Westcliff RC Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Empress
From the Clergy
On the Feast of All Saints, the Beatitudes reveal the heart of Christian holiness. Jesus proclaims the values of God’s Kingdom, showing that true blessedness is found not in worldly success but in humility, mercy, righteousness and self-giving love. They reveal the pattern of Christ’s own life and invite us to follow him.
The saints are witnesses to this Gospel. Their holiness was the fruit of God’s grace, welcomed through faith and expressed in daily fidelity. The poor in spirit depend on God; those who mourn trust in his consolation; the meek reject domination. Those who hunger for righteousness seek God’s justice and truth. The merciful, pure of heart and peacemakers make his love visible through their lives.
Jesus also blesses those persecuted for righteousness, reminding us that faithfulness may bring rejection and suffering. Christian hope rests not on worldly recognition but on God’s promise of his Kingdom. The Beatitudes challenge pride, revenge and selfish ambition, calling us to place love and truth above personal advantage.
Holiness is not reserved for extraordinary people and heroic deeds. It grows through ordinary acts: forgiving family members, helping struggling neighbours, treating everyone with dignity, working honestly and defending the vulnerable. Through Baptism, every Christian is called to holiness and invited to share Christ’s life.
As we honour all the saints, let us seek their intercession and follow their example. May the Beatitudes transform our hearts, guide our daily choices and make our parish community a living witness to God’s Kingdom (Fr Deepu).
Solemnity of All Saints – Year A (II)
First reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial Psalm Ps 24(23):
Such are the people who seek your face, O Lord.
Second reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a
Parish Mass Book
Year A Volume 2 pg 184-187
New Bishop of Brentwood
Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Timothy Menezes as the eighth Bishop of Brentwood on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
His Episcopal Installation takes place on the memorial of St Francis Xavier, Thursday 3 December 2026, at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen, Brentwood.
Parish Diary 2026
31/10 – Saturday
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
11.05 – Reconciliation/Confession
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
15.30 – All Hallows Celebration
16.00 – All Hallows Eve Rosary Mass & procession
16.30 – Vigil Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) followed by procession to the hall
01/11 – Sunday
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) no children’s liturgy; CWL Coffee Morning (Hall)
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
18.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr John)
02/11 – Monday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
19.00 – Mass (Presider Fr Vik)
03/11 – Tuesday
10.00 – Mass (Presider Fr Deepu)
11.00 – Blessing of Graves (Sutton Rd Cemetery)
11.00 – Friendship Club
18.00 – Bible Study
04/11 – Wednesday
No Mass
Mass for Deceased Clergy at Our Lady of Canvey, Canvey Island, 11.00
19.15 – Adult Confirmation course (Hall)
05/11 – Thursday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu); followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions
19.00 – Legion of Mary (Sacristy)
19.15 – RCIA Meeting (Hall)
06/11 – Friday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu)
15.00 – Divine Mercy Chaplet (P.C.)
18.00-22.00 – Milton Society Quiz Night (Hall)
19.00 – Sto Niño Perpetual Novena (P.C.)
07/11 – Saturday
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
11.05 – Reconciliation/Confession
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu)
14.00 – Baptism seminar (Sacristy)
15.00 – Tamil Practice till 17.30.
08/11 – Sunday
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) no children’s liturgy; CWL Coffee Morning (Hall)
10.30 – Tamil Chaplaincy Exam for Children till 13.30 (Small Hall)
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik); CWL Coffee Morning (Hall)
13.00 – Baptism followed by an After Party (Hall)
18.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
Recitation of the Rosary (Tue-Wed and Fri) at the Presbytery Chapel after Mass or in the Church if available. *P.C. – Presbytery Chapel
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
31/10 – Sat. of week30 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00 – For the parishioners
16.30 – For the parishioners
01/11 – ALL SAINTS (White)
09.30 – For the parishioners
11.30 – For the parishioners
18.00 – For the parishioners
02/11 – ALL SOULS (Purple)
10.00 – For the faithful departed
19.00 – For the Holy Father
03/11 – Tue. of week31 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For George White & Louise White
04/11 – Wed. No Mass
05/11 – Thu. of week31 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For the Holy Souls in Purgatory; for +Karl
06/11 – Fri. of week31 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For babies in danger of abortion
07/11 – Sat. of week31 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00 – For the F.I.H.M.
