READINGS FOR JANUARY 22

Isaiah 8:23-9:3

1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Matthew 4:12-23

With heartfelt thanks for your

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

January 7 & 8

Adults $13,669.76 Children $3.00

IN THE MILITARY Please pray for those serving in the military.

“Lord, protect our military as they sacrifice for us;

bless them and their families for their

continuing selflessness.“

ST. HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO January 15, 2017

E-GIVING WITH FAITH DIRECT This month we are introducing a new and ex-

citing way for you to support our parish offertory and

second collections: Faith Direct. Faith Direct ena-

bles parishioners to make your Church contributions

through either direct debit from your checking/

savings account or through your credit/debit card. No

more writing checks or searching for envelopes on the

way out the door. Now you can apply the conven-

ience of direct debit to your parish offerings in much

the same way as you may now use it to make your

mortgage, car, or tuition payments.

Faith Direct also offers you personalized of-

fertory cards to replace your envelopes for the collec-

tion basket.

Please review the mailing you will receive

next week or visit www.faithdirect.net to enroll se-

curely online. Our parish code is OH790.

ALL THAT

REMAINED

OF OUR

CHRISTMAS

DECORATIONS

MONDAY

MORNING . . .

We are so thankful for the beauty of the flowers and,

most importantly, of the Christmas season. Now, in

grace, we move into eight weeks of Ordinary Time

… before we head into Lent. Thank you to all who

helped with the transition!

A MOST SINCERE

TO ALL WHO DONATED TOILETRIES

FOR THE AiA WOMEN’S PRISON

MINISTRY AT THE DAYTON

CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE

They will be delighted by your kindness and

thoughtfulness!

YOUR

CAN BE PLACED IN ONE OF THE TWO

LARGE BASKETS IN THE SANCTUARY

THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONDAY, JANUARY 16

Novena-CH 9:00 a.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Rosary-BSC 9:00 a.m.

Bible Study-SJN 9:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

Centering Prayer-SJN 3:15 p.m.

SVDP Meeting-SJN 6:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting-SJN 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Regional Mass at Immaculate Conception Church

SATURDAY, JANAURY 21

5:00 p.m. Mass-Fr. Anthony Geraci

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

8:00 a.m. Mass-Fr. Jerry Bensman

10:30 a.m. Fr. Jerry Bensman

SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

8:00 a.m. Zoraya Camacho (Luz Lievano)

10:30 a.m. Stefanie Moran (Family)

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

8:15 a.m. Mary Adducchio (The Whitneys)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

8:15 a.m. Susan Abaya (Marsh Family)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

8:15 a.m. Santina Tarlano (Son)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

8:15 a.m. Bill Potts (Ray Koester & Family)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

8:15 Regional Mass at Immaculate Conception

SATURDAY, JANAURY 21

5:00 p.m. George Bauer Remembrance (Marilyn

Bauer)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

8:00 a.m. Pat Forsthoefel (Linda Forsthoefel-

Kenney)

10:30 a.m. Jeanette Tartell (Elaine Monell)

SJN-St Julie Meeting Rm-1st fl.

SJB-St Julie Meeting Rm-2nd fl.

SJA-St Julie Dining Rm-1st fl.

BSC-Blessed Sacrament Chapel

CH-Church

HR-Helen Room

SB-Smith Building

GYM-School Gym

THE CHURCH OF MERCY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Part 3, Listening to the Spirit

Where will we be led if we have the courage to let the Holy Spirit guide

us “into all the truth”? (John 16:13)

How does Pope Francis explain the difference betwee Spirit-led diversity

and human-imposed uniformity?

What does Pope Francis mean when he writes, “In God’s great plan, eve-

ry detail is important”?

According to Pope Francis, what does “Being with Christ” mean?

In what specific ways is Pope Francis calling us to be “lights of hope”?

How does Pope Francis describe the role of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in

revitalizing our ministry?

Part 4, Proclamation and Testimony

What does Pope Francis tell us is the meaning of “living Holy Week”?

What advice does Pope Francis give to newlyweds to grow in healthy relationships?

According to Pope Francis, what are the results of accepting the joy of Jesus in our lives?

IT MISSA EST PRESENTS

“WHY I BECAME CATHOLIC” Join us at Immaculate Conception Church,

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. as we dis-

cuss “Why I Became Catholic”. We will meet in the

lower level of the church.

THANK YOU We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude

for the parishioners of St. Helen Parish. The many

prayers, cards, and well-wishes we’ve received have

been much appreciated. John & Marcia Indalecio

ST. HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO January 15, 2017

ST. HELEN BOOSTER CLUB FISH FRY The 2017 St. Helen Booster Club Fish Fry will be held in the school gym on Saturday Janu-

ary 28 from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. Carryout will also be available from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Fish,

chicken, sausage & side items like home made hushpuppies will be served. Pre-sale tickets are

$15.00 and tickets at the door are $20.00. Pre sale tickets are now available at: The Barber

Pole, The St. Helen Rectory, the School office or by contacting Jack Newton 937-532-3281.

