
Westcliff RC Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen

From the Clergy
Before any mission begins, there is a gaze of compassion. The Scriptures this Sunday reveal a God who sees people not as a crowd, but as individuals carrying burdens, hopes, and struggles. Divine love always begins with attention. God notices the weary, the searching, and those who feel lost, and responds not with indifference but with care.
In the wilderness, Israel discovers that they are not simply a collection of tribes but a people chosen for a purpose. Their identity is rooted in God’s initiative and love. They are called to belong to God and to reflect his presence among the nations. This vocation is not a privilege for themselves alone, but a responsibility to witness to God's faithfulness.
Saint Paul takes this truth even deeper. God’s love is revealed not when humanity has earned it, but in its weakness and need. Reconciliation is God’s gift before it is our achievement. The Christian life therefore begins with gratitude. We serve not to gain God’s love, but because we have already received it.
The Gospel presents Jesus moved with compassion for people who are struggling and directionless. His response is not merely to comfort them; he sends disciples to continue his work. They are entrusted with a mission of healing, reconciliation, and hope. The Church continues this mission today. Every baptised person is called to be a sign of God's care in the world, through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and faithful service. To be a disciple is first to know that we are seen and loved by God, and then to become instruments of that same love for others. (Fr Deepu)
Prayer: Lord, help us to receive your love with gratitude and share it generously with all whom we meet.
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A (II)
First Reading: Exodus 19:2-6a
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 100(99):1-2,3,5, Ř3c
We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Second Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Gospel: Matthew 9:36-10:8
Parish Mass Book
Year A Volume 2 Pg 91-93
Safeguarding Reps Team
Our outgoing safeguarding reps will continue to serve our parish community. We are grateful to those who have expressed their willingness to become safeguarding reps. Lucy and Gary will get in touch with them and explore potential collaboration.
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.
Parish Diary 2026
14/06 – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath) with children’s liturgy; followed by CFC Coffee Morning
11.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik); followed by CFC Coffee Morning
01.00 pm – Baptism
03.00 pm – St Helen Youth Meeting
06.00 pm – Mass (Presider: Fr Alfonso)
16/06 – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
10.30 am – Friendship Club
10.30 am – FIHM Cate (Hall)
06.00 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy)
17/06 – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
18/06 – Thursday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik); followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions
07.00 pm – Legion of Mary (Sacristy)
19/06 – Friday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
03.00 pm – Divine Mercy Chaplet (P.C.)
07.00 pm – Sto Nino Perpetual Novena (P.C.)
20/06 – 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 Deepu)
12.00 nn – To decorate FHC party (Hall); and Party until 05.00 pm
01.00 pm – Baptism
21/06 – Sunday – Second Collection “Day for Life”
09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) with children’s liturgy; followed by CWL Coffee Morning for “Hospices”
11.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu)
01.00 am – Baptism
06.00 pm – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath)
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
14/06 – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)
09.30 am – For Abigail Peeler, her children, and family
11.30 am – For +Daniel and +Ibeto late family members
06.00 pm – For +Ružica Marija Doggett and +Lionel Henry Doggett; for +Ellen Mara
16/06 – Tue. of wk 11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For Canon Patrick McKenna
17/06 – Wed. of wk11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – Pro populo
18/06 – Thu. of wk11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For more religious and priestly vocations
19/06 – Fri. of wk11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – Pro populo
20/06 – Sat. of wk11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00nn – Pro populo
Next Confirmation session on 1st July
Baptism Seminars:
for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 4th of July 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:
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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.
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)
Parents, collect the baptism certificate you recently requested from the parish office:
- Kizito and Ebubechukwu Okoye
- David Adeosun and Josephine Orobator
- Jeevathas and Mary Ann Sinthuja
- Kevin and Maria Lehane
- Takura and Juliana Charline Masunga
- Matelusz Jack and Elena Rzepka
- Others who requested from last year and previous years
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.
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.
Sanctuary Lamp
From 01 May to 2 July, this light burns for:
+Erin Henry
3-9 July +Deceased members of Meads, Rossi,
and Volante Families
*Other dates are available.
Marriage Banns
Marshall Emeziem Onklumere and
Sarah S. Dajan (3rd call)
on 27th June 2026
in St John Catholic Church, Igando, Lagos
Scott Hilsden and Samatha Emily Hubbard
(1st call)
on 3rd July 2026
in Our Lady and St Helen Westcliff
If anyone knows why these two shouldn’t get married, please tell the clergy.
Let us pray for the sick
June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Mary | David | Peggy H. | Pat V. | Julie H. | Laura F. | Evelyn Farrugia | Sakhile T. | Thelma A. I Peter P | Pavel K. | Tyrone | baby Leo
Let us pray for the departed:
+Ethel Kalunga | +Anna B. | +Michael Allen

St Peter’s Eastwood Parish Feast
The great Solemnity of SS Peter & Paul falls on Mon 29 June. Although it has been transferred to the Sunday 28 June. Here at St Peter’s we will celebrate our Feast Day with Vespers and Benediction at 6.30pm to which you are all warmly invited with a drinks party after.
-Fr Jeff Woolnough
Volunteers Needed – St Helen’s Catholic Primary School Summer Fayre
Our Summer Fayre takes place on Saturday 11 July, 12–4pm, and we are looking for volunteers to help run stalls on the day. It’s a great opportunity to support the school and help raise valuable funds while being part of a fun community event.
We would also be very grateful for donations of cakes for our cake stall raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
If you can help or donate a cake, please text Ailis on 07792 138317. Thank you for your support.
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.
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
WhatsApp Group
The Brentwood Diocesan Trust Registered Charity Number: 234092


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
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The Gospel In-Focus
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Parish Life
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Sunday Readings Theme
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This Week's Diary
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Coming Up!
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Mass Intentions
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Worship and Liturgy
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Evangelisation
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Faith Formation
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Stewardship
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Social Outreach and Justice
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Sacramental Services
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