Thursday's Good News
Our Weekly Newsletter: May 20, 2021
Feast of Saint Bernardine of Siena
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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
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On the Wednesday before Ascension Thursday our school had their Spirit Day. On that day all the students, faculty, staff, and I wore red in honor of Kellan Ford. He is a pre-K student in our school who is battling an aggressive cancer. On that Wednesday he was coming back from Children’s Hospital from an almost 2 week stay and he made a “parade circle in a car” to the cheers of the entire school wearing red T-shirts clapping and shouting his name, “Kellan!” The car parade was preceded by two police officers on their bicycles as well as a police car with flashing lights before and after his car. Everyone was beseeching God to be with him and his family.
Once again you are being invited to a Mass being celebrated in our Church on Tuesday, May 25 at 3:30 PM. This Mass is celebrating the 47th Anniversary of Ordination to the priesthood of Msgr. Nicolo and the Ordination class of 1974. We would love you to be present, if you can.
On Memorial Day we will be celebrating the 9 AM Mass in the Church. We are asking all of our veterans of the armed services to please be present and process in the Entrance Procession. All those who are home and are presently serving to please join us in uniform, if possible. This is a very special day that we as parishioners of St. Helena honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May God grant eternal rest unto them and may their souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
As you realize on May 31, all of the restrictions attached to the coronavirus pandemic, except the mask, will be lifted. Therefore, when you come to Mass you will notice that there will be no roped off pews or crosses on the back of the pews. We will still have the folding white chairs available for those who wish to use them either in the Nave or in the Narthex. We will continue to be following the CDC precautions and as in the past continue to do everything possible to keep our parishioners healthy and safe. Let us continue to beseech Almighty God through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary to put an end to this pandemic and ask God to continue to give us the grace that we need to move forward as we strive to live our lives normally.
Once again I want to thank all of our Maintenance Staff, School Teachers and Staff, Rectory Staff, and Church Staff, Lay Ministers and volunteers for all the good work they have done since the reopening of our Churches and Schools. Let us continue to move forward in all that we do and give God the glory and praise!
May God, through the intercession of Saint Helena, bless us!
Love & prayers,
Monsignor Nicolo
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Msgr. Nicolo Celebrating 47 Years of Priesthood!
The Ordination Class of 1974
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Msgr. Nicolo's Ordination Class of 1974 will be celebrating their 47th Anniversary in our Church on Tuesday, May 25 at 3:30 P.M. You are cordially invited!
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Clerical Changes at Saint Helena
Beginning Monday, June 21
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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has named Father DiMaria as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Swedesburg. What a tremendous blessing! We thank him for his priestly ministry here at Saint Helena. Additionally, we wish Fr. DiMaria well in his new assignment and will continue to accompany him in prayer. |
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We are happy to announce that Father Brian Connolly (ordained in 2017) will be coming to our parish as our new Parochial Vicar. Let us welcome Fr. Connolly and accompany him in his priestly ministry as he strives to serve God and us. |
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Father Thomas Duffy Funeral
Parochial Vicar, Saint Helena (2003-2008)
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Father Thomas Duffy, who served as a Parochial Vicar at Saint Helena from 2003-2008. Let us hold him in our prayers and ask Our Lord that eternal rest be granted to him! May he enjoy the peace of Heaven forever.
Fr. Duffy's funeral will be at Saint Helena on Monday, May 24, 2021. His funeral services, held in Church, will be as follows:
- The reception of his body will be at 9:50 A.M.
- His viewing will be from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
- His Mass of Christian Burial is at 11:00 A.M.
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Returning to Mass
What's Changing on Memorial Day
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As you are aware, Pennsylvania is lifting all mitigation orders (except for indoor masks) on Memorial Day. At Saint Helena, we will be making the following changes:
- All ropes and blue crosses on the pews will be removed. You are welcome to sit in any pew.
- Social distancing in pews is no longer necessary.
We continue to ask that you wear your mask out of charity to your fellow parishioner. Chairs will continue to be available to be used in the Narthex, if you so desire. We plan to update you regularly as we receive further instruction from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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Important Notice: Daily Mass
Moving Back to the Chapel beginning on Tuesday, June 1st
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Our Daily Mass at 9:00 A.M. will be moving back to the Chapel beginning on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Please take note of this change. Thank You!
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Registration Available Now!
Vacation Bible School
August 9-13, 2021
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We are excited to share that Registration and Volunteer Signup for Vacation Bible School will begin tomorrow, May 21, 2021.
Here are some quick details on registration:
For Who: Kids going into Kindergarten through 5th Grade (2021-2022) School Year
Where: Saint Helena Education Center
When: August 9-13, 2021; 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Cost: $40/1 child, $70/2 children, $100/3 or more children
For more information and to download and send in the Registration and/or Volunteer Form, visit our VBS webpage.
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Respect Life Corner
Annual Adopt-a-Baby Shower!
Weekend of May 22/23
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We are holding our annual baby shower during this month! Gifts are being collected in the Information Room on May 22 & 23 for A Baby’s Breath in Jeffersonville. Please place your gifts in the port-a-cribs there.
A Baby’s Breath is in most need of diapers: sizes 5 & 6 only; and summer clothes (sizes 24 months, 2T, 4T, & 5T). Gift cards from Giant, Walmart, Weiss, & ShopRite are also appreciated.
