The divine life constantly seeks communion with humanity through concrete, incarnational means. In the rhythm of ordinary life, God often arrives unannounced, clothed in the needs of others or hidden within silence. True hospitality, then, is not merely social courtesy but a spiritual disposition, a receptivity of heart that welcomes the presence of the divine in the unexpected.
The mystery of Christian discipleship is not reducible to external works, however noble. It involves an interior transformation whereby the believer becomes a vessel of divine presence. This mystery, once hidden, now dwells within: Christ is formed in us through prayer, perseverance, and suffering embraced in union with Him. When offered in faith, such suffering participates in the redemptive work of Christ for the good of the whole Church.
In the life of prayer, the tension between doing and being is resolved in the primacy of contemplation. Active service must flow from a heart first rooted in attentive listening. The interior life is not a luxury, but a necessity for authentic Christian witness. Only those who have truly heard the Word can rightly serve in love. This calls the faithful to reorder their priorities: to make space for silence, to receive others as icons of grace, and to view their struggles not as obstacles but as places of encounter with the crucified and risen Lord.
To Reflect: Have I been truly listening to my family members or just getting through the day?
Practice: Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to have an unrushed, screen-free conversation with family members, simply to listen and be present.
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (I)
First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a Responsorial Psalm Ps 15(14) O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Parish Mass Book Year C Volume 2, pg 111-113
Parish Diary
20 July – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass (no children’s liturgy) 11.30 am – Mass 01.30 pm – Tamil Association Mass Catholic Chaplaincy (Church); 2.30-06.00 (Hall) 06.00 pm – Mass
21 July – Monday
22 July – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass 11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00-07.15 pm – Bible Study (Hall) 06.00 pm – Leavers’ Mass SHCPS (Sacristy)
23July – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass 06.00 pm – Finance Council Meeting (Sacristy)
24 July – Thursday
09.00-12nn – SVP Market (Hall) 10.00 am – Massfollowed by adoration with confessions 07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy) (For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
25 July – Friday
10.00 am – Mass 11.30 am – Craft Club 03.00-04.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (P.C.) 04.00 pm – Hall decoration 06.00 pm – Youth Ministry Organisers’ Meeting (Sacristy) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño (P.C.)
26 July – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Mass 01.00 pm – Wedding Ceremony; Wedding Anniv Party 03.00-10.00 PM (Hall) 04.30 pm – Filipino Mass
27 July – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass (no children’s liturgy) 11.30 am – Mass 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
20 July – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time CI (Green)
09.30 am – For +Ursula Davies; +Bernadette Marley 11.30 am – For Eileen Campling (Thanksgiving); Peggy Herrigan 06.00 pm – For Erion and Tania Shella and Family; Salvatore Burzotta (Thanksgiving)
22 July – Tue. St Mary Magdalene, Feast (White)
10.00 am – For Eileen Campling (Thanksgiving); Leopoldo Indonila (Thanksgiving) 06.00 pm – Students of SHCPS
23 July – Wed. St Bridget of Sweden, Rel European Feast (White)
10.00 am – For +Tomasz Rzepka
24 July – Thurs. of Wk 16 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For +Karl; Cherry Ann Castro-Kelly (Thanksgiving)
25 July – Fri. St James Ap Feast (Red)
10.00 am – For +Tomasz Rzepka
26 July – Sat. Sts Joachim and Anne Parents of BVM Memorial (White)
12.00 nn – For the parishioners’ intentions
The Pope’s Intention – July 2025 For formation in discernment Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
Let us pray for the sick
Michael Thompson | June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Guy Ledieurt
Let us pray for the deceased
+Bernadette Manley +Tomasz Rzepka
New Communion Guidelines
Kneelers are now available for Holy Communion reception. Standing remains an option – wait for the priest to approach you.
For kneeling: don't wait for the person ahead to leave, kneel when space is available. Priests will move along the rail.
Coming up…
St Helen Primary Catholic School
Leavers’ Mass 22 July Tuesday 06.00 pm Our Lady and Saint Helen Parish Westcliff
SVP Thursday Market
24 July9am -12nn, Church Hall.
Filipino Mass
26 July, Saturday, 04.30 PM
Cream Tea in Aid of Breast Cancer Now Charity
Catholic Women's League Westcliff are hosting a cream tea on Saturday 2nd August from 14.30 to 16.30 at 18 Fairmead Avenue, Westclilff SS09RX. You will be able to take a cream tea (scone, cream, jam and cup of tea for £3.00 per person) We will also have a raffle, homemade cakes and Bring and Buy so please support Breast Cancer Now by coming, BRING A FRIEND or you can make a donation direct to our account Sort Code 30-98-90 Account No. 18096960 NAME OF ACCOUNT. Catholic Women’s League CIO Westcliff Section please put the reference Breast Cancer Now. We look forward to seeing you!
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 6th of September 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
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!
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 confidence and joy.
“Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion”
“First Holy Communion Catechists”
“Marshals”
“Fire Alarm/Emergency Light Tester”
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. For more information:
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.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
15th October 2025 to 18th October inclusive on a full board basis. Flying from Stanstead direct to Lourdes. Staying at 4* Hotel Moderne closest to the Samctuaries. Price is based on 2 sharing double room with ensuite facilities. £650 per person. Child discounts. Please contact Sue Baillie on 07979746707
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!
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
Marriage Help
Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. Next date: 20-22 June 2025 www.retrouvaille.org. Tel: 0788 7296983
Regular Reminders
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.
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.
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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