St Helena Catholic Church

CYO registration now open for Fall sports. Flag football, Soccer & Volleyball.

https://backoffice.sportspilot.com/register/family/default.asp?asoid=106358

Message from Father Marcin:

The National Eucharistic Congress was a profound experience that reinforced the essence of our faith. In the vast array of theological discussions and scholarly exchanges, one thing became increasingly clear: knowledge, while immensely valuable, has its limits. It equips us with understanding, it enlightens our minds, and it makes us grateful for the rich heritage and depth of our Catholic tradition. This intellectual engagement is indeed necessary and praiseworthy.

However, as we gathered in prayer and adoration before the Eucharist, the living heart of our faith, we were reminded that knowledge alone is not the ultimate goal. It is love, embodied in the sacrificial gift of Christ, that transforms us. Love propels us to act, to serve, and to live out the Gospel in our daily lives. It is through love that we move from mere gratitude to true sanctity.

At the opening Holy Hour of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, I prayed these very words, together with tens of thousands in the stadium and thousands more watching virtually, asking the Lord to pardon our sins and heal our land. Then on Friday evening, July 19th, we all united around Our Eucharistic Lord again in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to make reparation for our sins. We humbled ourselves in the presence of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Recognizing that if one member of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer, we prayed together for healing and forgiveness.

The Congress highlighted that while knowledge can guide us and make us grateful for God’s gifts, it is love that compels us to embrace our call to holiness. It is love that makes us saints. Through the Eucharist, we receive the grace to transcend our understanding and embody the divine love that transforms the world. An essential part of this transformative love is repentance. The Congress emphasized that true love requires a deep and sincere repentance, especially from the indifference that can creep into our hearts. Indifference towards love, towards our neighbor, and ultimately towards God, is a barrier that hinders our path to sanctity. This repentance is not just a one-time act but a continuous turning back to God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His mercy.

Just one week later, on July 26th in Paris, where the newly restored Cathedral of Notre Dame stands as an iconic reminder of our belief in the importance of the Mass, which makes spiritually present to us the Last Supper, nearly 1 billion men, women, and children, in person and through live telecast, witnessed the public mockery of the Mass, the “source and summit of the Christian life” (LG, 11). During the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics, the famous Da Vinci Masterpiece The Last Supper was depicted in heinous fashion, leaving us in such shock, sorrow, and righteous anger that words cannot describe it.

Brothers and sisters, we know that what the enemy intends for evil, God uses for good. We know that “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom 5:20). Throughout salvation history, the Lord and His prophets have called us—the people of God—to respond to the darkness of evil with the light that comes from the Lord. At the heart of this call are prayer and fasting. Jesus told us that some demons “can only come out through prayer [and through fasting]” (Mk 29:9).

The Eucharist, as the source and summit of our faith, is the wellspring of this love. It is in the Eucharist that we encounter the boundless love of Christ, who offers Himself entirely for us. This divine love calls us to repent from our indifference and to embrace a life of active, self-giving love. The Eucharist nourishes us, heals us, and empowers us to love more fully and more deeply.

As the Church throughout the world gathers at the Lord’s Altar, let us do so with renewed zeal. Let us pray for healing and forgiveness for all those who participated in this mockery. Let us commit ourselves this week to greater prayer and fasting in reparation for this sin. Perhaps you could attend Mass once more this week or do an extra holy hour?

Let us carry this message in our hearts: let our knowledge inspire us, but let our love lead us to sainthood. Let us constantly repent from any indifference that dulls our hearts and renew our commitment to live out the love we receive in the Eucharist. For it is through this love that we are truly transformed and made into the saints God calls us to be. Let us, strengthened by Christ, be the Eucharistic Missionaries we are called to be.

