A Parish of 3,000 Families on Rahway Avenue
Saint Helen Parish anchors Catholic life in Westfield, New Jersey, serving more than 3,000 families from its home at 1600 Rahway Avenue. The parish motto, "Worshipping God, Serving Others, Making Disciples," frames everything from the Sunday Eucharist to the Saturday morning soup kitchen runs and the Wednesday afternoon faith-sharing groups. Under the leadership of pastor Msgr. Thomas Nydegger, the parish has built a wide web of programs for every age and stage, anchored by a contemporary, ensemble-led music program and a strong commitment to service beyond its walls.
Members come from Westfield and the surrounding towns of Mountainside, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Springfield. The campus includes the church, a parish center with offices and a library, Meaney Hall (a parish hall used for children's programs and community meals), and a gym that hosts youth events and family gatherings. The parish belongs to the Archdiocese of Newark and its ministries are guided by archdiocesan safe-environment policies, including the Protecting God's Children program required of every volunteer who works with children.
Daily and Weekend Mass
Mass is celebrated every day of the week: Monday through Saturday at 9:00 AM, Saturday evening at 5:00 PM, and Sunday at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. The 10:00 AM Sunday Mass and the 9:00 AM daily Mass are livestreamed on the parish's YouTube channel, and the 6:00 PM Sunday liturgy is a rebroadcast of the morning's Mass.
Reconciliation is heard on Saturday afternoons from 4:00 to 4:30 PM in the chapel (except Holy Saturday) and by appointment. Mass intentions are scheduled for each liturgy, with hundreds of intentions listed months in advance and available through a searchable page on the parish website.
First-time visitors are greeted at the door by members of the Hospitality Ministry, who wear blue name tags and can direct families to the sanctuary, restrooms, and children's programs. Everyone is welcome regardless of background or beliefs, and new parishioners are invited to register for updates about parish events and programs.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered monthly on a Sunday evening and a Tuesday afternoon. The parish's Adoration Ministry provides a quiet space for prayer before the reserved Sacrament, allowing parishioners to step away from busy weeks for a sustained hour of prayer.
A Blended, Contemporary Worship Experience
Saint Helen's music ministry is ensemble-based. The parish strives to have every Mass led by a team of musicians, singers, and instrumentalists, blending traditional hymns with contemporary worship songs. The published music lists show a regular rotation that draws from both classic Catholic repertoire and modern worship artists like Tomlin, Hillsong, Hart, Maher, Stephan, Booth, and Crowder. Advent and Lent feature their own sets of music suited to the season, and Easter is marked by triumphant music.
Several ensembles share the music ministry:
- The Festival Chorale, the adult choir that sings at the Saturday 5:00 PM Mass in four-part harmony, mixing traditional and contemporary music under the direction of worship director Adrian Soltys.
- The Hummingbirds, a children's choir for grades 3 through 8 that sings at the 10:00 AM Mass once a month and at various celebrations throughout the year, directed by Megan Soltys.
- The Sunday Evening Worship Team, a casual group of singers and instrumentalists in 8th grade and up who rehearse at 5:00 PM on Sundays before the 6:00 PM Mass. No weekly commitment is required.
- Saint Helen Voices, an adult group that shares musical gifts with the wider community through outreach concerts.
- The Saint Helen Worship Band, an auditioned ensemble that provides music for the 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM liturgies each weekend. The band is always seeking talented instrumentalists and worship leaders; ability to read charts or sheet music is preferred.
- Seasonal Choirs for Christmas and Holy Week/Easter, open to guest singers willing to commit to five or six rehearsals.
Altar Servers, Lectors, and Liturgical Ministries
Saint Helen's liturgical life depends on dozens of volunteers. Altar Servers, one of the oldest ministries in the Church, prepare for worship by setting the altar and lighting the candles; new servers are recruited and trained in spring and fall, generally in Grade 3 or higher. Lectors proclaim the readings at Sunday liturgy and are trained to proclaim the Word with dignity and reverence. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are trained and commissioned to distribute the Eucharist at all Masses and to bring Communion to the homebound and to nursing homes.
