Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
We are called to embrace the message of repentance, transformation, and wholehearted discipleship that echoes through the Scriptures. Our readings invite us to renew our commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ individually and as a faith-filled family.
In the story of Jonah, we witness the power of genuine repentance and God's boundless mercy. Just as the people of Nineveh turned their hearts toward God, we can also seek His forgiveness and grace. Paul's letter to the Corinthians reminds us of the fleeting nature of the world's concerns, urging us to focus on eternal values. As a faith community, we can support one another in this endeavor, ensuring our families reflect the priorities of God's kingdom. The Gospel passage from Mark showcases the immediacy of discipleship. The fishermen, called by Jesus, leave their nets and follow Him without hesitation. This challenges us to examine our readiness to respond to Christ's call and to do so as a united family of believers.
Let us enter this Mass with open hearts, eager to listen, learn, and embrace the call to discipleship. May our time together be an opportunity for renewal, transformation, and a strengthened commitment to live out the Gospel in our families and community.
iReflect:
What changes do I need to make to live as Jesus expects me?
Family Connection:
How can we encourage repentance and a Christ-centered family life?
Prayer:
Lord, guide us to live Your teachings with love.
(frva,rcj)
Snr Sto. Niño Novena
We again invite you to join the 9-day Novena of Snr Santo Nino in St Helen’s Church, Westcliff.
Day 1 (19 Jan) 7:30 PM - Adoration chapel
Day 2 (20 Jan) - will be done in the coach re: London feast in Saint George’s Cathedral Day 3 - 8 (21 - 26 Jan) 7:30 PM - Adoration chapel Day 9 / Feast Day (27 Jan) 4:30 PM in St Helen’s Church, followed by our regular/monthly Filipino mass. (Note: Bring with you your Santo Nino images for blessing) Agape in the hall & please kindly bring food to share.
Contact: Melchor Aliganga for more details
Filipino Community Mass
27 January 4.30-6 pm;
Filipino Community 6-9 PM (Hall)
Supplica to the Most Holy Name of Jesus
31 January, (Wednesday) 10.00 AM - Holy Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration
We invite each parish group leader to join us in a special prayer of thanksgiving, an important expression of the Rogationist Spirituality - the Supplica to the Most Holy Name of Jesus celebrated every 31st of January. Please complete a list of your group's blessings in the past year, 2023. These blessings could be spiritual growth, achievements, moments of unity, or any other way God has touched your group's life.
After the celebration of the Holy Mass, there will be a Eucharistic Adoration. We will offer a direct and heartfelt enumeration of these blessings as an act of gratitude to God. Your participation is essential, as it will help us celebrate God's goodness and inspire our collective journey of faith in the year ahead.
Let us come together to express our thankfulness and strengthen the bonds of our parish community. Please share your list of blessings with us by 30 January via email [westcliff@brcdt.org], and we will coordinate a suitable time for our prayer of thanksgiving.
Altar Servers’ Meeting
04 February 2024, 12.30-03.00 PM (Hall)
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community Mass
10 February 2024, 04.00 PM
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 10th of February 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
Dates for your diary……
Ash Wednesday
14 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
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
and
Lucy and Gary Watts
Safeguarding Representatives
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.
31 December 2023 Income
Bankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 801.81
Gift Aid 490.00
Total £ 1,291.81
Building Fund £ 42.62
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
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.
Sunday 21 January
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
Monday 22 January
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
07.00-08.00pm – Adoration organized by the FIHM (Adoration Chapel)*
07.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo (Adoration Chapel)*
*This conflict will be sorted out by Fr. Alex with the Organizers
Tuesday 23 January
10.30am – FIHM Catechesis (Small Hall)
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study (Fr. Viktor)
07.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo (Adoration Chapel)
Wednesday 24 January
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
05.00-06.00pm – First Holy Communion Session (Hall)
06.15- 07.30pm – Confirmation Session (Hall)
07.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo (Adoration Chapel)
Thursday 25 January
10.30-11.30am – Adoration for Vocations
10.30-11.20am – Confession
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
07.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo (Adoration Chapel)
Friday 26 January
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Adoration Chapel)
07.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo (Adoration Chapel)
Saturday 27 January
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.00nn – Holy Mass
04.30pm – Novena to Snr Sto Niňo | Filipino Community Mass (Church) and 06.00-09.00 PM Hall)
Sunday 28 January
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
01.30pm – Tamil Community Mass
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
Zimbabwean Rosary Group
27th January, 02.00-03.00 PM
07506450181(Nyasha)
21 Jan – 3rd Sunday OT (Green)
(Sunday of the word of God)
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation; Bp +Bernard Ward,
11.30am – For the FDZ Congregation; Fr +Christopher Quirke
06.00pm – Zofia Nowacka (Intentions)
23 Jan – Tue. Feria. (Green)
10.00am – For +Jane Monaghan (Death Anniversary); Bp +Arthur Doubleday
24 Jan – Wed. Memorial. (White)
St Francis De Sales Bp D
10.00am – For Rev Fr +John Barton (Foundation Memorial); Fr +John O’Sullivan
25 Jan – Thur. Feast. (White)
The Conversion of St Paul, Ap
10.00am – For SJ +David Durrant (Foundation Memorial); Vocations to the Religious and Priestly Life; Fr +John Hibbert
26 Jan – Fri. Memorial. (White)
Ss Timothy & Titus, Bpp
10.00am – For Thomas Barton (Foundation Memorial); Fr +Alfred Field, Bp +Patrick Casey
27 Jan – Sat. Memorial. (White) BVM
12.00nn – For Elizabeth Barton (Foundation Memorial)
28 Jan – 4th Sunday OT (Green)
(Racial Justice Day)
08.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For Maureen Walsh (RIP); for the FDZ Congregation;
06.00pm – For the parishioners’ intentions
Cycle of Prayer
During Ordinary Time up to Lent, Brentwood Diocese asks to pray for these intentions:
Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God; Christian Unity; The Sick and Those Who Care for Them; Victims of Trafficking and Those who Work to Combat it; The Unemployed.
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