In Christ Jesus,
Rev. Fr. Marcin Czyż

—

El Congreso Eucarístico Nacional fue una experiencia profunda que reforzó la esencia de nuestra fe. En la vasta gama de discusiones teológicas e intercambios académicos, una cosa se hizo cada vez más clara: el conocimiento, aunque inmensamente valioso, tiene sus límites. Nos equipa con entendimiento, ilumina nuestras mentes y nos hace estar agradecidos por la rica herencia y profundidad de nuestra tradición católica. Este compromiso intelectual es, de hecho, necesario y digno de elogio.

Sin embargo, al reunirnos en oración y adoración ante la Eucaristía, el corazón vivo de nuestra fe, recordamos que el conocimiento por sí solo no es el objetivo final. Es el amor, encarnado en el don sacrificial de Cristo, lo que nos transforma. El amor nos impulsa a actuar, a servir y a vivir el Evangelio en nuestra vida diaria. Es a través del amor que pasamos de la mera gratitud a la verdadera santidad.

En la Hora Santa de apertura del 10º Congreso Eucarístico Nacional, el miércoles 17 de julio de 2024, recé estas mismas palabras, junto a decenas de miles en el estadio y a miles más viendo virtualmente pidiendo al Señor que perdone nuestros pecados y sane nuestra tierra. Luego, el viernes por la noche, 19 de julio, todos nos unimos alrededor de Nuestro Señor Eucarístico nuevamente en el Lucas Oil Stadium en Indianápolis para hacer reparación por nuestros pecados. Nos humillamos en la presencia de Jesús, Nuestro Señor y Salvador. Reconociendo que si un miembro del Cuerpo de Cristo sufre, todos sufrimos, oramos juntos por sanación y perdón.

El Congreso destacó que, aunque el conocimiento puede guiarnos y hacernos agradecer los dones de Dios, es el amor lo que nos impulsa a abrazar nuestro llamado a la santidad. Es el amor lo que nos hace santos. A través de la Eucaristía, recibimos la gracia de trascender nuestra comprensión y encarnar el amor divino que transforma el mundo. Una parte esencial de este amor transformador es el arrepentimiento. El Congreso enfatizó que el verdadero amor requiere un arrepentimiento profundo y sincero, especialmente del tipo de indiferencia que puede infiltrarse en nuestros corazones. La indiferencia hacia el amor, hacia nuestro prójimo y, en última instancia, hacia Dios, es una barrera que obstaculiza nuestro camino a la santidad. Este arrepentimiento no es solo un acto único, sino un continuo volver a Dios, reconociendo nuestras deficiencias y buscando Su misericordia.

Apenas una semana después, el 26 de julio en París, donde la recientemente restaurada Catedral de Notre Dame se erige como un recordatorio icónico de nuestra creencia en la importancia de la Misa, que hace presente espiritualmente la Última Cena, casi 1 mil millones de hombres, mujeres y niños, en persona y a través de la transmisión en vivo, fueron testigos de la burla pública de la Misa, la “fuente y cumbre de la vida cristiana” (LG, 11). Durante las ceremonias de apertura de los Juegos Olímpicos de Verano, la famosa obra maestra de Da Vinci, La Última Cena, fue representada de manera atroz, dejándonos en tal estado de conmoción, tristeza e indignación justa que las palabras no pueden describirlo.

Hermanos y hermanas, sabemos que lo que el enemigo pretende para mal, Dios lo usa para bien. Sabemos que “donde abundó el pecado, sobreabundó la gracia” (Rom 5:20). A lo largo de la historia de la salvación, el Señor y sus profetas nos han llamado—a nosotros, el pueblo de Dios—a responder a la oscuridad del mal con la luz que viene del Señor. En el corazón de este llamado están la oración y el ayuno. Jesús nos dijo que algunos demonios “solo pueden ser expulsados con oración [y con ayuno]” (Mc 9:29).

La Eucaristía, como fuente y cumbre de nuestra fe, es el manantial de este amor. Es en la Eucaristía donde encontramos el amor ilimitado de Cristo, que se ofrece enteramente por nosotros. Este amor divino nos llama a arrepentirnos de nuestra indiferencia y a abrazar una vida de amor activo y generoso. La Eucaristía nos nutre, nos sana y nos capacita para amar más plenamente y más profundamente.

