Do you know about Saint Helen? Mother of St. Constantine the Great and born to parents of humble means, St. Helen was married to Constantius Chlorus who later divorced her in order to further his career. St. Helen’s mission was to locate the Life-Creating Cross. After extensive questing, research and prayer, the area was located and the ground began to be excavated. Soon, the Tomb of the Lord was uncovered and not far were the three crosses. Because she needed to determine which cross was Jesus’, St. Macarius, who was working with
On with the virtual tour. The church is very easy to locate on the main thoroughfare and the tall brown crucifix on top along with the street sign beckon your attention. The front door has a beautiful stained glass panel affixed above with the caption, “Saint Helen’s Church.” Immediately off to the left of the foyer is an adoration area with two kneelers, crosses, and a statue of Mary adorned with candles. The foyer has plaques, crucifixes, Holy Water stoup, posters, a bulletin board and handouts. Entering into the nave of the church are pews positioned to form the shape of a “U”. The altar is located at the opening of the “U”. Stations of the Cross are located towards the top of the wall and divided evenly on the sides of the pews with one side being the entrance wall and the other opposite the entrance. There are four stained glass windows and they are located near the corners of the building that bring in plenty of morning light along with the other windows. A credence table is immediately to the right of the entrance and further right is the entrance door to the confessional. Further right is an exquisite Indian blanket with a lovely painting of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, their mission in Duchesne. Directly across the entrance on the far wall is a beautiful print of their Patron Saint Helen along with Constantine just below the Stations of the Cross.
Since it is the thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the altar linens and panels are in green. The altar table was already prepared with The Gospel Book, two white candles and two taller candles on pillars. The processional crucifix is directly to the right of the altar and the podium is to the left. Directly behind the altar table is an ornate brass colored tabernacle that was on a large pillar and draped in white lace. Immediately above the tabernacle is a photo of Jesus and just above that is the crucifix. There are windows on each side that illuminate the altar. Below the windows are chairs for the altar servers and Father Showri . The choir area, including organ, is to the right of the altar.
Father Showri gave a wonderful homily and the parishioners were very hospitable. I thank you for your kindness and pray that God's face shines upon you, and be gracious to you. May His peace, which is beyond all understanding keep your hearts and minds ever thirsting for the knowledge and love of God and of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.