We often mistake God's revelation for a download of information, expecting instant clarity and complete understanding. Yet, Jesus tells us, "You cannot bear it now," acknowledging our human limitations and the gradual nature of spiritual growth.
Many stumble here, equating faith with certainty and viewing doubt as failure. Others resist the Spirit's guidance, preferring comfortable half-truths to challenging growth. We build walls of intellectual pride or emotional fear, missing the gentle way Divine Wisdom accompanies creation.
The Trinity reveals a different path. Like a parent teaching a child to walk, God meets us where we are. Through life's struggles, the Spirit guides us toward deeper truth. In community, we discover how suffering builds character, and character births hope. This hope doesn't disappoint because God's love flows through our incompleteness, making sacred space for questions and growth.
Our journey isn't about arriving at perfect understanding, but about walking in relationship with Perfect Love.
Family Connections: When family decisions are difficult, how do we listen together for God's guidance?
Prayer: Open our hearts to your gentle teaching, O, Trinity of Love.
The Most Holy Trinity - Year C (I)
First Reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 Responsorial Psalm Ps 8 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth! Second Reading: Romans 5:1-5 Gospel: John 16:12-15
Parish Mass Book Year C Volume 2, pg 81-83
Parish Diary
15 June – The Most Holy Trinity Sunday
09.30 am – Mass with Children’s Liturgy CWL Westcliff Coffee Morning (Hall) 11.30 am – Mass 01.30 am – Baptism 06.00 pm – Mass
16 June – Monday
17 June – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass 10.30 am – FIHM Catechesis (Hall) 11.30 am – Smart Solutions Meeting 11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00-07.15 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy)
18 June – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass 06.45-08.00 pm – Confirmation Rehearsal (Church)
19 June – 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)
20 June – Friday
10.00 am – Mass 11.30 am – Craft Club 03.00-04.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (P.C.) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño (P.C.)
21 June – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Mass 01.00 pm – Confirmation Mass 01.00-07.00 pm – Wedding Reception (Hall)
22 June – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Sunday
09.30 am – Mass (FHC Children Go Forth Mass) followed by refreshments (Hall) 11.30 am – Mass 01.00 am – Baptism (?) 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
15 June – The Most Holy Trinity (White) “Day for Life” (Second Collection)
09.30 am – For Keith; Harry Burke (Sick) 11.30 am – For Noa and Family; Canon Patrick McKenna (fdn.ml.) 06.00 pm – For +Raimondas Vaicys; +Luis Carvalho
17 June – Tue. of Wk 11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For +Luis Carvalho
18 June – Wed. of Wk 11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00am – For +Benedict Francis Xavier; +Luis Carvalho
19 June – Thurs. of Wk 11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00am – For +Klybe Marr Aurellana
20 June – Fri. of Wk 11 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00am – For babies in danger of abortion
21 June – Sat. St Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious (White)
12.00nn – For the parishioners’ intention 13.00pm – Confirmation Candidates and their families
The Pope’s Monthly Intentions June 2025: That the world might grow in compassion Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
Let us pray for the sick
Michael Thompson | June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Guy Ledieurt
Let us pray for the departed
+Benedict Francis Xavier
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…
CAKE SALE
Sunday 15th June In aid of Havens Hospices After 9.30 AM Mass Contactless payment Accepted Hosted by Catholic Women’s League Westcliff Section - a registered charity
FIHM
The Catechetical meeting is on the 17th June 25 and the Topic is “The Magisterium and the Pontifical Infallibility”
SVP Thursday Market
19 June 9am -12nn, Church Hall.
Marriage & Family Life Mass
The annual Mass of Thanksgiving for Marriage and Family Life is taking place in Brentwood Cathedral on Saturday 21st June at 3pm. Couples who would like to attend may be those who are couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, recently married couples, couples preparing for marriage, or individuals or couples who are involved in delivering marriage preparation. Please contact Fr Viktor to secure an invitation.
EMHC Meeting
27 June, Friday, 06:00 PM Adoration, Church, followed by a meeting at the Sacristy.
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 5th of July 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
St Helen Primary Catholic School
Leavers’ Mass 22 July Tuesday 06.00 pm Our Lady and Saint Helen Parish Westcliff
Marriage Help
Retrouvaille helps couples find hope and healing for their marriage. Next date: 20-22 June 2025 www.retrouvaille.org. Tel: 0788 7296983
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
100 club winners for January - March
January 1st prize Louise Felstead, 2nd Peggy Herrigan, 3rd Eileen Campling; February 1st Eileen Campling, 2nd Carmen O'Brien, 3rd Lucy Upsher; March 1st Sophy Redding, 2nd Pat Volante, 3rd Carol Williams - thank you for your continued support. Subscriptions for 2025-26 are now due so if you wish to continue helping us by your support of the 100 Club or you would like to join the details are below. Each year we have been able to put up to £600 into the funds to help run the Parish minibus so your contribution is vital. 1 share is £12 per year and you can buy as many shares as you like.
If you do wish to continue your support or wish to join please pay in the following way by Friday 6th June. Internet Bank Transfer into the parish bank account Account Name: Our Lady Help of Christians and St Helen Sort Code: 40-13-22 Account Number: 31019228
Please put 100 club and your name as reference (eg 100 Club E Upsher) If you pay by bank transfer please email evupsher@aol.com to confirm that payment has been made and for how many shares then I can update the records. Thank you again for your support. Elizabeth Upsher
JUBILEE YEAR – Pilgrims of Hope: FORTY HOURS OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – ‘QUARANT ORE’
– will be celebrated at the Cathedral parish of St Mary & St Helen, Brentwood commencing with Mass at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday 26th June and concluding at 5.45 p.m. on Saturday 28th June. Please see parish website (https://brentwoodcathedral.org.uk/) for full details. All are welcome.
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.
All parishioners are warmly invited to an online webinar being run by Stella Maris on Thursday 19th June from 7:30pm to 9pm. To attend this webinar, please sign up at: www.stellamaris.org.uk/thankyouwebinar
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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