How Do I Prepare for a Funeral?
Call KarenFirst Steps
Please call Karen Kennedy in the parish office at (623) 500-3212 to notify us that someone has died and you are requesting a funeral. Karen will call you back as soon as possible.
Who May Receive a Funeral at St. Helen?
- Registered and active parishioners (whether in the boundaries or outside)
- Any long time parishioner who has become inactive because of health or some other good reason
- Immediate family of parishioners (parents and children)
- Any Catholic living in our parish boundaries
What Kind of Services are Available?
The funeral may be either a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word.
We recommend a Liturgy of the Word service for people who are not practicing Catholics.
Following the funeral, a graveside committal service is also available.
What Days of the Week are Funeral Services Available?
Funerals are generally available Wednesday or Thursday, generally at 10:00 AM.
How are the Readings Chosen?
You can select any of the prescribed readings for the Funeral Mass or Liturgy of the Word.
Which Hymns May I Choose?
You may select any of the approved hymns for the Funeral Mass or Liturgy of the Word.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT:
Our Catholic community is committed to building a strong, diverse Christian family, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Exemplified by the Sacraments, sound Teachings, spiritual Nourishment, Service and embracing Biblical values.
We welcome all.
Funerals
St. Helen Catholic Parish
5510 W. Cholla St, Glendale, AZ 85304
Phone: 623-979-4202
Parish Boundaries?
Phoenix Parish BoundariesEvery Church in a diocese has boundaries. Registered or not, Catholic or not, every soul in St. Helen's boundaries is the responsibility of our Pastor, Fr. John. That's a lot of souls!
Our parish boundaries are West-East from 67th Ave to 43rd Ave and North-South between Sweetwater Ave and Olive Ave.
And, if you're registered but do not live within our boundaries, you and your family also become Fr. John's responsibility for as long as you're active in the parish.
‘Active in the Parish’ definition
It means you're attending Masses and are an active member of our community. This applies to everyone registered, whether you are or are not living within the parish boundaries. With so many families, you can imagine how difficult that is to manage.
Primarily parishioners' activity is through the collection basket (in-person or digitally through online giving). Another way to monitor activity is through participation in parish ministries.
Tithe: Financial Giving
Tithing (financially supporting) to our parish is very important, in order, for us to thrive, but you can give without putting your name on it.
Our offertory envelopes have two purposes: one is to be able to provide you with a tax document for charitable giving every year and the second is for parishioner attendance at Mass.
Whether you're tithing or not, you can drop your empty offertory envelope in the basket. Or even just a paper with your name and address on it. This shows your participation.
This isn't a tactic. We are responsible for giving you encounters to see, know, love, and serve our God. Tithing is not a tax. We will never send a letter or call you demanding you give more or saying you didn't give enough.
How much you tithe is between you and the Lord. Charity can never be forced; or it ceases to be charity.
Godparent | Confirmation Sponsor Eligibility
For example, if your niece from Indiana asks you to be her sponsor for Confirmation, and she needs a letter stating you are in good standing at your parish - having received all of your sacraments of initiation and being an active member. So, tithing and your parish activity is actually the only way a parish can vouch for you.
Keep Us Updated
- Make sure you're registered here at St. Helen.
- Make sure the information we have is correct. You can update us by dropping a notecard with your name and address in the basket at Mass or contacting the office.
- If you are going to move or switch parishes, please let the office know.