08/11 – 32nd Sunday in Ordinary time (Green)
Remembrance Sunday
09.30 – For the parishioners
11.30 – For the parishioners
18.00 – For the parishioners
Let us pray for the sick
Harry Burke | Peggy H. | Pat V. | Julie H. | Laura F. | Thelma A. I Peter P | Pavel K. | Faustina S. | Fidelma F. | Danielle T. | Rita S. | William S. | Bernard Hetherington
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary, the largest Catholic lay association, aims to help members grow in holiness. We meet Thursdays, 19.00–20.30, for prayer, including the rosary, and reports on previous work. Each week, we fulfil our Christian vocation through works of mercy, charity or evangelisation.
You are warmly invited to join!
CWL Coffee Morning
Catholic Women’s League CIO Westcliff Section
01 November
Remembrance Coffee and Cakes after 09.30 Mass. Contactless payments accepted.
SHOEBOX APPEAL
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 fill the shoeboxes for you up to 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
All Hallows Eve
"Hallows" means "holy"
Halloween is the celebration of the feast of All Hallows (All Saints), not worship of the devil.
Catholics celebrate the triumph of the Church in heaven and the lives of the saints on earth.
31st October 2026
Adoration and Rosary 1600 followed by Holy Mass 1630 pm; candlelight procession & refreshments in the hall. We would like the children to dress as their chosen Saint and each child who dresses as a Saint will receive a gift. Adults can bring an image of their favourite Saint.
November is the Month of Prayer
for our beloved family members.
Envelopes for the Souls of the Dead are available. Please submit them with the names of your departed loved ones to the clergy.
Plenary Indulgence for the Souls
To obtain a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory between 1–8 November, the faithful must:
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visit a cemetery to pray for the deceased,
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go to Confession,
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receive Holy Communion while detached from all sin, and
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pray for the Holy Father. (one Our Father and one Hail Mary)
Those who are sick or homebound can unite themselves spiritually by praying before an image of Jesus or Mary and offering their hardships to God.
Prayer at the cemetery: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace. Amen.
Blessing of graves at Sutton Road Cemetery
3 November, Tuesday, starting at 11.00
Blessing of Graves
Father Graham will be at Sutton Road Cemetery on Sunday 8th November at 2pm. We all gather by the large cross near the entrance for a short service and then Father will attend individual graves to bless them. You are very welcome to come and join us.
Baptism Seminar:
for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 7th of November at 2.00 pm in the church sacristy. To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
First Holy Communion
Application Form
For Baptised child belonging to OLHC&SHE Westcliff parish enrolled in Year 3 or above.
Completed registration forms must be returned to the priest or the parish office on or before 13th November 2026.
Parents of candidates are required to attend an Orientation Meeting on the 18th November, 18.00 (venue: TBA)
The forms are available on the table near the entrance for collection.
Job Vacancy - St Helen's Parish Westcliff
Person required for paid position of Finance Co-ordinator to cover maternity leave 15 hours per week
If you or any of your family /friends are interested, please first contact the parish office for a job description and person specification, next send in your CV, with a covering letter demonstrating how your experience and skills and attributes match the
essential requirements of the role.
Closing dates for CVs / applications Tuesday 27th October. Interview Date Tuesday 3rd Nov.
Contact 01702 342324 | Email westcliff@brcdt.org
Bring Christ to the Homebound
Are you an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion with a current DBS? Our homebound parishioners long to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Please prayerfully consider joining our visiting team. A few hours a month can transform lives. Contact the parish office or any of the priests.
Counters Rota
Our parish is in desperate need of your help.
We need volunteers to join the Counters Rota. Counters work in pairs and count the Sunday collection, ideally on a Monday, it takes roughly 2 hours. Depending on the number of volunteers, it might only be once or twice a month. So, this is an opportunity for couples, or two friends who can work together. Full training will be given. A DBS check will be necessary.
Please contact Pat Volante, by email: westcliff@brcdt.org
Bankers Rota
We need volunteers to join the Bankers Rota. Bankers work in pairs and check the Counters work, prepare the paying in book, and take the money to the bank. This can be done on a Tuesday or Wednesday. So at least one person in each pair must be able to drive. Full training will be given. A DBS check will be necessary. Please contact Pat Volante, by email: westcliff@brcdt.org
Minibus Drivers and Escorts
We desperately need Minibus drivers and Escorts for the 11.30 Mass on Sundays.
Our Minibus collects elderly parishioners and those with mobility problems, some of whom would not be able to attend Mass without this valuable service. For more details, please contact Ray Newman 07775 769826.
First Holy Communion 2027
Volunteers are needed to join our team of Catechists for the First Holy Communion programme which will start in January 2027. You will be working with a small group of children for one hour a week in the parish hall, during term time from January to May. A DBS check will be necessary. Full training will be given. Please contact Pat Volante, by email: westcliff@brcdt.org
100 Club
100 club subscriptions for 2026-27 are now due. If you have a share currently you will have been emailed or a letter is in the post. Please send your subscription to parish bank account by Sunday 28th June. If you would like to join the 100 club which costs £12 per share per year and help to send £600 per year to keep our Parish Mini-bus running please contact Elizabeth Upsher evupsher@gmail.com to register. Many thanks as always to all who support the Parish Mini-bus.
