We start the Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday. This shows how triumphantly Jesus entered Jerusalem to face his sufferings and death on the Cross.
To many of us, this may be seen as a change of mood. The intensity of our reflection will depend more on our imagination as to why Jesus chose to allow himself to be treated in that way. That is why this week will be a time for us to pause and reflect on the kind of LOVE this son of God has given us.
We will relive the events in detail, both from the words of the evangelists and during the celebration of the paschal mysteries. Therefore, it is very important and commendable that we don’t miss out on attending the liturgical celebration of Easter from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, and Masses on Easter Sunday. Let us keep our minds and hearts focused on Jesus.
Holy week is a time of renewal. We should facilitate this renewal and revitalize our spirit. This may be a time for us to avail ourselves of the sacrament of reconciliation seriously.
Lastly, we remember during this time to include those experiencing continuous struggles in our prayers. The sick, elderly, and lonely people, families, and children. Through the grace of God’s promise of Love, may they be consoled and obtain strength from his mercy and love to persevere.
Jesus has already suffered for us; let us not inflict any more suffering on others. (Fr. Alex)
The final Sunday of Lent marks the beginning of Holy Week commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The Gospel reading is the Passion of Christ (Mark 14:1–15:47 in Year B), encompassing the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, and death. This stark narrative sets the stage for the events of Holy Week leading up to Easter. May these days be 'Holy' as we reflect on God's love for us.
1st Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7
Responsorial Psalm:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel: Mark 14: 1-15:47 or 15: 1-39
Your Parish needs You!
To assist us with ensuring that we keep you safe and comply with our legal obligations, we require volunteers from the congregation for each mass service to assist us with the evacuation of the church in the event of a fire. Volunteers will be provided with fire safety training for this role which comprises what actions to do in the event of a fire, which is to successfully evacuate the church and aid those who may have limited mobility.
We cannot do this without your help, so please volunteer today!
Pro-Life Rosary
Daily rosary in the chapel after Mass with pro-life rosary Wednesday and Friday. adoration & recitation of the rosary with exposition in the chapel 10-45-1145am. Fridays only.
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 13th of April at 03.00 PM in the Church Sacristy. To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
Blessing of Food for Polish Families
30 March 2024, 12.00 NN
Join our Easter Bonnet/Hat Competition!
Entry: Adults £ 5.0, Children £ 2.0.
Showcase your creativity for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Celebrate Easter with style and fun. Don't miss out! Prices to be won. (Pay for entry on Easter Sunday)
Easter Hamper
Support our Easter Hamper for parish upkeep. Buy tickets: £1 each or £5 per strip. More tickets, more chances to win! Your contribution makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity!
FIHM Retreat
FIHM will have a retreat on 6 of April from 10:00 am to 16:00
Facilitator: Rev. Fr Jose Costa, FIHM Programme for the day retreat / day of recollection: 10 am welcome coffee / tea in the hall with morning prayer followed by adoration 11 am rosary in the church with confessions —Mass 12pm – Lunch 1pm (packed lunch in the hall ) —- 1-45 pm Themed Talk and discussion with father Jose Costa FIHM in the hall. 3 pm Divine Mercy devotions in the hall. Concluding prayer & 4 pm finish.
Dear Legion of Mary Auxiliaries
You are invited to attend the ACIES Ceremony which will take place on
Saturday 6th April 2024 at 2pm at
St Teresa of Lisieux RC Church,
16 Clairmont Road, Colchester CO3 9BE.
The purpose of the Acies is to renew and deepen our Consecration to Mary.
If you would like more information visit https://www.legionofmary.ie/news/article/the-purpose-of-the-acies
If you wish to enquire as to the availability of transport to the Acies or are interested in finding out more about the Legion of Mary please call Danielle 07849 103304.
- Our Lady Help of Christians Praesidium
Knanaya Catholic Malayalam Community Mass
11May 2024, 04.00 PM
Note: The planned monthly masses for March and April are canceled.
Dates for your diary……
Confession of FHC Candidates' Parents
01 June 05.00 PM
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
BON VOYAGE!
Fr. Viktor is going back to the Philippines after this week. As we thank him for everything he did share to us all, we wish him the best and peaceful travel back home. May he be able to acquire more strength, wisdom, and zeal so that if not very soon he will be able to come back in U.K. to continue his ministry and apostolate with us. Thank you, Fr. Vik!
Job Vacancy
Little Company of Mary
11 - 13 Grosvenor Rd
Westcliff on Sea
We are recruiting for a maintenance person with good all-round DIY skills.
Basic knowledge of electrical, heating, plumbing and hot & cold-water service installations is required, with the ability to undertake all general and statutory maintenance checks on the various installations.
Previous experience in a similar role is desirable, preferably in a Care Home environment.
The successful candidate must have a good standard of record keeping and be able to work unsupervised.
Hours: 16 hours over 4 days (to be agreed)
Please submit your application to Icm.ef@btinternet.com
Harlow Water Tower Abseil
The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS) are looking for thrill seekers with a passion for fundraising to take part in Harlow Tye Rotary’s annual Harlow Water Tower Abseil on Saturday 18th May 2024. For all details, please visit our Harlow Water Tower Abseil webpage here: https://www.bccs.org.uk/get-involved/events/ To secure your spot, a £35 entry fee will be paid to the Harlow Tye Rotary Club, with all funds raised through your efforts being donated to BCCS. Please reach out to Charlotte: cwalker@bccs.org.uk / 07986841178 to sign up!
