Thursday's Good News
Our Weekly Newsletter: September 16, 2021
Saints Cornelius & Cyprian
Dear Saint Helena Parish Family & Friends,
Praise and thanks to God for His many blessings and favors on us and our Parish. Let us continue to ask Jesus, the Divine Physician and Healer of Souls to bless us, comfort us, heal us, and give us strength and peace.
Love & Prayers,
Monsignor Nicolo
Notes from Msgr. Nicolo

Our Blue Mass was celebrated on September 11. It was a very fitting tribute. Our Police, Fire, Rescue and First Responders from our community were very, very well represented. Local Officials along with some County and State Officials were also present. As you realize, this year was the 20th Anniversary of those horrific events. The 9/11 terrorist attacks have left an indelible mark on those families who suffered the great loss of loved ones as well as all those who continue to suffer from ill health because of those evil acts. This was our 15th remembrance of that horrific day that we were able to celebrate with our Police, Fire, Rescue, and First Responders as well as Local, County and State Representatives. Last September 11, we were not able to gather together as a community of believers remembering and praying for all those who suffered and still suffer due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Following the Blue Mass, everyone was invited to the Empress Room for light refreshments. I am very grateful to our Knights of Columbus for all they did to organize this event. I also want to thank the Boy Scouts who were present for this event. God bless all of you and God bless America!

Our grade school children in Saint Helena School are very happy to be able to be in person for instructions and able to enjoy the company of their classmates and friends, just as we were able to do that last year. Once again I want to thank their teachers for their extraordinary dedication. Our children in PREP are having in person instructions this year. Last year their instructions was via Zoom. I want to thank the PREP teachers for all that they do and will be doing for our children who attend public and non-Catholic private schools.

This year, our Census and Stewardship Collection will be called “A Census and Revitalization Collection.” Like last year the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia will be assisting us with this collection. Because of the Covid-19, Mass participation is not where we were pre-pandemic and Time, Talent, and Treasure has been affected. We will be “actively seeking/soliciting” to have people return to in-person worship with the ability to receive Holy Communion and to strive to get more people involved in parish ministries.

May God, through the intercession of Saint Helena, bless us! Love & prayers,

Monsignor Nicolo
Update for New Ushers/Greeters
Meeting on Wednesday, September 22
Thank you so very much for the great response as we welcome back these ministries in the latter part of September! For those parishioners who put forward your name to serve as an Usher or Greeter, the meeting times are below:

Meeting for GREETERS: 7:00 P.M. in Church
&
Meeting for USHERS: 7:30 P.M. in Church
We're All Set to Have You Back!
3 Weeks Away
6-Week Parish Wide Series
Begins Thursday, October 7th
Join Us as We Come Together as One Parish Family

Each night includes:
Catered Dinner by Paravati, Prayer,
Video & Group Discussion

“There is no better time than right now to nurture your inner life, discover your spiritual needs and feed your soul.”
– Matthew Kelly, I Heard God Laugh
 
Series Details & Format

Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:45 P.M.
October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 11

An offering of $15 is asked weekly to help cover the cost of the meal.

For All Adults 18 & Up

Bishop Barron takes a fresh look at the seven sacraments of the Church in all their theological depth, spirituality, and wonder.

The great sacraments of the Church have endured for thousands of years and structured countless lives. Everything in the Church’s life comes from and returns to them. But there is far more to these ancient rites than meets the eye.

This series will explore these signs and channels of grace and discover the secret behind their persistence down the ages: the presence and power of the Savior Himself.

Mommy & Me Ministry
Returning This Fall: Dates Within
We're happy to share that our Mommy & Me group is returning this year! Mommy & Me is for Mom's of young children up to age 3/4. As we've done in the past, we will use the weather to gauge if we'll be meeting at a park or at Saint Helena's in our former Convent, which has been converted to meeting space for Parish Ministries! 

We will continue to meet on Fridays from 9:30-11:00 A.M. The approved dates for our meet-ups are:

  • October 15
  • November 19
  • December 17
  • January 28
  • February 25
  • March 18
  • April 22
  • May 20 
  • June 17

As always, feel free to pass this along to any friends who might be interested in coming. To come to Mommy & Me, please touch base with Katie Dalhoff via e-mail.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Starts September 19th
We're In Need of 3 More Leaders
Our Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is returning on September 19, 2021. CLOW is held during the 9 AM & 11 AM Masses on Sundays and runs from mid-September thru May.

Presently, we are looking for adults and college/high school aged to be volunteer leaders for this program.

Here are some things to consider/know about CLOW:
  • All materials supplied; no teaching experience is needed - just a joyful contagious attitude!
  • There are 2 groups: Pre-school/K & 1st/2nd.
  • A great opportunity to witness faith to the youngest members of our parish.
  • You only have to lead once a month!
 
Interested in learning more or becoming a leader for the coming year? Contact Kurt Zampier at 610-930-0349 or kzampier@sainthelenachurch.org.
Saint Joseph Novena & Rosary
Sunday, September 19
7:00 P.M., Chapel
Join us on Sunday, September 19th as we continue the Novena to Saint Joseph during the Year of Saint Joseph as proclaimed by Pope Francis.

The entire Archdiocese of Philadelphia is encouraged to spend this year growing closer to St. Joseph by honoring him, imitating his virtues and asking for his intercession. May this be a year of great grace for all of us as we more deeply entrust ourselves to the care of our spiritual father.

