Sisters and brothers, today we celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is One God who is three persons.
The Gospel reading from Matthew is commonly known as the great commissioning. Jesus gives his instruction to the eleven disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey what I have commanded you”.
Today, the words of the evangelist Matthew point us to the fact that Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets (Mt. 5:17). This reminds us of the Golden Rule, “Of doing to others what we want others to do unto us”. (Mt. 7:12) Fostering the relationship with Jesus entails constant checking on our relationship with each other. Therefore, we should also include all that God created. St. Bonaventure said,” Every creature carries the Trinitarian imprint.” We all have the Trinitarian stamp in us. This is reflective of our very nature as created in the image and likeness of God. This Trinitarian nature finds its roots in them and is being shared to us. In other words all created beings bear this goodness within them. This is because God created all. This Trinity that we believe is our God is self-giving and was never lacking in anything.
Lastly, we may have that great desire to be part of the Trinity and also be instruments of goodness for and to others in words and deeds.
Dear Parishioners, next week end we will host the coming of the Rogationist Major Superiors from Rome, Italy. This is one of the regular official visits that they do. That is, in all the houses where Rogationist Priests are involved in pastoral and other ministries. May it be a fruitful occasion for all of us to meet them and for them to have an understanding of this parish community.
-Fr Alex, RCJ
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4: 32-34, 39-40
Responsorial Psalm: Happy are the people the Lord has chosen as his own
2nd Reading: Romans 8 14-17
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
There will be no FHC or Confirmation session
on Wed. 29th May
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.
Pro-Life Rosary
Daily rosary in the chapel after Mass with pro-life rosary Wednesday and Friday. adoration & recitation of the rosary with exposition in the chapel 10-45-1145am. Fridays only.
First Saturday rosary
11am includes consecration of families to Our Lady.
New Altar servers meeting with their parents
1st June 2024. @ 5pm
In the church
Funeral Masses
+Sheila Louise Green
Funeral Service: 4 June 2024, 2.15 PM, St Helen’s Westcliff
Cremation 3.30 PM
3 June, 4.15 PM The body will be welcomed in the Church
+Sheila Anne White (‘Julia Knight’)
Funeral Service: 11 June 2024, 11.00 AM, St Helen’s Westcliff
Burial 12.15 PM, Sutton Road Cemetery
First Holy Communion services
8th & 15th June
Mission Appeal
9th June 2024, covering the 9:30 and the 11:30 am Masses to make an appeal on behalf of the Missionary Sisters of England and Wales. The Daughters of Divine Love is an International Congregation founded in Nigeria in 1969 and a member of the Missionary Sisters of England and Wales. They educate, care for, and add value to the lives of the less privileged in society. Their charity home in Nigeria and school in Kenya provide care and education for orphans, motherless, abandoned children, street children/teenagers, and children with special needs and HIV.
Their aim is always to serve the less privileged and the marginalized in society. In everything that they do, the love of Christ impels the sisters to respond to the cry of the poor and the vulnerable with concrete actions. Once again, thanks, and may God bless you. I look forward to meeting you and your parish community.
Sr Ann Ugoh (Director) Daughters of Divine Love Philanthropic Development Office
Tel: 02034118848/07377229830
Second Apparition of
Our Lady of Fatima
13 June. After the Adoration, a procession of the BVM image outside the Church. Tea and Coffee afterward
‘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
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 29th of June at 02.30 PM Church Sacristy. To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
Permanent diaconate - Come and See event, Eastwood
There will be a Come and See event with Bishop Alan for those considering a vocation to the permanent diaconate on Saturday 6th July at St Peter's Catholic Church, 59 Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4BX. The day begins with Mass in the church at 10.00am and will end after lunch by around 2.30pm. Please circulate this to any men you are aware of who may be considering a vocation to the permanent diaconate, or anyone else you think may be interested in this. Wives of potential applicants are invited and encouraged to attend. You are also more than welcome to come. Please send any queries regarding this event to diaconate@brcdt.org. Booking is not necessary, and there is no charge for the event.
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
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!
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.
100 club draws
February: F Cassar £20, E Campling £15, D Cauchi £10
March: S Baillie £30, M Davis £20, L Upsher £15, C Allen £10
April 2024 Income
Bankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 2,310.10
Gift Aid 1,641.19
Total £ 3,951.29
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.
26 May – Sunday
No Children’s Liturgy
27 May – Monday
28 May – Tuesday
FIHM Catechism meeting after 10am Mass
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
11.00am-12.30pm – CWL Team clearing Easter flowers
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study
29 May – Wednesday
06.00pm – Finance Council Meeting (Sacristy)
30 May – Thursday
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
Rogationist Priests from Rome, Italy, arrive today.
31 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)
1 June – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.45pm – Baptism
2 June – Sunday
No Children’s Liturgy
01.00pm – Baptism
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
26 May – The Most Holy Trinity (White)
Solemnity
09.30am – For +Walter Campling; for Nazareth Sisters
11.30am – For Mrs Maureen Blackmore (Intentions); for +Michael Herrigan (Death Anniv)
06.00pm – For the souls in Purgatory; for all deceased family of Maria Teixeira
28 May – Tue Feria (Green)
10.00am – For Francis and Janet Balogun
29 May – Wed Feria (Green)
10.00am – For Very Rev. Canon Michael Fryer (Fdn.Mem.)
30 May -Thur The Visitation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary (White)
10.00am – +Walter Campling (Funeral Mass)
31 May – Fri Dedication of the Cathedral Church
of St Mary and St Helen (White)
10.00am – for Alfred & Ann Adcock (Fdn.Mem)
1 June – Sat. St Justin Memorial (White)
RCJ Feast: St Hannibal Mary Di Francia (White)
12.00nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
2 June – Corpus Christi (White)
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Holy Day of Obligation
(Second Collection for Parish Special Funds)
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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