Exemplifying stewardship

"St. Helen's is a Catholic Community guided by the teachings and examples of Jesus, Whose living Presence among us in the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Empowered by His Spirit we dedicate our time, talents, and treasure as companions of Jesus in pursuit of the mission that He has entrusted to us."

These words, St. Helen's mission statement, underscore the strong, Christ-centred mission of the parish.

As a first step in implementing the synod, the community formed a pastoral council in order to develop this vision. Despite the simplicity and directness of the above words, pastor Father Louis Piran, CS, remembers that "it was a challenge to make one statement. We first got to know each other. People were appointed by me rather than elected because there was not a lot of time."

In the second stage of synod implementation, the committee set goals at a parish assembly. It organized a survey of the whole community, and the pastor preached sermons on stewardship. St. Helen's rich history of time and treasure starts with the new (10-year-old) church, which parishioners themselves built with their free skilled and manual labour, with a good management system to ensure that things got done.

One parishioner noted, "The co-operation was enthusiastic and the gift of time and talents served not only to build a splendid church but also a more cohesive community. The new church was dedicated on Dec. 22, 1997, by Archbishop Adam Exner."

Two years ago Father Piran held a highly successful stewardship campaign called Gifted and Called, asking for more than the usual Sunday offering, and parishioners responded with a 20 per cent increase in financial donations. The parish wants to direct $2 million towards Notre Dame High School's rebuilding project, and also needs $4 million for further building projects for its elementary school.

The elementary school, full to capacity with 300 students, plays a central role in parish life. Father Piran said he devotes much energy and time to parents, students, and teaching staff, and that he feels blessed to be working with an excellent principal. Supporting those parents who cannot afford the tuition worries the pastor; many families require assistance, and for the high school years as well.

The parish has planned a Sign-up Sunday for Ministry. Father Piran noted, "A lot of people are asking for youth ministry." While young parishioners participate in youth activities outside the parish, the pastor wants something more parish-based.

The parish has a "nice age mixture" according to the pastor, with its four Sunday and one Saturday evening Masses filled. Half the people are of Italian descent, with many Croatians, Filipinos, and Chinese among the rest.

Liturgy and faith unites these groups. The Family Life Liturgy, which he offers this during Lent every year, moves Father Piran the most deeply.

"Explaining the Mass is a beautiful thing. It needs to be done at a special time of year like Lent or Advent. In three Sundays I explain the Mass. I break each of the two parts into two, for four parts in total. I explain the preparation at home [that parishioners should do] before coming, what to do at church. I explain the Liturgy of the Word, why we sing, the importance of participating, what the altar symbolizes, what the tabernacle is, etc.; going back to the basics."

He added that in the Family Life Liturgy, "I explain the context of Sunday. There are so many beautiful little things. A lot of people would like to know more. People love it. I talk about the various ministries. The whole process builds community."