We often pass each other along the streets like strangers. Yet, this Sunday's readings remind us that our journey toward God isn't a solitary trek but a shared pilgrimage illuminated by love. When Paul and Barnabas revisited the communities they founded, they didn't merely preach—they strengthened spirits, encouraged hearts, and walked alongside those struggling with faith.
This same call echoes in our parish community. It lives in the quiet moments when we stay after Mass to listen to a troubled parishioner, in the food delivered to grieving families, in the extra hour spent tutoring a child struggling with catechism. These seemingly small acts mirror Christ's words at the Last Supper: "Love one another as I have loved you."
Our parish becomes a beacon of hope when we choose to love sacrificially—when we forgive the unforgivable, embrace the overlooked, or share our resources despite our own needs. As we journey toward God's promised renewal, every act of love leaves footprints for others to follow. In our everyday choices to love despite difficulties, we make visible the new heaven and new earth that God promises.
Family Connections:
This week, how can your family show love to a neighbour experiencing difficulty? Share stories over dinner.
Prayer:
Lord, help us love boldly where love costs most.
Preparations for the Feast Day of Our Lady Help of Christians (25 May Sunday)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED “Garden Enhancement for Parish Feast Day Celebration” any day before 24 May
“Setting up of Gazebo” 24 May Saturday 05.00 PM
BRING FOOD TO SHARE As we gather to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on the 25th May 11.30 AM Mass, we invite you to bring your favourite dishes to share with our parish family! Tables will be set up in the parish grounds where you can place your dishes as you arrive for Mass. Please consider bringing your food in containers that are easy to serve from and, if possible, labelled with the name of the dish. Let us come together in fellowship, sharing the warmth and love that makes our parish community so special. For any questions, please contact the parish office. Thank you for being part of this celebration of faith and community!
Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year C (I)
First Reading: Acts 14:21b-27 Responsorial Psalm Ps 145(144) I will bless your name forever my God and King Second Reading: Apocalypse 21:1-5b Gospel: John 13:31-33a,34-35
Parish Mass Book Year C Part 1, pg 265-267
Parish Diary
18 May – Sunday (3rd Day of Novena)
09.30 am – Mass withNovena Prayers; with Children’s Liturgy followed by CWL Coffee Morning for Dementia UK 11.30 am – MasswithNovena Prayers 02.30-06.00 pm – Tamil Association (Hall) 06.00 pm – Mass withNovena Prayers
19 May Monday (4th day of Novena)
07.00 pm – Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church)
20 May– Tuesday (5th day of Novena)
10.00am – Mass with Novena prayers 10.30 am – FIHM Catechesis (Small Hall) 11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy) 07.00 pm – Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church)
21 May – Wednesday (6th day of Novena)
10.00 am – Masswith Novena prayers 05.30-06.30 pm – FHC session (Hall) 06.45-08.00 pm – Confirmation session (Hall) 07.00 pm – Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church)
22 May– Thursday (7th day of Novena)
09.00-12nn – SVP Market (Hall) 10.00 am – Masswith Novena prayers followed by Adoration for Vocations; with confessions 07:00-8:30pm- RCIA meeting (Hall) 07.00 pm – Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church) 07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy) (For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
23 May – Friday (8th Day of Novena)
10.00 am – MasswithNovena Prayers 11.30 am – Craft Club 03.00-04.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (P.C.) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño and Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church)
24 May – Saturday (9th Day of Novena)
09.00 am – Confession of FHC Candidates 11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Mass withNovena Prayers 01.30 pm – Baptism 01.00-06.00 pm – Couples for Christ (Hall) 05.00 pm – Gazebo Installation in Parish Grounds 07.00 pm – Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians (Church)
25 May – 6th Sunday after Easter
09.30 am – Mass with Children’s Liturgy 11.30 am – Massfollowed by procession and agape 06.00 pm– Mass
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
18 May – 5th Sunday of Easter (White)
09.30 am – For Victor Galiza and Rosalia Galiza (Birthday Thanksgiving) 11.30 am – For Daniel Shpella; Lena Staunton 06.00 pm – For +Frulene Lilybeth S. Gavarra
20 May – Tue. after the 5th Sun of Easter (White) Day of prayer for the survivors of sexual abuse
10.00 am – For Ann Durant
21 May – Wed. after the 5th Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – ForMary Agnes Durant
22 May – Thurs. after the 5th Sun of Easter (White)
10.00am – ForAlice Barton
23 May – Fri. after the 5th Sun of Easter(White)
10.00am – ForAlfred Adcock
24 May – Sat after the 5th Sun of Easter (White)
12nn – For Henry Durrant
The Pope’s Monthly Intentions May 2025: For working conditions
Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfillment, families might be sustained in dignity, and society might be humanized.
