"A true catechetical center to serve those who come to serve the Lord," said Bishop Carmody about the new building at St. Helena of the True Cross of Jesus Parish which he blessed on Aug 23. The building will house the Religious Education, youth, and home schooler support programs.

It wasn't too long ago that you were here and we were digging shovel-fulls of dirt to build a church," Father James Farfaglia told Bishop Edmond Carmody as he welcomed him to St. Helena's Parish August 23 for Mass, a pastoral visit, the second annual lay ministries fair and the blessing of a newly constructed Catechetical center on the parish campus.

"This is a historic moment of growth in a new parish," Father Farfaglia said in his invitation to those gathered for the blessing. The goal is to open first a pre-kinder for 3-and 4-year-olds, then a first grade by August of 2010, pending diocesan approval. A grade would be added each year to form a small preschool.

Father Farfaglia, pastor of St. Helena, said, "It is part of a six prong approach for parishes set forth the in Vatican II documents. Those prongs are: a vibrant and uplifting liturgy, an active and supportive parish life, authentic faith formation, a pro-life outreach apostolate, neighborhood outreach to those who have fallen away, and finally a school where parish children learn their faith."

The parish, which was established in 2001, is located on Wooldridge Road in a fast growing area of Corpus Christi's south side. It presently serves approximately 220 families. Because many of its children are home schooled, the parish maintains a structured program of activities to enhance that experience with a fully rounded parish community life. The new building will house an expanded Religious Education and Youth program and facilitate the activities of the home schoolers support program; which includes an ongoing support every Friday for home educators and stay at home moms and Fun Friday's at St. Helena.

On their Web site, the parish states, "We are a joyful, dynamic multi-cultural family unconditionally united with the Pope." The parish is described as "A small, rapidly growing parish family for serious Catholics or those who want to become serious in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. They add, "We are pro-life, pro marriage and pro-family!" They maintain a full complement of parish life and related activities. The spiritual life of the church centers on the Mass, celebrated six times Sundays including once in Spanish and in the Trindentine form. Daily Mass is available both at the church and at the Wooldridge Nursing Home. Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Mass.

The parish is initiating a program of Eucharistic Adoration to begin Sept. 1, all day, every Friday. In true family spirit many parishioners on hand participating in the Lay Ministries Fair were: CCD, Handmaids & Youth groups; the Home Educators, Knights of Columbus, Birthright/ Hope House/ Gabriel Project/ Celebration for Life/; St. Paul School of Catechesis, Catholic Thrift Store, Evangelization and Choirs, Sacristan/ Arts & Environment; and Ushers, Lectors, and Cooking Team.

After the Mass new parishioner Dr. Jorge Mendizabal, a local neurologist, who joined St. Helena's a year ago, welcomed the crowd. He explained his and his families' feelings of joy, grace and connectedness with the parish family. He also referred any one interested in joining St. Helena's to read the Mission statement on the Web.. Go to www.sthelenacctx.org