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PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of St. Helen Parish is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through a loving community which strives to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the members of St. Helen. We invite all to join us in fulfilling the living words of Christ to ‘go then to all peoples everywhere and make him my disciples’.

PARISH COUNCIL
 

The three main areas of action that relate to our mission are:

1. To review the manner in which the Gospel message is delivered, and to form early plans for improving that mission;

2. To evaluate the manner in which community life is formed and to recommend changes to the administrative staff;

3. To provide facilities and a parish Five-Year Plan to meet the spiritual needs of the parishioners.

The Parish Council of St. Helen Parish, see the following goals as necessary to meet and fulfill our mission statement:

1. To provide meaningful Liturgical celebrations;

2. To provide opportunities for all levels of personal spiritual growth and development;

3. To provide activities that enhance the social and cultural needs of the parish community;

4. To provide adequate resources and facilities to fulfill the mission statement.

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THE COUNCIL SHALL:

1. Accept responsibility with the pastor for the life and mission of the church in the parish;

2. Act as an authentic representative voice of the people of God - lay, religious and clerical - to the Pastor;

3. Make the council an appropriate place for full communication among all those who make up the parish community;

4. Assist the pastor in the administration of the parish through recommendations and active cooperation;

5. Be a visible witness to the message and service of Jesus;

6. Discern the needs, temporal and spiritual, of the parish, its people, and the wider community of which the parish is a part, and to find resources to meet those needs.

THE COUNCIL SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepare annually a statement of the needs and goals of the parish and, in union with the pastor, determine priorities among such needs and goals with respect to the allotment of personnel and resources;

2. Do all that may be necessary to provide for the dignified and reverent celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, in such manner and at such times as shall be for the spiritual welfare and the convenience of all the faithful of the parish;

3. Approve, with revisions at its discretion, the proposed budgets of all offices and operations subsidized by parish funds, and prepare an overall parish budget;

4. Determine ways and means of increasing parish income and reducing expenditures, and take all necessary steps to provide for their practical implementation;

5. See to the maintenance and good upkeep of parish property and undertake any improvements or enlargements to the property that may be deemed necessary;

6. Render a full report on the spiritual, material, and financial condition of the parish.

Teach me, Lord, to know myself that I may use my talents,
however great or small, to your glory. Amen

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MEETINGS:

1. Meetings of the council shall be held on the third Monday of each month excluding July, August & December. Special meetings may be called as required, the time and location to be determined.

2. For the purpose of transacting official business, it shall be necessary that a simple majority of the total members be present and voting.

3. A simple majority of those present and voting shall carry the motion.

4. All meetings of the council are to be open meetings unless designated otherwise by the Executive Committee. Policy decisions recommended by the Executive Committee must be presented and voted upon by the council. The right of the non­members to address the council shall be limited to those whose written request has been received by the secretary one week in advance of the meeting.

5. A written record of all actions of the Council, which are called official minutes and are maintained by the secretary, shall be filed at the Church Office.

SELECTION OF MEMBERS:

1. As annual vacancies occur on the Parish Council, notices shall be placed in the September church bulletins. Any interested parishioner over the age of 18 who wishes to volunteer their services shall submit a resume to the Pastor.

2. Newly elected and/or appointed members shall assume their duties as council members effective at the January meeting.

COMMISSIONS:

1. The following three commissions have been established by the council and derive their authority as an advisory body from the council: Administrative Commission, Education Commission, Stewardship and Parish Life Commission.

2. Purpose: The purpose, function, and areas of responsibility of each commission are contained in the St. Helen Parish

3. Handbook.Membership: The membership is open to any member of the Parish, including council members.

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Administration Commission
of the Parish Council

The Administration Commission of the Parish Council is comprised of working committees which formulate and coordinate policies regarding program development, planning, personnel, finances, and the use and maintenance of facilities. Each committee is composed of parishioners having experience and expertise in the particular field.