Let us pray for the sick
Michael Thompson | June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Guy Ledieurt
HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE
Maximum Capacity
The maximum attendance limit is 206 persons (including clergy, altar servers, choir, ushers, fire marshals, and parishioners). This limit must be strictly observed for everyone's safety
Fire Safety Measures
Emergency Exits All exits must remain clear and unobstructed at all times. Fire marshals will be present throughout the services
- IMPORTANT: Keep candles away from: Clothing, Hair, Paper or flammable materials - Fire marshals will be present to assist and monitor
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all attendees.
Coming up…
Junior Legion of Mary
We’re thrilled to share that the Junior Legion of Mary is launching soon! If you’re a young person looking to deepen your faith with the guidance of Mother Mary, we’d love for you to join. Just reach out to any member of the Legion of Mary, and we’ll be happy to help you get started!
CAKE SALE
SUNDAY 18th May AFTER 9.30 MASS, HALL ALL PROCEEDS TO Dementia UK
FIHM Catechesis (Small Hall)
20th May Tuesday - 10.30 am
SVP Thursday Market
22 May 9am -12nn, Church Hall.
RCIA meeting
Thursday 22nd May 7.00pm
Christian Life Program 2025
Open to all Men, Women, and Couples by Couples for Christ London B Chapter 10, 17, 24, 31 May and 7 June, 01.00-06.00 PM 10 May – John Fisher (Prittlewell) 17,24,31 May & 7June – Our Lady & St Helen Westcliff
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 21st of June at 02.00 PM in the church sacristy To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
Marriage & Family Life Mass
Sun, June 21st, at Brentwood Cathedral at 3 p.m. Interested couples should contact Fr. Viktor for an invitation.
Important Notice:
Gift Aid Collection Envelopes 2025
If you are a tax paying parishioner making a gift to the parish, for example putting money in the collection, the Government 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. For existing gift aid scheme members the new financial year starts on 6th April so please pick upyour new box from me at the back of the church. Equally important 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 will be available for you to collect from me at the back of the church. If you any further questions please contact John Upsher phone 347369.
Drivers, please do not block access to the Church.
Avoid parking in a way that obstructs the Parish Mini Bus or Ambulance. When parking, ensure your vehicle is facing the main road for easy exit.
St Helen’s Minibus: Help urgently needed
We are seeking a commitment of one Sunday a month, between 10:30 and 1300, 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.
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
We are also looking to plan our Black Tie at the Roslin in October 2025. We need a business to sponsor the event £2500. This includes a table of 10 on the night. If anyone has any connections please let me know. 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!
Diocesan Youth News…..
Brentwood Catholic Youth Service Monthly Youth Mass
Each month, on the first Thursday, the BCYS invite young people, Youth Groups, Confirmation Groups and School Groups to celebrate Mass together with other young Catholics from all around the Diocese. The evening begins at 6pm with pizza and refreshments in the Parish Hall, followed by around an hour of input before celebrating Mass together at 7:30pm. The whole evening finishes around 8:30pm. There is no need to book and no cost for this - please feel very welcome to come along and simply find out more about the BCYS and what they offer!
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham for young people (18+), Saturday 24th May 2025
A group of representatives from the BCYS (aged 18+), will join Bishop Alan and other parishes on pilgrimage to Walsingham, with opportunities for readers, servers, musicians and singers during the day. There will be Mass at the Basilica, walking the Holy Mile to the grounds of Walsingham Abbey, Vespers and Benediction on the site of the Holy House.
To apply to join the BCYS group and find more information, please visit www.bcys.net/events
Additionally, we are delighted to confirm that we have a group of 140 travelling on our annual service pilgrimage to Lourdes this Summer, representing 35 different parishes. Gabriella Skinner
The Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage,
led by Bp Alan, will be from Friday 18 July – Friday 25 July 2025. The flights will be Southend to Lourdes. Details, including how to book, will follow. We hope you will join us. Paul Keane Tel.: (01223)-742 192
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 others 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.
INVICTUS
- A Catholic Martial Arts Event (18 - 40 years old) arranged by a member of 'Servus Dei' - Catholic Young Adult Group. Venue: TSG MMA in Westcliff. Training costs: £10 Meal and drinks after: La Basilica in Hamlet Court Road. Please confirm before attending. For more info, WhatsApp Khenz on: 07951791620
Fire andSafety Project Fund (as of 4 April 2025)
Required Funding: £24,000.00 Actual Expenses: 19,483.00 Estimated Costs: £ 4,517.00
Regular Reminders
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.
St Helen’s Minibus Service
For parishioners of Saint Helen’s with mobility problems and want to attend the 11:30 am Sunday Mass - For those interested in joining 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 for 11.30 Mass, please let the office know, and Ray Newman will be notified.
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.
Please call or email in confidence and without obligation. + 44 788 729 6983 / + 44 797 338 0443. E-mail to: retrouvailleukinfo@gmail.com
Marriage Help
Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. Next date: 20-22 June www.retrouvaille.org.ukTel: 0788 7296983
Westcliff-on-Sea Our Lady Help of Christians & Saint Helen
Official FB Page https://www.facebook.com/sainthelenswestcliff
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