Embracing the Cross: A Reflection on True Worship and God's Wisdom
As we gather for the Holy Mass on the Third Sunday of Lent, we are invited to delve deeper into the mysteries of our faith, a journey of transformation and renewal. Our readings today beckon us to reflect on the primacy of true worship and the astonishing wisdom of God, themes that resonate profoundly during this Lenten season.
The First Reading from Exodus reminds us of the Ten Commandments, God's blueprint for a life in harmony with Him and our neighbors. These commandments call us not just to obedience but to a relationship, a covenant with our Creator. As we listen, let us ask ourselves how we honor this sacred covenant daily.
The Gospel presents the zealous action of Jesus in cleansing the Temple, challenging us to consider what in our lives needs purification. Jesus invites us to sincere and heart-driven worship beyond mere ritualistic practices.
In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we are urged to embrace the wisdom of God, even when it appears as folly to the world. The Cross, a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and love, stands at the heart of this wisdom.
As we participate in this Eucharistic celebration, let us open our hearts to God's transformative power. May our worship be true, our faith be deepened, and our lives reflect the wisdom and love of the Cross. Let this Lent be a time of genuine spiritual renewal, drawing us ever closer to the heart of God.
Family Connection:
How can our faith community work together to make our worship and actions truly reflect what Jesus wants from us?
Prayer:
Lord, purify our hearts and guide us to true worship.
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!
Enquirers’ Evening
The next “Enquirers’ Evening” for those considering or interested in a vocation to the priesthood is on Tuesday 5 March at Brentwood Cathedral. The speaker will be Deacon Frank Westcott. For further information please contact Fr M.Swires vocprom@dioceseofbrentwood.org
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.
Stations of the Cross
8th March 6:00pm
Memorial Service
The Bereavement Group will be having a little Memorial Service in the Adoration Chapel this month the 9th March.
Meeting in the hall and then going to the Chapel. 10.30am to 12 nn. Please bring a photo of the loved one(s) you would like to be remembered and you will be welcome to say a few words about your favourite memories
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
Saturday, 9th of March 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
Lent Recollection Service
20TH March 5:00pm in the church
For parents of First Holy Communion & Confirmation candidates
Trip to Chrism Mass:
Wednesday 27th March
We're looking to gauge interest by parishioners in attending the Chrism Mass at 11 am in Brentwood Cathedral on Wednesday 27th March. If there is sufficient interest, we'll organise a coach to take people there and back (Cost not known but likely to be about £5 - £10 per head, with children under 13 free. It is likely that the coach will leave Sacred Heart at about 8:30 am and return by about 2 pm.) If you are interested please give your details to Sarah Clark (07902 332756) by Sunday 18th Feb, Thank you.
Blessing of Food for Polish Families
30 March 2024
Easter Bonnet / Hat Competition
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.
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.
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……
Youth Encounter Gathering
13-14 July
Confirmation Day
20 July
155th Anniversary of Saint Helen’s Church, Westcliff-on-Sea
17-18 August
BRENTWOOD CATHEDRAL LENTEN TALKS:
A series of 4 talks on the recent Synod on Synodality, which took place in Rome last October, has been organised for the Holy Lenten season this year.
We have managed to secure 4 speakers
who were participants at the Synod.
Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, (Wednesday 21st February 2024) who was appointed by the Pope as the Guest Preacher and Spiritual Director for the whole Synod;
The Revd Dr Jan Nowotnik (Wednesday 28th February 2024) Director of Mission for the Bishops’ Conference, and its National Ecumenical Officer;
Mr Austen Ivereigh (Wednesday 6th March 2024) Roman Catholic Journalist, Biographer of Pope Francis; Writer, speaker on contemporary Church affairs and
Bishop Nicholas Hudson (Wednesday 13th March 2024) Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, (former Rector of the Ven English College, Rome), appointed delegate at the Synod last October.
All the Talks will take place at Brentwood Cathedral at 7.30pm. Considering the Bishop’s Pastoral Letter recently this will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Synod on Synodality, and this invitation is open to the whole Diocese.
