How Can We Help You?
Are you thinking of having your child baptized? or having a wedding at St. Helena? Do you need a copy of someone’s Sacramental records? Perhaps, you will soon be celebrating a milestone in your family and would like to have a Mass celebrated with your special intentions? Please call us during office hours and speak with one of our staff members who can assist you with your needs.
Sacraments
INFANT BAPTISM
The preparation class is in English. Please call the rectory to schedule an interview with Sr. Sophie Yondura, ssj. before planning for the baptism. Please bring the child’s original birth certificate with you.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION, FIRST PENANCE & CONFIRMATION
Children have to be properly catechized at home, in their Catholic school or through PREP before receiving their First Penance, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. If your child does not attend a Catholic school, please register your child in PREP or share your plans to homeschool your child for religious education. Older youth or adults who are interested to become Catholic, visit our RCIA page to know more about the program. Please contact Sr. Sophie Yondura at the rectory for details.
COMMUNION FOR THE SICK & HOMEBOUND
If you or someone you know are not able to come to Mass to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory so that one of our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion can bring you or them the Eucharist.
PENANCE & RECONCILIATION
Confessions are heard on Saturdays in the lower church between 4:00-4:30 PM and during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Sundays, Mondays and First Fridays from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. If these times are not convenient for you, please call the rectory to set an appointment with one of our priests.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Members of the faithful who will be undergoing a major surgery, terminally ill, or anyone in danger due to sickness or old age may receive Anointing of the Sick by calling the rectory.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
If you are planning to have your wedding at St. Helena, please call us at least 6 months ahead of time before making any other wedding arrangements.
HOLY ORDERS
St. Helena currently have 3 seminarians studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 1 seminarian studying for the Redemptrix in Houston, TX, 1 seminarian studying for the Vincentians in New York and 1 young lady studying for the congregation of the Lover of the Cross in Los Angeles, CA . Our Vietnamese community is honored to be a part in helping these young people discern their vocations!
If you feel like you are being called to the priesthood or religious life, our pastor will be delighted to speak with you about discerning your call. Please call the rectory to set an appointment. You can also visit the Vocation Office website for more information.
Funerals
Planning a funeral can be a stressful and overwhelming task. Our staff will always be ready to help you plan, walk you through the entire process, and help answer whatever questions may have. To plan a funeral at St. Helena, please begin by calling us at the rectory.
Food Bank
St. Helena Food Bank is serving clients in the 19111, 19120 and 19126 zip codes once a month. Please bring a photo I.D. and a current bill showing your name and zip code. Hours of Service are Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Senior Boxes are distributed every 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Faith Formation
PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCAITONPROGRAM (PREP)
Religion classes for Public School students held every Sunday beginning in September. Classes are at at 9:15AM in the School Hall. For information, contact Sr. Sophie Yondura, ssj., D. Min.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
Are You thirsting for God? Are you curious about the Catholic Faith? Are you married to a Catholic spouse, and/or raising Catholic Children, and are interested in knowing more about it? Are you a Catholic who desires to complete Sacraments of the Initiation by receiving Holy Eucharist and Confirmation? The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is designed to assist teens and adults who have never been baptized, and wish to be baptized in the Catholic Church; or have been baptized in another Christian faith (Lutheran, Episcopalian, Baptist, etc.) and wish to become Catholic; or were baptized Catholic, but have not received First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Faith Formation Classes begin in October and participants meet weekly until Easter. Weekly sessions consist of a verbal and video presentation about our Catholic Faith. If you are interested, please call Sister Sophie.