Abiding in Divine Love
This Sunday's readings remind us of the universal and unconditional nature of God's love, which extends to every one of us, regardless of our background or status. The first reading from Acts recounts how the Holy Spirit descended upon the Gentiles, revealing that God's love and salvation are meant for all people. This truth is echoed in the responsorial psalm, which proclaims that the Lord has made His salvation known to all nations, including us.
The second reading from 1 John emphasizes the origin and essence of love: God Himself. We are called to love one another because love comes from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. This love manifested when God sent His only Son into the world to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
In the Gospel, Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us—a sacrificial, selfless love that lays down one's life for one's friends. As we abide in His love and keep His commandments, we are no longer mere servants but friends of Christ. This friendship bears lasting fruit as we love one another genuinely.
As we reflect on these readings, let us open our hearts to receive God's all-encompassing love and share it freely. May we strive to love without distinction, seeing Christ in every person we encounter. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of divine love and participate in God's mission of salvation for all people (Fr. Viktor).
Family Connections:
How can our family reach out to someone who might feel excluded or unloved this week, showing them Christ's unconditional love through our words and actions?
Lord, help us love others as You have loved us.
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Acts 10: 25-26.-34-35.44-48
Responsorial Psalm: The Lord, has shown his salvation to the nations
2nd Reading: 1 John 4:7-10
Gospel: John 15:9-17
Recollection for the parents of the First Holy Communion Candidates
This service is for all the parents of children preparing to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time in June.
8 May, Wednesday, 05.00pm
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam
community mass will be on
11 May 2024, 04.00 pm
AGM and Open Networking Day
Saturday 11th May 10.30am—4pm
Taking place at CAFOD, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Rd., London SE1 7JB.
We will hear about the ‘New definition of extremism 2024’, what it will mean in practice, and how it affects climate activism. There will be time for discussions and networking. Tea/coffee will be provided, but please bring your own lunch,
For more information, contact admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk.
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!
‘Revive; Discover; Empower’ a young adults retreat:
Walsingham House are hosting a young adults retreat on the weekend of 22nd – 23rd June. The retreat is open to those who are 19+. It will be a weekend of prayer and friendship and a wonderful opportunity to take a break from work or university. The cost of the retreat is £45 and more information, including how to book, can be found at www.bcys.net/events
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
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!
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.
5 May – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
6 May – Monday
07.00-08.00pm – Adoration organized by the FIHM (Presbytery Chapel)
7 May – Tuesday
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study
8 May – Wednesday
11.30am – Pipework Survey
05.00pm – FHC session (Hall) / Recollection of FHC Parents (Church)
06.15pm – Confirmation session
9 May – Thursday
10.00am – Children of St Helen’s School at Mass
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
10 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)
11 May – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
1.00pm – Baptism
3.30pm – Malayalam Mass in church
3.30-6.00pm – Malayalam community (Hall)
12 May – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
– Baptism
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
5 May – 6th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For Tracey (Intentions); for students studying psychology and their exams; +Walter Campling
11.30am – For +Raymond 'Bong' Galvez (Death Anniv); for +Walter Campling
06.00pm – For +Anne Harnwell; for +Walter Campling
7 May – Tue of the 6th week of Eastertide (White)
10.00am – For W.L. Pearce (Fdn.Meml.)
8 May – Wed of the 6th week of Eastertide (White)
10.00am – For John Russel Justice (Fdn.Meml.)
9 May -Thur The Ascension of the Lord
Holy Day of Obligation (White)
10.00am – For the Holy Souls`
7.00pm – For Alfred and Stephanie Adams (Fdn.Meml.)
10 May – Fri of the 6th week of Eastertide (White)
10.00am – For Sidney George White and Louise White (Fdn.Meml.)
11 May – Sat. of the 6th week of Eastertide (White)
12.00nn – For the Parishioners’ Intention
12 May – 7th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30am – For students studying psychology and their exams
11.30am – For Glenda Guevara (Birthday on 13 May)
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
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.
The Significance of May as the Month of Mary
The Catholic Church has a long-standing tradition about the month of May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This custom, which began in the 13th century, has been embraced and promoted by the Church, particularly the Jesuit Order and various Popes.
The month of May is associated with Mary for several reasons. Firstly, it is a time when spring is at its peak, and nature is renewing itself. This renewal is symbolically linked to Mary's role in giving new life to the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Additionally, dedicating May to Mary may have been a way to replace pagan cults that existed during this month. The practice of honoring Mary in May has been praised by Popes, including Pius XII, who recognized it as a unique and dignified form of devotion. As Catholics, devotion to Mary is an integral part of their identity. She exemplifies commitment to God's will and is often sought out for help and guidance during difficult times. May we renew our devotions to Mary, the mother of Jesus and trust in her maternal intercessions for our families and community (Fr. Viktor).
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!