Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
On the fourth Sunday in Ordinary time the good news revolves around the mission and purpose of the three famous personages in the Bible: Moses, Paul and Jesus.
In the first reading Moses was intrusted to perform signs and God sustained him in the King’s presence in Egypt. God then gave Moses the Ten Commandments for his people, and revealed to him his glory (Deu 45:3). He most importantly taught the people to love God with all their hearts, mind and soul. Moses was a great prophet to his people and they listened to him. We are told that there has never been such a prophet in Israel since Moses, who the Lord ‘knew face to face’.
Paul after his conversion participated in the mission of Christ in evangelizing and gave himself totally to spread the Gospel of Christ. From one community to another he taught them how to live a life worthy of Christ’s calling. He encouraged people to try to perfect their Christian life. As one “captured by Christ” in his conversion, he dedicated his whole energies and entire life to the proclamation of Jesus and the Gospel.
Jesus showed his authority in his teaching the Gospel and in his miraculous interventions to all the people who are in need. As the new prophet, Christ led people to know more about his Father and how to live their lives worthy of their respective calling. In life, we have to be aware of our responsibilities and duties to God and to others. In this way we will become worthy to be called children of God. He created us with a purpose and mission in life so let us fulfil it as expected by him.
Fr. Alex
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)
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
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community Mass
09 March 2024, 04.00 PM
Dates for your diary……
Ash Wednesday
14 February
Please bring blessed palm leaves of the last year (2023) back to the Church on or before 11 February 2024.
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 Vacancies
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
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.
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.
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 28 January
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
01.30pm – Tamil Community Mass
Monday 29 January
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
07.30pm – Family Rosary (Adoration Chapel)
Tuesday 30 January
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
02.15pm – St Bernard Students, Holy Mass
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study (Fr. Alex)
Wednesday 31 January
10.00am – Holy Mass & Adoration Supplica
Church cleaning after the adoration (Volunteers are welcome).
05.00-06.00pm – First Holy Communion Session (Hall)
06.15- 07.30pm – Confirmation Session (Hall)
Thursday 1 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 2 February
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Adoration Chapel)
Saturday 3 February
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.00nn – Holy Mass
06.00pm – Parish Team Members Informal Check-in
Sunday 4 February
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
12.30-03.00pm – Altar Server’s Meeting (Hall)
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
28 Jan – 4th Sunday OT B (Green) Racial Justice Day
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For Maureen Walsh (RIP); Ronald Wycherley (RIP); Campling Family (Thanksgiving); the FDZ Congregation;
06.00pm – For the parishioners’ intentions
30 Jan – Tue. Feria. (Green)
10.00am – For Riccardo Volante (Birthday); Julia Sheehan (Foundation Memorial)
31 Jan – Wed. Feast (Rogationist). (White) The Most Holy Name of Jesus
10.00am – For Sorin iulian and Maria Percā; for Holy Souls
1 Feb – Thur. Memorial. (White) St John Bosco, Pr
10.00am – For the Holy Souls; More Vocations to the Religious and Priestly Life; Fr +Joseph Burns
2 Feb – Fri. Feast. (White) The Presentation of the Lord
10.00am – For babies in danger of abortion; Colin Kray (Birthday); Holy Souls; Fr +Enda Keenan
3 Feb – Sat. Diocesan Memorial. (White) St Anne Line M
12.00nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Fr +Eric Bindloss Smith;
4 Feb – 5th Sunday OT B (Green)
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For the FDZ Congregation;
06.00pm – For Terence Murphy (RIP); Claire Blackmore (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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