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St. Helen Parish offers a local Encounter as a courtesy to the parishioners. This Engaged Encounter is designed to present couples with a unique opportunity to discuss their relationship and upcoming marriage. The Encounter is offered on the parish grounds at the Christian Living Center every other month. Couples can contact the Religious Education Office at 562-5954 for specific dates.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF
ADULTS (RCIA)

RCIA is the process by which new members are brought into the Church. Each September, an announcement is published in the bulletin inviting candidates to a general informational evening.

       The entire process runs from September to Easter. This process is divided into four segments to permit the inquirer to ask questions, to listen to the teachings of the Church, to reflect on their decision to join the Church, and to take time to familiarize themselves with the Parish and its various ministry opportunities. Please contact Rita Wall or the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN (RCIC)

RCIC is a process by which children, above the age of reason, who express a desire to be initiated into the Catholic Church or who have been baptized, but have not yet received instruction for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (Communion), can receive the Sacraments. Preparation sessions are held at St. Helen Parish on Wednesday evenings. Parents are required to attend one instructional session.

If any student moves into the Parish during the First Reconciliation / First Communion preparation classes, we will evaluate each situation to determine the best placement in the program for each child.

For more details on the RCIC program contact the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

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WEEKLY RELIGION CLASSES

Religion Classes are offered for twelve weeks, beginning in January each year, for students in Kindergarten through Grade 7. These classes are offered on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.. Registration begins in August at the St. Helen Religious Education Office. Parochial students receive religious instruction during the school day.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION CLASSES

St. Helen Parish offers classes for children, second grade and older, who wish to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion beginning in September. Please refer to the Sacramental Section on Pages 28 and 29 of this handbook.

ELEMENTARY SUMMER
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

Each summer St. Helen Parish offers two one-week programs in which a chosen theme develops into an enjoyable five day faith teaching experience for children aged four thru seventh grade. Lessons are taught through stories, music, service projects, crafts, games and enjoyable interaction. Sessions run from 8:30am until 2:00 pm daily. Extended sessions are also offered. Space is limited. Parents are asked to pre-register early each spring by contacting the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

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YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM

The St. Helen Youth Ministry serves the church and strives to lead teens closer to Christ by providing resources and training to encourage vibrant Eucharistic celebration and opportunities for teens to grow in their faith.

Adult volunteers are needed to help in the planning and directing of the program as well as providing physical, spiritual, and fund raising support.

For more information call David MacDonald through the St. Helen Religious Education Office at 562-5954 or visit www.lifeteen.com.

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YOUNG ADULTS:

confusing world. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry Contact Chrissy Jaholkowski at Chrisser5@aol.com or 360-7651 fax for further information.

RE-MEMBERING

Though informal, the sessions are frank, open, honest and sincere in dealing with the issues and feelings of participants. Membership is open to all baptized Catholics. For additional information concerning meeting dates, topics, and the group in general, contact Deacon Joe DiMauro through the St. Helen Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

C.A.R.E. (Challenged Adults in Religious Education)
 

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SCRIPTURE STUDY

A variety of scripture study groups meet under the direction of parish lay members. The groups meet throughout the year and at various times of the day. The specific details of times, dates, and registrations for these sessions can be obtained by calling the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

THE ST. HELEN ADULT SCRIPTURE STUDY

A unique feature of the questions in the study booklet is that many take you to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) for answers thereby enhancing the catholicity of the program. Study materials include quotes from the early church fathers, which provides an in-depth view of our wonderful, 2000 year old Catholic faith.

When in session, program participants meet on Tuesdays. The morning session meets from 9:15am until 10:45 am in the Christian Living Center and the evening session meets 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm in the Parish Center This program is for all adults. The commitment is for one and one half hours weekly at the parish plus one hour or less of home study. Consult the weekly bulletin for session dates and more information. For further information contact John McHugh or Laurie Manhardt through the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

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ST. HELEN WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

The St. Helen Women's Bible Study's mission is to provide enrichment of daily life through the better understanding of scripture. The group provides an environment for a mutually supportive group of women to meet weekly to use a variety of Catholic material, including scripture, Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), tapes and prayer, to help meditate on God's word for personal reflection and sharing.

The group meets every Wednesday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the South Room of the Christian Living Center. For more information contact Diane Hankle at 562-2539 or Darlene Reynolds at 562-8425.

CATHOLIC YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

The St. Helen Catholic Youth Bible Study is open to high school and college aged youth. Youth will deepen their faith, learn to love it and be able to defend it. Meetings are held weekly in homes and facilitated by Carolyn Dean.

If you are interested in digging in for faith, fellowship and fun call the St. Helen Religious Education Office at 562-5954.

 

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PERSPECTIVES: A CATHOLIC VIEW

People with the following interests or skills are invited to join:

• business owners, to become sponsors

• viewers, to become contributors

• telephone workers, to help with the annual fund-raising campaign

• set decorators, artists

• brainstormers, for new topic ideas

• speakers, to present

If you would like more information or have any input contact Carolyn Dean through the Religious Education Office at 562-5954

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given
me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or grow
in its light and be of service to others. But what I do with
this day is important because I have exchanged
a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, today
will be gone forever. I hope I will not

regret the price I paid for it.

