First Holy Communion
Yesterday we witnessed the first Holy Communion of 19 candidates who were our first group this year. During the rehearsal held a few days ago, I observed how excited and nervous the children were. Every instruction they had was able to give them that sense of joy and anticipation of what would happen on the day.
The first part of their programme was to encourage them to pay attention. Then after that they were made to feel that each session was special to them. This increased their understanding that this was in preparation for their special day. A day when they would celebrate that the Eucharist was their celebration of being one with Christ.
The catechists were present at all sessions and we tried to monitor each of the children to ensure they understood what they had to do at Mass especially the parts that they were expected to actively respond. This was to ensure they were involved in all parts of the Mass from the beginning to the end.
The gratitude song they sang today was entitled “Children of God”. I believe this helped to make this day special for them, their parents, family and guests who were present at this Mass.
During my sermon I emphasised that the first Holy Communion celebration is in itself an act of kindness of God. He gave them this grace in order to celebrate with them HIS unconditional love through the Eucharist. This promise is everlasting. That is why I personally encouraged their parents to cooperate with the Grace of God by leading the children to a more solid faith in our Lord. We have done our part now it is up to them to follow this through with their children.
I would like to thank in particular all the catechists who have through their encouragement; hard work and dedication have guided each of the 39 children in this year’s programme over the past 5 months
They have been a witness to us all by their support and love to the children and St Helen’s Parish. The sessions were delivered thoroughly and diligently.
The challenge now is for you parents to continue this noble wok with your children at home. This is to ensure the sacrament of Holy Communion must continue to flourish in their heart and soul.
We have all been entrusted to share this gift from God. Without your full cooperation and support this could lose the true meaning of this sacrament.
Lastly, my prayer is that all these children and those present today will be encouraged to be led onto the right path towards God. Let us remember that we want to be friends of Jesus. Today, tomorrow and forever. Amen.
- Fr. Alex, RCJ
Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15
Responsorial Psalm: With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption
2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
FIHM- Novena to our Lady of Fatima
The Novena will start on the 5th June 24, ending on the 13th June 24 with the Procession, all taking place at St Helen’s Church. The Novena will take place normally after the 10.00 am morning Mass in the Presbytery Chapel. For inquiries: rnastili@hotmail.com or
Salvatore on 07753 203129
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
Coffee in Hall after 9.30 Mass
in aid of CWL for Hospices
Funeral Masses
+Sheila Anne White (‘Julia Knight’)
Funeral Service: 11 June 2024, 11.00 AM, St Helen’s Westcliff
Burial 12.15 PM, Sutton Road Cemetery
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
First Holy Communion services
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
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
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.
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.
Visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (NPVS)
of Our Lady of Fatima and the Relics of Saints Jacinta & Francisco to St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Rochford SS4 IRF. 6-7 July 2024
Saturday, 6 July 2024 (1:00 PM) a first Saturday:Procession and Enthronement of the PVS of Our Lady of Fatima and the Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta. Recitation and meditation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Veneration (individual) of the Relics of Saints Jacinta andFrancisco
Divine Mercy Chaplet Enrolment and Investiture of the Brown Scapular
Vigil Mass(Followed by the Act of Consecration of the Parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary)
Sunday, 7 July 2024 (10:00 AM).
Recitation and meditation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary Holy Mass
Veneration (individual) of the Relics of Saints Jacinta andFrancisco
We invite everyone to join us with this great opportunity to live and spread the hopeful Message of Fatima. Hope to see you. Ave Maria!
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.
9 June – Sunday
09.30- Children’s Liturgy
Mission Appeal: Sister Missionary of England
Coffee in Hall after 9.30 MassCWL for Hospices
11.30- Mission Appeal: Sister Missionary of England
01.00pm – Baptism
10 June – Monday
11 June – Tuesday
11.00am – Funeral Service
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study
12 June – Wednesday
05.00pm – Second practice for FHC Gp 2
13 June – Thursday
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
14 June – 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)
15 June – Saturday
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12nn – First Holy Communion Service (Gp 2)
16 June – Sunday
09.30- Children’s Liturgy
01.00pm – Baptism
05.00pm – Celebration of all First Holy Communicants and their Families
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses.
09.30am-For Benedicte Nisingizwe (Thanksgiving for God's favors); for Campling Family;
for +Renie Estaño; +Robert McCloy
11.30am – For +Daniel, +Maria, and deceased members of Anyanwu Family;
for +Renie Estaño; for +Robert McCloy
06.00pm – For +Renie Estaño; for +Robert McCloy; for Fr. +Martin Nott
11 June – Tue St Barnabas, Ap Mem. (Red)
10.00am – For +Walter Campling
12 June – Wed Feria (Green)
10.00am – For the Parishioners’ Intention
13 June-Thur St Anthony of Padua Mem. (White)
10.00am – For Religious and Priestly Vocations
14 June – Fri Feria (Green)
10.00am – For Ellen Mara (Fdn.Mem.)
15 June – Sat Feria (Green)
12.00nn – For Canon Patrick McKenna (Fdn.Mem.)
16 June- Sun Eleventh Sunday in OT B (Green)
09.30am –For +Renie Estaño
11.30am –For +Renie Estaño
06.00pm –For +Renie Estaño
The Holy Father’s intention for June
For migrants fleeing their homes
That the world might grow in compassion. Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
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St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!
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