Saint Helen Grows

Msgr. Edward J. McGinness

In September 1976, Father Dooley announced his retirement and St. Helen’s welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Edward J. McGinness. He was officially installed on January 4, 1976. We were honored when he was elevated to the position of Monsignor in June 1984.
He was to remain our loving pastor until his death in 1987.

 

 

Saint Helen’s Church

Under the direction of Msgr. McGinness, St. Helen’s constructed its present church. A successful fund raising campaign resulted in the ground breaking on April 30, 1979. The church, located on 157 Ave between 82^nd and 83^rd Streets was completed in August 1979.

 

St. Helen’s Rectory

As the parish grew, it became apparent that we needed a larger, more functional rectory. The current rectory was completed in April 1983.
  

Our First Permanent Deacons

St. Helen’s participated in the diocesan program to encourage parishioners to consider ordination to the permanent deaconate. We were fortunate to have two of our men trained and ordained as permanent deacons: Robert Garamella (1986) and Anthony Cusumano (1987).

Msgr. Joseph C. Pfeiffer

In 1988 Msgr. Joseph C. Pfeiffer was asked to shepherd St. Helen’s. Under his direction, an outdoor shrine was erected to Our Blessed Mother and an extension was added to the rectory to accommodate the numerous activities held here in the parish. Msgr. Pfeiffer retired in June 2005.

 

 

 

Msgr. Richard E. Marchese

In July of 2005 Msgr. Marchese was assigned by Bishop DiMarzio as our new pastor. He came to us with many gifts and talents. When Msgr. Marchese arrived we looked forward to continued spiritual growth under his stewardship.

Since his arrival our parish has been involved in the Diocesan efforts to revitalize parish life. Under his leadership a Parish Pastoral Council has been formed. We continue to grow spiritually as individuals and as a parish.

Our parish worship area has been beautiful renovated and a shrine dedicated to Padre Pio has been dedicated. They are works of art that give glory and honor to the Lord.

Honorable Mention

No history of our parish would be complete without mentioning three special people:

Sister Hannah Cox has become one of the pillars of our community. Her over thirty years of combined service in the parish as St. Helen’s School Principal and most recently as Pastoral Coordinator has shown her to be a talented dedicated minister.  

Our claim to fame is that two of our Associate Pastors were ordained as Bishops in 1994: Bishop Ignatius A. Cantanello and Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito.