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History
An interesting fact about St. Helen's is that the stained glass windows portray the "wrong" St. Helen. St. Helen's was named after St. Helen of Sweden. The St. Helen that is depicted in the window is St. Helen, mother of Constantine and founder of the true cross. 1934 - 45: Msgr.
John J. Finn was Pastor during these difficult depression and World
War II years.
1945 - 57: Rev.
William Casey served as Pastor. With an increase in the number of
parishioners following the war, the original church was no longer
large enough to accommodate all parishioners. Property owned by
Rindfleisch Cleaners on upper Union Street was purchased. Construction
of the present church began in 1953 and was completed one year later
with the dedication in 1954. 1969 - 74: Rev. Michael McGarahan served as Pastor. Major efforts included reducing the parish construction debt and the institution of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. 1974 - 85: Rev. Robert F. Willi, as Pastor, oversaw the beginning of new liturgical practices and Parish programs, such as: Pastoral Care, Religious Education, and Liturgical and Eucharistic Ministers. 1986 - 95: Rev. Thomas J. Hayes, as Pastor, coordinated several large maintenance projects and the overall renovation of the church building which included turning the axis of the sanctuary. On October 3, 1991 we rededicated our church with a three-weekend celebration highlighted by Bishop Howard Hubbard's celebration of the Eucharist. 1995 - 2007: Rev. James J. Kane, Pastor, implemented plans to relieve crowding in teaching space allotted for Religious Education classes for the growing Youth Ministry program. Property at 1805 Union Street was purchased and the new rectory was built. The former rectory/ office building was converted into teaching and administration space for the Youth Ministry and Parish offices. Plans for sharing programs and clergy were developed with St. Helen's cluster parish, Our Lady of Fatima. 2007
to Present: Fr.
Robert Longobucco |