Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
In the Gospel reading from Mark 1:40-45, we encounter the powerful story of Jesus healing a leper. This passage transcends mere miraculous healing; it unveils profound truths about Jesus' authority as the Messiah, the significance of obedience to God's law, and the transformative power of faith. Leprosy symbolizes not only physical affliction but also social and spiritual isolation, reflecting our struggles with sin and separation from God. Yet, through Jesus' healing touch, we witness the restoration of both body and soul, reminding us of God's abundant mercy and grace. As we reflect on the Gospel, let us heed the call to obedience, humility, and unwavering faith. Like the healed leper, may we approach Jesus with trust, believing in His power to heal and transform our lives. Let us embrace the values of love, forgiveness, and service, fostering unity and compassion within our families and communities.
May the Word of God ignite our hearts with zeal and renew our commitment to follow Jesus faithfully. May this Sunday Eucharist be a source of spiritual nourishment, empowering us to live as faithful disciples of Christ in our daily lives (fr.va,rcj).
Family Connection:
How can our families actively live out the healing grace and transformative power of Jesus' ministry in our daily lives?
Prayer:
Lord, grant us faith, obedience, and healing grace.
CWL Valentine’s Day tea & coffee
After the 9:30 mass
Sunday 11th February
Ash Wednesday
14 February
Stations of the Cross
16th February
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community Mass
09 March 2024, 04.00 PM
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 9th of March 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
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!
Dates for your diary……
CWL Valentines Day tea and coffee
Sunday 11th February
Ash Wednesday
14 February
Stations of the Cross
Starting 16th February
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL LENTEN TALKS:
A series of 4 talks on the recent Synod on Synodality, which took place in Rome last October, has been organised for the Holy Lenten season this year.
We have managed to secure 4 speakers
who were participants at the Synod.
Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, (Wednesday 21st February 2024) who was appointed by the Pope as the Guest Preacher and Spiritual Director for the whole Synod;
The Revd Dr Jan Nowotnik (Wednesday 28th February 2024) Director of Mission for the Bishops’ Conference, and its National Ecumenical Officer;
Mr Austen Ivereigh (Wednesday 6th March 2024) Roman Catholic Journalist, Biographer of Pope Francis; Writer, speaker on contemporary Church affairs and
Bishop Nicholas Hudson (Wednesday 13th March 2024) Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, (former Rector of the Ven English College, Rome), appointed delegate at the Synod last October.
All the Talks will take place at Brentwood Cathedral at 7.30pm. Considering the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter recently this will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Synod on Synodality, and this invitation is open to the whole Diocese.
Job Vacancies
Deputy Headteacher – St Anne Line Catholic Infant School & Nursery, BasildonDeadline for applications: 4:00 pm, Friday 26th January 2024
Headteacher – St Francis Primary School, MaldonDeadline for applications: 4:00 pm, Friday 26th January 2024
Headteacher – St Helen’s Primary School, Westcliff-on-SeaDeadline for applications: 9:00 am, Friday 2nd February 2024
Headteacher – St Joseph’s Primary School, Canvey IslandDeadline for applications: 12:00 pm, Wednesday 7th February 2024
Headteacher – St Patrick’s Primary School, Collier RowDeadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Monday 12th February 2024
Job Vacancy
Little Company of Mary
11 - 13 Grosvenor Rd
Westcliff on Sea
We are recruiting for a maintenance person with good all-round DIY skills.
Basic knowledge of electrical, heating, plumbing and hot & cold-water service installations is required, with the ability to undertake all general and statutory maintenance checks on the various installations.
Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, preferably in a Care Home environment.
The successful candidate must have a good standard of record keeping and be able to work unsupervised.
Hours: 16 hours over 4 days (to be agreed)
Please submit your application to Icm.ef@btinternet.com
Pilgrimage to Italy
From 10th to 19th September 2024
Visiting Pisa, Florence, Assisi, and Rome
£ 1,795.00
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
📢 Vacancy for Cleaner
We urgently seek committed applicants, preferably with experience, for this vital role in our Parish. For those who are interested, please get in touch with Fr. Alex Poblador, RCJ.