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!
Defibrillator
A defibrillator is available for emergency use. We require volunteers for every Mass time who can assist in its use when necessary.
Join St Helen's SVP Volunteers
Help us live Christ's love by supporting our community's most vulnerable. Your compassion can transform lives.
St Helen's Cleaners
Join this group chat to get the weekly schedule of volunteer cleaners.
RCIA: Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults
RCIA meeting in the parish hall on Thursday 5th November. All welcome. Come along and find out more (18 years+)
ADULT CONFIRMATION COURSE
St Helen Parish warmly invites baptised Catholic adults — particularly those preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church — to enrol in our upcoming Adult Confirmation Course.
To register your interest, kindly send an email to: westcliff@brcdt.org
Please include the following details in your email:
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Your full name & Your date of birth / age
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Your contact number
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Whether you are preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church
Further details regarding the course schedule, venue, and duration will be communicated upon registration. For more information, please speak to Carmel or to any of the clergy or contact the parish office.
IRREGULAR MARRIAGES are those that occur outside the Catholic Church without permission. Examples include weddings in hotels, secular venues, on beaches, or Las Vegas, or in non-Catholic churches without the Bishop’s permission. These marriages are not recognised by the Church and are therefore non-sacramental and irregular. The Church offers a private service called Convalidation to rectify these situations. If you wish to speak to a priest confidentially, please contact the parish office.
Please Note: The maximum capacity for congregants will be strictly enforced; the church doors will be closed once this limit is reached. Option 1: the adoration chapel provides an audio broadcast of the Mass. The feasibility of live streaming in the hall is currently under review.
Late Arrivals to Mass
We encourage all parishioners to arrive early to settle in before Mass begins.
For those arriving after Mass has started, please follow these guidelines to minimize disruptions:
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When the congregation is standing: Ushers will lead you directly to available seats.
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During readings and the homily: Please wait at the entrance. Ushers will check for available seating and guide you via the side aisles only.
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The centre aisle is reserved for liturgical ministers during the Liturgy of the Word.
Your cooperation helps maintain a reverent atmosphere and keeps our worship experience centred on Jesus. Thank you for working together to preserve the solemnity of our celebration.
PARISH CAR PARK GUIDELINES
To ensure safe and equitable parking for everyone attending our services, please observe the following car park guidelines:
Our Parking Facilities: Two parking areas available on parish grounds
10 standard spaces in each area
1 designated disabled space in each area
Emergency Access - CRITICAL
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DO NOT park in ways that block emergency vehicle access
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Ensure fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency services can reach our premises
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Leave adequate space around fire exits and emergency routes
When Our Car Parks Are Full
Please consider these nearby alternative parking:
📍 North Road Car Park
North Road, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS1
Approximately 4-minute walk to church
📍 Western Esplanade
Western Esplanade, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS0
Approximately 10-minute walk to church
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 use the Mass Intention Envelopes. Mass Intentions are published in the parish newsletter and on the Parish Website.
Sacramental Services
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For Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals, please email our parish office or get in touch with any of the priests.
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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. Pre-Cana Seminar Register: Email names and contact numbers to FrViktorAurellana@brcdt.org
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The ANOINTING OF THE SICK is available to anyone who is gravely ill or about to undergo surgery. If you know someone who should receive this important sacrament please contact a member of the clergy or the parish office.
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SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION is available on Thursdays from 10.30 - 11.25am and on Saturdays from 11.00-11.55 AM. Confessions in Malayalam and Filipino are also offered.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION - If you would like to include an item in the weekly newsletter, please submit the details to the Parish Office by Thursday lunchtime.
JUST FOR INFORMATION: Clergy days off are Mondays. If you require their attention at these times, please leave a message and they will contact you as soon as possible.
Marriage Banns
[None]
If anyone knows why these couples shouldn’t get married, please tell the clergy.
Sanctuary Lamp
From 1 Oct to 18 Nov, this light burns for:
Allen Family
*Other dates are available starting 26 Nov.
Our Lady's Side Chapel Lamp
From 1-30 November, this light burns for:
Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo
*Other dates are available for sponsors.
