People often misunderstand Jesus’ Noah comparison as a warning about dramatic end-times events, but he’s actually addressing something far more subtle: the spiritual danger of routine. The flood victims weren’t villains—they were busy with perfectly normal activities like work, family, and social obligations. Their problem wasn’t moral failure but spiritual sleepwalking.
Like Noah’s neighbours, we can become so consumed with managing our immediate responsibilities that we lose awareness of what God is doing in our lives and world. Jesus challenges our assumption that being busy equals being faithful. Two people can have identical schedules—same job, same neighbourhood, same church attendance—yet one remains spiritually alert while the other operates on autopilot. The difference isn’t circumstances but intentionality.
The real obstacle preventing us from living this message is our addiction to distraction. We’ve trained ourselves to fill every quiet moment with activity or entertainment, making it nearly impossible to notice God’s presence in ordinary moments. Jesus calls us to cultivate awareness, not anxiety—to stay awake to divine possibilities hiding within our everyday experiences.
Lord, help us stay awake to You in ordinary moments.
“New Beginnings: Welcome, Fr Alfonso!”
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, a season of anticipation that mirrors the deepest human longing for renewal and hope. More than simply counting down to Christmas, Advent invites us into the posture of expectant waiting that has characterised God’s people throughout history. It’s a time when we acknowledge that something better is coming—both the historical celebration of Christ’s birth and the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises in our own lives and world. The beginning of this new liturgical year is also the start of Fr Alfonso’s missionary and pastoral work here in England. May he remain steadfast in his religious and priestly vocation. May his heart be filled with boundless generosity as he shares God’s love and mercy with his people.
First Sunday of Advent
First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 122(121) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14a Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
Parish Mass Book Year A Volume 1, Pg 82-84
Confirmation Program
Confirmation Programme 2025/6. Forms are available from the table at the back of the church behind the pews. Baptised individuals from Yr9 and under 18 in Jan 2026 are eligible. Please return forms by Nov 30th together with a copy of a valid baptism certificate to be registered on this year’s programme starting in Jan 2026.
Parish Diary
30/11 – First Sunday of Advent
09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr John) with children’s liturgy 11.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) 12.45 pm – Baptism 01.00-06.00 pm – Tamil Chaplaincy Exam (Hall) 06.00 pm – Mass (Presider: Fr Vik)
01/12 – Monday
02/12 – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) 10.30 am – FIHM Business Meeting (Small Hall) 11.00am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00-07.15 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy)
03/12 – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) 05.30-06.30 pm – First Holy Communion Session (Large Hall) *use video 06.00 pm – Finance Council (Sacristy)
04/12 – Thursday
09.45-11.00 am – SVP Thursday Market 10.00 am – Mass(Presider: Fr Vik); followed by Adoration for Vocation with confession 07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy) (For home visits, please get in touch with the parish) 07.15-08.45 pm – RCIA (Parish Hall)
05/12 – Friday
10.00 am – Mass(Presider: Fr Deepu) 11.30 am – Craft Club (SmallHall) 03.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (Chapel) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño (Chapel) 07.30 pm – Decorations (Hall)
06/12 – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am –Confession 12.00 nn – Mass(Presider: Fr Alfonso) 12.30 pm – Baptism 02.00 pm – Baptism Seminar (Sacristy) 05.00-07.00 pm – Tamil Catechesis (Small Hall)
07/12 – Second Sunday of Advent
09.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) with St Helen Primary School Students choir 10.00 am - 03.00 pm – Tamil Chaplaincy Exam (Hall) 10.30 am – African Community Meeting (Small Hall) 11.30 am – Mass (Presider: Fr Deepu) 12.45 pm – Baptism 06.00 pm– Mass (Presider: Fr Alfonso)
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
30/11 – 1st Sunday of Advent (Purple)
09.30 am – For Funa Family (Intentions); +Amado Navarro (2nd Death Anniv) 11.30 am – For Mr and Mrs Johnson Chris (Family Thanksgiving) 06.00 pm – For PPC host families and hospitality families and groups
02/12 – Tue. of the 1st week of Advent (Purple)
10.00 am – For Agnes Adeniran (Intentions); for Faustina Simons (Intentions)
03/12 – Wed. St Francis Xavier, Priest (White)
10.00 am – Pro populo
04/12 – Thu. of the 1st week of Advent (Purple)
10.00 am – For souls in Purgatory
05/12 – Fri. of the 1st week of Advent (Purple)
10.00 am – For babies in danger of abortion; for Speirs and O’Brien families
06/12 – Sat. of the 1st week of Advent (Purple)
12.00 nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Pope’s December Intention:
“For Christians in areas of conflict” Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.
