In Luke's Passion narrative, we encounter Jesus as the ultimate pilgrim of hope, whose journey through suffering transforms the very meaning of power, success, and community. Through his faithful endurance, Jesus demonstrates that authentic hope isn't mere optimism but a profound trust in God's faithfulness even in apparent defeat. This narrative particularly speaks to our contemporary context where instant gratification and visible success often overshadow the transformative power of faithful perseverance.
We often encounter situations that mirror aspects of the Passion narrative. Consider a family facing a serious illness: initial shock and denial (like Peter), the temptation to seek quick solutions (like the crowd's demands), and the challenge of maintaining hope through prolonged suffering. The journey through such trials often reveals, as with Jesus's passion, unexpected sources of support (like Simon of Cyrene) and surprising moments of grace (like the good thief's conversion).
Similarly, in professional settings, many face the challenge of maintaining integrity amid pressure to compromise values. A business executive choosing ethical practices over profitable shortcuts, or a teacher prioritizing student well-being over standardized test scores, reflects Jesus's choice to remain faithful to his mission despite external pressures. These modern "passion narratives" remind us that hope often requires courage to stand alone while trusting in God's larger purpose (Fr V).
Family Connection:
Share experiences of maintaining hope in difficult situations
Explore ways to be "Simon of Cyrene" for others
For Reflection
How might your understanding of success change if viewed through the lens of Jesus's 'failure' on the cross?"
Which character in the Passion narrative most reflects your current spiritual state?"
If Jesus's moment of greatest apparent defeat became the source of humanity's greatest hope, how might your current struggles be preparing the way for unexpected grace?
Let us pray: Lord, transform our trials into pathways of hope.
New Priest We welcome Fr Deepu Augustine Plathottathil, a Rogationist priest, from Kerala, India. We pray for him to have a fruitful parish ministry at the service of God’s people and the promotion of vocations in the Church.
Palm Sunday - Year C (I)
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 4-7 Responsorial Psalm Ps 22(21) ‘My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Second Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 Gospel: Luke 8:14-23: 56
Parish Mass Book Year C Part 1, pg 190-197
Parish Diary 2025
13 April– Palm Sunday Jesus entrance to Jerusalem
09.00am – Blessing of Palms (Church Grounds) Mass (No Children’s Liturgy) 11.30am – Mass 06.00pm – Mass
All Palm Sunday Masses commence fifteen minutes early for the Blessing of Palms (Church grounds).
14 April – Holy Monday
10.00am – Mass followed by Confessions 01.00-04.00pm – Altar Servers’ Meeting 07.00pm – CFC Southend Household, Stations of the Cross (Church)
15 April– Holy Tuesday
10.00am – Mass followed by Confessions No Bible Study
16 April – Holy Wednesday
Mass of Chrism, Brentwood Cathedral (No Mass / No Confession) 07.00pm – RCIA Rehearsals (Church)
17 April– Maundy Thursday
07.00pm – Last Supper & Washing of the Feet followed by the Vigil / Adoration (‘til 11.00pm)
18 April – Good Friday
No Mass. Church is open for visits and prayers. 10.00am – Stations of the Cross / Confessions 02.00pm – The Seven Last Words 03.00pm – Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion (2nd Special Collection for the Holy Land)
19 April – Holy Saturday
12.00nn – Blessing of Easter Baskets for Polish Families 09.00pm – Easter Vigil
20 April – Easter Sunday
09.30am – Mass (No Children’s Liturgy) CWL Coffee Morning 11.30am – Mass No 06.00pm 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 April – PALM SUNDAY (Red)
09.30 am – For Hanna Fryer (f.m.) 11.30 am – For Mary Barton (f.m.); Elizabeth Aladetoyinbo and Family (Thanksgiving) 06.00 pm – For William Barton of Banbury (f.m.)
14 April – Mon. of Holy Week (Purple)
10.00 am – For Harry Burke (Health and wellbeing)
15 April – Tue. of Holy Week (Purple)
10.00 am – For Canon Patrick McKenna (f.m.)