Must be 21 to attend.

The Booster Club is also looking for volunteers, donations for the raffle, door prizes,

and raffle prizes. If you have items to donate please call the following: Jack Newton 532-3281 for additional in-

formation.

The St. Helen Trojan Booster Club is an organization that is beneficial to the youth of St. Helen’s commu-

nity. We complement the educational process by creating an environment that will allow our youth to develop

spiritually, mentally, and physically. Through our programs we try to help our youth develop positive personal

attributes, such as integrity, enthusiasm, good sportsmanship, friendships, and self-confidence.

The St. Helen Trojan Booster Club is run entirely by volunteers and donations. Many people are needed to

operate and maintain these programs that help your children and your community.

MUSIC NOTES- A NEW REGULAR FEATURE

ON THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC With the Christmas season barely behind us, the Church settles into the first short stretch of

Ordinary Time. Coming out of Advent and Christmas, you may have noticed some differences

in the instruments and music selections over the last six weeks.

In a 2007 document called Sing to the Lord, the bishops of the United States articulat-

ed, officially, a practice that has been in play for many years in church music: the idea of pro-

gressive solemnity. This principle guides the idea that there is a continuum of both what is sung during a mass

(songs, dialogues, the Our Father, even the readings and gospels), and to what degree it is “festive” based on the

choices of instruments, rituals (incense, additional candles and processions, etc.), and songs.

Advent and Christmas are more solemn seasons than Ordinary Time. In Advent, we used mostly music ex-

clusive to the Advent season, used the organ with restrained sound (more on how the organ works in an upcoming

column), and added the singing of the Kyrie. At Christmas, we “pulled out all the stops” with full organ and piano,

additional instruments, many singers, and lots of congregational singing.

As we return to Ordinary Time, expect that we’ll return to a slightly more informal feel: More piano and

less organ, more contemporary and less “traditional” music, a simpler Gloria, shorter processions, and no incense.

The decorations in the church will have more restraint to them, too. These decisions are made so that we notice a

different “feel” as we get to Lent, and eventually to Easter.

Do you have a question about music? E-mail or call Ellen—it may turn into a future column!

Our dear Cassie is off

to Trinidad! She left this past Tuesday to

begin her new life as a religious with

the Living Water community in Trini-

dad. May her bright face, big heart, and

strong faith sustain her on this new

journey. Pray for her and her family as

they deal with the pains of “letting go”

even as they are supportive!

SKIING,

SNOWBOARDING &

TUBING Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg, IN

YOUTH IN GRADES 7-12:

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Meet at St. Helen at 9 am; return around 7:30 pm

BE ONE: HIGH SCHOOL WINTER RETREAT: FEB. 24-26 Grades 9-12: Get away for a weekend of prayer, fun, and friendship with youth from Ascension and St. Luke parishes. You are uniquely created by God, and you can change the world. Come find out how.

FOOD FAST: MARCH 3-4 Grades 7-10: What’s your relationship with food? With youth from Immaculate Conception and across the country, go hungry for one night and learn how you can take a stand against global poverty. (Juniors and Seniors: Help lead this event! Contact Amy for details!)

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting:

Thurs. January 19

7-8 pm St. Julie Center

At least one parent

should attend.

Contact Amy at

Amy.McEntee@sthelenparish.org

if you are unable to attend.

A MANDATORY informational

parent meeting will be held on

Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30 pm

in the Religious Education office

(basement of the church). All pay-

ment and forms will be required at

this time.

Save time! Download the three

forms in advance:

www.sthelenparish.org/ski-trip

Chaperones &

Drivers needed! Contact Amy if you can help!

Thanks!

Cost: $52 includes lift ticket, one hour ski

lesson, all equipment rental for unlimited skiing, snowboarding or tubing, and a required helmet.

Bring additional money for lunch/concessions. Snacks (granola bars, cheese sticks, and water) will be provided.

Reserve Your Spot:

Call Amy in the Rectory Office at 256-8815 or go to www.sthelenparish.org/ski-trip

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS:

ST. HELEN CHURCH

RIVERSIDE, OHIO January 15, 2017

CREDIT UNION NEWS If your Fall season involves new car shopping,

then start your quest at the St. Helen Federal Credit

Union. We have new car rates that start as low as

2.49% APR for 36 months. And late model used cars

start at 2.99% APR. Don’t go through the run around

with dealer finances, get pre-approval through us for

your shopping ease. We also offer Debt Consolidation

to help get finances back in order and a Quick Cash

for Cleanup---up to $7000 for those short-term

needs. Applications for all our loans are available at

the Credit Union or on-line at

www.sthelenfederalcreditunion.com.

ST. HELEN EXTENDED CARE Positions available to care for students of

St. Helen before and/or after school.

Substitute A.M. Associate, as needed Monday-Friday,

6:35 a.m.—7:35 a.m.

Substitute P.M. Associate, as needed Monday-Friday,

2:30 p.m.—6:00 p.m.

Extended Care P.M. Associate,

Monday-Wednesday-Thursday,

2:30p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Please contact Julie Hunt at jhunt@sthelenschl.org or

937-256-1761, ext. 143 if interested.

CREATION CARE TEAM “10 Things in Your Home Linked

to Climate Change.”

#2: COFFEE. Coffee leaf rust is affect-

ing the livelihood of farmers and their families in

Central and South America. Coffee leaf rust is a fun-

gus that destroys the coffee leaf plant. Once the rust

starts, the plant cannot be saved. In 2012 some farm-

ers in Guatemala lost up to 85% of their plants. The

fungus thrives in warmer temperatures, and as tem-

peratures keep rising, coffee farmers have to look to

new ways to produce their coffee or get out of the

business entirely. Learn about how your contributions

to Catholic Relief Services through CRS Rice Bowl

and the annual CRS Collection help farmers face their

challenges at http://www.crs.org/stories/climate-

change-guatemala-coffee-leaf-rust.

REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL MARCH Area Catholics are joining together to walk in solidarity in the Rev. Martin Luther King Memorial March

on Monday, January 16, at 10 a.m. If you can’t walk the route from near the Drew Health Center, 1323 W. Third

St., Dayton, to the Convention Center, you can still participate by riding in a car. A rally follows at the Convention

Center, 22 E. Fifth St., at 11 a.m. Please consider joining Weavers of Justice and the Archdiocese’s Catholic So-

cial Action Office in the march. Email Pam Long, Regional Director of the Catholic Social Action Office,

at plong@catholiccincinnati.org so we can connect and walk together.

The MLK Celebration Banquet with the theme “Still Standing” will feature keynote speaker Rev. Joan

Brown Campbell at the Convention Center at 6 p.m. The first clergywoman to lead the National Council of

Churches and to direct the U.S. office of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Campbell has given national and

international leadership to both ecumenical and interfaith work. Tables are $600 and individual reservations are

$75. Please call Ivy Young, Treasurer for the MLK Dayton Committee, at 937-344-6003 or 937-275-8084 to

make reservations.

ELIZABETH NEW LIFE CENTER Elizabeth’s New Life Center is in need of medical

professionals to volunteer in our Women’s Centers. If

you are an M.D., D.O.,LPN, RN, Nurse practitioner,

Physician’s Assistant or RDMS please consider giv-

ing a few hours of your time weekly, bi-weekly or

monthly to work with the underserved women our

community who may be at risk for abortion. Please

email tmiller@elizabethnewlifecenter.org or call 937-

226-7414 to talk about the possibilities!

Dearly beloved parishioners,

I pray that the New Year has brought blessings to you and your loved ones. By the time

this letter appears in the bulletin, I will be on vacation in India with my family. I hope

that this letter finds you well.

It has been six months since Fr. Dave Brinkmoeller retired and I assumed the role of pas-

tor. Much has transpired during this time. Please consider this letter to be a “State of the

Parish” address to all of you.

1. Coordinator for Adult Evangelization: Mike Ingram, who recently introduced himself

as the Coordinator of Adult Evangelization, informed me recently that professional ex-

tenuating circumstances have led him away from St. Helen. Obviously, I am very saddened by this development

since the search committee and I had put much time and effort into interviews and in ultimately selecting Mike. I

am also sad because Mike is a really good man, and I believe that had he continued in this position, we would

have gained much from his presence and talents. On behalf of the parish I wish him the very best. At this point, I

have decided to entrust some the responsibilities of this position to very generous volunteers within the parish. For

example, Shawn Kalis will spearhead the RCIA program, and Jon and Deb Danner will lead baptism preparation

classes to families who approach the parish seeking this sacrament for their children. I am grateful to them and

others who have generously offered their time and gifts for the service of the community. At this time, I have de-

cided to wait until spring to take the next steps. Perhaps there is room for some creativity and the possibility of

reconfiguring staff positions at the parish. Let us pray that God’s wisdom will lead us in this process.

