Westcliff RC Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Empress
From the Clergy
You send the invitation out eight weeks early. The venue is booked, the food ordered, the seating plan agonised over. Then the replies trickle in a work trip that cannot be moved, a child's fixture, someone who simply never answers. On the day, half the room you imagined is missing, and you find yourself ringing cousins and neighbours you barely know, asking them to come at short notice. They arrive, and the evening turns out warmer than the one you planned. Anyone who has hosted something that mattered knows that strange mix, the sting of being declined, and the surprise of who actually shows up.
That is the shape of this Sunday's Gospel. A king throws a wedding feast, and the invited guests shrug it off, not out of hatred but ordinary preoccupation: the farm, the business, the diary. So, the doors open wide, and the hall fills with whoever is found at the crossroads, good and bad alike. This is how God works: the invitation is free, undeserved, and extended far beyond the people we would have thought eligible. Isaiah promises the same banquet on God's mountain, where tears are wiped away and death itself is swallowed up. Paul, writing from prison with very little, says he has learned to be content in plenty and in want, strengthened by Christ. But the parable ends with a man thrown out for lacking a wedding garment. Being welcomed is not the end of it; grace asks us to be changed by the welcome we have received (Fr Vik).
Which invitation from God am I quietly declining right now?
Lord, You have invited me. Change me.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (II)
First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23(22)
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for length of days unending.
Second Reading: Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
Parish Mass Book
Year A Volume 2 pg 140-143
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
10/10 – Saturday
NO BEREAVEMENT GROUP
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath)
11/10 – Sunday (second collection Rogationist Mission Day)
“Autumn count in all Masses”
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) with children’s liturgy; followed by Couples for Christ Southend Coffee Morning
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
13.00 – Baptism (Minister: Fr Deepu)
18.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
13/10 – Tuesday
10.00 – Mass (Presider Fr Vik)
10.30 – Friendship Club
18.00 – Bible Study
14/10 – Wednesday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
15/10 – Thursday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik); followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions
19.00 – Legion of Mary (Sacristy)
16/10 – Friday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
15.00 – Divine Mercy Chaplet (P.C.)
14.00 – Private Function (Hall)
19.00 – Sto Niño Perpetual Novena (P.C.)
17/10 – Saturday
09.00 – Private Function (Hall) till 21.00.
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
18/10 – Sunday (2nd collection World Mission Day)
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) with children’s liturgy; followed by SVP Coffee Morning
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik) with Tribute to the Little Company of Mary sisters
17.00 – Private Function (Hall) till 21.00.
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
10/10 – Sat. of wk27 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00 – For the parishioners
11/10 – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)
09.30 – For +Mary Fitzgerald; for +Kurusumuthu
11.30 – For + Mary
18.00 – For +Singarnyar Tarcisius
13/10 – Tue. of week28 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For +Kurusumuthu Rayappu
14/09 – Wed. of week28 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For Abigail Peeler’s family
15/10 – Thu. St Teresa of Jesus V D (Avila) (White)
10.00 – For the parishioners
16/10 – Fri. of week28 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For the parishioners
17/10 – Sat. St Ignatius of Antioch Bp M (Red)
12.00 – For the parishioners
18/10 – 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)
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
Mary needs you!
Two saints — Paul VI and John Paul II — called the Legion of Mary a trailblazer. Decades before Vatican II, it was already sending ordinary Catholics out to evangelise and drawing them deeper into holiness.
That call hasn't gone quiet. The Westcliff Praesidium is looking for active members. Will you answer it?
CWL Coffee Morning
Catholic Women’s League CIO Westcliff Section
Our next coffee morning will be Sunday 25th October in aid of Stroke Association.
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
Finance Council Volunteers Required
If you have experience in finance and administration, we would love for you to join the parish’s finance council team. Your expertise could help our priests manage the church’s resources wisely and make the parish’s operations more sustainable, all to support her mission and bring glory to God.
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
Part-time Vacancy, Paid Position
A part- time vacancy has arisen in the office.
This will be a paid position. Applicants will be required to support the Finance Coordinator, and carry out general office duties, supporting our priests. The successful applicant will be computer literate, have Grade C or above GCSE English and Math, or equivalent and be able to communicate messages etc. clearly. A full job description will be available from the office.
This is an opportunity to work in the parish office on 3 mornings per week, ideally Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 -13.30. Full training will be given. A DBS check will be necessary. 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.
Introducing RCIA: Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults
If you are interested in being received into the Catholic Church or know someone who may be interested there will be an information evening with refreshments on 24th September at 7pm in the Parish Hall. All are 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.
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 9 to 16 Oct, this light burns for:
+Klybe Marr Aurellana
*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
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)
Rogationist Mission Day 2026
Project "Hope" in Kupang, Indonesia
The construction of a facility comprising a welcome centre and a multi-purpose hall to support evangelization and human development initiatives, with a particular focus on women's empowerment.
Donate through our digital donation points.
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.
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.
FOUNDATION DAY TALK - Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre
The Community invite you to their Foundation Day Talk on Friday 9th October at 2pm. Venue: 74, HOWE CLOSE, COLCHESTER CO4 3XD. Speaker: Dr Cormac Begadon. The talk is entitled: ‘Between Faith and Fortune - The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre, Atlantic World and the Paradox of Religious Benefaction in the 18th century’. For more information and to book your place: https://canonesses.co.uk/event/foundation-day-2026/
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