St. Helen Finance Committee

The Finance Committee consists of 10 members including Fr. Edwards and our Parish Manager, Paul Zedek. The members are appointed by Fr. Edwards and ratified by the Parish Council. Members serve three year revolving terms. The purpose of the committee is to serve in an advisory and consultative role to Fr. Edwards. The committee assists in the establishment of a yearly budget and monitors adherence to the budget on no less than a quarterly basis. The committee assists in the reporting of the finance results to the diocese on a quarterly basis and to the parish on no less than an annual basis. The committee also provides for Fr. Edwards oversight and recommendations regarding the financial affairs and internal financial procedures and processes of the parish. For further information contact Finance Committee Chairman, Dave Hankle through the church office at 567-5129.

St. Helen Education Commission

The St. Helen Education Commission is responsible for identifying the total educational needs of the parish community; establishing policies with regard to those needs; evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of its programs; and anticipating future needs. For further information contact Mike O’Rouke through the church office at 567-5129.

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Parish Life Commission

The Parish Life Commission is dedicated to building community in the parish and fostering a sense of belonging. Programs are formed and promoted that lead to sharing the Good News with all people within the context of their everyday lives.

The goal of the Parish Life Commission is to provide opportunities for parishioners to further discover and nurture their gifts and the baptismal responsibility to serve others.

Objectives of the Parish Life Commission are to:

• enable the parish to become an evangelizing community

• foster community among all parish members

• develop welcoming and home visiting programs to reach out to newcomers, the inactive, and the unchurched

• provide ongoing formation for the above programs

• sponsor social activities for parish fellowship

• develop a program to assist parishioners in recognizing their gifts of time, talent and treasure

• support periodic census and parish surveys • oversee the publication of the annual parish handbook

• work with the Director of the Neighborhood Apostolate Office in planning and assessing programs

For further information contact Bonnie Keeney at 778-5720.

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STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION

The mission of the St. Helen Stewardship Commission is to encourage the faithful of St. Helen Parish to be good stewards of the gifts God has given them.

The commission follows the guidelines as established in the Bishops' Pastoral Letter, "Stewardship, Disciple's Response". The effort is not to create a program or committee but a life-long process at St. Helen Parish. Their letter reminds us: "Following Jesus is the work of a lifetime...it is a total way of life and requires continuing conversion". As good stewards we encourage one another, to give the first portion of our gifts of time, talent and treasure to the Lord in gratitude for His many blessings. We are committed to serve the needs of our parish community, our clergy, our church, and our community.

The purpose of the Stewardship Commission is to:

• recognize God as the origin of life

• understand we are recipients and caretakers of God's gifts

• serve and assist parish members, helping them to embrace Jesus Christ in their own unique and changing roles with their hearts, minds, and actions

• encourage all members of the parish to share their gifts out of
  love for God and in service to one another as Jesus taught us

The Stewardship Commission strives to fulfill their role by:

• sponsorship of the Annual Parish Renewal and Ministry Fair

• presenting parish retreats throughout the year

• developing awareness and implementation of the use of all our time, talent and treasure

• assisting the leadership and developing an awareness of stewardship in all St. Helen Ministries

• developing an awareness of stewardship in St. Helen youth

• assisting with the parish newsletter, The Disciple

Your suggestions and comments are welcomed and appreciated. Please contact Frank Dermody or the Church at 567-5129.

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The music ministry at St. Helen serves our parish family to ensure full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebration. Come and join our growing ministry, meet new faces, enjoy fellowship and experience the awesome power of music! If you have a musical gift, either vocal or instrumental, and feel called to share it for the glory of God, please call the Music Director, Dolores Mark-Chambers at 562-2029 or e-mail at STHMusic@msn.com

ADULT CHOIR

This group sings traditional selections in unison and four-part harmony as well as contemporary literature. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 6:30-8:00 pm and prior to Mass on Sunday mornings at 8:15 am. Come share your talent-we need all voice parts-especially Tenor and Bass!

CHILDREN'S CHOIR

This choir is open to all parish children and serves the 10:30 am Sunday Mass throughout the school year. Rehearsals are on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 pm and prior to Mass on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am.

STUDENT CHOIR

Friday mornings are alive with the sound of children's voices at the 8:30 am Mass. St. Helen school students in grades 1-8 are invited to join this vibrant group which meets prior to Mass on Friday mornings at 8:10 am in the Music Room.

