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SHALOM
WORLD
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27 Milton Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7JP
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From the Clergy

Much of what gives life its deepest meaning happens quietly. A seed disappears beneath the soil long before anyone sees new growth. Relationships mature through small acts of love. Character is formed through countless hidden choices. God often works in the same way, patiently and faithfully, bringing about a harvest that cannot always be measured at first glance.

 

The prophet Isaiah offers this reassuring vision of God's word. Just as rain nourishes the earth and enables it to bear fruit, God's word never returns empty. It quietly accomplishes its purpose, even when its effects are not immediately visible. Every encounter with Scripture, every prayer offered in faith, and every act of obedience becomes part of God's transforming work within us.

 

Saint Paul widens our perspective by reminding us that all creation waits with hope for its final fulfilment. The struggles and disappointments of the present are real, yet they are not the last chapter. God's saving work is already unfolding, drawing humanity and the whole of creation towards the fullness of life promised in Christ.

 

Jesus develops this theme through the parable of the Sower. The same seed is scattered generously, but the fruit depends on the openness of the soil. God's word is never lacking; the question is whether our hearts are ready to receive it. Worries, distractions, pride, and indifference can prevent its growth, while a receptive heart allows it to bear fruit beyond expectation. The Christian life is a continual invitation to cultivate that fertile soil through prayer, reflection, humility, and faithful living. When we allow God's word to take root, it gradually shapes our thoughts, transforms our relationships, and bears fruit that blesses both our lives and the lives of those around us (Fr Deepu).

 

Prayer: Lord, make my heart fertile soil, that your word may take root and bear abundant fruit in my life.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A (II)

 

First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 65(64) 

Some seed fell into good soil and yielded its fruit.
Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23

Parish Mass Book

Year A Volume 2 Pg 99-101

Hamper Winner

“Deborah Thompson”

We thank Gemma and other volunteers for raising £340 to buy new altar server vestments of various sizes for our new young altar servers. God bless you and your families!

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.

Confirmation Mass 

with Bishop Alan on Sunday, 12th July at 11.30 am. A light lunch will be served for the bishop c/o Daniel Cauchi and the SVP Centre. We invite all parish group coordinators and representatives, parish staff, volunteers, and some parishioners to join the lunch. Due to safety protocols, the number of persons allowed in the hall are 80 people.

Parish Diary 2026

12/07 – Sunday with Second Collection “Stella Maris”

09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath) 

11.30 am – Confirmation Mass (Presider: Bp Alan Williams SM); followed by Bp Alan’s meeting with some parishioners (Hall)

06.00 pm – Mass (Presider: Vik)   

 

14/07 – Tuesday

10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Al)

10.30 am – Friendship Club

01.00-03.00 pm – P.A.T. Testing Fire Alarms

06.00 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy) with Fr Vik

 

15/07 – Wednesday

09.00 am – Mass at St Helen Primary (Presider: Fr Vik) 

10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Al) 

 

16/07 – Thursday

10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Al); followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions

10.30 pm – Funeral Rite (Crematorium)

06.00 pm – Leavers’ Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)

07.00 pm – Legion of Mary (Sacristy)

 

17/07 – Friday

10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Al)

03.00 pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet (P.C.)

07.00 pm – Sto Nino Perpetual Novena (P.C.)

 

18/07 – Saturday

11.00 am – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM

11.00-11.55 am – Confessions 

12.00 nn – Mass (Presider: Fr Al)

 

19/07 – Sunday 

09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) 

11.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)

06.00 pm – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu)   

MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS

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12/07 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green) 

09.30 am – For +Bridget McIntyre

11.30 am – For Confirmation candidates

06.00 pm – Pro populo

 

14/07 – Tue. of wk15 in Ordinary Time (Green) 

10.00 am – For +Karl; for +Clare Amos

 

15/07 – Wed. St Bonaventure Bp D (White)

10.00 am – For Venerand Ntezirembo

 

16/07 – Thu. of wk15 in Ordinary Time (Green)

10.00 am – For +Sidney George White and +Louise White

 

17/07 – Fri. of wk15 in Ordinary Time (Green)

10.00 am – For the sick members of parish community

 

18/07 – Sat. of wk15 in Ordinary Time (Green)

12.00nn – For the departed members of the parish community, with memorials

100 Club winners

For February Mrs M Davis £20, Mr P Keyes £15, Etienne Makaga    £10 and for March Ms M  Attiogbe    £20, Mr J Galbally  £15, Mrs M Wadsworth    £10

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.