Job Vacancies
Deputy Headteacher – St Anne Line Catholic Infant School & Nursery, BasildonDeadline for applications: 4:00 pm, Friday 26th January 2024
Headteacher – St Francis Primary School, MaldonDeadline for applications: 4:00 pm, Friday 26th January 2024
Headteacher – St Helen’s Primary School, Westcliff-on-SeaDeadline for applications: 9:00 am, Friday 2nd February 2024
Headteacher – St Joseph’s Primary School, Canvey IslandDeadline for applications: 12:00 pm, Wednesday 7th February 2024
Headteacher – St Patrick’s Primary School, Collier RowDeadline for applications: 12:00 (noon), Monday 12th February 2024
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
Pilgrimage to Italy
From 10th to 19th September 2024
Visiting Pisa, Florence, Assisi, and Rome
£ 1,795.00
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
📢 Vacancy for Cleaner
We urgently seek committed applicants, preferably with experience, for this vital role in our Parish. For those who are interested, please get in touch with Fr. Alex Poblador, RCJ.
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.
100 Club winners
November Lucy Upsher £20, Charles Muscat £15 and Fabian Cassar £10,
December Christmas bonus Dympna Potter £30, Pat Volante £20, Pat Keyes £15 and Anna Baldan £10,
January Rita Conlon £20, Pat Keyes £15 and Pat Volante £10.
Thank you for continued support to fund the parish minibus.
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
If you are a taxpayer and not currently in the gift aid scheme and would like to join and help the Parish, please complete a Declaration Form, which is 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.
Sunday 3 March
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
01.00pm – Baptism
Monday 4 March
07.00-08.00pm – Adoration organized by the FIHM (Presbytery Chapel)
Tuesday 5 March
09.00am – Confession (St Helen’s Primary)
11.00am-02.00pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
06.00-07.30pm – Bible Study (Fr. Vik)
Wednesday 6 March
10.30am – Church Cleaning
10.30am – FIHM Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
05.00-06.00pm – FHC session ( Hall)
06.15-07.30pm – Confirmation Session (Hall)
Thursday 7 March
10.30-11.30am – Adoration for Vocations (Presbytery Chapel); No Confession
11.00am – Funeral Mass
06.30-08.00pm – Preparation for Wake (Hall)
07.00pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
Friday 8 March
10.30am – FIHM Adoration and Pro-life Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
10.30am-05.00pm – After Funeral (Hall)
03.00-04.00pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Adoration Chapel)
06.00pm – Stations of the Cross
06.45pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Church) during Fridays of Lent. After Lent, the Novena would be back to 07:30pm, Presbytery Chapel.
Saturday 9 March
10.30am-12.00nn – Bereavement Group (Presbytery Chapel)
11.00-11.50am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11.50am – Confession
12.00nn – Holy Mass
01.00pm – Baptism
02.00-05.00pm – Private Function (Hall)
Sunday 10 March | Mothers’ Day
09.30am – Children’s liturgy
01.00pm – Baptism
Note: Recitation of the Holy Rosary at the small chapel after the weekday Masses
03 Mar – 3rd Sunday of Lent B (Purple)
09.30am – For Helen Wallace (Healing); for the Rogationist Congregation;
11.30am – For the family of Gloria Despacio-Reyes; for Eileen and Walter Campling (Healing); FDZ Congregation
06.00pm – For the Holy Souls
05 Mar – Tue. of 3rd week of Lent (Purple)
10.00am – For William Barton of Banbury (Foundation Memorial); Fr. +Malachy Kelly
06 Mar – Wed. of 3rd week of Lent (Purple)
10.00am – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
07 Mar – Thur. of 3rd week of Lent (Purple)
10.00am – For the Holy Souls; for Vocations to the Religious and Priestly Life
08 Mar – Fri. of 3rd week of Lent (Purple)
10.00am – For Canon +Joseph Whitfield
09 Mar – Sat. of 3rd week of Lent (Purple)
12.00nn – For Fr Thomas Lawton; Fr +John Gordon
10 Mar 4th Sunday of Lent B (Rose or Purple)
‘Laetare’ Sunday | Mothers’ Day
09.30am – For Mother Mary (Mother of All Mothers); for the Rogationist Congregation; Fr +Maurice Roche
11.30am – For the FDZ Congregation; Fr. +Edmund Myer
06.00pm – For Mgr Canon +David Michael Corley
St Helen, pray for us!
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church!
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