Purpose: Catholic Charities of the five-county Diocese of Palm Beach respects life in all its stages. In living our faith we create hope for people in need, without regard to religion. Through our programs and ministries, we empower individuals, deliver social services and collaborate with others in building just and compassionate communities.

Contact: 561-775-9560

Click here to visit Catholic Charities website

Summary: Provide tuition assistance to families of St. Helen who desire to send their children to a Catholic High School. Scholarships are based upon need and families must apply and be active participating members of St. Helen.

Tuition Assistance for John Carroll High School 2024 / 2025 deadline is April 26, 2024

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10

We have many gifts and many needs at St. Helen Catholic Church. As a parish community, we strive with good stewardship to use our gifts to help meet the needs of one another.
One of the ways St. Helen Church does this is to provide aid to active parishioners who desire to send their children to John Carroll Catholic High School. If some financial assistance would enable your child to attend John Carroll for the 2024 / 2025 school year, the parish would like to help you.

All applications should be submitted through the FACTS program by April 26, 2024. Questions regarding this program may be directed to Kathlenia Carter at k.carter@sthelenschoolvero.org

All applications should be submitted through the FACTS program. Please use this link: FACTS

*Paper applications are no longer being accepted for tuition assistance.

PLEASE READ THIS PRIOR TO STARTING YOUR APPLICATION

• Choose St. Helen Catholic School, not John Carroll. It is a St. Helen fund from which the scholarships are awarded.

• In the drop down box check the box of the grade your student will be entering for the 2024/25 school year.

When a Loved One Dies

As a community of faith, we share in the sorrow of the loss of your loved one.  It is the purpose of the Consolation Ministry to help you through this difficult time especially regarding arrangements with the Church.

Once you have selected a funeral home, the funeral home will call the church office to arrange for a date and time for the Funeral Mass, Memorial Mass, Funeral Home Service, or Graveside Service.  This date and time must be established prior to any other arrangements with the church to ensure that a priest or deacon is available.  You will then be contacted by the Consolation Ministry representative to meet for a consultation to make the necessary preparations for the celebration of the Funeral Mass or Memorial Mass.

If you are not utilizing the services of a funeral home and are working directly with a crematory, you will need to call the church office to set the date and time for the Funeral Mass, Graveside Service or Prayer Service. You will then be contacted by the Consolation Ministry representative to meet for a consultation to make the necessary preparations for the celebration of the Funeral Mass.        

Contact: Parish Office 772-567-5129

Summary: Fulfill a canon law requirement to assure accurate and timely accounting and financial reporting of St. Helen Parish.

• Review and monitor financial operations.
• Review accounting function, internal controls, monitor the parish’s profit and loss statement, balance sheet and capital expenditures.
• Assist in preparation of an annual budget, including capital needs.
• Report to the parish on no less than an annual basis, the yearly budget and financial operation results.

Responsibilities: Some understanding of financial statements, insight into operating suggestions, strong stewardship commitment.

Time Commitment: One meeting per quarter based on a mutual agreed upon schedule.

Contact: Deacon Dave Hankle, 772-567-5129, E: dhankle@sthelenvero.org

Summary: Grieving is not only about a death. Several times in all of our lives events occur that make us very sad or uncomfortable, and we think, “What am I going to do?” We ponder these events and ask, “why?” Only God knows the answer. The Grief Ministry does not attempt to counsel you. We are a group of individuals who have been in similar situations and support each other with thoughts and ideas. We don’t ask probing questions, and there are no obligations. You can just sit and listen if you wish.

Responsibilities: Provide love and support to those grieving.

Meeting Details: One hour twice per month on the second and fourth Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – noon.

Contact: Tina Franke, 772-569-4769, E: mamafranke13@gmail.com or Mike Kiefer, 772-492-9101, E: counselor4u@yahoo.com

Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th

Purpose: To offer an annual fun-filled, family-focused festival for the whole community to enjoy, while providing an opportunity for the entire parish family, and everyone within our community, to come out to the festival and create together an  occasion of fantastic fun, fabulous food, and fine fellowship.

Responsibilities: Setup and takedown volunteers painters, electricians, booth and concession workers, food preparers, ticket sellers, bakers, crafters, on-festival ground runners.

