The lawyer's question reveals our deepest misconception: that eternal life is earned through perfect compliance with religious law. We often approach faith like a legal contract, seeking to minimize our obligations while maximizing our rewards. "Who is my neighbor?" becomes a boundary-setting exercise rather than an invitation to love without limits.
Christ's parable shatters these comfortable categories. The religious officials, despite their ritual purity, fail to embody God's mercy. The despised Samaritan demonstrates that grace flows through unexpected channels—those we might naturally avoid or dismiss. This challenges our tendency to equate religious identity with spiritual maturity.
Barriers to authentic discipleship include self-justification, prejudice, and the comfort of defined boundaries. We categorize people as deserving or undeserving of our care, creating theological loopholes that protect us from costly love. The priest and Levite represent our inclination to prioritize religious obligations over human need.
True pilgrims of hope recognize that God's word dwells near us, accessible and demanding. We cannot love God authentically while excluding others from our circle of care. The Samaritan's visceral compassion—his willingness to risk, invest, and commit—models the practical mercy that marks genuine faith. Discipleship requires stepping beyond our comfort zones to serve those society overlooks, discovering that in blessing others, we receive unexpected grace ourselves.
Family Connections: When your children exclude classmates different from them, how do you help them recognize unexpected friendships as gifts?
Prayer: Lord, help us see neighbours and to serve without boundaries.
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C (I)
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Responsorial Psalm Ps 69(68) Seek God, you who are poor,and your hearts will revive. Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Gospel: Luke 10:25-37
Parish Mass Book Year C Volume 2, pg 108-111
Parish Diary
13 July – Sunday
“Stella Maris” Second Collection 09.30 am – Mass (no children’s liturgy) followed by Couples for Christ (CFC) Southend Coffee Morning (Hall) 11.30 am – Mass 12.45 pm – Baptism 06.00 pm – Mass
14 July – Monday
15 July – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass 11.00 am – FIHM Catechesis (Hall) 11.00 am – Safeguarding Rep Meeting (Office) 11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00-07.15 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy)
16 July – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass
17 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)
18 July – Friday
10.00 am – Mass 11.30 am – Craft Club 02.00 pm – Mass (SHPCS) 03.00-04.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (P.C.) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño (P.C.)
19 July – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Mass
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
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
13 July – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Stella Maris” (Green)
09.30 am – For +Alfredo and +Alicia Gutierrez; +Rufina Lakian; Nicholas Aformale 11.30 am – For Peggy (Thanksgiving) 06.00 pm – For Erion and Tania Shella and Family
15 July – Tue. St Bonaventure Bp D Memorial (White)
10.00 am – For +Concon
16 July – Wed. of Wk 15 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For Harry Burke (Sick); For +Naithy Mathen
17 July – Thurs. of Wk 15 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For +Karl
18 July – Fri. of Wk 15 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For the parishioners’ intentions
19 July – Sat. of Wk 15 in Ordinary Time (Green)
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
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.
Wonderful news!
Congratulations, Hazelina Machado, on being named Citizen of the Year!
Your amazing heart for helping others truly shows what it means to love our neighbours. You've made us all so proud, and we can't wait to see how you continue spreading kindness and joy!
Coming up…
SVP Thursday Market
17 July9am -12nn, Church Hall.
Marshals’ Training
18 July Friday, 05.00-07.00 pm Sacristy
St Helen Primary Catholic School
Leavers’ Mass 22 July Tuesday 06.00 pm Our Lady and Saint Helen Parish Westcliff
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
May - £20 Margaret Galbally £15 Ms E Barr, £10 Carol Darbourn
June - £20 CWL, £15 Rene Eldian, £10 Fabian Cassar.
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.
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
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
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.
Fire andSafety Project Fund
Required Funding: £ 24,000.00 Actual Expenses: 21,512.00 Estimated Costs: £ 2,488.00 Collection: £ 24,350.25 (as of 17 June 2025)
Thank you so much!
Stella Maris
(formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) is seeking one volunteer from this parish please to help with Sea Sunday (which falls on 12/13 July this year) in this parish. This is the day when the Church comes together to pray for seafarers, fishers and their families, and takes a second collection to support the work of Stella Maris. The volunteer will read out the appeal (which Stella Maris will provide) at the end of Masses that weekend. If you can kindly do this, please contact roland.hayes@stellamarismail.org or call 07887 893 763.
Maranatha
Join us for Mass and Prayer and Praise on Thursday 17th July from 7.00 to 9.00pm at the Sion Community, Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9BX All are welcome and there is no need to book, just come along. CCR Team.
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.
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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