Weekly Newsletter
17 to 23 November 2024 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Living in Light of the Promise
We often struggle with waiting in our fast-paced world of instant gratification and digital immediacy. We click, swipe, and expect immediate results. Yet Jesus speaks of cosmic signs, falling stars, and fig trees teaching patience. These images jar against our modern tendency to rationalize everything supernatural or reduce faith to mere social activism.
Many Christians today either obsess over end-time predictions or dismiss them entirely as ancient metaphors. Both miss the mark. The first leads to paralysis or sensationalism, while the second strips our faith of hope's deeper dimension. Jesus points to something more profound: a reality where heaven and earth intersect, where ordinary moments carry eternal significance.
What holds us back? Often it's our attachment to control, our resistance to mystery, our fear of surrender. We build comfortable theological boxes, reducing God's cosmic drama to manageable proportions. But Jesus' words shake these foundations, inviting us into a larger story.
Understanding Jesus' teaching about the end times reveals His identity as both an intimate companion and cosmic Lord. It shows His mission extends beyond personal salvation to creation's renewal. This challenges us to live differently: to see daily choices as eternally significant, to recognize divine fingerprints in ordinary moments, and to embrace both the "already" and "not yet" of God's kingdom.
Practical steps begin with small acts of trust: starting each day expecting God's presence, practising contemplative pauses, choosing eternal values in decisions, and serving others with tomorrow's glory in mind. These habits reshape our vision, helping us read the signs of grace in our lives.
Family Connections
During dinner, share moments when waiting was difficult but worthwhile. How does patience in daily family life (like waiting for siblings, sharing devices, and delayed celebrations) help us understand God's timing?
Prayer
Lord, teach us to wait in hope and act in love.
Source: Fr. Viktor, Daily Gospel Digest
First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15(16):5,8-11 "Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you."
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
The Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales has advised that, as of the first Sunday in Advent, we must use the new translations for readings at our Sunday masses.
The Book of the Gospels (Processional Edition) and the four-volume Lectionary (both 2024 publications) are now available, and we aim to bring these blessings to our parish. However, we need your support.
Your generous contributions are essential in this endeavour. To cover the cost of these books, we need to raise a total of £1,090.00 (shipping cost not included). Every pound you can contribute will help us reach this goal. The Book of Gospels costs £ 395.00, while the Lectionary in four volumes costs £695.
This is an opportunity for our parish community to invest in our spiritual growth. We would appreciate any monetary contribution you can make, no matter how small.
In Service,
Fr. Viktor
Assistant
Parish Diary 2024
17 November – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass – Children’s Liturgy
11.30 am – Mass
01.00 pm- Baptism
03.00-05.30 pm – Tamil Group Catechesis (Small Hall)
03.30-05.30 pm – Filipino Dance practice (Hall)
06.00 pm – Mass
18 November – Monday
19 November – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass
11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall)
06.00 pm – Bible Study
20 November – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass
05.30-6.30 pm – FHC Church & Hall
21 November – Thursday
10.00 am – Mass
10.30-11.30 am – Adoration for Vocations
10.30-11.20 am - Confession
07.00 pm – Legion of Mary Meeting (Sacristy)
(For home visits, please get in touch with the parish)
22 November – Friday
10.00 am – Mass
11.30 am – Craft Club (Small Hall)
03.00-04.00 pm – Divine Mercy Devotion (Presbytery Chapel)
07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Sto Niño (Presbytery Chapel)
23 November – Saturday
11.00 am – Baptism
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organized by FIHM (Presbytery Chapel)
11.30-11:50 am – Confession
12.00 nn – Mass
01.00-05.00 pm – Baptism Party (Large Hall)
05.30-08.00 pm – Catechesis for Tamil Group (Small Hall)
24 November – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass – Children’s Liturgy
11.30 am – Mass
03.00-07.00 pm – Birthday Party
06.00 pm – Mass
Recitation of the Rosary (Tue-Wed and Fri) at Presbytery Chapel after the Mass.