Time Commitment:  The festival is seeking to invite all parishioners to assist in making this year’s festival the best yet. Volunteers are needed before, during and after the actual event, which takes place at on the St. Helen campus Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Contact: Church Office, Church@sthelenvero.org, 772-567-5129

Location: 1031 18th Street, Suite F & G

Responsibilities: Willingness and commitment to assist those less fortunate, ability to move boxes, stock shelves, listen to and  assist clients.

Time Commitment: Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-1:00 p.m.

Contact: Paige Fies 772-567-5193

Time Commitment: Office hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Donations of food can be dropped off in the back of the Church or directly to the Outreach Office. Monetary donations are accepted at the Parish Office 2085 Tallahassee Ave.

Purpose: A parish based health ministry which cares for the whole person, mind, body and spirit, and arises from the needs of the parish. It is realized through the talents of a registered nurse, trained and certified by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach. Services include counseling, health education, health advocating, referrals and spiritual care counseling.

Responsibilities: Must have health background, R.N, C.N.A, physical and respiratory therapist to participate in home visits and scheduled educational programs, grief counselors.

Contact: Parish Office, 772-567-5129, E: church@sthelenvero.org

Purpose: To pray as we create handmade “Prayer Blankets” to be given to a person with a particular need. It may be during a time of stress, serious illness, medical treatment, bereavement or at any time when comfort and prayer are needed. As each lap blanket is created, its maker is in prayer for the receiver of the blanket. Prayer blankets are available at the Parish Offices. Although the blankets are not sold, a donation to our ministry is gratefully accepted to purchase materials to continue the “ripple effect” of unconditional love.

Responsibilities: Compassionate people who wish to provide a loving gift for someone who is hurting. Ability to trace, cut and / or assemble blankets while praying for the Lord’s love and mercy for the recipient of the blankets.

Contact: Jackie Hunter, 772-567-4175, E: grandmajackiehu@comcast.net or Clare White, 772-567-7064, E: wgeorgeclara@bellsouth.net

Purpose: To bring Christ to the inmates in Indian River County Jail through prayer and listening; to provide them with access to the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Responsibilities: Members must be committed to prayer and  listening to the Holy Spirit while ministering in teams of two with individual inmates. Ministers must be Catholic. There is a mandatory training course and background investigation by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office as well as Parish training and clearance through the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Time Commitment: Visits may be scheduled pending county and state health regulations. Members rotate Tuesdays for an average of 1 visit per month. All members meet or communicate every 6 months to plan the visitation schedule for the following 6 months.

Contact: Mary Parks, 812-371-1787 E: maryparks52@yahoo.com or Jamie Cook, 913-876-9115, cooj57@gmail.com

Purpose: As the local chapter of the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Palm Beach, the goal of the ministry is to draw attention to the issues that threaten the sanctity of life from conception to natural death through dedication to prayer, education and action.

Responsibilities: We strive to acquire and share the most current information regarding all aspects of life-threatening issues. Multiple events are sponsored annually, including a Rosary Prayer Service and a community wide ecumenical “Stand for Life.” We promote the national “40 Days for Life” campaigns twice per year. We conduct fund-raisers to support pregnancy care centers and agencies that support new mothers and their babies.

Time Commitment: We meet on the second Saturday of each month from 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. August through May. We support parish-wide activities and events.

Contact: Susan Baldwin, 848-459-7165 / 772-205-2120, E: SusanBaldwin1009@gmail.com or Cindy Saparito, 314-517-3146

ONE OF THE BEST PRO LIFE VIDEOS

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CHECK OUT THE 2020 BUTTERLFY RELEASE PHOTO ALBUM

Respect Life Materials

           

           

Pro Life Information & News: LIVE ACTION NEWS

Purpose: Being faithful to Mary, the Mother of God, by creating rosaries for missions all over the world, for the school, hospitals, families and all in need.

Responsibilities: Time and willingness to learn to tie knots and string the beads.

Time Commitment: One hour a week each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. September through May.

