Today’s Gospel reading from St John depicts how God wants to connect with us always in a loving way. The evangelist uses the imagery of the relationship between the vine and the branches. This kind of imagery requires us always to respond. We know that God loves us unconditionally. We believe that this is true. However sometimes we may question this. Why do we need to respond and what kind of response is God asking from us?
The Gospel clearly states that God want to remain in us. God always respects our freedom to make choices. God knows who we are and as always he wants to lead us to the right path, to search for our goal and to achieve the fullness of life. He created us and he wants all of us to inherit life everlasting. This is what he has promised to all from the beginning of times. However when things go wrong that is when we realize our disconnection with him. God our father provides us with everything in life that we may bear good fruits. That is if we remain in him. If for whatever the reason we are far from him he will be there for us. He will provide the necessary conditions so that we can eventually bear fruits. God always wants to lift us up that we may become the best person we can be.
Lastly, remember that God will always be with us and will remain with us forever because he loves us all. Remain in him please and have faith.
-Fr. Alex
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Acts 9: 26-31
Responsorial Psalm: You, Lord, are my praise in the great assembly
2nd Reading: 1 John 3 :18-24
Gospel: John 15:1-8
Jesus, the True Vine
Today's readings show the power of remaining connected to Christ. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains on the vine, we cannot live fruitful lives unless we abide in Jesus. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced a profound conversion and became a bold witness for Christ. Despite facing challenges, the early church found strength and growth by staying united in love and truth. As we navigate life's uncertainties, let us draw courage from their example and cling to Jesus, our true vine. By keeping His commandments and loving one another sincerely, we open our hearts to God's abiding presence. In doing so, we bear lasting fruit and glorify the Father. Let us pray for the grace to remain firmly rooted in Christ, finding nourishment and strength in Him alone (Fr. Viktor).
Family Connections:
How can our family stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, and bear good fruit daily?
Jesus, help us abide in You and bear lasting fruit.
Note:
On 3rd of May, Fr. Alex Poblador will be celebrating his birthday. Let us keep him in our prayers. We wish for him good health, holy perseverance, and blessings to him and his loved ones.
Family Rosary
29 April, 07.30 pm.
3-Day Clergy Conference
30 April – 2 May 2024 (Tues-Thurs)
No Masses at Saint Helen's
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam
community mass will be on
11 May 2024, 04.00 pm
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 18th 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
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!
Please consider offering help…..
…Your Parish needs You!
To ensure your safety and compliance 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 take in the event of a fire, which is to successfully evacuate the church and aid those who may have limited mobility.
We cannot do 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.
Dates for your diary……
Recollection of FHC Candidates' Parents
08 May 05.00 PM
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.
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 1 or 2-bedroom flat in Westcliff-on-Sea or Southend
A member of our parish community is searching for a 1 or 2-bedroom flat located in Westcliff-on-Sea or Southend. It would be greatly appreciated if you have any leads or can offer help. Let's come together to support one another.
To assist, 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.
28 April – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
29 April – Monday
07.30pm – Family Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
30 April – Tuesday
10.30am-12.00nn – FIHM Catechesis
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
No Bible Study
1 May – Wednesday
05.00pm – FHC session
06.15pm – Confirmation session
2 May – Thursday
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
3 May –Friday
10.30am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
07.00pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
4 May – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
5 May – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
28 April – 5th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For +Erin Henry (2nd May: Death Anniversary); for Tracey (Intentions); For students studying psychology and their exams
11.30am – For Bobaj Family (Intentions)
06.00pm – For +Jessica Hanna; for Joao and Maria Teixeira (Intentions)
30 April to 2 May
There is no Mass at Saint Helen’s due to the Clergy Conference.
3 May – Fri SS Philip and James (Red)
Feast
Birthday of Fr. Alex Poblador, RCJ
10.00am – For babies in danger of abortion; for Tracey (Intentions)
4 May – Sat. The English Martyrs (Red)
National feast
12.00nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
5 May – 6th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For Tracey (Intentions); For students studying psychology and their exams
11.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation and the Daughters of Divine Zeal Congregation
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
Note:
The intention for the Holy Souls on 2 May has been moved to 9 May.
The Holy Father’s intention for May
For the formation of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!