St Helen

Introduction

In 2004 parish reorganisation returned St Helen's to Sacred Heart Parish, North Walsham, and a new statue of Our Lady of Fatima was installed in the Woodland Shrine.

History

Around 1884 the Trafford family erected an iron Boulton and Paul chapel dedicated to St Michael and St Helena at Wroxham Hall. After Wroxham Hall was demolished in 1954, its chapel fittings went into store and local Catholics worshipped at the new Hoveton Village Hall.

The October 1987 hurricane hit the east side of the country causing immense damage; St Helen's lost over thirty trees, which fell on two sides of the church without damaging it. 1984 was the church's Silver Jubilee year and a number of events were held to commemorate it, including a Bygones Exhibition with artefacts from the earlier chapel at Wroxham Hall.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1986 a growing congregation and a lively ecumenical social club necessitated building a narthex for use as church extension and small meeting room. The addition of a copper roof resulted in it being known as the Golden Temple until it slowly weathered to a dull sheen. The entrance to the church from the gate originally had steps up to the door, subsequently removed when the narthex was added in 1986. The sanctuary wall was covered with wallpaper.

Ceiling heaters were installed. The floor was tiled. The church was refurbished.

In 1979 a pipe organ was installed, said to be 'the finest built in Europe' that year. In 2001 a new Woodland Shrine was erected north of the Church. In 2002 St Helen's Guild celebrated its 20th Anniversary by restoring the Rosary Garden; an azulejo tile picture of Our Lady of Fatima from the Azores was blessed on October 13th, 85 years to the day since the final Apparition.

During Lent 1989 the Stations of the Cross were fully restored, the work being completed on the morning of Good Friday. A new tabernacle top was added.

Music and liturgy

Saint Helen has no separate choir, but the whole congregation takes part in the music with gusto. The pipe organ at Saint Helen was erected in 1979 by Nigel Church of Stamfordham, Northumbria from a Swiss design.

Parish life

St Helen has a Garden of Remembrance where ashes of loved ones may be interred. St Helen has a parish library with books for spiritual reading, theology and bible reading. St John of the Cross and St Helen communities hold a quarterly forum meeting to discuss matters relevant to their community and the parish. St Helen has a flower arranging group that arranges displays for liturgical celebrations.

St Helen has a church cleaning team working in rotas. St Helen has a repository offering religious goods and cards for sale. Morning Prayer is incorporated into the Wednesday morning Mass at St Helen. The Rosary is normally recited before Mass at all three churches in May and October.

Stations of the Cross are said during Lent in the communities. Lay Ministers of Holy Communion bring Holy Communion to the sick and housebound in the parish, in hospitals, and in residential and nursing homes. Altar servers are invited to join the group after making their first Holy Communion. An annual parish meeting is held to discuss all matters pertaining to parish activities including finances.

The Parish Finance Committee meets regularly to review the parish's ability to meet commitments and plan for the future. A parish newsletter is available at Mass each week and outlines activities in the parish and wider community. Refreshments are served after Mass to help parishioners meet others. A summer garden party is organized with a committee of interested people.

St Helen has a small meeting room available for use. Ecumenical Churches Together groups bring local Christians together spiritually and socially.

Regular events

The Catenians Association meets every second Thursday monthly for fellowship, family support and charitable works. Those living in outlying areas have a house Mass about once a month except during Lent and August.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parents seeking baptism for their child are expected to participate in a parish preparation programme. Confirmation is administered from school year 10 upward, with a parish preparation programme. Couples are usually required to give six months notice of their intention to marry and to attend a preparation programme. The parish holds an annual Mass with the Sacrament of Anointing, usually in July.

House blessings are available upon request. The link with the twinned community is maintained through emails, pictures and regular 'Cambodia-style' Masses, in the spring for Cambodian New Year and in the autumn for the Feast of Ancestors.