Contacts: Vicki Cook, 413-896-0755, E: coov58@gmail.com

How to Pray the Rosary

Make the Sign of the Cross and say: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Say the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell, and on the third day He rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.  From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen

Say one Our Father: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Say three Hail Marys: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Say one Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Say one Oh My Jesus: O my Jesus, have mercy on us. Forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Take all souls into heaven, especially, those most in need of thy mercy. Amen.

Announce the 1st Mystery (see below for the different mysteries)

Say one Our Father

Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

Say one Glory Be

Say one Oh my Jesus

Continue the same order for the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Mysteries

After the last decade say the Hail Holy Queen: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy: hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you we cry poor banished children of Eve, to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.  Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Conclude with the following prayer: Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Make the Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries——Monday & Saturday

1. The Annunciation—-Humility
2. The Visitation—-Love of Neighbor
3. The Birth of Jesus—-Poverty
4. The Presentation—-Obedience
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple—-Joy in Finding Jesus

 Sorrowful Mysteries——Tuesday & Friday

1. The Agony in the Garden—-Sorrow for Sin
2. The Scourging at the Pillar—-Purity
3. The Crowning of Thorns—-Courage
4. The Carrying of the Cross—-Patience
5. The Crucifixion—-Perseverance

 Glorious Mysteries——Sunday & Wednesday

1. The Resurrection—-Faith
2. The Ascension—-Hope
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit—-Love of God
4. The Assumption of Mary—-Grace of a Happy Death
5. The Coronation of Mary—-Trust in Mary’s Intercession

 Luminous Mysteries——Thursday

1. The Baptism of Jesus—-Openness to the Holy Spirit
2. The Wedding at Cana—-To Jesus Through Mary
3. Proclaiming the Kingdom of God—-Repentance and Trust in God
4. The Transfiguration of Jesus—-Desire for Holiness
5. The Institution of the Eucharist—-Adoration

Purpose: We offer long-term transitional housing and guidance to the homeless families in Indian River County, and prepare them to live independently.

Contact: Renee Bireley, Development Manager, 772-770-3039, E: rbireley@ccdpb.org

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Purpose:  To create a culture of religious vocation awareness for children, adolescents and young adults and to help all parishioners recognize, encourage and support potential priestly and religious vocations through prayer, education and apostolic action.

Time Commitment: Committee members meet the second  Monday of each month from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Patrick Room of the Christian Learning Center. Additional volunteers are welcome to assist with ministry activities. The time commitment varies according to ministry events.

Prayer Activities:

• Mass for Religious Vocations the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.
• Recitation of the Divine Chaplet the 1st Monday of each month at 3 p.m. in the Chapel.
• Daily rosary after 7:30 a.m. Mass.
• Holy Hour for Vocations rotating between Holy Cross, St. Helen and St. John of the Cross parishes the 3^rd week of each month. Please refer to the Vocation Ministry web page or the parish bulletin for dates and times.
• Traveling Cross Program, St. Helen Catholic School

Education:

• Discerning a religious vocation.
• Vocation educational materials.
• Retreats, seminars and other vocation resources.

Apostolic Action:

• Collaborative activities with Faith Formation, St. Helen Catholic School, Youth and Young Adult Groups.
• Celebration of National Vocation Awareness Week.
• St. Helen Altar Servers Appreciation Dinner.
• Vocation-related Activities.

Considering a religious vocation?

If you would like to speak to someone about a potential religious vocation or require guidance, please make an appointment with a priest or deacon by calling the Parish Office at 567-5129 or by contacting Father Daniel Daza-Jaller,  Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Palm Beach at 561-775-9552.

Contact: Maxine Gallagher, 772-257-5713, E: trinitymg517@gmail.com

Enjoy this article on how one Church had seven priests ordained in 7 years:

Purpose: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul helps people in our community by operating a thrift store. We have a total volunteer staff and the funds raised help people in our own community. We assist with utility bills, prescriptions, clothing and household items. We work closely with local agencies helping those in need.

Responsibilities: Volunteers help us help others by receiving donations, sorting, pricing, doing repairs, cashiering, maintenance and picking up donated items.

Time Commitment: A three hour shift per week, or more if your time permits. The location is 1745 14th Ave, Vero Beach. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. (Closed Tuesday and Thursday).

Contact: Janice Pilon, 772-567-6774, E: jpilon@svdpvero.org Visit us: svdpvero.org