Shalom is a Hebrew word used in the bible meaning peace. This does not refer to the absence of conflict but rather to the fullness of life. God gives” perfect peace”.
Sisters and brothers today we are celebrating Pentecost Sunday. We reflect on the fullness of life brought to us by the Holy Spirit the third person of the Trinity. The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes in detail the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. We are told that after this they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This showed them that they were now ready to go out to fulfil the mission of evangelization. This was entrusted to them by Jesus Christ their master. This fullness of life from God gave them the courage and will power to experience God’s work in the vineyard of the Lord. This signified that once we have God gift with us it’s important to remember to share this with others and not keep this for ourselves.
In today’s Gospel Jesus gave his disciples the PEACE which comes from the Holy Spirit so they can fulfil their mandate to spread the good news of Christ‘s salvation to all.
As Christians we are called to the same mission to go out to the nations (Ad Gentes) that is to those who do not know Christ, and proclaim what the good news of God is to all. Let us never forget that one of the basic beliefs of our life is to help to restore broken relationships. We should never forget that brokenness is not only confided to us but also to the rest of creation. We ask the Holy Spirit to renew us and to renew the face of the earth. If we cooperate with him anything is possible. Be not afraid; let us ask God to also lead others to know the truth about him. We ask that he may always lead us to embrace and live our lives to the full.
Lastly, let remember the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
PIETY, FORTITUDE, WISDOM, PRUDENCE, COUNCIL, KNOWLEDGE and FEAR OF LORD,
HAPPY PENTECOST SUNDAY TO YOU ALL.
-Fr Alex, RCJ
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Acts 2: 1-11
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord send out your Spirit and renew the face of the Earth
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
Walter Campling’s Funeral
Walter's funeral is Thursday, the 30th May. 10.30 AM Brentwood Cathedral of SS Mary & Helen, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AT.
Burial: Southend Cemetary, Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5PX 12.15 PM
Buffet lunch 1.30 Cliffs Pavilion, Maritime room, Station Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, 12.45 PM.
New Altar servers meeting
with their parents
1st June 2024. @ 5pm
In the church
Confession of FHC Candidates
1 June 05.00pm
First Holy Communion services
8th & 15th June
‘Revive; Discover; Empower’ a young adults retreat:
Walsingham House are hosting a young adults retreat on the weekend of 22nd – 23rd June. The retreat is open to those who are 19+. It will be a weekend of prayer and friendship and a wonderful opportunity to take a break from work or university. The cost of the retreat is £45 and more information, including how to book, can be found at www.bcys.net/events
Dates for your diary……
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
Please consider offering help…..
…Your Parish needs You!
To ensure your safety and compliance 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 take 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!
BCCS Charity Tribute Night featuring ABBA Chique
Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society is pleased to host their first Charity Tribute Night featuring ABBA Chique at the Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre in Rayleigh on Friday 12th July from 7.30 to 11pm. Please spread the word among friends and family, join them at this special anniversary event and get ready to dance and sing along to your favourite ABBA hits! Tickets cost £20 plus a small booking fee and can be purchased via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abba-tribute-night-tickets-849314000037
Please keep your e-ticket to show on entry to the venue. All details can be found on the BCCS website: www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/
If you have any questions about the event, please email Julie jabbott@bccs.org.uk
Pilgrimage to Fatima
From 11th to 15th Oct 2024
£ 855.00 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
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). It is also posted via Facebook Page of the Parish.
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.
19 May – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
01.30pm – Tamil Mass
05.00-06.00pm – Tamil Community (Hall)
20 May – Monday
21 May – Tuesday
FIHM business meeting after 10am Mass
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study
22 May – Wednesday
11.00am-01.00pm – Deanery Meeting
04.30-07.30pm – FHC and Confirmation
23 May – Thursday
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
24 May – Friday
10.30am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
07.00pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
25 May – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
01.00pm – Baptism
26 May – Sunday
09.30am – Children’s Liturgy
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
19 May – Pentecost Sunday (Red)
Solemnity
09.30am – For +Walter Campling; for +Antonio Vicera
11.30am – For Djhoanna Manalang (thanksgiving and healing); for James Kelly Herrigan (Thanksgiving)
06.00pm – For Almeria Hawkins and her deceased relatives (Fdn.Meml.)
Season of Ordinary Time (week 7) begins
After Pentecost
21 May – Tue Feria (Green)
10.00am – For William Bannon (Fdn.Meml.)
22 May – Wed Feria (Green)
10.00am – For the Parishioners’ Intention
23 May -Thur Our Lord Jesus Christ (White)
The Eternal High Priest N.Feast
10.00am – For Alfred Adcock (Fdn.Meml.)
24 May – Fri Feria (Green)
10.00am – For Jane Bannon (Fdn.Meml.)
25 May – Sat. St Bede the Venerable (White)
National Memorial
12.00nn – For the Parishioners’ Intention
26 May – The Most Holy Trinity (White)
Solemnity
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation
11.30am – For the Daughters of Divine Zeal Congregation
06.00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intention
The Holy Father’s intention for May
For the formation of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
The Significance of May as the Month of Mary
The Catholic Church has a long-standing tradition about the month of May dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This custom, which began in the 13th century, has been embraced and promoted by the Church, particularly the Jesuit Order and various Popes.
The month of May is associated with Mary for several reasons. Firstly, it is a time when spring is at its peak, and nature is renewing itself. This renewal is symbolically linked to Mary's role in giving new life to the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Additionally, dedicating May to Mary may have been a way to replace pagan cults that existed during this month. The practice of honoring Mary in May has been praised by Popes, including Pius XII, who recognized it as a unique and dignified form of devotion. As Catholics, devotion to Mary is an integral part of their identity. She exemplifies commitment to God's will and is often sought out for help and guidance during difficult times. May we renew our devotions to Mary, the mother of Jesus and trust in her maternal intercessions for our families and community (Fr. Viktor).
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!
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