Sacristans prepare and execute liturgical celebrations behind the scenes. The Church Cleaning and Linen Ministry cares for altar linens and refreshes the church and chapel spaces. The Art and Environment Ministry creates an atmosphere that inspires full, conscious participation during worship, with subcommittees for floral arrangements, sewing, set construction, plant care, crafts, and seasonal decorating for Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Vacation Bible School.
The Seven Sacraments
The parish celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Baptisms are arranged through the Baptism Coordinator, Tracey Sowa, after an initial call to the parish receptionist. The Baptism Ministry welcomes families with hospitality, conversation, and prayer, often serving as their first step into the parish community or their first step back to Church after time away.
First Eucharist and Confirmation are prepared through the parish's religious education and youth ministry programs, with Confirmation deepening the grace of baptism through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgment, courage, reverence, and wonder and awe.
Couples preparing for marriage are asked to contact the parish office a year before their proposed date and before finalizing reception plans, to allow time for Pre-Cana marriage preparation. The parish also celebrates Anointing of the Sick, with a Mass of Anointing held each fall, and supports parishioners discerning vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Vocations Office.
Adults who have never been baptized, or who were baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to enter full communion with the Catholic Church, are invited to explore OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Kids Corner: Worship for the Youngest
Saint Helen places a strong emphasis on welcoming children into the liturgy. Kids Corner, for children ages 2 through 5, runs during the 10:00 AM Mass from September through June in Meaney Hall. Children are divided into three age-appropriate groups: Terrific Twos (age 2), Preschool Worship (ages 3 to 4), and Kindergarten Worship (ages 5 and 6). Each week, the children break open the Word of God through music, cartoons, and fellowship that follows the liturgical seasons and the parish's message series.
Pre-registration is required through mySaintHelen, and the program is offered at no cost. Drop-off begins at 9:45 AM and pick-up follows the end of Mass. All staff and volunteers complete background checks and Protecting God's Children training.
Sing 'N Pray and Vacation Bible School
For families with children from birth through age 4, Sing 'N Pray is an early childhood music program that meets in five- to six-week sessions tied to the liturgical seasons. Classes are held on Wednesday mornings and Sunday mornings. Through singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, the program introduces children to God's love in a low-pressure, intergenerational setting.
Each summer, Vacation Bible School offers a week of faith, fun, and friendship for children ages 4 through 5th grade. The Art and Environment Ministry plays a major role in preparing the set, while dozens of teen and adult volunteers lead the program.
Religious Education for Children in Grades 1 to 4
Children in grades 1 through 4 gather in person for one-hour religious education sessions held in rooms 102/103 of Meaney Hall. The program uses the Dynamic Catholic "Blessed" curriculum for sacramental preparation and the "Our Sunday Visitor - Alive in Christ" curriculum for ongoing formation. Each session opens with song and prayer, includes a large-group lesson on Sacred Space, and breaks into small table groups of about eight children with a volunteer teacher.
First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation is part of the Year 2 Blessed program and includes a required Blessing Cup parent-child retreat. The year begins with a Welcome Mass and family dinner in the parish gym. Nicole Murphy directs the program and is supported by MaryAnn Gerbino.
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is offered at the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass for grades 1 through 4. Children are called forward at the beginning of Mass, escorted to the chapel by volunteer ministers for a 25-minute Liturgy of the Word using the Children's Lectionary, and returned to their parents before the Offertory. No registration is required. Peer Ministers from the high school youth ministry assist with prayers and handouts.
Middle School and Youth Ministry
The middle school program (grades 5 through 8), directed by Mike Fusco, combines large-group sessions, the Sunday EDGE youth ministry, GAIM Time Masses, Hallo Prayer Challenges, a retreat day, and service opportunities. Gospel Alive in Me (GAIM) is the middle school version of Children's Liturgy of the Word, offered every other month at the 12:00 PM Sunday Mass.