Pilgrimage to Fatima
From 11th to 15th Oct 2024
£ 855.00 Operated by Special Pilgrimages ‘Christian Tours’ For Inquiries, please contact:
Salvatore Burzotta 07753 203129
Sacrament of Confirmation:
Invitation to Join Our Catechist Team
Our parish is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our team of catechists. Whether you are experienced or new to catechesis, your contribution will be invaluable in guiding and nurturing the faith journey of our community members.
To equip you for this role, we are organizing a special training session led by one of our parishioners, Carmel Allen, an experienced catechist and educator.
If you feel called to this ministry or would like to learn more, please approach Fr. Alex.
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! ❤️
Gardener
🌿 Got Green Fingers?🌱 Be a part of something beautiful at St. Helen's Parish in Westcliff. Join our team of volunteer gardeners and help cultivate a serene oasis. 🌸🌼
No Bubble Gum in the Church
Out of respect for our sacred space, bubble gum is prohibited within the Church premises. I appreciate your cooperation.
- A friendly reminder from the dedicated volunteer cleaners of Saint Helen’s Westcliff
Parish Team Members
Kenneth Attwood
Health and Safety Officer
Benneth Chukwuemeka
Health and Safety Assistant
Lucy and Gary Watts
Safeguarding Representatives
and
Cherry Ann Castro
Finance Coordinator
St. Helen’s Cleaners
Join the group chat to get the weekly schedule of volunteer cleaners.
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
Many thanks to all who support the maintenance of our Parish Minibus. 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.
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.
· The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursdays 10:45-11:25am; Saturdays 11:15-11:50am or approach the priest to get an appointment.
· The Sacrament of the Sick: Please contact the parish office for requests about visiting the housebound / Care Home residents.
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 call them during office hours (Tuesdays to Fridays 9-1pm) Tel. No.: 01702 342324
Alternatively:
Mass Intention Envelopes are available Mass Intentions are published in the parish newsletter (available for collection). It is also posted via Facebook Page of the Parish.
Contactless Giving (Temporarily Out of Service)
No cash? Give your donations using your card. Look for the one in-charge of the parish’s card reader and get a receipt on the go or visit the parish website.
Gift Aid
Collection Envelopes 2024
If you are a tax paying parishioner making a gift to the parish, for example putting money in the collection, the Inland Revenue aids us by refunding the tax.
For every £1 you donate we can claim a 25p refund; £1 becomes £1.25 for the Parish.
Our Parish has to pay its own way, what we collect in the Offertory collection plate no longer covers our overhead costs, so the Gift Aid Scheme is our financial lifeline.
The new financial year starts on 6th April so please pick up your new box at the back of the church and check that we have your correct address.
Equally important, if you are a taxpayer and not in the scheme and would like to join and help the Parish please complete a Declaration Form which will be available for you to collect from the back of the church.
If you any further questions please contact
John Upsher phone 01702 347369.
Gift for Saint Helen’s Church
Please consider Saint Helen’s Catholic Church as part of charity in your will. For more information, see the parish priest.
Enhancing security
Saint Helen's Westcliff implements 24/7 CCTV surveillance across its premises. Notices alert parishioners to the system's presence for heightened safety.
The initiative aims to deter threats and ensure a secure environment for worshippers and visitors alike.
24 March – Palm Sunday Jesus entrance to Jerusalem
09.00am Blessing of Palms (Church Grounds)
Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am Mass
06.00pm Mass
25 March – Holy Monday
10.30am – FIHM Business Meeting (Small Hall)
10.00am – Mass followed by Confessions
26 March – Holy Tuesday
10.00am – Mass followed by Confessions
No Bible Study
27 March – Holy Wednesday
Chrism Mass at Brentwood Cathedral (No Mass / No Confession)
No FHC session
06.15-07.30pm – Confirmation Session (Hall)
28 March – Maundy Thursday
07.00pm Last Supper & Washing of the Feet followed by the Vigil / Adoration (‘til 11.00pm)
29 March – Good Friday
No Mass. Church is open for visits and prayers.
10.00am – Stations of the Cross / Confessions
03.00pm – Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion
(Special Collection for the Holy Land)
After the Veneration, Reflection on the Seven Last Words.
30 March – Holy Saturday
No activity during the day.
10.00am – First Reconciliation (FHC 2nd Grp)
12.00nn – Blessing of Food for Polish Families
09.00pm – Easter Vigil
31 March – Easter Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy)
11.30am – Mass
No 06.00pm Mass
After 11.30am Mass,
Easter Hamper Raffle Draw
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
HOLY WEEK 2024
24 Mar Palm Sunday (Red)
Passion of the Lord
09.30am – For Kenny Blackmore (Intention);
11.30am – For Gloria Despacio-Reyes (Intentions);
06.00pm – For Francisco Capitaō (RIP) and Isabel Goncalves Mariae;
25 Mar – Mon. of Holy Week (Purple)
10.00am – For Francis Manley (Fdn.Meml.); Patricia Volante (Thanksgiving)
26 Mar – Tue. of Holy Week (Purple)
10.00am – For +Colin White (Death Anniv)
27 Mar – Wed. of Holy Week (Purple)
No mass or confessions
28 Mar – Thur. of Holy Week (Purple)
Maundy Thursday
07:00pm – For Vocations to the Religious and Priestly Life
29 Mar – Fri. of the Passion of the Lord (Red)
Good Friday
30 Mar – Sat. Easter Vigil (White)
09:00pm – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
31 Mar Easter Sunday of the (White)
Resurrection of the Lord
09.30am – For the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For John Hughes (Fdn.Meml.)
March Intention of the Holy Father
For families in crisis.
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness,
rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences
Daily Gospel Reflection
St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles, into Your Church!
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