Thank you for your prayers & faithful, generous support of LIFE!
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Save the Date! Fall 2021 Adult Dinner Series
Coming October/November
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Much to look forward to! In October/November of this coming year, we will get back to our typical (in-person) Fall, Parish-wide Series with includes dinner, prayer, video and small group discussion.
We'll be utilizing the wonderful work of Bishop Robert Barron & his series on The Sacraments! Enjoy the trailer here. More to come in the weeks ahead!
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Memorial Day Mass
Monday, May 31
9:00 A.M., Church
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Mark your calendars and please do all that you can to be present for this Mass as we honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. It is a day that we pray for peace, the peace that only God can give.
We invite all of our veterans from all branches of the military to make every effort to attend Mass as well as anyone presently serving in the military, and, if possible, to wear their uniform. We also encourage any Gold Star Mothers to attend as well.
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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Overwhelming Support for Manna Bag Collection
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Both of our Community Partners: The Patrician Society & Martha's Choice Marketplace were extremely grateful to receive your donations from our Manna Bag Collection!
Thank you so very much for your tremendous generosity!
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Wednesday Rosary in the Grotto
Back to Being Outdoors!
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The 11:30 A.M. Wednesday Rosary will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. If inclement weather, come to the Chapel.
Join us on Wednesday, May 26th. We invite all to join us outside - plenty of space to distance. Cement benches are available or you may bring your own lawn chair. The grotto is located down behind the Church and can be reached by the red stone path near the Chapel or by the back parking lot behind the Empress Room which is flat and level.
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Township Construction Notice
Portion of Jolly Road CLOSED until June 11
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Jolly Road between Route 202 and Walnut Street has closed as part of the Route 202 widening project.
The closure is in effect [around-the-clock] until June 11.
During the closure, Jolly Road motorists will be directed to use Route 202, Skippack Pike and Wentz Road. Local access will be maintained for residents in the work zone. Please allow more time if you are traveling in the area as this will effect coming to Church/School and being on time.
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Join Our Daily Devotions in the Chapel!
Attend In-Person or Virtually via Parish Livestream
Come & Feed Your Soul This Week
Rosary Recitation
- 8:25 A.M., Monday - Saturday
- 11:30 A.M., Wednesdays
- After the 3:00 P.M. Divine Mercy Chaplet, 7 Days a Week
Divine Mercy Chaplet Recitation
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
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Feed Your Soul with Formed for
Videos, Podcasts & More to Accompany You!
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Young Adult Group
Thursday, May 20
7:00 P.M., Convent
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On Thursday, May 20, from 7-8:30 P.M., we will gather for weekly meeting. Currently, the Young Adult group is discerning a spiritual book to read and discuss together for the coming months. All young adults welcome! E-Mail Kurt Zampier for more info or call 610-930-0349.
Future May Meetings: May 27
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High School Youth Group
Sunday, May 23
7:00 - 8:30 P.M., Convent
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On Sunday, May 23, the High School Youth Group will meet in the Convent. They will be planning summer events - socials, service projects and spiritual nights. To RSVP, e-mail Kurt Zampier. All teens welcome, bring a friend!
To stay connected with 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.
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Job Opportunity at Saint Helena
Share with Family & Friends
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We are currently looking to hire a Full-Time Custodian: Monday - Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.; start ASAP!
If you are interested, please contact our Maintenance Director, Robert Malony, via e-mail.
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Pray More Novenas
Join in the Pentecost Novena going on Now!
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Novenas are an ancient tradition that goes back to the days of the Apostles. Jesus told His disciples to pray together after His Ascension into Heaven, so they went to The Upper Room along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, (Acts 1:14) and joined constantly in prayer for nine days.
These nine days of constant prayer by the Apostles at the direction of Jesus led up to Pentecost. This pattern of 9 days of prayer is the basis of the novenas we pray today! Click here for the Novena to the Holy Spirit for Pentecost!
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Knights of Columbus
In Service to One. In Service to All.
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June 5/6 - Register as a Member of the St. Helena Knights
Thank you to the many St. Helena men who joined our Knights Council after our recent information session. Your response is truly appreciated.
Many other men expressed genuine interest in joining the Knights. After Masses on June 5/6, we'd like to help you get onboard if being a Knight is still on your “TO DO” list. We ask you to stop by the Knights Narthex table to complete a membership form or talk about next steps to join. Membership is free. You can also fill out the online membership form at www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/join-the-knights.html.
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Ladies of Helena Fundraiser
Thursday, June 3
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The Ladies of Helena have organized a take-out and/or dine-in fundraiser at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (960 DeKalb Pike) on Thursday, June 3 from 11 AM to 9 PM. Remember to mention "Ladies of Helena"
Donating Back: 20% (Organizer: Tish Barnett)
You can participate in this fundraiser by:
· Take out
· Pick up
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza will accept your order in several ways:
· Phone Call
· Restaurant Website
· Storefront Walk-in
Phone Call
Call 610-275-2625 and mention that you are with Ladies of Helena before placing your order.
Restaurant Website
Storefront Walk-in
Visit the location at 960 DEKALB PIKE UNIT 200, BLUE BELL 19422 and they will take your order from their storefront for take-out. Mention that you are with Ladies of Helena before placing your order.
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