The St. Helen’s Church Council consists of members nominated by the congregation of St Helen’s Parish for the purpose of assisting the Parochial Vicar in the many aspects of governance in the parish community. By means of the Council, individuals with special skills volunteer their time and talent to facilitate the ongoing functions of the parish, and create the possibility for new programs and services as well as maintenance and improvement of our beautiful chapel and grounds. Council members serve for a period of one year. Thanks to the generous service of Council and Committee volunteers, St. Helen’s growing needs are shared by many rather than falling on the shoulders of a few, allowing our parish to increase in vitality and community spirit. Current Council members are as follows:

Tina Vindiola Charlie Clark Simone Reiser Bob Baron Mary McClure

Dan Lobitz Joan Moore Herb Brasington Hank Buzan Soccoro Ruiz

Mary Buzan Arnold Rascon Bob Sommers Tom Clancy

To contact the St. Helen’s Church Council, please call _____ at ______

Liturgy means: the official act of public worship of God by the parish community, led by their priest. This includes the celebration of the Mass, but not, strictly speaking, public devotions such as the Rosary or Benediction. The tasks of the Liturgy Committee therefore have everything to do with the Mass, including training and scheduling of lectors, altar servers, ushers, lay eucharistic ministers and musicians. The Members of the Liturgy Committee are:

Hank Buzan Maidie Gallardo Ruben Gonzales Gloria Gonzales Tony Tellez Mary Tellez

Greg Reiser Simone Reiser Mary Buzan Martha Brandt Ellie Brown Helen Alvarez

Ralph Arriaga Manny Trujillo Manuel Arriaga Carol Arriaga Patsy Hatch Ron Payne

The office of Teaching is a major task entrusted to the Church by its Founder and Lord. Catechesis means: imparting the faith, and it involves the teaching of the meaning and implications of faith, for example, what it means to be baptized, to be married in the Church, or to receive other Sacraments such as Communion and Reconciliation. Members of the Committee for Catechesis are:

Hank Buzan Maidie Gallardo Ruben Gonzales Gloria Gonzales Tony Tellez Mary Tellez

Greg Reiser Simone Reiser Mary Buzan Martha Brandt Ellie Brown Helen Alvarez

Manny Trujillo Manuel Arriaga Carol Arriaga Patsy Hatch Ron Payne

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial situation of the parish. Its members serve to advise and recommend in all matters pertaining to the financial health of the parish. It prepares and revises budgets, oversees payment and accounting of parish expenses and preparation of financial reports, ensures adequate cash flow, and oversees the investment and security of parish funds. Members of the Finance Committee are:

Mitchel Clarke Tom Clancy Don R. Lobitz Kathy Marquez

Jaime Gonzales Tina Gonzales Manny Trujillo Maria Lewis

Vern Lewis Joan Vigil Herb Brasington

The Social and Bereavement Committee is a two-fold ministry. It plans and schedules parish social activities (potlucks, picnics, etc.). It also helps families prepare, arrange and coordinate funeral services. This committee is in charge of the parish kitchen, and maintains the parish hall and restrooms. Members of the Social and Bereavement Committee are:

Mary Buzan Dolores Garcia Victoria Guerrero Marco Hernandez Stephanie Garcia Ruby Sais Orphelia Sanchez

Martha Brandt Maria Bernavidez Rick Bernavidez Otilia Baeza Carol Romero Otilia Baeza Carol Romero

John Whelan Carol Whelan Jaime Gonzales Tina Gonzales Joan Vigil Anita Moreno

The elves responsible for the beautiful Church decorations that magically appear and change with the Liturgical seasons are really the Decoration and Cleaning Committee. They are the people who make sure that missals and hymnals are distributed and that our chapel is clean and ready for each service. Members of the Decoration and Cleaning Committee are:

Carol Arriaga Lena Arrias Rita Baird

Kathy Brasington Alva Clark Mary Lou Quijada

Lupita Romero Hortensia Valensuela

The Committee for Planning, Development and New Construction is the parish think-tank. It identifies, plans and organizes the needs of the parish. In addition, it orchestrates and oversees the execution of new parish constructions and projected capital programs, including the acquisition of land and buildings. Members of the Planning Committee are:

Vernon Lewis Charlie Clark Arnold Rascon Tom Clancy

Bob Baron Dan R. Lobitz Bob Kern

Bob Sommers Herb Brasington Willard Moore

The Service and Justice Committee responds to crisis needs of St. Helen’s parishioners and community families. It administers a Family Emergency Fund and a Family Referral Network . The Committee also educates the Church community on issues of social justice and civic engagement as informed by Catholic teaching. Members are:

Mary Ellen Kazda Frank Pierson

Pat Dolan Michael Moore