Let us pray for the sick
Michael Thompson | June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Christine A. | Mary and David | Peggy H. | Fr Brett
Coming up…
CHRISTMAS HAMPER RAFFLE
TICKETS £1.00 EACH ON SALE AFTER MASSES ON Sundays 1st, 8th and 15th December DRAW TO TAKE PLACE AFTER 9.30 MASS 22nd DECEMBER ALL PROCEEDS TO PARISH FIRE AND SAFETY FUND THIS RAFFLE IS RUN BY the Catholic Women’s League
RCIA
Sessions begin on December 4th 7:15-8:45pm. The venue is the parish hall, refreshments provided, all welcome.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Initial Training Invitation
We invite practicing Catholics in good standing to consider becoming Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Training Session: Saturday, 13 December, 12:30 - 1:30 PM Sacristy
Basic Requirements: • Confirmed Catholic living according to Church teaching • Regular Mass attendance • Age 16 or older • Commitment to reverent service
Come and explore how you might serve Christ in this profound way.
Flower Preparation–CWL Volunteers
20th Dec, Sat, 10.30AM-12.30PM, Small Hall
Christmas Church Decoration
Volunteers needed! 22nd December, Monday, 10.30 AM
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 6th of December 2025 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
Open Information Meeting Junior Legion of Mary
Saturday, 6th December, after 12.00 NN Mass. Our Lady and St Helen Church Westcliff If you’re a young person looking to deepen your faith with the guidance of Mother Mary, we’d love for you to join.
Join St Helen’s SVP Volunteers
Pope Leo XIV reminds us: “The measure of our faith is found in how we welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and heal the broken.” Help us live Christ’s love by supporting our community’s most vulnerable. Your compassion can transform lives. Volunteer with us—because love for the poor is the Church’s foundation.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We invite practicing Catholics who love their faith and want to deepen their relationship with God through service to explore these meaningful opportunities. The formation and training we provide will enrich your own spiritual journey while preparing you to serve others with joy.
“Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion” ”First Holy Communion Catechists” ”Marshals”
Speak with our volunteer Health and Safety Representative after Mass or the priest or contact the parish office. Training and support will be provided for all roles.
Help preserve our beloved church for future generations! Join our donors by leaving a gift in your will that can sustain our sacred mission. Your legacy gift will help cover essential running costs—lighting, heating, security—while supporting building repairs, sacred music, and pastoral care for our community’s most vulnerable members. Every gift, regardless of size, creates lasting impact. Thank you for helping ensure this house of prayer continues to inspire and serve.
Religious Store
For all your prayer aids, liturgical materials (hosts), religious statues, and images, please visit the religious store at Our Lady and Saint Helen, Westcliff. 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
SVP
We are looking for more groups to help with the cooking at the centre to share the load. Can your group spare one Sunday evening each month to help? St Vincent’s Kindness Kitchen needs volunteers to purchase, cook, serve, and clean up after meals for those in need. From 6:30 to 8:00 PM, you’ll provide food along with comfort, dignity, and community to those facing tough times. Our equipped kitchen awaits; we just need your time and compassion. Whether you’re friends, coworkers, or part of a faith group, your kindness can unite people over a hot meal. Will you help? Contact us today! Dan 07930287471
Donation Options 📲 Text SVPSouthend to 70025 to donate £5. You will be charged £5 plus a standard rate msg. Text Giving T&C's | St Vincent de Paul Society https://svp.org.uk/text-giving-tcs 💻 Or make a single of your choice or set up a monthly gift: https://svp.org.uk/donate?project=St%20Vincent%27s%20Centre%20Southend
🔗 JustGiving Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/stvincents-1730217847673 If you’re a UK taxpayer, please remember to gift aid your donation!
7 Days Pilgrimage (Italy Roma, Greccio Province of Rieti and Assisi) £1,496.50 From Thurs 8th October – Wed 14th October 2026 Organised by Salvatore Burzotta Led by Fr Jeff Woolnough PP St Peters Eastwood
LOURDES WITH OUR DIOCESE:
Join Bishop Alan and pilgrims from across our diocese in Lourdes next summer: Friday 17th - Friday 24th July 2026. Booking details will be available in the new year.