Mientras la Iglesia en todo el mundo se reúne alrededor del Altar del Señor, hagámoslo con renovado celo. Oremos por la sanación y el perdón de todos aquellos que participaron en esta burla. Comprometámonos esta semana a una mayor oración y ayuno en reparación por este pecado. ¿Tal vez podrías asistir a la Misa una vez más esta semana o hacer una hora santa adicional?

Llevemos este mensaje en nuestros corazones: que nuestro conocimiento nos inspire, pero que nuestro amor nos lleve a la santidad. Arrepintámonos constantemente de cualquier indiferencia que embote nuestros corazones y renovemos nuestro compromiso de vivir el amor que recibimos en la Eucaristía. Porque es a través de este amor que somos verdaderamente transformados y convertidos en los santos que Dios nos llama a ser. Seamos, fortalecidos por Cristo, los Misioneros Eucarísticos que estamos llamados a ser.

En Cristo Jesús,
Rev. Fr. Marcin Czyż

Today was the grand opening of our Café Espiritú with a blessing by Father Marcin and ribbon cutting. Join us this weekend after mass for a refreshment and snack.

Hoy fue la gran inauguración de nuestro Café Espíritu con bendición del Padre Marcin y corte de listón. Únase a nosotros este fin de semana después de misa para tomar un refrigerio.

Reminder: Catechist meeting on Saturday 7/27/24 at 9am in the Dolan Center. Consider helping our religious education program this year. Any questions contact Adelita Contreras at: [email protected]

Every Thursday is Priestly Thursday…. a day to recognize and pray for our priests!
This Thursday we recognize our very own Father Marcin…Join us in praying for Fr. Marcin and all priests today!
Also…Let us wish him a Happy Birthday as it’s coming up next week, July 31st.
Happy Birthday Father Marcin🥳!!!

Cada jueves es jueves sacerdotal…. ¡Un día para reconocer y orar por nuestros sacerdotes!
Este jueves reconocemos a nuestro propio Padre Marcin... Únase a nosotros en oración por el Padre. ¡Marcin y todos los sacerdotes hoy!
Además… le deseamos un feliz cumpleaños, ya que será la próxima semana, el 31 de julio.
Feliz Cumpleaños Padre Marcin !!!

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Today’s CYO open play is cancelled due to field conditions.

Don’t cook dinner tonight and support our CYO. Be sure to mention St Helena CYO!!!

St Helenas pilgrams (Father Marcin & parishioners) with our most Rev Archbishop Gustavo about to participate in the Eucharistic Procession down the streets of downtown Indianapolis w/approximately 80k+ in attendance at the National Eucharistic Congress. We are praying for all the intentions we have received. Submit your intentions to [email protected] / [email protected]

Peregrinos de Santa Helena (Padre Marcin y feligreses) con nuestro reverendo Arzobispo Gustavo a punto de participar en la Procesión Eucarística por las calles del centro de Indianápolis con aproximadamente 80.000+ asistentes al Congreso Eucarístico Nacional. Estamos orando por todas las intenciones que hemos recibido. Envíe sus intenciones a oració[email protected]

Mass with our Bishops (Bishop Mike and Bishop Gary) and our Father Marcin at the National Eucharistic Congress day 4.

Father Marcin and brother priests concelebrating mass with Cardinal Dolan at the National Eucharistic Congress.

“The greatest love story.”
We were created out of God’s sheer goodness.
We once experienced a state of total harmony.
But we allowed our trust in Our Creator to die.
We rejected the infallible goodness of God and sold ourselves into slavery.
In rejecting the Infinite One, we created an infinite gap between ourselves and God.
But God didn’t abandon us.
Though we didn’t deserve His mercy, God loved us to the very end.
Jesus handed over His infinitely rich body to be scourged and crucified for our sake.
He poured out His infinitely valuable blood to restore our sonship and daughterhood of the Father.
And He didn’t stop there.
He established a Kingdom, a Church, in which we can continue being nourished with His body and blood.
He established a means by which we can be transformed to become like Him.
He established a means by which He would never leave us.
And the crazy thing is, we’re even better off now because of that great gift than if we had never abandoned God to begin with.
This is life-changing news.
And it requires your response.

