Westcliff RC Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Empress
From the Clergy
This Sunday’s readings invite us to understand Christian life as a vocation of faithful stewardship. God entrusts each person with gifts, abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities, not for personal possession alone, but for the service of others and the building up of his Kingdom. Our true worth is therefore measured not by what we possess, but by how faithfully we respond to what God has entrusted to us.
The woman portrayed in Proverbs reveals that genuine dignity is expressed through wisdom, diligence, generosity, and reverence for God. Her life demonstrates that holiness is not confined to extraordinary religious acts but is revealed through ordinary responsibilities, faithful relationships, and practical concern for those in need. Christian discipleship takes shape in the everyday choices through which we serve God and one another.
Paul reminds us that Christian life requires spiritual vigilance. We are called to live with an awareness of God's purposes, allowing faith to guide our decisions rather than becoming distracted by worldly concerns. This readiness finds its practical expression in the Gospel's parable of the talents. The servants are judged not by the amount entrusted to them, but by their faithfulness and willingness to put their gifts to work. Fear and complacency prevent growth, while responsible action bears fruit.
Our parish, too, is entrusted with gifts to share. Every act of kindness, encouragement, service, and generosity contributes to the life of the Church. God does not ask us to possess more, but to make faithful use of what we have received (Fr. Deepu).
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (II)
First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128(127) Blessed are all who fear the Lord.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
Parish Mass Book
Year A Volume 2 pg 155-157
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.
Invitation to a Mass of Thanksgiving
All parishioners from across the diocese are warmly invited to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving to be Celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes following his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Brentwood. Join us as we gather in prayer and thanksgiving to welcome our new Bishop and seek God's blessing upon his ministry. All are welcome.
Masses will be celebrated in three locations:
Tuesday 8th Dec: 11:00 a.m – Cathedral Church of St Mary & St Helen, Ingrave Road, Brentwood CM15 8AT
Tuesday 8th Dec: 7:30 p.m – St Antony of Padua Church, St Antony’s Road, Forest Gate, London E7 9QB
Wed 9th Dec: 7:00 p.m - St James the Less and St Helen Church, Priory Street, Colchester CO1 2QB
Parish Diary 2026
14/11 – Saturday
10.30 – Bereavement Group Meeting
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
11.05 – Reconciliation/Confession
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
15.00 – Tamil Practice
16.00 – Malayalam Community Mass
17.00 – Malayalam Group (Small Hall)
15/11 – Sunday
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
13.00 – Baptism
15.00 – Sinulog Dance Practice until 17.00 (Small Hall)
18.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath)
17/11 – Tuesday
10.00 – Mass (Presider Fr Al)
10.30 – Catechesis organised by the FIHM (Fr Vik)
11.00 – Friendship Club
18.00 – Bible Study
18/11 – Wednesday
10.00 – Mass (Presider Fr Al)
18.00 – Orientation for Parents of FHC candidates (Church)
19.15 – Adult Confirmation course (Hall)
19/11 – Thursday
09.30 – Elizabeth’s Group (Large Hall)
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Al); followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions
19.00 – Legion of Mary (Sacristy)
19.00 – RCIA meeting (Hall)
20/11 – Friday
10.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Al)
15.00 – Divine Mercy Chaplet (P.C.)
19.00 – Sto Niño Perpetual Novena (P.C.)
21/11 – Saturday
11.00 – Adoration and recitation of the rosary organised by the FIHM
11.05 – Reconciliation/Confession
12.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr Al)
12.45 – Baptism
15.00 – Tamil Practice
22/11 – Sunday – Second Collection for “Brentwood Catholic Youth Service”
09.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
11.30 – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
13.00 – Tamil Chaplaincy Mass
15.00 – Tamil Catholic Chaplaincy (Hall)
18.00 – Mass (Presider: Fr John McGrath) with Confirmation
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
14/11 – Sat. of week32 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00 – For Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo; for Andrea Domingo
15/11 – 33rdSunday in Ordinary time (Green)
World Day of the Poor
09.30 – For +Eurico Augusto Martins; +Nora McKay; and +David McKay
11.30 – For Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo
18.00 – For Canon Patrick McKenna
17/11 – Tue. of week33 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo; For John McKeown
18/11 – Wed. of week33 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo; for +Merita Shaw
19/11 – Thu. of week33 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For +Karl; for Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo
20/11 – Fri. of week33 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 – For +Zielcita Masanque Cura; for Harry Burke (Health)
21/11 – Sat. The Presentation of the BVM (White)
12.00 – For Patricia Burzotta
22/11 – Christ the King, Solemnity (White)
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 Volanete | Julie H. | Laura F. | Thelma A. I Peter P | Pavel K. | Faustina S. | Fidelma F. | Danielle T. | Rita S. | William S. | Bernard Hetherington | Jim Mortell
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!
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.
Baptism Seminar:
for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 5th of December 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 Parents'
Orientation Meeting
Parents of candidates are required to attend an Orientation Meeting on the 18th November, 18.00 (venue: Church)
Message from Sr Vivien and Sr Anita
Sr Vivien and Sr Anita would like to thank you for inviting us to celebrate Mass with you last Sunday. It gave us great joy to be with you at St Helen Church. You are such a vibrant Congregation. Thank you also for the delicious buffet prepared by the Legion of Mary. It is with great sadness that we leave Westcliff, but we take you all with us in prayer, love and many blessings, knowing that you are in the hand of the Good Lord and Mary His Mother, and three wonderful priests Fr Victor, Fr Deepo, and Fr Alfonso.
If anyone would like a crib with figures or a guitar, please get in touch with Sr Vivien at the convent Tel. 01702 341537. A Donation only for St Helen Church.
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:
-
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.
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.
We would like to remind parishioners in irregular marriages or in active relationships that cannot be regularised to refrain from receiving holy communion and to seek guidance from the clergy.
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:
-
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.
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
From 19 to 25 Nov, this light burns for:
Anonymous Donor
*Other dates are available starting 26 Nov.
+Giuseppe Cerullo – Funeral Service
at St Helen, Westcliff
1 December,16.00: Reception of the Body
2 December, 11.15: Funeral Mass; burial, Sutton Road Cemetery, 12.45
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
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.
World Youth Sunday: 22nd November
There will be a second collection for the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service, supporting events, retreats and pilgrimages for young people in Essex and East London.
If you wish, you can also donate online atwww.bcys.net/donate, and please do visit the website to find out more about how to get involved.
BCYS Advent Retreat at Walsingham House: 12th-13th December
A weekend of festive fun, friendship, prayer and reflection exploring the meaning of Advent. Open to anyone in school years 10-13.
All information and applications atwww.bcys.net/events
BCYS Summer Lourdes Pilgrimage: 17th-24th July 2027
Join BCYS in Lourdes for an unforgettable week of faith, friendship and service, supporting elderly and infirm pilgrims while experiencing prayer, processions, excursions and plenty of opportunities to grow in faith!
Applications are open NOW for all those in school year 10 and above. All information and to applications at www.bcys.net/events
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