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"Making Good Things Happen"

The mission of St. Helen Catholic School is to provide a quality education while adhering to Catholic principles and values. The students will be confident and productive learners who are "making good things happen".

         St. Helen Catholic School opened its doors in 1940 and has served the Vero Beach community continuously to date. The school is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.

Vatican II reminded us of our baptismal call to become "people of God," a people who share responsibility and mission in the name of Jesus Christ. The parochial school is both a process and an institution which responds to this baptismal call by educating and preparing young people to accept and share more fully in the task of continuing the Church's work.

Under the leadership of Principal Howard C. Avril and the Administrative Team of Gerry Mayes and John Negherbon, St. Helen Catholic School continues its strong tradition of providing a quality education in a Christian environment.

A well balanced curriculum serves to educate the WHOLE child. Programs enhancing St. Helen Catholic School include:

• daily classroom prayer

• confession

• religious instruction and sacramental preparation

• weekly liturgies prepared by the students

• after school student care program to assist working parents

• computer: K-8th grade

• Accelerated Reader

• school paper and yearbook

• active Student Council

• inter-school athletic teams for girls and boys

• intramurals

• field days

• interscholastic academic games

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Annual School Programs include:

• Christmas Program

• Science Fair

• Variety Show

• D.A.R.E.

• Eighth Grade Dinner Theatre

• Patriotism Week

• Book Fair

• Student Council Mission Program

Most of all, St. Helen Catholic School has dedicated teachers, who, along with the parish priests and parents provide the key to the success and quality of the school program.

An active parish community supports St. Helen Catholic School. The Parish Council, operating through the Education Commission, provides the school with direction. The Home and School Association is a service group "Making Good Things Happen".

It is parish policy that all parishioners wishing their children to attend St. Helen Catholic School should be registered with the church office immediately upon moving into the parish. Family registration and parish support through weekly use of offertory envelopes are essential requirements for enrollment of children in St. Helen Catholic School. Members of other parishes and non- Catholics may apply for admission and may be admitted if an opening is available in the particular grade.

Contact the school office at 567-5457 for further information.

HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The goal of the Home School Association is to further facilitate warm relationships and communications between home and school, and to include parents as active members of the parent-student-teacher team.

All parents, by virtue of the fact they have a child in St. Helen School, are members. There are no membership dues. However, because the association's strongest asset is its volunteers, parent involvement is anticipated. Functions or activities will be announced throughout the year.

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St. Helen Education Scholarship Committee

The Education Scholarship Committee consists of nine St. Helen parishioners. It was established in 2007 for the purpose of sting the needs of parishioners who wish to have their children attend a Catholic high school. For this first year the committee focused on providing scholarships. The committee completed a successful first year by assisting 8 families. Future plans include continuing the scholarship program and the possible development of an Education Foundation. Parishioners seeking assistance can obtain an application at the church office. Anyone with questions, interested in serving on the committee or contributing to this fund, can contact Howard Sutliff at 770-1926.

ALTAR SERVERS

ALTAR SOCIETY
 

The St. Helen Parish Altar Society's purpose is to care for and attend to the altars, sanctuary and sacristy areas. Teams of volunteers serve on a monthly schedule.

Flowers for the altar may be placed in commemoration, for an anniversary or for any special intention and can be acknowledged in the parish bulletin.

Contact Karen Egan at if you are interested in joining this ministry or placing flowers.

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GREETERS' MINISTRY

Members of St. Helen Parish Family are greeted and welcomed as they enter church for our weekend masses by members of the Greeters' Ministry. Greetings are important to all good relationships. Everyone likes to be acknowledged in a warm and inviting atmosphere. When family members enter our homes we smile, greet and welcome them. Retail personnel are taught the importance of greeting and recognizing each customer as he or she enters a business. Why should our church family be any different? The Greeters' Ministry lets everyone know he or she is wanted, important, and needed with a warm and kind greeting.

The Greeters' Ministry is one of the easiest of all ministries at St. Helen Parish. There is little training. All you need to do is smile, be warm, inviting and show up one half hour before Mass. That's it. You can even do it as a family. Your smile may be the only kind word someone will hear that day, the only smile they may experience or their only inviting encounter. It is surprising how a smile and a kind word can touch someone. Having someone greet you at the door with a smile, welcome you, and hold the door open for you ought to make you feel good.

If you are interested in joining the Greeters' Ministry, call Dee or Dan Gillen at 778-0800.

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MINISTRY OF LECTORS

The Ministry of Lectors is very important to the life of St. Helen Parish. It is the duty of the lector to assist the priest in delivering the Word of God to the assembly of the church. The Word of God, proclaimed in the sacred Scripture, enlightens our minds and our hearts.

   When the Lector prepares and proclaims the Word of God, he or she not only enhances the beauty of the Liturgy, but becomes the instrument through whom God speaks to all members of the assembly.

