Friends, together we have journeyed during this Lenten period and I believe that we were able to deepen our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is through the scriptures. Like many of the Jews and Jesus’ disciples we find it hard to believe why God loves us so much.
During these last three days (Easter Triduum), Jesus was so close to us, and he showed us how much he is willing to die for our salvation. Without recourse to any human help, he gave up his life for us to complete his father’s mission for him. On the cross, he spared his last breath to express the accomplishment of his mission here on earth. After three days, the empty tomb was a witness to his promise of a new life. He came to spell the darkness and bring a new light into this world.
The LORD is RISEN indeed, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Yes, sisters and brothers, JESUS is Alive. He came back to life, and forever, he will be with us. In this spirit of Joy of the Resurrection of Jesus, let us renew our faith in him. We are all witnesses to this marvelous gift of God to us. Therefore, let us continue to announce this good news in our own lives by being an example of living the spirit of Christ. May God, in his loving mercy, inspire us always to witness Jesus in our day-to-day life now and forever. Amen. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let us wish Fr. Viktor safe travels to the Philippines this Tuesday and be able to have a good holiday with his family. We pray and hope that he will come back soon to our parish family. Thank you, Fr. Viktor, for all you have done for our parish.
1st Reading: Acts 10:34 37-43
Responsorial Psalm: This day was made by the Lord, we rejoice and we are glad
2nd Reading: Colossians 3: 1-4
Gospel: John 20: 1-9
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 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.
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 13th of April 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
Blessing of Food for Polish Families
30 March 2024, 12.00 NN
Join our Easter Bonnet/Hat Competition!
Entry: Adults £ 5.0, Children £ 2.0.
Showcase your creativity for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Celebrate Easter with style and fun. Don't miss out! Prices to be won. (Pay for entry on Easter Sunday)
Easter Hamper
Support our Easter Hamper for parish upkeep. Buy tickets: £1 each or £5 per strip. More tickets, more chances to win! Your contribution makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity!
FIHM Retreat
FIHM will have a retreat on 6 of April from 10:00 am to 16:00
Facilitator: Rev. Fr Jose Costa, FIHM Programme for the day retreat / day of recollection: 10 am welcome coffee / tea in the hall with morning prayer followed by adoration 11 am rosary in the church with confessions —Mass 12pm – Lunch 1pm (packed lunch in the hall ) —- 1-45 pm Themed Talk and discussion with father Jose Costa FIHM in the hall. 3 pm Divine Mercy devotions in the hall. Concluding prayer & 4 pm finish.
Dear Legion of Mary Auxiliaries
You are invited to attend the ACIES Ceremony which will take place on
Saturday 6th April 2024 at 2pm at
St Teresa of Lisieux RC Church,
16 Clairmont Road, Colchester CO3 9BE.
The purpose of the Acies is to renew and deepen our Consecration to Mary.
If you would like more information visit https://www.legionofmary.ie/news/article/the-purpose-of-the-acies
If you wish to enquire as to the availability of transport to the Acies or are interested in finding out more about the Legion of Mary please call Danielle 07849 103304.
- Our Lady Help of Christians Praesidium
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
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
Funeral Masses
09|04|2024, 12.30 PM +Alexandra Forge
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
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 (Temporarily Out of Service)
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.
31 March – Easter Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am – Mass
No 06.00pm Mass
1 Apr – Mon
2 Apr – Tuesday
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
06.00pm – Bible Study
3 Apr – Wednesday
No FHC session
No Confirmation session
4 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)
5 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)
6 Apr – Saturday
10.00am-16.00pm – Retreat organized by FIHM (Hall) Please see inside page for full details of the retreat schedule.
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.00nn – Holy Mass
7 Apr – Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am – Mass
06.00pm – Mass
After 11.30am Mass,
Easter Hamper Raffle Draw
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
31 Mar Easter Sunday of the (White)
Resurrection of the Lord
09.30am – For Petrit Bobaj and Family (Intentions); For the souls of +Dominador and +Dominga Despacio
11.30am – For John Hughes (Fdn.Meml.); For Sister Clare Smith (Healing)
2 Apr –Tue within the Easter Octave (White)
10.00am – For +Kelechi Anyanwu (Justina); For Elizabeth Upsher (Intention)
3 Apr –Wed within the Easter Octave (White)
10.00am – For Gloria Despacio-Reyes (Intentions); For +Wolodymyr Hapkewycz
4 Apr – Thur within the Easter Octave (White)
10.00am – For the Holy Souls
5 Apr – Fri. within the Easter Octave (White)
10.00am – For babies in danger of abortion
6 Apr – Sat. within the Easter Octave (White)
Easter Saturday
12.00nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
7 Apr – 2nd Sunday of Easter (White)
Divine Mercy Sunday
09.00am – For the Rogationist Congregation
11.30am – For the Daughters of Divine Zeal Congregation
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
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.
Daily Gospel Reflection
St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!
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