Saint Helen Ministries

Dive Deeper And Get Involved

Overview

We're blessed to be able to offer a variety of ministry opportunities to serve both the people of our community, as well as those outside it who need support or other types of social outreach. A special thank-you to all of our ministry volunteers and leaders for helping us offer these opportunities. You can search all of the available ministries below and click to learn more.
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Altar Servers

Altar service is one of the oldest ministries in the Church. Its focus is to help prepare for worship services by setting the altar table and lighting the candles. In spring and fall, the Parish recruits and trains new altar servers (generally boys and girls in Grade 3 and higher).

Interested in becoming an altar server?
Contact Adrian Soltys at [email protected]

Care Ministry

We provide transportation to church or appointments, visitation to the home bound, and occasional meals.

If this Care Ministry would benefit you or a loved one contact Marilyn Ryan at (908)232-1214 x 113 or [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer with the Catholic Care Ministry
please contact:
Janice Meister at [email protected] or
Susan Dodge at [email protected]

person wearing gold wedding band

Caregiver’s Support

This group provides support for persons who are responsible for the care of a family member or friend. We share our experiences, understanding, and suggestions for coping as you navigate this challenging and rewarding journey. It is important to take care of yourself and to know that you are not alone. We are here for you.

This group meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except July and August) at 7:30 PM in the Parish Library. For information, please contact Cathy Colon at [email protected]

Catholic Families Connect

Catholic Families Connect brings families with young children together. Our purpose is to connect with one another, connect with the less fortunate and, most importantly, connect with God!

Never feel you are alone as a parent in our community. Our parish family wants to walk with you! We believe your family has been called to make a difference in the world.

Questions? Contact Debbie Abbattista at [email protected].

Next Event: 
Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch

Saturday March 30 | 11:00am

Upcoming Events

Saturday, March 30: Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch
11:00 am
Friday, April 26: Family Night Out
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday, May 10: Family Fiesta
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Friday, June 7: Adult Cocktail Party
7:00 pm

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word has returned during the 10:00am Mass on Sunday! Children’s Liturgy of the Word enriches the liturgical experience of our children in Grades 1 – 4 by providing an opportunity to listen to God speak through the scriptures in the Children’s Lectionary, to reflect on the Word of God, and to respond to God’s Word, relating it to their own life experiences. The children are escorted by a volunteer minister to the Chapel to experience this special program and return to their parents after about twenty minutes.

To get involved contact Nicole Murphy
[email protected]
908-232-1214 ext. 116

2023-24 Schedule:

September - 24

October - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

November - 5, 12, 19, 26

December - 3 ,10, 17 (NO CLOW ON DEC. 24 or DEC. 31)

January - 7, 14, 21, 28

February - 4, 11, 18, 25

March - 3, 10, 17 (NO CLOW ON MAR. 24 OR MAR. 31)

April - 7, 14, 21 , 28

May - 5, 12, 19 (NO CLOW ON MAY 26)

June - 2, 9, 16 (FINAL CLOW JUNE 16)

Christ Centered Crochet Club (4C’s)

Also known as the 4C’s ~ the Christ Centered Crochet Club is a ministry of children and adults, dedicated to sharing their talents and enjoying fellowship, all while serving others. All are welcome! In the past hats have been distributed to:

Premature Babies in Newark Beth Israel Hospital
Overlook Hospital Oncology Patients
Purple Hats for Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness
Morristown Memorial’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital
Sloan Kettering Hospital
The Center for Hope Hospice
Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth

man reading book in grass field

Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a 26-hour retreat which provides you with the opportunity to reflect, renew and strengthen your faith while meeting other members of our community. The retreat is hosted by parishioners who have enjoyed the fruit of past Cornerstone retreats.

The idea of Cornerstone is simple, but its impact has been profound. Since the inception of this weekend retreat, nearly 1,700 men and women have attended Cornerstone at Saint Helen alone!

Stay tuned for our 2025 retreat dates.
There’s no big mystery to Cornerstone weekend. It is simply ordinary people sharing stories and experiences of trying to live the Gospel amidst the challenges of the modern world. It’s a simple but moving experience.

The retreat is facilitated by a team of parishioners who have previously experienced Cornerstone. During the weekend, some members of the Cornerstone team will give talks which you will have the opportunity to discuss with others in attendance. It is a very casual atmosphere, and you may share in the discussion as much or as little as you’d like – or not at all, if that is your preference.

There will also be a number of opportunities to examine your relationship with God, you family and others in your life. Most of all, it is an opportunity to think about those things that matter most to you, in an atmosphere that lends itself to reflection and contemplation.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Parishioners are trained and commissioned to distribute the Eucharist at all Masses. They also bring the Eucharist to the homebound and the Nursing Home.

Family Support for Persons with Disabilities

Please phone or email (973-497-4309 or [email protected]) of the office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for the Newark Archdiocese for current information on the support programs available for parents particularly, as well as inclusive family Masses and other events.

lighted candles on black metal candle holder

Funeral Support

Parishioners help with the Funeral Mass by being a welcoming presence to the family and friends of the deceased. They assist those participating in the Liturgy when proclaiming the readings and bringing up the Offertory gifts.

Their presence let the family know that they are being supported by the parish during this difficult time.

Helping Hands and Hearts

Saint Helen Helping Hands & Hearts outreach program meets the spiritual, material and financial needs of the community. This program includes the Prayer Network, the Care Ministry, One-on-one Ministry, Genesis Nursing Home, and care for the poor and homeless through the Soup Kitchen and other projects.

To provide financial assistance for these projects, two special collections are taken up each year and Memorials are accepted at any time.