SET UP A REGULAR DONATION
Account Name: Catholic Church Westcliff-on-Sea Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helen
Account Number: 31019228
Branch Sort Code: 401322
READING THE BIBLE THROUGH
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
Fr Adrian Graffy, parish priest of Gidea Park and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, has just published. Reading the Bible through Advent and Christmas. This new book includes commentary on all the Scripture readings for Mass throughout these two seasons. Full information about the book can be found on the homepage of the website
Catechist Training & Resources Day – Saturday 7th November 2026
Join the BCYS at Brentwood Ursuline Convent School, 10am-3pm, for an inspiring day of faith, workshops and resources, with guest speaker Fr Matt Roche-Saunders. Free to attend, open to all catechists and leaders working with young people, including young leaders aged 16+. Register at bcys.net/events/catechists2026.
Can you Help Please?
We are Abi (13yrs) and Olivia(16yrs). We have been coming to this church since before we were born and are active members, involved in altar serving, reading, and children’s liturgy. We are going on a Scout trip to Iceland in July 2027. As part of our adventure we need to raise some of the funds. If anyone has any suitable jobs that we could do to earn some money, please let us know. You can contact Dan on 07930 287471 or Liz on 07986 343296. All jobs would be carried out with appropriate supervision.”
Thank you all so much for your support.
We raised £120 last week at the coffee morning which we were very grateful for we have also been busy washing cars for parishioners. If you would like us to wash your car, or do any other suitable jobs please let us know. Thank you! (Olivia and Abi)
Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2027
We will be travelling to Lourdes 10th June to 14th inclusive.
Staying at 4* Grande Hotel Moderne on Full board basis. All rooms have ensuite facilities. Full spiritual programme.
Flying from Stansted to Tarbes. Price includes transfers in France to Hotel. Checked in luggage. Excludes Travel insurance. Price of £815 per person based on 2 sharing. Discounts for children.
Please contact Sue Baillie on 07979746707 or speak to Julia Green for further details.
KOFUP's 25th Anniversary Craic!
The Kenya Orphans Fund & Uganda Project (KOFUP) is celebrating its 25th birthday with a bit of a 'do' on Friday 27th November, 7pm at Haven's, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff. A chance to get together, with a few quiz rounds and silly games thrown in. Tickets £6. Please contact Brendan on 07918 158475 or Tricia on 07939 031491.
Pro-life Community Outreach: 40 Days for Life - autumn vigil
This witnessing of our catholic faith for the sanctify of life, combines pray & raising awareness through leaflet handouts, to members of the public This leaflet informs about the physical and mental health effects of Abortion on women and girls and the life of the unborn child. This will take place in Southend City-on-Sea, near to the MSI (Marie Stopes International), an Abortion DIY pills provider. Be a voice for the voiceless by witnessing with fellow Christians.
Starting Wednesday 23 September & concluding Friday 30th October. The vigil will last one hour, Monday to Friday between 12:00-1pm.
For further information, please contact
Mary Connolly 07 478 765 010
BCYS Events for Young People
Flame 2027 OVO Wembley Arena Sat. 6th March- Almost 1,000 young people from the Diocese are already registered. A limited number of early bird tickets (£30) remain available. To book, please complete the form:https://forms.office.com/e/KTevSZwGQH
Walsingham House Team Applications
Applications are now open for those finishing Year 13 or university who are interested in a year of volunteering at Walsingham House. For further information, please email clairebailey@brcdt.org.
Marriage Help
Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage.
www.retrouvaille.org Tel: 0788 7296983
Church Shop
Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Religious Store
For all your prayer aids, liturgical materials (hosts),religious statues, and images, please visit thereligious store at Our Lady and Saint Helen.
Shop Opening Times:
Sundays: after all Masses
(10.30 AM, 12.30 PM, & 07.00 PM)
Weekdays: Tuesdays to Fridays
10.30 AM
Saturdays:
11.00 AM
WESTCLIFF
OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS AND SAINT HELEN EMPRESS
27 Milton Road
Westcliff-on-Sea,
SS0 7JP
Tel. No.: 01702 342324
Email: westcliff@brcdt.org
Website: sthelenswestcliff.org.uk
Official FB Page: sainthelenswestcliff
Clergy:
Parish Priest: Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ
Assistant: Fr. Deepu Augustine, RCJ
Assistant: Fr Alfonso Heredia, RCJ
Office Staff:
Patricia Volante
Bulletin Collaborator
Carmel Allen
Safeguarding Reps:
Lucy and Gary Watts
Email: Safeguarding-westcliff@ brcdt.org
Health and Safety (H&S) Representative: Agnes Adeniran
H&S Training Officer: Bimbani Mpande
Finance Coordinator: Cherry Ann Castro-Kelly
Hall Bookings: Peter Revell
WhatsApp Group
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity Number: 234092