HANDBELL CHOIR

The handbell choir rings with joy for our annual Christmas Concert and for other special liturgical celebrations during the year. All levels are welcome and all equipment is supplied. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm.

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SYNAXIS

The 5:00 pm Sunday Mass music group draws on repertoire from classic hymnody and chant, contemporary hymnody, contemporary Praise and Worship. There are opportunities for singers, instrumentalists, or those who are interested in sound technology. Rehearsal is prior to Mass on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 PM. Eff. April 2008, this "Youth Choir" is led by Music Director, Dolores Mark-Chambers at 562-2029 or e-mail at STHMusic@msn.com

MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION

In the Order of Christian Funerals, the church asks that the entire community, priest and laity, be involved in ministering to the family of the deceased. The Ministry of Consolation consists of parishioners ministering to parishioners. The laity is called to a full, active ministry, one that will be both a source of strength and encouragement to the grieving and a fulfilling experience to the one who ministers. The challenge that the new rite offers has been accepted by St. Helen Parish. By offering hope in the name of the risen Jesus, helping to plan funeral rites, and organizing whatever needs to be done, we offer consolation and comfort to the bereaved. All in the parish are called to participate. If you are able to bake a cake, sing in the Resurrection Choir, be a minister of hospitality, or help in other numerous ways, please call Dolores Mark-Chambers at 562-2029.

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As a Catholic community, we celebrate our new life with the Lord in much the same way as we have celebrated our earthly life. People often ask what the Church currently expects regarding funerals. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops has put forth the following guidelines:

Following the ancient traditions of mankind and the Catholic community, the Church asks us to celebrate the funeral of the one gone forth from us in a liturgy with their bodily remains present. This is to show proper and appropriate respect for the vessel indwelt by the Holy Spirit and used throughout their journey of faith here on earth. This is, after all, the body that will be raised up in glory at the Second Coming of our Lord at the end of time.

The funeral liturgy usually takes place in the Church at the celebration of the Eucharist. Following this celebration, the Church recommends the respectful interment or entombment of the body.

However, the Church also recognizes the desire of some to use cremation as the preferred method of disposition. In view of this desire, the Church recommends the cremation should take place after the funeral liturgy. Following cremation, the cremains should be buried or entombed.

If significant reasons to depart from these guidelines exist, reasonable accommodations may be made. Any modified arrangements should be discussed with a parish priest.

Please feel free to call the church office at 567-5129 if you have questions regarding actual funeral arrangements or when planning such arrangements before the need actually arises.

MARTHA’S HELPERS

As part of St. Helen Ministry of Consolation, the Neighborhood Apostolate continues to provide receptions following a Funeral or Memorial Mass, upon request, from the family of the deceased. A new Ministry team has been developed called “Martha’s Helpers”, and will be led by Jo Anne Slater and her team of volunteers. For more information or to volunteer to be a part of this ministry team, please call the Neighborhood Apostolate Office at 778-5720.

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The mission of the Neighborhood Apostolate is to provide a framework whereby St. Helen Parish can personally and effectively reach out to all parishioners. The parish is divided into small neighborhoods so that through personal contacts, every parishioner is given an opportunity to become personally involved in Christ's work within the parish. The Neighborhood Apostolate is located on the first floor of the Christian Living Center.

The goals of St. Helen Neighborhood Apostolate are to:

• visit the sick, the elderly, and the bereaved

• welcome and visit newcomers to the parish

• recognize the value of ministry to non-practicing Catholics so
  as to make them welcome and feel a part of the church again

• assist in all areas of social ministry within the neighborhoods (a food pantry, supported by parishioner donations, is maintained in the Neighborhood Apostolate Office to help the less fortunate in times of need)

• arrange an annual pot luck supper for the entire parish to bring everyone together in a social atmosphere

The St. Helen Neighborhood Apostolate program was organized in 1978 with 44 neighborhoods. Today there are 80 neighborhoods. Captains or contact persons help coordinate the services and activities within the area.

Your suggestions and comments are welcomed and appreciated. Please call St. Helen Neighborhood Apostolate 778-5720 for further information.

