20-26 October, 2024 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
The Power of Humility
Success and power are often measured through wealth, prestige, and control over others. But Jesus teaches that true greatness lies not in dominance but in servitude, not in gaining, but in giving. Jesus' idea of servanthood, however, may be misinterpreted as an endorsement of self-deprivation or weakness. On the contrary, Jesus advocates for servanthood marked by strength in humility and power in surrender. By following Jesus’ example of selfless surrender to God, we can expand our hearts beyond self-preservation, fear of vulnerability, and pursuing worldly accolades.
We can embody Christ's teachings by selflessly engaging in our interactions, prioritizing others' needs, and embracing our personal trials as avenues for growth. Commitment to prayer, scripture study, and active community participation can further deepen our understanding and practice of Christ-like servanthood.
Recognizing Jesus' mission as a call to sacrificial love and service and identifying Him as the 'Suffering Servant' as prophesied in Isaiah enriches our perception of His identity. It emphasizes His empathy, His self-giving love, and His commitment to humanity's redemption. This insight calls us to partake in similar sacrifices, reminding us that in the Christian journey, the pathway to glory is often adorned with the flowers of humility, service, and, at times, suffering.
Family Connection:
How can we, as a family, better serve each other and our wider community with love and humility, following Jesus' teachings?
Consider discussing ways each family member can demonstrate selfless service in their daily life - it could be as simple as helping with household chores without expecting a reward, being more patient and understanding with siblings, or reaching out to a neighbour in need. Discuss the concept of sacrificial love shown by Jesus and how this influences our actions and decisions as a family. Reflect on any personal or family trials and discuss how these experiences can be viewed as opportunities for growth and deepening faith. Remember, it's not about grand gestures but rather the small, consistent acts of love and service embodying Christ's teachings.
Prayer: Lord, inspire us to serve with humility and love.
Source: Daily Gospel Digest, Viktorious Living
1st Reading: Isaiah 53:10-11 Responsorial Psalm 32(33):4-5,18-20,22 “May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. 2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
Parish Diary 2024
20 October – Sunday
(“Second Collection for Rogationist Mission”)CWL - Shoebox Appeal in all Masses 09.30 am onwards – Mass with Children’s Liturgy Second-hand sale and the Coffee morning after mass (Hall) 01:30 pm Tamil Mass meet in the small hall after the mass
21 October – Monday
22 October – Tuesday
11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 02.00 pm- Funeral Mass 06.00 pm – Bible Study
23 October – Wednesday
24 October – Thursday
10.30-11.30 am – Adoration for Vocations 10.30-11.20 am - Confession 06.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish) 07.00-8.30 pm – RCIA meeting (small hall)
25 October – Friday
11.30 am – Craft Club (Small Hall) 03.00-04.00 pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
26 October – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organized by FIHM 11.15-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Holy Mass 04.30 pm – Filipino Community Mass (Living Rosary after) 05.30-07.30 pm – Filipino Community ‘Sinulog’ Dance Practice (Hall)
27 October – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass No Children’s Liturgy 11.30 am – Mass 06.00 pm – Mass
Note: For this October, the recitation of the Holy Rosary with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Church after the weekday Masses (except indicated otherwise in the diary).
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
20 October – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
09.30 am – For +Alexandra Klejka, +Eva Rzepka, and +Stefan Mirga 11.30 am – For +Patrick Joseph Walls (5th Death Anniv); Rubio Family (Thanksgiving) 06.00 pm For +Joao Mata Teixeira
22 October – Tue Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Anna Mirga, +Ewa Pompa, and +Jerzy Brygida
23 October – Wed. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Tomasz Rzepka, +Ryszard Rzepka, and +Józef Klejka
24 October – Thu. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Alexandra Klejka, +Eva Rzepka, and +Stefan Mirga
25 October – Fri. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Anna Mirga, +Ewa Pompa, and +Jerzy Brygida
26 October – Sat. Diocesan Memorial (White)
St Cedd Bp12.00 nn – For Pjeter Villi
27 October – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
09.30 am – For the Rogationist Congregation 11.30 am – For Dilo Bobaj 06.00 pm For the Parishioners’ Intentions
Coming up…
2HS Coffee Morning
2nd-Hand Sale20 October, after 09.30 am - 02.00 pm Mass
Deadline for Submission of First Holy Communion Candidates’ Application Form:
Sunday, 20 October 2024
Tamil Mass:20 October, 1.30 PM
Meet in the small hall after the Mass
RCIA meeting
24 October 7-8.30pm in parish hall
Filipino Community Mass
26 October 2024 04.30 pm Living Rosary after the Mass
No Children’s Liturgy
during the school half term-Sun 27th October and Sun 3rd November.
