PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

​Our Lady of Guadalupe, we entrust ourselves to you during the upcoming year of preparation for consecration in the Diocese of Metuchen. You are the patroness of the Americas and we ask you to intercede for our country, our diocese and our families. Draw each one of us to your Son, Jesus, we pray to the Lord.

ORACION DE LOS FIELES

​Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, nos encomendamos a usted durante el próximo año de preparación para la consagración de la Diócesis de Metuchen. Usted es la patrona de las Américas y le pedimos que interceda por nuestro país, nuestra diócesis y nuestras familias. Atrae a cada uno de nosotros a tu Hijo, Jesús, roguemos al Señor.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that You inspire young people whom You call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will. Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, The suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

“Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:1-3

Your Place to Connect With God

As a diverse parish, the community of St. Helena's encourages parishioners to be good stewards through the interaction and involvement of all members with respect and dignity to the poor, the sick and those in need, as well as encouraging the youth to participate fully in parish life

Who are the true benefactors of the human race? Explorers? Scientists? Revolutionaries? Rebels against established authority? . . . or the saints?

In True Reformers: Saints of the Catholic Reformation we will learn from the leaders who led the Church’s rebirth from the ashes of Renaissance decadence and the turbulence and confusion caused by the Protestant Reformation. The saints of the Catholic Reformation show us just how powerful—and beautiful—is the human heart’s free response to God’s generous grace.

Why is this important to us? We too are living through turbulent times in our Church, culture and are seeing many loved ones leave the Catholic faith and Church to their own detriment. We can gain insights from these saints to strengthen us and respond to the graces from our Consecration to Jesus through Our Day of Guadalupe. May we too be God’s instruments in our Church and missionary disciples so that the world may come to know the transformative love of Christ through us.

This Lenten period is a wonderful time to embark on our journey with the Saints of the Catholic Reformation.  You will not only learn your faith more deeply, you will make new friends and community connections in a joyful time of fellowship.

When:   Wednesdays 7-9 pm, February 5 – April 8, 2020 in St. Helena’s Meeting Room
                         Thursdays 9:15-11:30 am, February 6 – April 8, 2020 in local home
 
Cost:     $25, Check payable to: St. Helena Church.
 
Registration: After Mass Registration, January 11-12 & 18-19, 2020
                          On-line at www.sthelena-aff-truereformers.eventbrite.com
Contact:     Alice at 908-668-1429 or email sthelena.biblestudy@gmail.com
 

METHODOLOGY:

o RA was retained by St. Helena's Parish in July 2019 to conduct a Pre-Campaign Study in the Fall
of 2019.
o In total, 509 families participated in the Pre-Campaign Study. This represents a 48%
participation rate out of 1,068 “active” families.
o 46 personal interviews were conducted which included a total of 64 individuals (18 couples).
o Two focus groups were held―32 families participated, 31 submitted surveys.
o All parish families were invited to participate in an in-pew survey or e-survey. There were 393
responses to the in-pew survey and 38 responses to the e-survey.
 

Executive Summary:

o Through personal interviews, focus groups and in-pew/e-survey results, indications of support
totaled $679,509 - $1,001,376. The largest indication of support was $100,000.
o With a careful process of identification and cultivation of major gift prospects, Ruotolo
Associates believes that St. Helena’s Parish should set an initial goal in the range of $1,790,000‒
$2,045,000 for the Quiet Phase of the capital campaign, and if necessary, adjust the goal amount
when entering the Public Phase of the capital campaign. The proposed projects will need
accurate cost estimates before moving forward with the Quiet Phase of the campaign.
o A pre-campaign communication phase is also needed. The results of the Pre-Campaign Study
should be formally presented to the parish prior to starting any fundraising efforts.
o Nearly every single participant’s perception of Father Anthony Siriani is extremely positive.
Father was recognized as being caring, dynamic, enthusiastic, and personable.
o 100% of parishioners interviewed, 97% of focus group participants and 88% of those that
completed the in-pew/e survey felt that communication has been good at St. Helena’s Parish.
o Interview, focus group and in-pew/e-survey participants were asked if they believe a $1.9M
fundraising goal was achievable. 31% of respondents indicated “Yes;” 57% of respondents
indicated “Not Sure;” and 12% indicated “No.”
o 96% of parishioners interviewed, 61% of focus group participants and 56% of those that
completed the in-pew/e-survey indicated that they would financially support a capital
campaign.
o 100% of parishioners interviewed and 100% of focus group participants felt their spiritual
needs were being met at St. Helena’s.
o 87% of all interview participants, 74% of focus group participants, and 69% of in-pew-e-survey
participants responded “Yes” when asked if the Statement of Need reflected the needs of St.Helena’s Parish.

If you were sexually abused as a minor by a member of the a clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement, through the diocesan website (www,diometuchen.org), or by calling Lawrence Nagle, diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection (732) 562-2413