2. Facilities and Grounds Survey: Close to the time of Fr. Dave’s retirement, there was much research done

into the facilities and building needs of the parish. Two projects gained much attention: the need for a cafeteria at

the school and the need for renovating the parish offices. A feasibility study done in June 2016 revealed that the

cost of both these projects would wipe out our entire financial reserves. As a result, I, along with Don Reimer, our

Business Manager, the parish staff, the Building and Grounds Committee, and the Finance Commission decided to

conduct a survey of ministry leaders to assess the overall facilities needs of the parish. Building & Grounds, Fi-

nance, PPC, and staff will be working on a comprehensive facilities plan to be presented by the end of fiscal year.

The question we are trying to address is this: How can we continue to develop our facilities so that we can provide

ministries with optimum effectiveness yet maintain a reasonable and healthy financial reserve? The survey has

been helpful in making a few important decisions. For one, items have come to the top of the priority list for facil-

ities. These include air-conditioning the school classrooms, making the parish office building handicap accessible,

furnishing the parish offices for collaborative work and maximum efficiency, equipping the church with a state-of-

the-art sound system, and constructing a gathering-space/cafeteria for the parish/school. Except for the last item,

most of these projects will be completed in the 2017-18 calendar year.

3. Formation of Risk Management Committee. One of my main goals has been to develop policies for risk

management. We live in a time where litigation is the name of the game. Religious organizations like St. Helen are

not immune from such risks. There are three areas in which a parish is most vulnerable: the use of our grounds and

facilities, the sale and use of alcohol at parish events (fish fry, festival, parish picnic, festival volunteer party) and

games that include gambling. While such events continue to be integral to the life of the parish, thus far there has

been no cohesive and consistent policy that addresses the liability we risk in holding such events. State laws re-

garding gambling, and especially the use of alcohol have radically changed. Moreover, the Archdiocese suggests

best practices that may be contrary to the many of the practices that we have carried forward from the time these

events were originally founded. I believe that our church has an obligation to protect our patrons, our volunteers,

and our parish from harm.

Thus, in October last year we invited the Office of Risk Management of the Archdiocese Cincinnati to update our

fish fry and festival committees and booth chairs about State laws and best practices regarding gambling, alcohol,

and facilities use. It was suggested that the parish establish a committee to develop risk management policies that

are in line with the latest laws and best practices. We have formed a Risk Management Committee to develop

sound policies for our parish. I am very grateful to Jeremy McWilliams for agreeing to be the chairperson of this

committee. This committee is meeting and working hard toward developing risk management policies. These poli-

cies will function as the guideline for future events. I believe that this will enhance the way in which we conduct

parish events.

4. Introducing E-Giving. Over the last few years, an ad hoc committee of parishioners led by Mary Heider

has done extensive research about electronic giving. The data highlights the multiple advantages of electronic giv-

ing including convenience and consistent giving, the latter of which will assist the parish in annual financial plan-

ning. Moreover, more and more people, especially the millennial and younger generations, rarely use checks. They

have consistently requested e-giving options in the parish. In response, our parish has employed the services of

Faith Direct to introduce and set up e-giving in our parish. E-giving will be launched in our parish on January 21-

22. Please know that those who would like to use the regular envelopes can continue to do so. E-giving is only for

those who voluntarily sign up for it. May I please request you to actively participate in this program and make it a

success.

5. Success for SH School. Our school continues to do very well under the leadership of our principal,

Chrissy Buschur. Not only is the enrollment growing, but the school has become an important evangelizing minis-

try. This Easter, 9 students will be baptized (with a total of 10 coming into the church) as they embrace Catholi-

cism. My heartfelt congratulations to every one of these students. I deeply appreciate our principal, teachers, and

school volunteers for their admirable commitment and diligence.

6. Impact of Priests Shortage. The shortage of priests is a tragic but growing crisis within the church. We

all hoped that the impact of this crisis would not be imminent or that it would not affect our parish. However, it is

affecting us in the here and now. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Futures Plan called for a creation of regions that

would comprise two or more parishes under one pastor. This plan was partly implemented when Fr. Dave became

the Pastor of Region 6. This region includes St. Helen and Immaculate Conception parishes. I have reason to be-

lieve that the days of having two full-time priests between our two parishes are behind us. Increasingly, newly or-

dained priests are being appointed full-time pastors of pastoral regions more quickly than in the past. This makes it

impossible to have long term associate pastors as we have had in the past. While the full implication of this devel-

opment is not fully clear to us at St. Helen, I am requesting that we be aware that the shortage of priests and its

impact will be an issue we must be prepared to embrace. I am very grateful to the retired and other generous

priests who have offered their services to us in the last few months.

We are a people of faith. Often, when we are compelled to embrace change, fear can dominate our conver-

sations and actions. I believe that the Church founded by Jesus Christ is in His hands. Let us give and do our best

for the Church because when we do so, we serve God and our brothers and sisters. Meanwhile, I remain commit-

ted to ensuring that St. Helen Parish and School remain vibrant communities of faith today and for generations to

come.

Sincerely,

Fr. Satish Joseph