The Novena & Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M. in the Chapel. Click here for the Novena Prayers. You may also Livestream this too!
Young Adult Dinner Coming Up
Thursday, September 23
7:00 P.M.
On Thursday, September 23rd, we will be getting together for dinner at Giuseppe's Pizza (Harleysville) at 7:00 P.M.

All young adults welcome! E-Mail Kurt Zampier or call 610-930-0349 to RSVP for DInner!

Future September Meetings: 30th
High School Youth Group
Sunday, September 26
7:00 P.M., Convent
Meetings: Sunday Nights
7-8:30 P.M., Parish Convent

Join us for our kick-off party for the year (pizza/water ice). All teens welcome, bring a friend!

To stay up-to-date with everything related to our High School Youth Group, we use a text service called Remind. Sign up by texting this message: @7kk68 to the number: 81010 with your mobile device.
Walking with Purpose
Returning This Fall - Open House on Thursday, September 30
Info Below!
Are you feeling discontent in your faith? Do you leave Sunday Mass wondering what any of it has to do with your day-to-day life? If you are nodding your head, we have something just for you.
 
We invite you to join Walking with Purpose, a Bible study program that has transformed the hearts of countless women by introducing them to a personal relationship with Jesus through Scripture while connecting them to community. 
 
This fall at Saint Helena we are excited to offer Opening Your Heart, our foundational study that meets women exactly where they are.

Weekly sessions start on October 4th (Monday evening sessions) OR October 7th (Thursday afternoon sessions) at the Convent and on Zoom. 

We will dig into topics like prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and what exactly is the point of suffering. This 22-lesson study is a MUST for the woman just dipping her toes in the faith pool and the Olympic swimmer in need of a faith refresher!
 
For more information, contact Maryann Schieve at StHelenaWWP@gmail.com or 484-437-9285

Visit Walking with Purpose online www.walkingwithpurpose.com. Come and see how Scripture applies to your everyday life! We have an open chair waiting for you!
 
Open House in person at the Convent & on Zoom September 30, 2021 12:45-2:30 PM (email for link).
Rosary in the Lourdes Grotto
Wednesday, September 22
11:30 A.M., Grotto
Please consider giving 30 minutes to pray the Rosary Wednesday, 11:30 A.M., in Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto behind the church - beautiful outdoor setting! We meet in the chapel if it is raining or too hot. Bring your children, family and friends. (Easy level access behind the Empress Room in the far back parking lot)
Respect Life Corner
Your Action is Encouraged
For 45 years, the Hyde Amendment and similar laws have protected taxpayers from being forced to pay for elective abortion. The Hyde amendment has been signed into law every year since 1976, whether the Congress and the White House were led by Republicans or Democrats. The Hyde Amendment has saved nearly 2.5 million babies and mothers in difficult circumstances from the tragedy of abortion. The Hyde Amendment is in jeopardy of not being signed this year.

We urge you to ensure that the Hyde Amendment and all similar life-saving appropriations riders remain in place during the 117th Congress and beyond. Do not force Americans to subsidize the taking of innocent life. Oppose any bill, including any appropriations bill that expands taxpayer funding of abortion.

You can take action by signing the petition at NoTaxpayerAbortion.com
2021 Celebrate Life Banquet
Wednesday, September 22
Featuring: Rachel Campos-Duffy (Mother of 9 & Known for her powerful defense of the right to life)

Where & When: Radisson Hotel Harrisburg (1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 17011)

Details: Check-in is at 5:00 P.M. Doors open at 5:30 P.M. Banquet starts at 6:00 P.M. For further information and to register, call 717-541-0034 or www.paprolife.org. Cost for event is $60/person.
Knights of Columbus News
In Service to One. In Service to All.
St Helena Knights #14210 www.shkofc.com
Grand Knight George Gillin GGillin@comcast.net
Join Online For Free www.kofc.com

What It Means To Be a Knight
We are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. We share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first.
 
Charity is at the heart of our work and our faith. Charity means serving others and supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects at the heart of our work and our faith.
 
Watch a short video on YouTube. What It Means To Be a Knight - it means “a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhrzLrFMC5w
Re-introducing Offertory Procession & Kids Food Donations at Mass
Will Resume in September!
We are looking forward to re-introducing the Offertory procession and welcoming our children to bring forward any non-perishable/canned food donations to the baskets placed on the steps up to the sanctuary.

Ministry to resume sometime in September 2021!
Opening of the 2022 Mass Book
2 Weeks Away! Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021
The 2022 Mass & Candle Books will be opened for your intentions on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Church. Only cash or checks are accepted.
Join Our Daily Devotions in the Chapel!
Come In-Person (available via Parish Livestream)
Come & Feed Your Soul This Week
Rosary Recitation
  • 8:25 A.M., Monday - Saturday
  • 11:30 A.M., Wednesdays (if good weather, in Grotto)
  • After the 3:00 P.M. Divine Mercy Chaplet, 7 Days a Week
Divine Mercy Chaplet Recitation
  • 3:00 P.M., 7 Days a Week
Chapel Meditation
  • 7:00 A.M - 9:00 P.M. (Monday through Friday)
  • 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M (Saturdays)
  • 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Sundays)
  • Livestreamed everyday - 24 Hours