Radical Mercy in a Divided World
In today’s world, marked by division, individualism, and a relentless pursuit of personal success, the message for the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, offers a starkly countercultural and profoundly hopeful alternative. The Acts of the Apostles presents early believers in profound unity, sharing everything and living out God’s infinite love—a radical testament to communal living in Christ. This unity and selflessness are further echoed in the Psalm, celebrating the Lord’s enduring mercy. John’s letter invites us to embrace this divine mercy, uniting us through our faith in Jesus, the conqueror of worldly divisions. The Gospel deepens this theme, illustrating that Jesus’s glory is realized in self-sacrifice and loving service, not worldly triumphs. This divine call to mercy, unity, and sacrificial love directly challenges the modern ethos of competition, materialism, and self-centeredness. The early Christians’ communal sharing and mutual support stand in sharp contrast to contemporary society’s emphasis on accumulating personal wealth and success. By prioritizing others’ needs and embodying Christ’s unconditional love, these readings invite us into a way of life that defies the prevailing norms, encouraging us to transform our world through actions of love and mercy that resonate with the divine (fr.vik).
Family Connections:
Together, reflect on a specific action you can take this week to demonstrate sacrificial love within your family or community. How can we support each other in making this commitment a reality?
Lord, guide us to unite in Your love and live by Jesus’s example.
1st Reading: Acts 4: 32-35
Responsorial Psalm: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end
2nd Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
Gospel: John 20: 19-31
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, 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
Easter Bonnet/Hat
Easter Hamper Winners
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
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.
February Income
Gift Aid ---------------------------------- £1,462.30
Loose plate ------------------------------ 2,408.94
£3,871.24
March Income
Gift Aid ---------------------------------- £1,598.90
Loose plate ------------------------------ 2,492.09
Hamper Raffle---------------------------- 2,411.50
Loose Plate + Gift Aided-------------------- 72.00
Easter Bonnet-------------------------------- 50.00
£6,624.49
Holy Land Collection--------------------- £ 311.04
Building Fund
18th February -------------------------- £1,100.00
7 Apr – Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am – Mass
06.00pm – Mass
8 Apr – Mon
9 Apr – Tuesday
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
12.30pm – Funeral Mass for +Sandra Forge
06.00pm – Bible Study
10 Apr – Wednesday
No FHC session
No Confirmation session
11 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)
12 Apr –Friday
10.30am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
01.00pm – Decoration of Hall
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
05.00-08.00pm – Private Function (Hall)
07.30pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
13 Apr – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
03.00pm – Baptism Seminar (Sacristy)
06.00-10.00pm – Private Function (Hall)
14 Apr – Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am – Mass
06.00pm – Mass
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
7 Apr – 2nd Sunday of Easter (White)
Divine Mercy Sunday
09.30am – For the Upsher Family (Intentions)
11.30am – For Mr and Mrs Mark Shepella
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
8 Apr- The Annunciation of the Lord Solemnity (White)
10.00am – For Ann Durant (Fdn.Meml.)
9 Apr –Tue after the 2nd Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – For the parishioners’ intentions
10 Apr –Wed after the 2nd Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – For the parishioners’ intentions
11 Apr – Thur St Stanislaus memorial (Red)
10.00am – For Mary Agnes Durrant (Fdn.Meml.)
12 Apr – Fri. after the 2nd Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – For the parishioners’ intentions
13 Apr – Sat. after the 2nd Sun of Easter (White)
12.00nn – For Alice Barton (Fdn.Meml.)
14 Apr – 3rd 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
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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