr. Viktor, RCJ
In today's world, where the shadows of division, indifference, and quick judgment often prevail, the message of God's mercy in this week's readings shines even brighter. Acts 3 challenges us to confront our missteps, not with despair but with the hopeful action of turning back to God, who awaits us with open arms of forgiveness. The epistle of 1 John reminds us that Jesus Christ is not just a figure of the past but an active advocate for us, transforming our failures into opportunities for grace. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus appears to His disciples, not in retribution but in peace, offering forgiveness and understanding and asking them to witness these truths to all. These readings collectively urge us to look beyond our immediate judgments and to see the possibility of renewal and unity in God's love.
Family Connections:
In a time when society often emphasizes winning over humility, how can we, as a family, model the Gospel's message of forgiveness and peace? Discuss a moment when it was hard to ask for or offer forgiveness in our home. How can we support one another in taking the first step towards reconciliation, reflecting the forgiving love Jesus shows us?
Prayer:
Merciful Father, guide our steps from shadow into Your light. Teach us to love, forgive, and live as witnesses of Your peace.
Your Parish needs You!
To assist us with ensuring that we keep you safe and comply with our legal obligations, we require volunteers from the congregation for each mass service to assist us with the evacuation of the church in the event of a fire. Volunteers will be provided with fire safety training for this role which comprises what actions to do in the event of a fire, which is to successfully evacuate the church and aid those who may have limited mobility.
We could not have done this without your help, so please volunteer today!
Pro-Life Rosary
Daily rosary in the chapel after Mass with pro-life rosary Wednesday and Friday. adoration & recitation of the rosary with exposition in the chapel 10-45-1145am. Fridays only.
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 11th of May at 03.00 PM in the Church Sacristy. To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
3-Day Clergy Conference
30 April – 2 May 2024 (Tues-Thurs)
No Masses at Saint Helen’s
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community Mass
11-May 2024, 04.00 PM
Note: The planned monthly masses for March and April are canceled.
Dates for your diary……
Confession of FHC Candidates' Parents
01 June 05.00 PM
First Holy Communion services
8th & 15th June
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
Blessed Sacrament Lamp Donated by Rosa Hapkewycz
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rosa Hapkewycz for the beautiful Blessed Sacrament lamp she generously donated to our church. This lamp is dedicated to the memory of her late husband, +Wolodymyr Hapkewycz, as a tribute to his life and legacy. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Funeral Masses
24|04|2024, 11.00 AM +Annick Johnson
Harlow Water Tower Abseil
The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS) are looking for thrill seekers with a passion for fundraising to take part in Harlow Tye Rotary’s annual Harlow Water Tower Abseil on Saturday 18th May 2024. For all details, please visit our Harlow Water Tower Abseil webpage here: https://www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/ To secure your spot, a £35 entry fee will be paid to the Harlow Tye Rotary Club, with all funds raised through your efforts being donated to BCCS. Please reach out to Charlotte: cwalker@bccs.org.uk / 07986841178 to sign up!
Pilgrimage to Fatima
From 11th to 15th Oct 2024
£ 855.00 Operated by Special Pilgrimages ‘Christian Tours’ For Inquiries, please contact:
Salvatore Burzotta 07753 203129
Assistance Needed:
Seeking 2-Bedroom House in Westcliff-on-Sea
A member of our parish community is in search of a 2-bedroom house located in Westcliff-on-Sea. If you have any leads or can offer help, it would be greatly appreciated. Let's come together to support one another.
To provide assistance, please call the Parish Office directly at 01702 342324.
Thank you for your kindness and collaboration.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Invitation to Join Our Catechist Team
Our parish is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our team of catechists. Whether you are experienced or new to catechesis, your contribution will be invaluable in guiding and nurturing the faith journey of our community members.
To equip you for this role, we are organizing a special training session led by one of our parishioners, Carmel Allen, an experienced catechist and educator.
If you feel called to this ministry or would like to learn more, please approach Fr. Alex.
Friendship Club!
🌟 Join the Friendship Club of St. Helen's Parish in Westcliff! 🙌🏼 Discover meaningful connections and laughter every Tuesday, 11.00am-02.00pm at the Parish Hall.
All are welcome! ❤️
Gardener
🌿 Got Green Fingers?🌱 Be a part of something beautiful at St. Helen's Parish in Westcliff. Join our team of volunteer gardeners and help cultivate a serene oasis. 🌸🌼
No Bubble Gum in the Church
Out of respect for our sacred space, bubble gum is prohibited within the Church premises. I appreciate your cooperation.