Hospitality Ministry

Serving our parish family is a privilege and an honor. Enhancing the Sunday Liturgy with intentional ministers who are welcoming, helpful and supportive to all is an essential role to fill at the Parish Community of Saint Helen.

If you would like more information about the Hospitality Ministry, please contact Gail Laughlin at [email protected] or Eileen Passananti at [email protected].

Kids Corner

Kids Corner is developmentally appropriate worship designed specifically for our young children during the 10:00 AM Mass. While parents attend Mass, Kids Corner provides an opportunity for children to learn about our Catholic faith. Children learn about the Mass, practice memory verses from scripture, sing songs of worship, pray together, and have FUN in a safe, Christ-centered environment.

Children age 2 attend Kids Corner Terrific Twos Worship, Kids Corner Preschool Worship is open to children ages 3-4, and Kindergarten children attend Kids Corner Kindergarten Worship.

Please reach out to Tracey Sowa, Kids Corner Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information on these programs.

Register for Kids Corner

people standing on stage in front of people

Media Ministry

These parishioners with strong technology skills, (including students), help to enhance the Mass by projecting song lyrics, some prayers, and occasional videos during the liturgy on Sunday and Holy Days.

Interested in becoming a media minister?
Contact Adrian Soltys at [email protected]

Mental Health Ministry

The Mental Health Ministry uses theological, psychological, and social perspectives to equip the Church to support mental health and well-being. We are raising mental health awareness within our faith community and providing theologically-sound educational resources and training to promote mental wellness.

Our Mission Statement is: We are here to walk with others who are struggling with mental health in a confidential manner while using a Catholic perspective.

For more information, contact Liz Migneco at [email protected] or Liz Greenop at [email protected]

How to Support Your Loved One’s Mental Health Journey (March 7, 2024)

Download Resources

Peace and Justice

In conjunction with Holy Trinity, the goal of this committee is to help parishioners engage in the public forum by advocating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in the economic, political and social decisions made in our community, state, nation and world.

These principles, drawn from the Gospels and explained by the Church, offer Catholics a way to live their faith to the fullest.

Prayer Shawl

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a way for people who love to knit or crochet to use their talents to bring hope to people in our community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. The shawls are tangible signs of God’s comfort and peace and are a source of healing, hope and courage.

They meet the 1st Monday of each month at 9:30am

If interested contact Lori Gewirtz at [email protected] or 908-322-8140 for more information.

If you or a loved one would like to receive a Prayer Shawl, please contact the Parish Center.

Respect Life Ministry

The Respect Life Ministry of Saint Helen and Holy Trinity is guided by the principle that each person is a gift from God at all times through the journey of life.

We seek to educate and dialogue with parishioners about the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding human life; to open minds and hearts to believe that each life is sacred with an inherent indestructible dignity given by God. This includes the protection and sustainment of life at all stages.

Saint Helen Counseling Project

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Liz Migneco is available to assist individuals, couples and families who may be experiencing difficulties and stressors in their everyday lives. For additional information, please call 908-232-1214, ext. 105. All calls are confidential.

Service Auction

Excitement is building for the 2024 Saint Helen Service Auction, all in support of The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless! We warmly invite our parish families to join in, helping make this year's auction our most impactful yet.

Mark your calendars for April 13, 2024. We're currently welcoming donations and have three wonderful ways for you to contribute:

Silent Auction Baskets: We're gathering a variety of themed baskets and need your creativity! Check out the document at the link below for inspiration, and if a particular basket idea sparks your interest, kindly fill out the donation form at https://bit.ly/SHAuctionServiceDonations, detailing your chosen basket under 'Item Description.'

Monetary Contributions: Your generous monetary donations allow us to acquire valuable auction items such as gift cards and unique services, enriching our silent and live auctions. If you wish to contribute financially, please visit https://bit.ly/SHAuctionMonetaryDonations. You have the option for the Service Auction Committee to create an auction item in your name.

Live Auction Items: From gourmet dinners to weekend getaways, we welcome all donations that promise to be a hit during our live auction. Collaborate with other families or donate individually. For ideas and to donate, please go to https://bit.ly/SHAuctionServiceDonations.

Our Service Auction is a key initiative by Saint Helen and The Coalition, supporting two Hospitality Houses in Elizabeth that provide a safe haven for homeless families, aiding them towards financial stability and independence. Learn more about our mission and the Elizabeth Coalition at www.theelizabethcoalition.org.

Don't miss out on the 30th Anniversary of the Saint Helen Service Auction on April 13, 2024, at 6:00pm, with Senator John Bramnick as our esteemed auctioneer. Purchase your tickets for $60 per person via https://bit.ly/42YVabs and find more details at www.sainthelen.org/auction. Your continued support and dedication are truly the heart of our parish community!

Sister Pat’s Kids Camp

Sister Pat's Kids Camp, an outreach ministry of Saint Helen, offers a heartwarming, weeklong camp experience for children with cancer and blood disorders. Founded in 1985 in memory of Sister Patricia Daly, the camp, located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, is open to children aged 6-14 of all races and religions, free of charge. This special camp, part of The Mid-Hudson Valley Camps and an Associate Member of the American Camping Association, is a testament to the community spirit of Saint Helen's, continuing to honor Sister Pat's dedication to children's wellbeing.

For more details, please visit the Sister Pat's Kids Camp website.

Twelve

A support group for people impacted by a loved one having an addiction to or abusing alcohol or drugs. Meetings are weekly at Saint Helen on Monday evenings in the Parish Center from 7:30 to 9:00pm. Any questions call 908-232-1189. Confidentiality respected.
  • 908-232-1214
  • Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Mass Schedule:
Daily: Monday-Saturday 9am
Weekend: Sat 5pm | Sun 8am | 10am | 12pm | 6pm
  • 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090
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