Humble Beginnings

St. Helen’s Parish in Howard Beach officially entered the history books on June 24, 1960 when the diocese recognized a need to address the sacramental needs of the catholic community that had grown up west of Cross Bay Blvd.

Bishop Bryan J. McEntegart asked Rev. John W. Dooley to be the founding pastor. He was assisted by Rev. Robert O. Francke. The priests started their ministry in a home purchased on 157^th Ave. and 82^nd Street. It served as a rectory, and a place to gather for daily Mass.


The Vigliarolo family offered the basement of their home for Sunday worship and meetings. By July, arrangements had been made for the community to offer Mass in a recreation room in Lindenwood.  We were growing very quickly.

In July, 1960 we recorded our first parish baptism. Karen Jean Pritchard, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Pritchard has the honor of being the first child baptized in the newly formed parish of St. Helen’s.

By October, parishioners had worked with the priests to establish parish organizations such as the Rosary Altar Society, The Holy Name Society and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. Our parish trustees were Thomas Dowd and Frank Vigliarolo.  Quite a bit of progress in less than 4 months!

Building Campaign

By October 1961, after a successful fund raising campaign, land was purchased on 157^th Ave. and 84^th Street. It was to be the site of our "ALL Purpose" building, now known as Father Dooley Hall. Construction was completed in April 1962 and Mass was celebrated there on Palm Sunday, April 15, 1962.  The official consecration of the building took place on September 16, 1962 when it was blessed and dedicated by Bishop McEntegart.

St. Helen’s School

While the sacramental life of the parish was flourishing, attention was turned to the academic and spiritual development of our children. August 22, 1965 was the official start date for the construction of St. Helen’s School. The project cost the parish $700,000. The school would be staffed by sisters of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Newburgh.  A house was purchased on 84^th Street to serve as a convent. Sister Mary Genevieve, the first principal, opened the school in September, 1967.