Word Ministries study, share and proclaim the Gospel,

responding to our call to become "Christ-like".

Advent and Lenten Prayer Groups

These groups hold early morning breakfasts to share fellowship and prayer during these special seasons of the year.

Anointing of the Sick

Contact the Parish Center - (908) 232-1214 - at any time. There is usually an annual "Mass of the Anointing" in the Fall and Spring.

Centering Prayer Group

A form of meditative prayer. This group meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM in the Parish Center.

Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a lay ministry for community faith building. Yearly in-parish weekend retreats are held separately for men and women. Renewal faith-sharing days are planned periodically for those who have made the retreat. All events are conducted by the laity with the counsel of the Pastor. There is a Cornerstone core team, which serves as a resource to provide continuity and support.

Faith Sharing Small Groups

Many small sharing groups, involving over 250 people in approximately 20 groups, meet weekly in homes to share faith experiences, scripture and prayer. Groups meet on various days at times convenient to participants.

Father /Son Retreat

A 24 hour retreat for 7th and 8th grade boys and their dads (or male guardians), to foster communication between young teens and their dads, and to assist in the development of spiritual and moral young men.

Infant Baptismal Program

Team couples provide informational meetings for expectant parents including reflection on the Sacrament of Baptism and the implications of Christian parenting. A short film supplements the discussion and highlights the sacramental ritual. Team couples also assist in the Sunday afternoon celebrations of the sacrament.

Parish Library

An excellent resource for Catholic information. There is a significant number of books for children and adults. The Library is open whenever the Parish Center is open. In addition to books, there are audio and video tapes, CDs and DVDs available. The collection will soon be fully computerized.

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

This ministry is intended for those persons seeking to become members of the Catholic Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist or adult catholics already baptized who desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It involves an extended process of informational presentations and faith-development with the support and guidance of our RCIA team.

Religious Education Programs

Elementary (Gr. K-5)

This program covers Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. The courses cover the study of the Ten Commandments, Sacraments and Sacramentals, Bible Stories, Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, Prayers, Catholic Church, Mass, Liturgical seasons and celebrations. Children are enrolled in a two-year preparation program for the Sacrament of First Eucharist and First Penance. 

Middle School (Gr. 6-8)

Our Middle School Program consists of small groups that meet weekly in the homes of catechists or in the meeting rooms of the Parish Center.  The day, time and location of the classes are determined by the catechist.  During the middle school years, the students will study the Old Testament, the life of Jesus in the New Testament and a more detailed study of the sacraments, morality and discipleship.

Christian service is an important element that is introduced and required beginning with the 6th grade and continuing through the 10th grade in preparation for Confirmation.

High School Confirmation Program (Grades 9-10)

Confirmation preparation is a two year program for 9th and 10th grade high school students.  Classes are held in small groups in the homes of the catechists twice a month from October through March.  Each group is assisted by one or two peer ministers who are junior and senior high school students.  Each candidate is responsible for choosing a sponsor, a person who will mentor the young person into the Catholic way of life.  A vital part of the candidate's preparation is developing meaningful and ongoing Christian service.

Respect Life Committee

The mission of this committee is to spread understanding of the Church's teaching in regard to the sanctity and dignity of every human life from the innocent unborn to those convicted of serious crimes, from the poor to the disabled, the ill and the dying.  Further, we wish to facilitate healing and reconciliation to those suffering, the aftermath of abortion and to inspire "mobilization of consciences" in order to activate a great campaign in support of life.

Peace and Justice

The mission of the Peace and Justice Committee is to help educate the parishioners of St. Helen and Holy Trinity about the social relevance of the Gospels, the social teachings of the Church and to provide parishioners with opportunities to engage in social justice activities.