Father Marcin along with some parishioners from St Helena are among the 80k pilgrims attending The National Eucharistic Congress. They are praying for our St Helena community at mass, in adoration and in front of the relics of St. Juan Diego, St. Joan of Arc and the veil of our Lady.
If you have any prayer intentions that you want us to include, please email them to:
[email protected]
[email protected]
They’d love to hear from you& pray for you.
These are pictures for the relics.

El padre Marcin, junto con algunos feligreses de Santa Elena, se encuentran entre los 80.000 peregrinos que asisten al Congreso Eucarístico Nacional. Están orando por nuestra comunidad de Santa Elena en misa, en adoración y frente a las reliquias de San Juan Diego, Santa Juana de Arco y el velo de Nuestra Señora.
Si tiene alguna intención de oración que desee que incluyamos, envíela por correo electrónico a:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Les encantara saber de usted y orar por usted.
Estas son fotografías de las reliquias.

Father Marcin and some parishioners are among the 200+ pilgrams from San Antonio attending the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this week. NEC takes off today. Thousands of pilgrims line up for registration this AM…80K+ expected in attendance. Let’s keep them in prayer as they are praying for us as well🙏🏼.

St Helenas 2024 Youth Retreat. A beautiful day filled with Gods love and the Holy Spirit. God is good🙏🏼.

Come Join us for a Family Fun Night with our St. Helena Church BINGO on Saturday, August 24th, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
We are asking for Donations for Door Prizes in the form of a $25 Gift Card. The Gift Cards can be from any Retailer (HEB, Target, Wal Mart, etc) or even Amazon. Please bring your Gift Cards to the Parish Office and help us with this wonderful and fun event.

Vengan a unirse con nosotros para una noche de diversión familiar con nuestra iglesia de Santa Helena BINGO el sábado 24 de agosto, de 6:00 pm a 10:00 pm.
Estamos pidiendo sus donaciones para los premios de la puerta en forma de una tarjeta de regalo de $25. Las tarjetas de regalo pueden ser de cualquier minorista (HEB, Target, Wal Mart, etc.) o incluso de Amazon. Por favor traiga sus tarjetas de regalo a la Oficina Parroquial y ayúdenos con este maravilloso y divertido evento.

Come out for some Kick Ball. Open to everyone & free to play.

Calling all youth…we are excited to invite you to this 1 day retreat this Sunday 7/14 from 8am to 5pm in the Dolan center. What’s included? Well, besides breakfast & lunch and noon mass, this retreat will include times of prayer, reflection, small group discussions, games, and other activities designed to help you connect with God and each other in a deeper way. It will be a time to step away from the busyness of everyday life and focus on your relationship with God. Come with an open heart and mind, ready to engage with the retreat experience and grow in your faith.
Register now for only $25.

https://www.sthelena.org/event-details?id=130

1 Day High School Youth retreat this Sunday 7//14/2024 in Dolan Center from 8am-5pm. We will attend noon mass together. Come join us…only $25 and breakfast and lunch provided. Sign up here:

events

Happy Independence Day! Our Knights of Columbus are busy getting the CYO Field ready for the 4th of July Picnic this afternoon. Bring out your lawn chairs and side dish/dessert and join us for a fun evening starting at 4:00pm.

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎

Joseph Didio, Alfred Arias, Maria Esther Cabrera, Diana Alcocer, Belinda Cortez, Josie Tippit, John Chavez, Margaret Ramirez, Rene Valadez, Joseph Garcia, Nina Garcia, Rosalie Reyes, Birgit Carlson, Emma Serna, Benay Furtivo, Cecy Morales-Parra, Diana Becerra, Grace Martin, Maria Rodriguez