16 April – Wed. of Holy Week (Purple)
No Mass at Our Lady and St Helen For Ellen Mara; For +Anne Stewart (2nd Death Anniv)
17 April – Maundy Thursday (White) 07.00 pm
18 April – Good Friday (Red) 03.00 pm
19 April – Holy Saturday (White) 09.00 pm
20 April – EASTER SUNDAY (White)
09.30 am – For +Ronald Wycherley 11.30 am – For +Andre Giorgmaina
The Pope’s Monthly IntentionsApril 2025: For the use of the new technologies
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
Let us pray for the sick
Michael Thompson | June O’Driscol | Harry Burke | Guy Ledieurt
EASTER TRIDUUM SERVICES - 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
1. Emergency Exits All exits must remain clear and unobstructed at all times. Fire marshals will be present throughout the services
2. Easter Fire Ceremony The Easter fire will be conducted outside the building. Please follow the directions of the fire marshals
3. Candle Safety Fire marshals will assist with candle distribution and lighting. Parents/Carers: Please supervise children with lit candles
- 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…
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!
Stations of the Cross
Sunday, 13 April, 05.00 PM Monday, 14 April Stations of the Cross 7pm - CFC Southend Household Good Friday 18th April 10.00am
RCIA Session
Wednesday, 16th April 2025 7pm Rehearsal in Church
No Bible Study on the 15th
Resumes on the 22nd April
First Holy Communion and Confirmation
No sessions during the Easter school break Sessions resume on 23rd April
Palm Sunday: 13 April 2025
Good Friday: 18 April 2025
Seven Last Words at 02.00 pm followed by The Veneration of the Cross at 03.00 pm
Easter Sunday: 20 April 2025
No SVP Thursday Market in Easter Break
24th April Thursday Market Resumes 9am -12nn. No afternoon market
Saint Pedro Calungsod
24-25 April Triduum 07.00 PM and 26 April Triduum 04.30 PM followed by the Mass
Baptism Seminars for parents of children up to 6 years old. Saturday, 3rd of May at 02.00 PM in the church sacristy To register, please email your name and the name and age of your child to: westcliff@brcdt.org
World Day of Prayer for Vocations: 11 May 2025
Feast: Our Lady of Fatima: 13 May 2025
Holy Mass at 10.00 am followed by a procession from the church to the hall. The main organisers are the FIHM. All Marian groups are welcome to collaborate.
OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS - FEAST
16-24 May Novena Prayers - Integrated within 10.00 AM Masses and 07.00 PM after the Rosary (Presbytery Chapel)
Sunday, 25 May Feast Coffee Morning after 09.30 AM Mass (Hall) 11.30 AM Mass, Procession, Agape Everyone enjoined to bring a plate for a shared table.
FIHM Day of Recollection
with Father José Costa, Exorcist Saturday 17 May, 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM Small Hall, All welcome!
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.
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
SVP Please can you Help?
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!
Life in the Spirit Seminars
Please save the date for the upcoming Life in the Spirit Seminars which are being held in Brentwood Cathedral Large Hall over 6 Tuesday evenings (29th April - 3rd June). Come along to hear inspiring speakers, be filled with the Holy Spirit and travel through your own 'Holy Door' as we celebrate this Jubilee Year. More details will follow shortly. Many Thanks,
Fr Dan Mason Episcopal Vicar for Parish Renewal.
THE CANONESSES OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE invite applications for the post of BOOKKEEPER. (Relevant skills and experience required).
20 HOURS A WEEK. Office based in Colchester CO4 3XD. For further details please look at our website – www.canonesses.co.ukClosing date for applications May 9, and interviews on May 23
VACANCY
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Billericay are seeking to appoint a Catering Assistant to join our established catering team preparing approximately 250 meals a day. Candidates must have experience of a similar environment as well as a passion for great food. For more information about the position and to apply, please visit:- https://www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/Vacancies/Details.aspx?VacancyId=109468
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.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE - EASTER RAFFLE IN AID OF ST HELEN’S FIRE AND SAFETY FUND
Tickets £1.00 each on sale after all masses 6th and 13th April Draw takes place after 9.30a.m. mass on Easter Sunday 20th April
February 2025 Income Bankers Orders / Standing Orders
Loose Plate £ 2,718.50 Gift Aid 1,611.90 Bankers order 915.00 Contactless card 300.84 (GAD) Cheque 94.00 Total £ 5,640.24
Fire andSafety Project Fund (as of 4 April 2025)
Required Funding: £24,000.00 Actual Expenses: 19,483.00 Estimated Costs: £ 4,517.00
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!
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: 20-22June www.retrouvaille.org.ukTel: 0788 7296983
Westcliff-on-Sea Our Lady Help of Christians & Saint Helen
Official FB Page https://www.facebook.com/sainthelenswestcliff
Our Lady and Saint Helen Westcliff Communication is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the parish’s media ministry, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