The high school youth ministry, led by Patti Gardner, gathers teens in grades 9 through 12 for youth nights, service projects, retreats, and Bible studies. Teens participate in Spark Nights and other events throughout the year. The parish has sent groups to World Youth Day, and youth are encouraged to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life through the archdiocesan vocations awareness program.
Service is central to youth ministry at Saint Helen. Teens regularly cook and serve at the Agape Soup Kitchen in Elizabeth, the St. Mary's Soup Kitchen in Plainfield, and the St. Joseph's Social Service Center, and they volunteer at Mercy House and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. The parish also fields a competitive CYO Basketball travel league, growing young athletes in skill and faith.
Becoming Catholic and Growing in Faith
For adults seeking to become Catholic or to complete their initiation, OCIA walks inquirers through the Rite of Christian Initiation over the course of several months. Adult faith formation at Saint Helen is built around a discipleship path that follows the scriptural images of "Come and See" (John 1:46), "Follow Me" (Matthew 9:9), and "Go therefore and make disciples" (Matthew 28:17).
Parishioners can discover Christ through the ChristLife series, a seven-week introduction to the Christian faith with a shared meal, a talk, and small group discussion. They can grow through Growing in Faith, a multi-session exploration of the Catechism of the Catholic Church using themes like "What Do We Believe?," "How Do We Celebrate What We Believe?," "How Do We Live Out What We Believe?," and "How Do We Pray?" They can renew faith through the Cornerstone retreat, a 26-hour weekend experience hosted by parishioners; since Cornerstone's inception at Saint Helen, over 2,000 men and women have attended. They can discern gifts through the Called and Gifted program, walk with one of five certified spiritual directors, or make a Manresa Retreat, a silent preached retreat offered periodically.
Walking with Purpose and LifeLines
Walking with Purpose invites women of the parish to journey through Scripture together. The study meets on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM and Friday mornings at 9:45 AM during program seasons and regularly draws more than 100 women.
LifeLines is the parish's small-group ministry, replacing what was formerly known as small groups. LifeLines gather around shared interests and activities, from hiking and book discussions to coffee meetups, Scripture study, and painting, while growing in faith together. There is a LifeLine for every season of life, and a quick online assessment helps newcomers find the right group. The parish also hosts a Tuesday Morning Virtual Faith Sharing at 10:15 AM and a Thursday Morning Faith Sharing drop-in at 9:45 AM.
Elementary Families Together and Catholic Families Connect
Two family ministries bring parents and children together around faith and service. Elementary Families Together (EFT) serves families with children in grades 1 through 4, hosting gatherings like a Welcome Back field day, a Harvest Fest, and a Family Epiphany Evening, along with service projects that benefit agencies such as Catholic Relief Services.
Catholic Families Connect (CFC) reaches families with young children. Events include an OktoberFest gathering with a service project that collects deli meat, cheese, and bread for local food pantries. The ministry's threefold purpose is to connect with one another, connect with the less fortunate, and connect with God.
Abide Young Adults and Ageless Seniors
Abide is Saint Helen's young adult ministry for adults ages 19 to 39, whether single, married, or navigating a new chapter of life. Abide hosts Formation Nights with guest speakers, service projects like cooking meals for St. Joseph Social Service Center, and opportunities for fellowship. Patricia Gomez coordinates the ministry.
Ageless is a daytime community for men and women in the second half of life. The group hosts speakers on topics of interest, brunches and luncheons, movies, book and hobby groups, and seasonal events like the Ageless Communion Breakfast, which follows a 9:00 AM Mass and features a guest speaker in Meaney Hall.
Mental Health Ministry and Counseling
The Mental Health Ministry uses theological, psychological, and social perspectives to equip the parish to support mental health and well-being. Its mission is to walk with others who are struggling in a confidential manner from a Catholic perspective. The ministry offers the eight-session Sanctuary Course for small groups, maintains a resource list of local counseling services and support groups, and partners with organizations like NAMI and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey.
Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of the ministry, chosen for her journey of healing and transformation. The green ribbon, a symbol of mental health awareness, is used by the ministry throughout the parish.