Baptism Seminars:

for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 5th of September 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

Confirmation Mass 

with Bishop Alan on Sunday, 12th July at 11.30 am. A light lunch will be served for the bishop and some parishioners.

African Harvest Day

Sunday, 30th August at 11.30 am Mass.

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:

  • Your full name & Your date of birth / age

  • Your contact number

  • 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.

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. 

For parishioners who are unwell and housebound, we can arrange for a priest to visit or for Holy Communion to be delivered to your home on a regular basis. Please 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.

 

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

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.

 

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)

 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:

 

  • When the congregation is standing: Ushers will lead you directly to available seats.

  • During readings and the homily: Please wait at the entrance. Ushers will check for available seating and guide you via the side aisles only.

  • 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

  • DO NOT park in ways that block emergency vehicle access

  • Ensure fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency services can reach our premises

  • 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

  • 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. Pre-Cana Seminar Register: Email names and contact numbers to FrViktorAurellana@brcdt.org

  • 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.

  • 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.

 

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! 

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.

St. Helen’s Cleaners

Join this group chat to get the weekly schedule of volunteer cleaners.

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Marriage Banns

Stewart Hasani and Millie Hoskin

(1st call)

on 12th July 2026 in Our Lady and St Helen Westcliff

If anyone knows why these two shouldn’t get married, please tell the clergy.

Sanctuary Lamp 

From 11 July to 11 Aug, this light burns for:

+Erin Henry

*Other dates are available starting 26 Nov. 

Let us pray for the sick

June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Mary F. | David | Peggy H. | Pat V. | Julie H. | Laura F. | Evelyn Farrugia | Sakhile T. | Thelma A. I Peter P | Pavel K. | Tyrone | Faustina S. | Fidelma F. 

Let us pray for the departed:

+Michael Allen | +Anna Cecilia Baldan | +Elizabeth Ellen Keeley | +Michael Doherty

Funeral Masses

+Elizabeth Ellen Keeley 16 July, Thursday, 10.30 AM (Sutton Road)

+Michael Christopher Doherty 20 July, Monday, 10.30 AM

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Sacred Journey Pilgrimages

7 days pilgrimage to Italy Rome, Greccio province of Rieti, & Assisi £ 1496.50 per person. From Thursday 8th October-14th 2026 we meet St. peter’s church, Eastwood to celebrate mass. After travelling to Gatwick-directly to Roma Italy all inclusive, 

Organised by Salvatore Burzotta: Tel: 07753 203129 / 01702 432458

Lourdes Pilgrimage – Trip Details

Dates: 

25 Sept – 2 Oct 2026 or 16 Oct – 23 Oct 2026
Our Jumbulance is a unique, accessible coach, designed to provide safe, comfortable, and accessible travel for those who cannot fly or require specialist support.  Price per person

£1,695 – Travellers requiring volunteer support

£1,270 – Travellers who do not require volunteer support

£845 – Fundraising target for Volunteers (including carers, nurses, and general helpers).  Support to fundraise is provided.

Vacancy

Headteacher – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Upminster
Deadline for application: 17:00 Wednesday 2nd September 2026

​​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

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:

Fr. Viktor Aurellana, RCJ

Fr. Deepu Augustine, RCJ

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

revellpc@gmail.com

 

WhatsApp Group

 

 

 

The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity Number: 234092

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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

Weekly Newsletter

Stay updated with our vibrant community through our weekly parish newsletter's latest news, events, and reflections.

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The Gospel In-Focus

Delving deeper into the words and actions of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel

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Parish Life

Explore the heartbeat of our parish through stories, features, and snapshots of our diverse and connected community life.

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Sunday Readings Theme

Discover this Sunday's scripture passages and reflections to deepen your spiritual journey.

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This Week's Diary

Stay organized and engaged by accessing the parish's schedule of events and gatherings for the week.

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Coming Up!

Get a sneak peek at upcoming events and activities that enrich your parish experience.

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Mass Intentions

Join us in prayer by learning about the special intentions for our upcoming Masses.

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Worship and Liturgy

Immerse yourself in the sacred rhythm of worship and find inspiration in our liturgical practices.

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Evangelisation

Join us in spreading the Good News as we share the transformative message of Christ's love with the world.

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Faith Formation

Expand your understanding of the faith through enriching insights and resources that nurture your spiritual growth.

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Stewardship

Learn about our collective responsibility to care for our parish, community, and environment in ways that honor God.

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Social Outreach and Justice

Discover how we're making a difference in the world through compassionate outreach and promoting social justice.

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Sacramental Services

Explore the sacraments that bring us closer to God's grace and explore their spiritual significance in our lives.

Call 

01702 342324

Email 

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