Prayer and Fasting for Life
“There have now been over ten and a half million abortions in Great Britain since the Abortion Act was passed 57 years ago, on 27th October 1967. On the day before this terrible anniversary please pray and fast for the end of abortion in this country. On Saturday 26th October please go to Mass, say an extra Rosary and give up some food for the day.Share this with your friends on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/events/808459844574645 “ God bless Stuart McCullough
FIHM Catechesis
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, after the 10.00 Mass
Celebrate All Hallows Eve at Saint Helen's
Join us this October 31st, Thursday, for a divine celebration of All Hallows Eve, organized by the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.As the vigil of All Saints, this occasion beckons the blessings of the saintly realm, steering away from the pagan festivities of Halloween towards a more sacred commemoration. 17.00 Rosary and Adoration 18.00 Holy MassAfter the Mass, the procession to the Church Hall; Fellowship We encourage our children and young adults to partake in this holy commemoration by dressing as their favourite Saint.This initiative aims to redirect the traditional Halloween festivity towards a more meaningful and spiritually enriching experience.We eagerly await your presence and participation in this celestial celebration.
CWL Coffee Morning
3rd November, after 09.30 am Mass
The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS)Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
will be held at The Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7ED on Sunday 3rd November from 10.30am - 4pm.There is free parking at the venue and admission is only £1.50 for adults and free for children under 14.There will be over 40 stalls selling many unique crafts, gifts and handmade fare so come along and pick up some early Christmas presents. BCCS will have its own stall selling donated gifts and crafts and there will be a fundraising raffle during the event.If you have any crafts, unopened gifts or homemade jams and chutneys you would like to donate to us and are able to drop off to our premises in Billericay, we would be delighted to receive them. Thank you.
First Holy Communion Candidates’ Parents Meeting
Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 17.30Our Lady and Saint Helen’s Church
Couples for Christ (CFC) Coffee Morning Southend Households
(Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)10 November, after 09.30 AM MassBeneficiary: Feeding the Homeless
Mass for the Deceased Clergy
13th November, 10.00 am followed by Deanery Meeting, 11.00 am –Small Hall
Samaritans PurseShoebox appeal 2024
-- Operation Christmas Child --make your donations through CWL Westcliff! Donate by 11th November! As last year we are not collecting shoeboxes etc at the back of church - CWL Westcliff are willing to fill the shoeboxes online from your donations.The cost per box is £25 so if that is too much in these difficult times you can make a donation of any amount and we will order the shoeboxes online, for you, up the amount raised. You can donate however small or big the amount and make the payment direct to our section account.If you would like to make a donation please pay to Catholic Women's League CIO Westcliff section; Sort code 30-98-90; account number 18096960; Reference Shoebox. Thank you for your support and remember what a difference this makes to the children receiving these boxes all over the world. Here is the link if you would like to donate directly https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online
September 2024 IncomeBankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 2,257.37 Gift aid 1,935.80 Bankers order 1,030.00 Contactless card 384.95 Cheque 115.00 Total £ 5,723.12
Campaign Against Assisted Suicide
Kim Leadbeater MP is introducing a bill to introduce assisted suicide, which will be voted on by MPs on the 29 November. We know that assisted suicide laws in other jurisdictions have had devastating consequences for the poor, disabled and marginalised. This is the biggest threat to the vulnerable in a decade, and we need a huge effort to lobby MPs. Please contact your MP by visiting www.livesworthliving.org.uk
From The Leigh-on-Sea Carmelite
Third Order SecularAre you interested in finding out more about us?If so why not come along to an informal gathering, have a talk to one of our group, pick up a leaflet and have a cup of tea.This will be on October 26thfrom 3pm - 4pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea.All welcome - or contact Julie on 01702 330096.
40 Days for Life
Help save lives by praying for an End to Abortion25 September – 3 NovemberVisit: https://www.40daysforlifeinternational.com
St Helen’s Minibus: Help urgently needed
We are seeking a commitment of one Sunday a month, between 10:30 and 1300, to transport parishioners to the 11.30 Mass. No special driving licence is required, but you need to feel comfortable driving the vehicle. Escorts only need to help passengers get on and off the minibus. Please contact Ray Newman on 07775 769826.
Funeral Mass+Patricia Darroch22 October; 14.00 Mass; 15.30 Committal
Regular Reminders
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 342324Alternatively: Mass Intention Envelopes are available. Mass Intentions are published in the parish newsletter (available for collection) and posted on the Parish's Facebook page.
Sacramental Services
Please email our parish office or contact any priests for Baptisms, weddings, and Funerals. Marriage Preparations: Couples planning to marry in or outside the parish should contact the parish office at least six (6) months in advance. The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursdays 10:45-11:25 am; Saturdays 11:15-11:50 am 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.
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.
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!
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