- A friendly reminder from the dedicated volunteer cleaners of Saint Helen’s Westcliff
St. Helen’s Cleaners
Join the group chat to get the weekly schedule of volunteer cleaners.
St Helen’s Minibus Service
For parishioners of Saint Helen’s with mobility problems and wanted to attend the 11:30am Sunday Mass; - For those who are interested to join the team of volunteers, please contact Ray Newman on Tel. No.: 07775 769826
Many thanks to all who support the maintenance of our Parish Minibus. If you know anyone who needs a lift to church to 11.30 Mass, please let the office know and it will be handed on to Ray Newman.
Sacramental Services
· For Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals, please email our parish office or get in touch with any of the priests.
· Marriage Preparations: Couples who are planning to get married in or outside the parish should contact the parish office at least six (6) months in advance.
· The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursdays 10:45-11:25am; Saturdays 11:15-11:50am or approach the priest to get an appointment.
· The Sacrament of the Sick: Please contact the parish office for requests about visiting the housebound / Care Home residents.
Masses at Saint Helen’s
Weekday Masses: 10:00AM
Saturday Mass: 12:00NN
Sunday Mass: 09:30AM / 11:30AM / 06:00PM
2nd Mass on Holy Days: 07:00PM
No Mass on Mondays
Mass Intentions
For Any Mass Intentions, please see the priests or call them during office hours (Tuesdays to Fridays 9-1pm) Tel. No.: 01702 342324
Alternatively:
Mass Intention Envelopes are available Mass Intentions are published in the parish newsletter (available for collection). It is also posted via Facebook Page of the Parish.
Contactless Giving
No cash? Give your donations using your card. Look for the one in-charge of the parish’s card reader and get a receipt on the go or visit the parish website.
Gift Aid
Collection Envelopes 2024
If you are a tax paying parishioner making a gift to the parish, for example putting money in the collection, the Inland Revenue aids us by refunding the tax.
For every £1 you donate we can claim a 25p refund; £1 becomes £1.25 for the Parish.
Our Parish has to pay its own way, what we collect in the Offertory collection plate no longer covers our overhead costs, so the Gift Aid Scheme is our financial lifeline.
The new financial year starts on 6th April so please pick up your new box at the back of the church and check that we have your correct address.
Equally important, if you are a taxpayer and not in the scheme and would like to join and help the Parish please complete a Declaration Form which will be available for you to collect from the back of the church.
If you any further questions please contact
John Upsher phone 01702 347369.
Gift for Saint Helen’s Church
Please consider Saint Helen’s Catholic Church as part of charity in your will. For more information, see the parish priest.
Enhancing security
Saint Helen's Westcliff implements 24/7 CCTV surveillance across its premises. Notices alert parishioners to the system's presence for heightened safety.
The initiative aims to deter threats and ensure a secure environment for worshippers and visitors alike.
14 Apr – Sunday
09.30am –No Children’s Liturgy
15 Apr – Mon
07.00-08.00pm – Adoration organized by the FIHM (Presbytery Chapel)
16 Apr – Tuesday
10.30am-12.00nn – FIHM Business Meeting (Small Hall)
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
No Bible Study
17 Apr – Wednesday
05.00pm – FHC session
06.15pm – Confirmation session
18 Apr – Thursday
10.30-11.30am – Adoration for Vocations
10:35-11:20am – Confession
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
19 Apr –Friday
10.30am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
07.30pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
20 Apr – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
21 Apr – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
1.30pm- Tamil Assoc Mass
5-6.00pm- Hall
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
14 Apr – 3rd Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For Laura Faru (Birthday Intentions)
Priest: Fr. Saji Thomas, RCJ
11.30am – For +Anne Stewart (1st Death Anniv)
Priest: Fr. Saji Thomas, RCJ
06.00pm – For +Matthen Chacko (Death Anniv)
Priest: Fr. Basil Pearson, RCJ
16 Apr – No Mass
17 Apr – No Mass
18 Apr – Thur after the 3rd Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – For Helen Wallace (Sick)
19 Apr – Fri. after the 3rd Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – For Canon Patrick McKenna (Fdn.Meml.)
20 Apr – Sat. after the 3rd Sun of Easter (White)
12.00nn – For Ellen Mara (Fdn.Meml.)
21 Apr – 4th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation
11.30am – For the Daughters of Divine Zeal Congregation
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
April Intention of the Holy Father
For the use of the new technologies
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!