The Saint Helen Counseling Project, led by Liz Migneco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist, offers confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families. The Caregiver's Support Ministry meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Parish Center, providing support for those caring for a family member or friend.
Helping Hands & Hearts and the Soup Kitchens
Helping Hands & Hearts is Saint Helen's umbrella outreach program. It includes the Prayer Network, Care Ministry (transportation to church or appointments, visits to the homebound, occasional meals), One-on-One Ministry, the Genesis Nursing Home, and care for the poor and homeless through the soup kitchen and other projects. Donation envelopes are distributed twice a year, and memorials are accepted at any time.
The parish also operates the Westfield Food Pantry Ministry, which serves multiple social service agencies in Union County from a location at 425 North Avenue East in Westfield. Saint Helen provides hot meals at two soup kitchens every month, St. Joseph's in Elizabeth and St. Mary's in Plainfield. The Bakery Ministry collects day-old baked goods from ShopRite in Clark and delivers them to St. Joseph's Social Services Center. The Garden Ministry's vegetable harvest supports local food pantries and soup kitchens.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers knitters and crocheters on the first Monday of every month at 9:30 AM in the Parish Library, creating shawls that are prayed over as tangible signs of God's healing, hope, and courage. Twelve is a confidential support group for those impacted by a loved one's addiction, meeting Monday evenings in the parish library.
Respect Life, Peace and Justice, and Sister Pat's Kids Camp
The Respect Life Ministry of Saint Helen and Holy Trinity is guided by the principle that each person is a gift from God at all times through the journey of life. The Peace and Justice Ministry, in conjunction with Holy Trinity, helps parishioners engage in the public forum by advocating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in economic, political, and social decisions.
Sister Pat's Kids Camp, a heartwarming weeklong outreach camp for children with cancer and blood disorders, has been a Saint Helen ministry for many years, offering a unique week of joy and care for campers and their families.
Inclusive Ministry and Pastoral Council
Saint Helen's Inclusive Faith Formation Program welcomes and supports children, teens, and adults with disabilities as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and take part more fully in parish life. Through adapted lessons, individualized support, and a welcoming community, the program meets each person where they are. The parish also hosts a Dyslexia 101 workshop for parents and guardians, led by a certified facilitator who is also a Saint Helen parishioner.
The Saint Helen Pastoral Council is a consultative body that supports the pastor in fostering the spiritual growth and mission of the parish. Members come from Westfield, Mountainside, Cranford, Scotch Plains, and Fanwood, and bring backgrounds in education, healthcare, business, and law to their service.
Pastoral Staff and Supporting the Parish
The pastoral team includes Adrian Soltys (Director of Worship), Chris Steiner (Operations Director), Kent Diamond (Business Manager), Maria Auricchio (Coordinator of Adult Discipleship), Marilyn Ryan (Pastoral Associate), Matthew Boyle (Director of Communications), Michael Fusco (Director of Religious Education for Grades 5-10), Nicole Murphy (Director of Religious Education for Grades 1-4), Patti Gardner (Director of Youth Ministry for Grades 9-12), and Tracey Sowa (Baptism and Kids Corner Ministries Coordinator).
Saint Helen invites parishioners and friends to support its mission financially through online giving, text-to-give, mailed checks, and offering envelopes. Gifts can be directed to the Heritage Fund for parish needs and improvements, to a specific ministry or fund, or made in memory or honor of a loved one. Stock donations are also accepted. Every volunteer who works with children must complete the Archdiocese of Newark's Protecting God's Children workshop, sign the Code of Ethics, and complete a volunteer application that includes authorization for a criminal background check.
The parish publishes a weekly bulletin, a blog, and podcasts, and is active on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Text CONNECT to (908) 860-8444 to receive parish updates by text, or visit the parish's website to register for email updates, view the bulletin, or access mySaintHelen, the parish's online portal.
Saint Helen Parish, a Church of the Archdiocese of Newark, calls itself a community of worship, service, and discipleship. Its blend of contemporary music, comprehensive faith formation, strong outreach to neighbors in need, and pastoral care for every age makes it a gathering place where more than 3,000 families find a home in Westfield.