Weekly Newsletter
27 October - 2 November 2024 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Transformative Faith
The narrative of Bartimaeus, as told by Mark, compels us to examine our understanding of faith and its role in our lives. When we comprehend faith as trust and reliance on Christ, we see a clear pathway to healing and salvation. Today, many subtly misinterpret faith as a transactional relationship with God, a false notion that reduces faith to mere religious lottery, hoping for blessings in return for good deeds.
Bartimaeus, however, shows us that authentic faith is rooted in acknowledging Jesus' unique identity as the Messiah and trusting in His mercy and power. With persistent calls and an unwavering spirit, he overcomes the crowd's opposition, a metaphor for the challenges we face in our faith journey.
In our society, these barriers may manifest as scepticism, secularism, or personal pride and self-reliance, deterring us from fully embracing Christ's teachings. To overcome these, we should nurture a personal relationship with Jesus, just as Bartimaeus did. This involves regular prayer, reflecting on the Scriptures, participating in the Church community, and living a service life, embodying Christ's teachings in our daily actions.
Comprehending faith as trust in Christ helps us appreciate Jesus' mission - to bring salvation and healing to humanity. It also sheds light on His identity as a compassionate, merciful Savior responding to those earnestly seeking Him. In essence, authentic faith leads us to encounter Jesus, bringing about transformation in our lives, just as it did for Bartimaeus.
Family Connections:
In light of Bartimaeus's story, discuss the nature of faith in your daily lives as a family. Identify a situation where you experienced challenges or barriers in your faith journey, similar to how Bartimaeus faced opposition from the crowd. How did you remain persistent like Bartimaeus, and what steps did you take to nurture your relationship with Jesus in these circumstances? Reflect on how this situation helped deepen your understanding of Jesus' role as a compassionate Savior responding to our earnest calls. How can you, as a family, foster greater trust in His mercy and power in your everyday life?
Prayer:
Lord, deepen our trust in You, leading us to healing and salvation.
Source: Fr. Viktor, Daily Gospel Digest
1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm 125(126)
“What marvels the Lord has worked for us! Indeed we were glad”
2nd Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52
Parish Diary 2024
Parish Diary 2024
27 October – Sunday
(“Second Collection for Rogationist Mission”)
09.30 am – Mass No Children’s Liturgy
11.30 am – Mass
06.00 pm – Mass
28 October – Monday
29 October – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass
10.30 am – FIHM Catechesis (after the Mass and Rosary), Parish Hall
11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
06.00 pm – Bible Study
07.00-8.30 pm – RCIA Small Hall
30 October – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass
31 October – Thursday
10.00 am – Mass
10.30-11.30 am – Adoration for Vocations
10.30-11.20 am - Confession
11.00 am -12.30 pm - CWL Flower Changing (Church and Hall)
05.00 pm – Rosary and Adoration
06.00 pm – Mass followed by a procession and fellowship at the Church Hall
07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
Note: This October, the Holy Rosary's recitation with the Blessed Sacrament's exposition will occur in the Church after the weekday Masses (except indicated otherwise in the diary).
1 November – Friday (Holyday of Obligation)
10.00 am – Mass
11.30 am – Craft Club (Small Hall)
03.00-04.00 pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
06.00 pm – Hall décor Private Party
07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
07.00 pm – Mass
2 November – Saturday
10.00 am – Mass
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organized by FIHM
11.15-11:50 am – Confession
12.00 nn – Mass
04.00-10.00 pm – Private party in the Hall
3 November – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass No Children’s Liturgy
11.30 am – Mass
06.00 pm – Mass
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
27 October – 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
09.30 am – For +Carlos Miranda
11.30 am – For Dilo Bobaj; +Tommy Lawrence
06.00 pm For +Joao Mata Texeira
29 October – Tue Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Joao Mata Texeira; Zaia Margaux Aurellana; +Briccio Indonila
30 October – Wed. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Joao Mata Texeira
31 October – Thu. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Joao Mata Texeira
06.00 pm – For the Parishioners’ Intentions
01 Nov – Fri. All Saints Solemnity (White)
Holyday of Obligation
10.00 am – For babies in danger of abortion
07.00 pm – For +Walter and Eileen (49th Wedding Anniv.)
02 November – Sat. All Souls’ Day
The Commemoration The Faithful Departed (Purple)
10.00 nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
12.00 nn – For the Departed Souls
03 Nov– 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
09.30 am – For the Departed Souls
11.30 am – For the Dead Legionaries
06.00 pm – For +Sidney George White and +Louise White
Coming up…
No Children’s Liturgy
during the school half term-
Sun 27th October and Sun 3rd November.
