We have just received word that Sr. Jean Clare Scheer, O.P. (age 95), who taught at St. Helena School from 1949-54 has died in Siena Hall at Sparkill. Born in St. Louis, she entered the Dominican Sisters in 1940, the year St. Helena was founded, and she professed final vows in 1947. She received her bachelors degree in Education from Manhattan College. One of her former students, Walter Miclo '62, wrote: "Sister Jean Clare was an active, spirited nun who was my FIRST teacher in K-A-4 in the annex. She played the piano for us, and she was genuinely happy to be with us little ones. She posed with me for a photo taken by my mom on our last day of kindergarten in 1954. She remained a standard for me by which to gage teachers for years afterward. St. Helena's was home, wasn't it?"
It is very easy for St. Helena parishioners and residents of the Parkchester area to register with FORMED, the exciting Catholic internet site, where you can watch good Catholic movies and programs, enjoy music, and download books. FIRST go to www.formed.org and click the REGISTER link in the middle of the page; enter the St. Helena parish code 2KQQYD and your email, then click “Go.” Fill in the registration information. After registering, you will receive a message asking you to verify your email address. Check your email (it may be in your spam folder) and click VERIFY. You will be prompted to login. You can then enjoy using FORMED.
Healthy Pets Project of NYC will provide free or low cost spay/neuter program with vaccines; pet food, leash, bowls and toys for one month; and referrals to low-cost vets in your area. To apply for assistance, it must be done online at: http://www.healthypetsnyc.org/contact-us.html
Adult and Children's Choir Announcement: St. Helena's is happy to announce that we will be starting an adult and children's choir. A long tradition of musical excellence has been a part of our St. Helena heritage. We are excited to grow and nourish this extraordinary part of worship under the leadership of our Music Director, Patrick Marques. Patrick has had a long list of professional music accomplishments including a debut with Carnegie Hall as tenor soloist in Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Singing lead roles along side such renowned artists as the famous Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, as well as being on the musical staff at St. Patrick's Cathedral, here in NYC. Mr. Marques received his training at Westminster Choir College and has been directing choirs and serving as an organist since he was 17 years old. Rehearsals and Sung Choir Masses will commence on October 16, 2016. Rehearsal/Mass Schedule as follow: Children's Choir: 8:30 am Rehearsal - 9:00 am Mass Adult Choir: 10:00 am Rehearsal - 10:30 am Mass Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.