Beyond Comfort: The Price and Promise of Conviction
Fr Viktor RCJ
We often mistake comfort for conviction. In Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by imposing temples to false gods, Jesus asked a question that still echoes today: "Who do you say that I am?" The location wasn't accidental - it confronted the disciples with a choice between worldly security and divine truth.
Peter's journey from fisherman to "rock" reveals how authentic faith develops. Before his bold confession, he witnessed miracles, yet still struggled with doubt. After declaring Jesus as Messiah, he faced imprisonment, yet experienced miraculous deliverance. His story mirrors our own spiritual journey - moving from superficial acceptance to tested conviction.
Paul's testimony adds another dimension. Writing from prison, facing death, he speaks not of regret but fulfilment. Both apostles discovered that true freedom isn't absence of chains but presence of purpose. Their experiences challenge our tendency to seek a faith that merely comforts rather than converts.
The keys given to Peter weren't rewards but responsibilities. Similarly, our confession of faith isn't a finish line but a starting point. When circumstances challenge our convictions, when family members question our choices, when professional demands test our principles - these moments aren't obstacles to faith but opportunities for deeper trust. Like Peter, we're called not just to profess truth but to live it, even when the cost seems high.
Family Connections:
Share a time when standing up for your faith at school or work felt difficult. What gave you courage?
Prayer: Lord, grant us courage to live what we believe.
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Year C (I)
First Reading: Acts 12:1-11 Responsorial Psalm Ps 34(33) "From all my terrors the Lord set me free." Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Parish Mass Book Year C Volume 2, pg 180-182
Parish Diary
29 June – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass with Children’s Liturgy 11.30 am – Mass with Catenians of Southend 12.45 am – Baptism 06.00 pm – Mass
30 June – Monday
01 July – Tuesday
10.00 am – Mass 10.30 am – FIHM Business Meeting 11.00 am-02.00 pm – Friendship Club (Hall) 06.00-07.15 pm – Bible Study (Sacristy)
02 July – Wednesday
10.00 am – Mass
03 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)
04 July – Friday
10.00 am – Mass 11.30 am – Craft Club 03.00-04.00 pm– Divine Mercy Devotion (P.C.) 04.00-06.00 pm– Marshals Training (Church) 07.00 pm – Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño (P.C.) 07.00 pm – Pre-Cana Seminar
05 July – Saturday
11.00-11.50 am – Adoration organised by FIHM 11.05-11:50 am – Confession 12.00 nn – Mass 12.00 nn – 04.00 pm – Parking (St Bernard’s) 02.00 pm – Baptism Seminar 05.00-07.00 pm – Tamil Association Catechesis (Small Hall)
06 July – Sunday
09.30 am – Mass with Children’s Choir followed by Children’s Liturgy Team Coffee Morning (Hall) 11.30 am – Mass 12.45 pm – 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
29 June – Ss Peter and Paul, App, Solemnity (Red) “Peter’s Pence” Second Collection
09.30 am – For +Klybe Marr Aurellana; for Eileen Campling (Intention) 11.30 am – For the Catenians of Southend; for sick parishioners 06.00 pm – For Fidelma (sick); for Christeen Anyanwu (sick)
01 July – Tue. July First: Commemoration of the first coming of Jesus in the Bl Sacrament in our Institution, Rogationist Feast (White)
10.00 am – For the Rogationist of the Heart of Jesus Congregation
02 June – Wed. of Wk 13 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For Pauline Mash (Birthday); for Rev Edward Littleton (fdn.mem.)
03 June – Thurs. St Thomas, Ap (Red)
10.00 am – For the souls in purgatory; for +Karl
04 June – Fri. of Wk 13 in Ordinary Time (Green)
10.00 am – For babies in danger of abortion
05 June – Sat. of Wk 13 in Ordinary Time (Green)
12.00 nn – For the Family of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
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 departed
Funeral Mass for +Sarah Fay 8 July, Tuesday, 11.45 am
New Communion Guidelines
We have implemented kneelers at the altar for those who prefer to receive Holy Communion kneeling. Standing reception remains an option – simply wait for the priest to approach you.
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.
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
FHC Catechists’ Meeting
9 July Wednesday, 06.30 pm Sacristy
St Helen Primary Catholic School
Leavers’ Mass 22 July Tuesday 06.00 pm Our Lady and Saint Helen Parish Westcliff
Feast of Saint Helena, Widower
Parish Feast Day 24 August, Sunday, 11.30 AM Mass
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:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
“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.
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 – July Youth Mass
On Thursday 3rd July, Youth Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Alan at Brentwood Cathedral. There will be pizza in the parish hall from 6pm, followed by Youth Mass in the Cathedral from 7:30pm where Bishop Alan will bless all those travelling on our youth pilgrimage to Lourdes this Summer. All young people around the Diocese are very welcome to join – there is no need to book! Get in touch at info@bcys.net for more information.
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
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
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
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
Huge thanks to all who paid subscriptions for this year to March 2026 we now have a healthy 100 Club with 114 shares paid for. The draw has taken place and winners are as follows. Cheques will be sent out during the week
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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