New members are always welcome to join this ministry. Training will be provided. If you are interested in becoming a lector, contact Lector Coordinator, Donna O'Neil  or one of the Team Captains listed below: Saturday 4:00 p.m. Team Captain - Evelyn Palinkas
Saturday 6:00 p.m. Team Captain - Pat Skalacki
Sunday   7:15 a.m  Team Captain - Carol Eisenmann
Sunday   8:45 a.m. Team Captain - Robert Keim
Sunday 12:15 p.m. Team Captain - Donna O'Neil
Sunday   5:00 p.m. Team Captain - Gerry Koziel

For any information, please contact the Church Office at 567-5129

USHERS

 Men and women wishing to service in this rewarding and important ministry of hospitality are encouraged to sign up.
For more information to become an usher, contact Head Usher - George Campeau, or Assistant Head Usher - Butch Teske.

Saturday 4:00 p.m. Captain - Marian Browning
Saturday 6:00 p.m. Captain - Victor Fazzari

Sunday   7:15 a.m.  Co-Captains - Bob Bartolucci  and  Joe Bannan

Sunday 8:45 a.m.    Captain - Al Bassani
Sunday 10:30 a.m.  Captain - Sonny Schiavi

Sunday 12:15 noon Captain - Leo Palazzo

Sunday 5:30 p.m.    Captain - Bob Mercier

          For any information, please contact the Church Office at 567-5129

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WEEKLY LECTIONARY CATECHESIS

particular grade level. They return to Mass prior to the Offertory Procession. For more information please call Barry and Jeanne Wade at 778-3964.

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

The St. Helen Charismatic Prayer Group's purpose is to broaden and deepen the understanding that "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" is the inheritance of all Catholics. The Charismatic Prayer Group at St. Helen Parish was started in response to the July 1977 Pastoral Approbation. "We encourage the whole church to look into and embrace Baptism in the Holy Spirit as the power of personal and communal transformation with all the graces and charisma needed for the upbuilding of the church and for our mission in the world."
     All St. Helen Parishioners are welcome and encouraged to attend the prayer meetings which are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Healing prayer is available after each meeting. Mass is celebrated one Thursday a month by our Pastor, Father Michael W. Edwards. "Life in the Spirit" and "Growth in the Spirit" seminars are offered. Special guests and special nights of healing and praise are be offered throughout the year with dates and times to be announced in the Sunday bulletin.

If you are interested in more information or would like to join contact Norma Wolfe or Helen Schlitt. Please contact the Parish Office at 567-5129.

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COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (CCW)

Affiliation with The National Council of Catholic Women
 

The mission of the St. Helen CCW is to support, empower and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Members assist wherever possible in the needs of the parish community and are cognizant of ecumenical and civic considerations in the community as women of God.

The St. Helen CCW meets the first Tuesday morning (September through May) in the Parish Center unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates will be published in the church bulletin. The Evening Circle meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the South Room of the Christian Living Center.

Activities include social events such as card parties, family dinners, luncheons, fashion shows and day trips. Religious activities include the spiritual portion of monthly meetings, a day of reflection during Lent and other spiritual events throughout the year. Council members also attend diocesan and deanery meetings as well as workshops and conventions.

An invitation is extended to all women of the parish whether you are a permanent resident or a winter visitor. Contact: Barbara Villar or Norma Wolfe through the Church Office at 567-5129.

Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel

God of heavenly wisdom, You have given us Mary, Mother of Jesus

to be our guide and counselor. Grant that we may always seek her
motherly help in this life and so enjoy her blessed
presence inthe life to come.

O Mother of Good Counsel, patroness of the National Council of Catholic

Women, intercede for us, that we may be wise, courageous
and loving leaders of the Church.

Help us, dear Mother, to know the mind of Jesus, your Son.

May the Holy Spirit fill us with reverence for God's creation,

and compassion for all God's children. May our labors of love on
earth enhance the reign of God and may
God's gifts offaith and living hope prepare us for the
fullness of the world to come.

Amen

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THE FOREVER YOUNG CLUB
 

The St. Helen Forever young Club's mission is to provide mature parishioners and friends of St. Helen Parish numerous opportunities to experience the Good News of Jesus Christ. Membership is open to all parishioners and friends who are fifty years or older, who have a desire to remain active in parish life. Combined with wonderful life experiences, members are presented through the service of fellowship with the parish and each other.

    The club exists to help you stay young in thought and action, through physical health and spirituality. The group's focus is centered on fellowship, service and friendship. Fellowship provides an opportunity to expand existing friendships while focusing on our youth.

   Each year the group raises money for a student wishing to go to John Carroll High School. The major fundraiser this year is a Gala 50's Dance to be held on February 23, 2008 in the St. Helen Parish Center. Come out to support the club and help raise money for a great cause.

    Meetings are held periodically to evaluate the needs of the parish and the skills of our members. Invite your friends to join. Come be a part of this wonderful group. Make a difference in the life of the parish while sharing our experience and knowledge. Call Walter or Diane Chazotte through the Church Office at 567-5129 for more information.

To be people of faith in times of
doubt; to be people of hope in times of
despair; to be people of peace, people of
peace, O Lord, your instruments of peace

Carey Landry

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