EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

Contact information on all parish ministries is available
by calling the Parish Office (963-1228)

St. Helena Catholic Church

PARISH EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

The Children’s Liturgy program enhances the experience of the mass for young children, by bringing the Word of God to them is a way they can understand. Children in grades kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to participate. Having come to mass with their families, the children are sent forth from the church with a blessing, after the opening prayer. A teacher (this could be you!) leads them to the clubroom or the rectory dining room, depending on space availability. There the children listen and respond to the Gospel story of the day. Their responses include discussion, drawing, music and prayer. After the homily is over in church, the children are brought back into church in time to participate in bringing up the gifts. They return to their seats to join their families for the rest of the Mass.

This ministry is held during the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass from October through May.

Both parents and high school students are encouraged to consider helping in this ministry. The commitment is to help one Saturday each month.

If you wish to volunteer for this ministry, contact (963-1228) the parish office for a referral to the appropriate contact.

Our Religious Education Program offers instruction in our faith for grades 1 to 5. It is a gospel-based program, and helps the children to understand God's Word through age-appropriate activities. This approach also provides a link with the weekly celebration of the Eucharist. Our Program prepares children for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation, and provides support for parents in their role in these important events.

Our classes are held each Wednesday afternoon from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Catholic School. The program begins in September and finishes in May.

The program is very "user-friendly" and each lesson includes step-by-step instruction. Teachers receive these lesson plans every six weeks, allowing them time to get familiar with the materials. The teachers meet on the first Wednesday of the month to discuss the program and receive training as Catechists.

If you wish to volunteer for this ministry, contact (963-1228) the parish office for a referral to the appropriate contact.

The purpose of the Saturday CCD program is to provide religious education as well as sacramental preparation for First Communion and Reconciliation in Spanish for grades K thru fifth.

We meet Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., September thru May at the St. Helena Catholic School.

We have a core group of an adult catechist along with an older teenaged helper in each classroom. Father Carlos and Maria Pena are the coordinators for this program.

If you wish to volunteer for this ministry, contact (963-1228) the parish office for a referral to the appropriate contact.

This group meets to get an overview of both the Old and New Testament and more specifically, to explore the Person and Message of Jesus according to the Gospel of St. Matthew.

The emphasis of these classes is to focus on the spirituality of Jesus and His times — relating to how He speaks to our spirituality and our relationship with God today.

Classes will be offered throughout the year. Classes begin with a presentation and include time for questions, clarification and discussion. Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome.

If you wish to volunteer for this ministry, contact (963-1228) the parish office for a referral to the appropriate contact.

The Welcome Program is for persons wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith, with the idea of becoming a Catholic and for persons who have been baptized but not yet received First Communion or Confirmation.

The group meets with Father John Brenkle and Brother Richard Moratto, FSC, on two Monday evenings each month from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The Welcome Program begins in September and ends at Easter at which time those wishing to receive the sacraments for the first time will be formally received by the Church.