MASS TIMES & INTENTIONS
17 Nov – 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
World Day of the Poor
09.30 am – For the Departed Souls
11.30 am – For John McKeown (fdn.mem.)
06.00 pm – For +Joao Mata Teixeira
19 November – Tue. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo (Birthday Thanksgiving); +Joao Mata Texeira; Jimeel Marvin Superville; +Robert Bob Crow
20 November – Wed. Feria (Green)
10.00 am – For +Joao Mata Texeira; Jimeel Marvin Superville
21 November – Thu. Memorial (White)
The Presentation of the BVM
10.00 am – For +Joao Mata Texeira; Jimeel Marvin Superville
22 November – Fri. Memorial (Red)
St Cecilia, V, M
10.00 am – For the Departed Souls
23 November – Sat. Feria (Green)
12.00 nn – For +Connie; +Eric Murrell; +Brian Elsie; Len Mellowship
24 Nov – Sun. Solemnity (White) Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
(Youth Sunday)
09.30 am – For Agnesshola (Birthday)
11.30 am – For Faustina Simons (Birthday)
06.00 pm – For George and Mary Orton and Family (fdn.mem.)
Coming up…
Filipino Sinulog Dance Practice
17th November, 03.00 – 05.30 pm, Parish Hall
Blessing of the Dead Ceremony
29 November
10:30 AM
Sutton Road Cemetery
RCIA meeting
5th December
07.00-08.30 pm Small Hall
Baptism Seminar Schedule
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old.
7th December, 2.00 PM, Church Sacristy
To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to:
westcliff@brcdt.org
Legion of Mary Dates to note
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
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
Important Notice:
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
Urgent Message from the Catholic Bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland on Assisted Suicide Legislation
The Catholic Bishops have released a statement addressing the upcoming Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. They express deep concern that this legislation will "radically alter the ethos of trust and support" essential to the care of those in need and their families.
The Bishops strongly urge all people of good will to oppose this bill. They advocate instead for the enhancement and consistent availability of well-funded palliative care across England, Wales, and Scotland, upholding the dignity and value of every human life.
We invite Catholics and all who share these beliefs to actively make their opposition known by contacting their local MPs, asking them to oppose or not support the bill.
Your voice matters—let it be heard for those who need it most.
Invitation to Participate in Decorating Our Church for Advent and Christmas
As we draw near to the blessed seasons of Advent and Christmas, Our Lady and Saint Helen's invites each of you to partake in the joyous preparations that mark this holy time of year. In the spirit of community and shared responsibility, we are reaching out for volunteers to help decorate our church and create a welcoming, festive atmosphere for all who visit during these special days.
To ensure that the workload is evenly distributed and to avoid overburdening our gracious volunteers, we have planned a schedule for setting up various decorations throughout our church grounds and interiors. Here are the specific tasks and their designated times:Starting the First Week of December
- Christmas Lights Outside the Church
- Christmas Tree - CWLStarting the Second Week of December
- Christmas Flowers - CWL (14 December)
- Hanging of Stars Inside the Church - (up on or before 15 December)
- Nativity Crib - (up on or before 15 December)
- Flowers Inside the Church - CWL (18 and 23 December)Each parish group or individual leading a decoration task will facilitate those who wish to volunteer to help. We encourage all who are able to contribute their time and talents to sign up for a task that suits their interest and ability. Please contact the parish office to volunteer or if your group can undertake one of these roles. Your participation is crucial to making our church a beautiful sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons.
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.
Seeking 1 or 2-bedroom flat in Westcliff-on-Sea or Southend
A member of our parish community is searching for a 1 or 2-bedroom flat located in Westcliff-on-Sea or Southend. To assist, please call the Parish Office directly at 01702 342324.
Thank you for your kindness and collaboration.
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.
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!
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!