ITA AD JOSEPH: CATHOLIC MENS GROUP
FAITH, FRIENDS, FOOD
THIS IS A GROUP FOR CATHOLIC MEN WHO ARE OVER 18 LOOKING TO BE PROACTIVE IN THEIR FAITH AND HELPING IN THEIR PARISH AND SURROUNDING PARISHES. WE ARE LOOKING TO BUILD A BROTHERHOOD IN OUR ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC FAITH LOCALLY. FIND OUT MORE: WHATSAPP Martin: 07515 931567
ROSARIUM: Catholic Young Adult Group
Ave Maria! Hey guys, We have a Catholic young adult group at St Helens Catholic Church in Westcliff on sea. We will have prayers in the Church. We will say the Rosary, and a few extra short prayers, which include the St Michael prayer, and a prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary. See poster for details, and WhatsApp me if you're coming. Looking forward to seeing you! Thanks, Khenz
INCOME
August Loose plate £3,436.25 GAD Envelope 2,171.30 Standing orders 1,040.00 Contactless 1,121.31 Total £7,768.86
September Loose plate £3,354.57 GAD Envelope 1,697.50 Standing orders 1,050.00 Contactless 1,358.54 Cheque 150.00 Total £7,610.61
October Loose plate £2,993.45 GAD Envelope 1,905.80 Standing orders 1,010.00 Contactless 803.15 Total £6,712.40
Regular Reminders
CHURCH SAFETY GUIDELINES
To ensure the safety, comfort, and peaceful worship experience for everyone in our church community, we kindly ask all parishioners to observe the following important guidelines:
Fire Safety: Do not block fire extinguishers at any time. Please ensure these emergency devices remain easily accessible and unobstructed.
Pushchairs and Buggies: Leave buggies in designated areas only. Please do not place pushchairs or buggies along the aisles, as they create safety hazards and block emergency exits.
Church Entrances: Keep doorways clear. Please do not sit or stand at church doors, as this impedes safe entry and exit for all congregants.
Children's Supervision: Parents must supervise their children at all times. Please do not allow children to wander unattended within the church premises.
For crying children: We understand that children can become upset. If your child cries for an extended period, please kindly step outside with them until they are calm, then feel free to return to continue worship.
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 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) and posted on the Parish's Facebook page.
Sacramental Services
Please email our parish office or contact any priests for Baptisms, weddings, and Funerals.
Marriage Preparations: Couples planning to marry in or outside the parish should contact the parish office at least six (6) months in advance.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursdays 10:45-11:25 am; Saturdays 11:15-11:50 am 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.
If you know anyone who needs a lift to church for 11.30 Mass, please let the office know, and Ray Newman will be notified.
We are seeking a commitment of one Sunday a month, between 10:30 and 13:00, to transport parishioners to the 11.30 Mass. No special driving licence is required, but you must feel comfortable driving the vehicle. Escorts only need to help passengers get on and off the minibus. Please contact Ray Newman on 07775 769826.
Many thanks to all who support the maintenance of our Parish Minibus.
An Invitation from the CWL
Catholic Women's League Westcliff Section here at St Helen's church welcomes ladies of all ages to come along and see if you can join us in any of our activities. We support our parish, our priests and our parishioners as best we can and also fundraise for different charities.
We have a WhatsApp group which is a great support to members and friends. We also have social outings to meet and chat and enjoy each other’s company. If you would like to know more please talk to any of us at our coffee mornings or contact Elizabeth, evupsher@gmail.com or through the parish office.
Friendship Club!
Join the Friendship Club of St. Helen's Parish in Westcliff! Discover meaningful connections and laughter every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parish Hall. All are welcome!
Craft Club!
Join us for our weekly Craft Club every Friday at 11:30 am. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, explore your artistic side, make new friends, and enjoy a break from daily life. Bring your projects or start something new with us. Let's create, inspire, and connect. All are welcome!
Troubled Marriages?
If your marriage needs support, call us. Help is available for couples ready to improve their relationship. Retrouvaille can also assist if you're considering separation but want to try again. Please share this with anyone in need; they might be looking for help without knowing where to turn.
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