Starting 28 July 2024:-
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44
Responsorial Psalm: You open wide your hand, Lord, And grant us our desires
2nd Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel: John 6: 1-15
From the Assistant to the Parish Priest:
God's Overflowing Providence
As we journey through faith, we continuously encounter divine narratives illustrating the vastness of God's providence, an unending well of blessings in various dimensions of our lives. Today's readings vividly paint this panorama of God's boundless generosity.
In the book of Kings, a miraculous event unfolds where Prophet Elisha, a mere mortal yet a channel of God's power, transforms a modest amount of barley loaves into a bountiful feast for a hundred. When we willingly surrender our resources for God's purposes, no matter how small, they become an outpouring of blessings, illuminating the limitless nature of divine providence.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes a heartening reality that God, in His benevolent nature, tirelessly provides much like a nurturing parent who caters to a child's every need. This divine parenting extends beyond our necessities to fulfilling the most profound desires etched in our hearts when we place our unwavering trust in Him.
The passage from Ephesians introduces a different facet of God's bounty - the gift of harmony, humility, and peace. It drives home the point that God's providence permeates our lives' relational and spiritual aspects, empowering us to lead a life that's a worthy reflection of our divine lineage.
The Gospel of John retells a miracle story - the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Here, Jesus, driven by compassion, not only provides for the hungry crowd but does so with an overflow, a gentle yet powerful reminder that God's generosity is not sparing but lavish.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living in the awareness of this divine providence? When we offer our resources in God's service, do we truly believe that He can multiply them beyond our imagination? Are we open to receiving God's blessings in various forms—material, relational, and spiritual?
Family Connections:
Discuss a time when you experienced God's generosity. Was it during a financial crisis, a health scare, or a strained relationship that eased over time?
Prayer:
Lord, open our eyes to Your abundant providence daily. Amen.
God bless us all! - Fr. Viktor
Parish Anniversary
Organizers’ Meeting
2 August is the organizer's meeting for our 155-year parish anniversary at 06.00 PM in the Small Hall. We will request 2 or 3 representatives from each organization that we have in the parish: CWL, FIHM, LOM, Altar Servers Group, Music Ministry, Tuesday Club, African Community Tamil Community, Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community, and Filipino Community
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 3rd August, 2.30 PM, Church Sacristy.
To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
DM Pilgrimage to Aylesford August 2024 Brentwood Diocese
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kent on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The reflection day will include teachings on the Message of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All welcome. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information. Coaches from Ealing Broadway and Victoria
“Adoremus” Festival
On Saturday, 14th September at Oscott College in Birmingham, the “Adoremus” National Eucharistic Congress and Pilgrimage is taking place with representatives from dioceses across England and Wales.
Our diocese has been allocated a limited number of places for this event. If you would like to attend please contact the Diocesan Co-ordinator, Father Dan Mason at frdanmason@brcdt.org by the 1st August. There will be a coach leaving for the Congress from St Edward’s Church, Romford (RM1 4AT) at 8am on the day. There is no charge for the coach or attending the Congress but you will need to bring a packed lunch.
For more information please visit the Adoremus page on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website: Adoremus at Oscott - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)-Father Dan Mason
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.
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.
Tamil Catholic Community Donation
We would like to acknowledge the donation of £600.00 from the Tamil Catholic Chaplaincy, Southend-on-Sea. Your contribution to St Helen’s parish funds means really a lot. Our appreciation also to the leadership of Carmen Hubert and Jaygan Navaratnam and to Fr. Elmo Jeyarasa, the chaplain of the Tamil community.
NEEDED URGENTLY
A 3-bedroom house to rent, preferably within St Heen’s parish.
Please contact
Joyce 07424403254
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.
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……
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
Meal Tickets, Available!
Certificates of Catholic Practice
The Signing of the Catholic practice certificates for admission to Catholic Primary and Secondary schools is scheduled for August 28th 2024 and September 4th 2024 (Wednesdays) at 5pm.
Please consider offering help…..
…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!
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. 🌸🌼
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) and posted on the Parish's Facebook page.
Tamil Catholic Community Donation
We would like to acknowledge the donation of £600.00 from the Tamil Catholic Chaplaincy, Southend-on-Sea. Your contribution to St Helen’s parish funds means really a lot. Our appreciation also to the leadership of Carmen Hubert and Jaygan Navaratnam and to Fr. Elmo Jeyarasa, the chaplain of the Tamil community
100 club draws
February: F Cassar £20, E Campling £15, D Cauchi £10
March: S Baillie £30, M Davis £20, L Upsher £15, C Allen £10
June 2024 Income
Bankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 2,188.85
Gift Aid 1,701.60
Contactless 580.06
Total £ 4,470.51
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 July – Sunday
29 July – Monday
30 July – Tuesday
11.00am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club
31 July – Wednesday
01 August – Thursday
07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
02 August – Friday
10.30 am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
03.00-04.00 pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
06.00 pm – Parish Anniversary Organizers' Meeting (Small Hall)
07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
03 August – Saturday
11.00-11:50 am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11:50 am – Confession
12.00 nn – Holy Mass
02.30 pm – Baptism Seminar
04 August – Sunday
After 9.30am Mass – African Community (Small Hall)
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
Funeral +Mary Seigel
Monday, 5 August, 12:00nn
Funeral +Peter Woods
Friday, 9 August, 11:00am
28 July – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
09.30am –For For +Edward English 13th Death Anniv.
11.30am – For Victor and Rosalia Galiza (Thanksgiving); for +Lazaro Galiza (Death Anniv)
06.00pm –For the Rogationist Congregation
30 July – Tue. Feria (Green)
10.00am – For the parishioners’ intentions
31 July – Wed. St Ignatius of Loyola Pr Memorial (White)
10.00am – For Anne Thompson (Birthday Intentions)
01 August – Thu. St Alphonsus de Liguori Bp, D Memorial (White)
10.00am – For the Holy Souls
02 August – Fri. Feria (Green)
10.00am – For babies in danger of abortion
03 August - Sat. Feria (Green)
12.00nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
04 August – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
09.30am –For the Rogationist Congregation
11.30am –For Campling Family (Thanksgiving)
06.00pm –For the parishioners’ intentions
The Holy Father’s intention for August
For political leaders:
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!
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