FIHM Catechesis
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, after the 10.00 Mass
RCIA Meeting
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 07.00-08.30 pm Parish Hall
FHC Meeting for Catechists
30 October, 05.30 PM, Sacristy
Celebrate All Hallows Eve at Saint Helen's
Join us this October 31st, Thursday, for a divine celebration of All Hallows Eve, organized by the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
As the vigil of All Saints, this occasion beckons the blessings of the saintly realm, steering away from the pagan festivities of Halloween towards a more sacred commemoration.
17.00 Rosary and Adoration
18.00 Holy Mass
After the Mass, the procession to the Church Hall, Fellowship
We encourage our children and young adults to partake in this holy commemoration by dressing as their favourite Saint.
This initiative aims to redirect the traditional Halloween festivity towards a more meaningful and spiritually enriching experience.
We eagerly await your presence and participation in this celestial celebration.
CWL Coffee Morning for Royal British Legion
3rd November, after 09.30 am Mass
Coffee and homemade cakes on sale in aid of the Royal British Legion in advance of Remembrance Sunday. Please come in and support the coffee morning. We have cakes for you to take home, and we accept contactless payments, so come and meet your fellow parishioners after mass and help to support ex-service men and women and their families.
Legion of Mary Dates to note
Frank Duff Mass, 2nd November, Tilbury
legion prayers 1.30 followed by holy mass at 2pm. Newbury Park IG2 7JA
Shared tableMass for Deceased Legionaries, 3rd November at St Helen’s
Annual Reunion 8 December, 2.00 pm St John’s Church of England, Dock Road, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7PP at 2.30 pm
Shared table
Filipino Sinulog Dance Practice
3rd November, 03.00 – 05.30 pm, Parish Hall
The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society (BCCS)
Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
will be held at The Mill Hall Arts & Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh SS6 7ED, on Sunday, 3rd November, from 10.30 am - 4 pm.
The venue offers free parking, and admission is only £1.50 for adults and free for children under 14.
Over 40 stalls will sell unique crafts, gifts, and handmade fare, so come along and pick up some early Christmas gifts. BCCS will have its own stall selling donated gifts, crafts, and presents, and there will be a fundraising raffle during the event.
If you have any crafts, unopened gifts, or homemade jams and chutneys you would like to donate to us, you can drop them off at our premises in Billericay. We would be delighted to receive them. Thank you.
First Holy Communion Candidates’ Parents Meeting
Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 17.30
Our Lady and Saint Helen’s Church
Couples for Christ (CFC) Coffee Morning Southend Households
(Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
10 November, after 09.30 AM Mass
Beneficiary: Feeding the Homeless
Mass for the Deceased Clergy
13th November, 10.00 am, followed by
Deanery Meeting, 11.00 am –Small Hall
Samaritans Purse
Shoebox appeal 2024
-- Operation Christmas Child --
make your donations through CWL Westcliff! Donate by 11th November!As last year we are not collecting shoeboxes etc at the back of church - CWL Westcliff are willing to fill the shoeboxes online from your donations.
The cost per box is £25 so if that is too much in these difficult times you can make a donation of any amount and we will order the shoeboxes online, for you, up the amount raised. You can donate however small or big the amount and make the payment direct to our section account.
If you would like to make a donation please pay to Catholic Women's League CIO Westcliff section; Sort code 30-98-90; account number 18096960; Reference Shoebox.
Thank you for your support and remember what a difference this makes to the children receiving these boxes all over the world.
Here is the link if you would like to donate directly https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online
Campaign Against Assisted Suicide
Kim Leadbeater MP is introducing a bill to introduce assisted suicide, which MPs will vote on on the 29 November. We know that assisted suicide laws in other jurisdictions have had devastating consequences for the poor, disabled and marginalised. This is the biggest threat to the vulnerable in a decade, and we need a huge effort to lobby MPs. Please contact your MP by visiting www.livesworthliving.org.uk
40 Days for Life
Help save lives by praying for an End to Abortion
25 September – 3 November
Visit: https://www.40daysforlifeinternational.com
Mince pie and tipple
22nd December after 9.30 mass, Church Hall
Christmas Flowers
Small Hall Sat 14th December 10.30 - 1.00,
Church 18th December 2.30 - 5.00 and
Church 23rd December 10.30 - 12.30
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.
Thank you!
Huge thank you to all who supported the MacMillan Coffee morning in September.
CWL Westcliff were able to send £250 from money raised.
Thank you to all who supported the Second-Hand Sale last Sunday.
£222.54 was raised for parish funds.
Thank you to Cris, Fidelma, and their team for organizing this event and to Fr Viktor for his help and support. - Eileen
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.
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!