Through human companions,
God Speaks with us and walks with us

Fr. Kenneth Czillinger

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Neighborhood Contacts 2007/2008

Name

Jim & Barbara Poletis
Pat Skalacki
Casey & Ann Walker
Walter & Diane Chazotte
Pamela & Shawn Morin
Ginny Frederick
Cheryl Mackie
Michael & Jeanne Walther
Bill & Gloria Trainor
Mike O'Rourke
Bev Huber
Ann More
Dave & Diane Hankle
Ray Neubauer
J.B. & Karen Egan
Albert & Susan Deltufo
Bob & Rosemary Valentino
Shirley Halliday
Pete & Dolores D'Amore
Dan & Rosemarie Hatch
Jennifer Richmond
Don & Evelyn P. Palinkas
Robert & Laurel Matiasek
Jim Kirchner
Joan Crowley
Joe Cole
Gerry Buckridge
Cork & Barbara Lankford
Joan Lutz
Barbara Rademacher
Christine Valadie
Bernadette Emerick
Bob & Helen Mercier
David & Audrey Johnson
Dan & Dee Gillen
Jack & Mary Leland
Frank & Genie Feire
Fred & Magda Parker
Trudy Googe
Gail Siperko

Please note: personal addresses and home telephone numbers have been omitted in this on-line version of the Parish Handbook. Please contact the Neighborhood Apostolate for any information at 567-5193

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Geared toward the Corporal Works of Mercy, this program is very much in keeping with our faith and baptismal commitment. This ministry relies heavily on the continued generosity and support of St. Helen Parishioners through their donations of time, talents, food and monetary gifts.

The St. Helen Parish Food Pantry is located in the Outreach Office to help the less fortunate in times of need. This pantry is supplied by donations from parishioners. The need is on-going and with the generosity and support of the parish, continues to serve local families.

Items may be dropped off at the Outreach Office, located in the Christian Living Center, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m..

If you feel a willingness to assist those who are less fortunate please call 567-5193.

We ought not to be weary of doing little things

for the love of God, who regards not the greatness

of the work, but the love with which it is performed.

Brother Lawrence

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         SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS

BAPTISM

Baptisms at St. Helen Parish are held on the first and third Sunday of each month immediately following the 12:15 p.m. Mass. You must be a registered member of St. Helen Catholic Church to request a Baptism. Parents and Godparents are expected to attend Baptismal instruction prior to the Baptism date. Instruction sessions are presented in the Christian Living Center on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Registration forms and Baptismal applications are available in the Religious Education Office. All forms must be completed and returned to the Religious Education Office prior to attending the instructional session.

FIRST RECONCILIATION

Children in the second grade are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Fall Session of the CCD program. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings in September and October from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Children must be pre-registered with a copy of their Baptismal certificate. Registration begins in August at the Religious Education Office, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parochial students receive instruction during the school day. All children are required to receive First Reconciliation preparation before being prepared for First Eucharist. All students (CCD and parochial) will receive the sacraments together as a Parish. Contact the Religious Education Office at 562-5954 for further information.

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FIRST EUCHARIST/COMMUNION

Eucharist is offered to those who have reached the age of reason (second grade or older) in St. Helen Parish. Children are prepared during the CCD Program which begins in January. Classes begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Children must be pre-registered with a copy of their Baptismal certificate. Registration begins in August at the Religious Education Office, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parochial students receive instruction during the school day. All parents (both CCD and parochial students) are required to attend one parent meeting and one family retreat morning at St. Helen Parish before their child is able to participate in the First Communion Mass in the spring. All students (CCD and parochial) will receive the sacrament together as a parish. Please contact the Religious Education Office at 562-5954 for further information.

CONFIRMATION

In accordance with the diocesan policy, Confirmation preparation at St. Helen Parish is a two year process. Beginning candidates must be at least in the eighth grade, a registered member of the parish, have received the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist, and be presently practicing his or her faith. For specific dates and times of the process, contact the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

MARRIAGE

Couples contemplating marriage are required to contact a priest at least four months in advance of the wedding. Prior to a wedding date being assigned, the couple must complete the following;

• paperwork with a priest

• a Pre-Marriage Inventory (FOCCUS)

• a marriage preparation program (Engaged Encounter).

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