New Parish Team Members
We warmly welcome
Kenneth Attwood
Health and Safety Officer
Benneth Chukwuemeka
Health and Safety Assistant
Lucy and Gary Watts
Safeguarding Representatives
and
Cherry Ann Castro
Finance Coordinator
They bring dedication and expertise to ensure our parish remains a safe and welcoming community. Join us in supporting them in their essential roles.
St. Helen’s Cleaners
Join the group chat to get the weekly schedule of volunteer cleaners.
100 Club winners
November Lucy Upsher £20, Charles Muscat £15 and Fabian Cassar £10,
December Christmas bonus Dympna Potter £30, Pat Volante £20, Pat Keyes £15 and Anna Baldan £10,
January Rita Conlon £20, Pat Keyes £15 and Pat Volante £10.
Thank you for continued support to fund the parish minibus.
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.
January 2024 Income
Bankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 2,133.43
Gift Aid 1,274.50
Total £ 3,407.93
Gift Aid Collection Envelopes
If you are a taxpayer and not currently in the gift aid scheme and would like to join and help the Parish, please complete a Declaration Form, which is 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.
Sunday 11 February
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
10.30am – CWL Valentine’s Day tea and coffee
Monday 12 February
07.00-08.00pm – Adoration organized by FIHM (Adoration Chapel)
Tuesday 13 February
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
12.00nn – Funeral Mass for +Bernard Mutsure
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study (Fr. Viktor)
Wednesday 14 February
05.00-06.00pm – First Holy Communion Session (Hall)
06.00pm – Holy Mass with the imposition of ashes for Candidates to First Holy Communion with their Parents
06.15- 07.30pm – Confirmation Session (Hall)
Thursday 15 February
10.30-11.30am – Adoration for Vocations
10.30-11.20am – Confession
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
Friday 16 February
09.30-10.30am – Private Function (Hall Preparation)
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Adoration Chapel)
06.00pm – Stations of the Cross
07.30pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Adoration Chapel)
Saturday 17 February
11.00am – Baptism
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.00nn – Holy Mass
12.45pm – Baptism
01.30-04.30pm – Baptism Party (Hall)
Sunday 18 February
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
12.45pm – Baptism
01.30pm – Tamil Mass
05.00-06.00pm – Tamil Association (Hall)
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
11 Feb – 6th Sunday OT B (Green)
World day for the sick and Day of prayer for the unemployed
09.30am – For +Sally Hopkins; for the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For Leslie Reynaldo Abatayo (RIP) and Leslie Janver Abatayo (RIP); for the FDZ Congregation;
06.00pm – For the parishioners' intentions; Fr +Donald Mills
13 Feb – Tue. Feria (Green)
10.00am – For Fr +Charles Snell
12.00nn – Funeral Mass for +Bernard Munashe Mutsure
LENTEN SEASON
14 Feb – Wed. Ash Wednesday (Purple)
10.00am – For William Barton (Foundation Memorial)
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
15 Feb – Thur. after Ash Wednesday (Purple)
10.00am – For Emma Louisa Barton (Foundation Memorial); for more Vocations to the Religious and Priestly Life;
16 Feb – Fri. after Ash Wednesday (Purple)
10.00am – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
17 Feb – Sat. after Ash Wednesday (Purple)
12.00nn – For Fr +John Joyce
18 Feb – 1st Sunday of Lent B (Purple)
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For the FDZ Congregation;
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
Ash Wednesday 14th February 2024
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn period of reflection and preparation for Easter. Through the imposition of ashes on our foreheads, we acknowledge our mortality and need for repentance. It is a time to turn away from sin and renew our commitment to follow Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, lead us on the path of repentance and renewal.
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