St. Helen (Diocese of Charlotte)
| St. Helen Catholic Church | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Helena |
| Type/Classification: | Territorial Parish |
| Non-Parochial: | No |
| Operated By: | Sisters of Mercy |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Charlotte |
| Deanery: | Charlotte Deanery |
| Address: | 341 Dallas Spencer Mountain Rd., Gastonia, North Carolina 28056 |
| City: | Gastonia, NC |
| Subdivision: | North Carolina |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Gaston County |
| Website: | Website |
| Founded: | 1963 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@sthelenchurch.org |
| AI Confidence: | Not rated |
| Review Level: | 0/5 (unreviewed) |
St. Helen Catholic Church is a territorial parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, located in Matthews, North Carolina. Dedicated to Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine and early Christian martyr, the parish serves a suburban community in Mecklenburg County.
Established in 1963, the parish was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who continue to play an active role in its operations. The current church building was dedicated on October 15, 1972.
The parish community seeks to emulate Saint Helena's commitment to faith and charity, as well as her patronage of travelers and those seeking refuge.
History
St. Helen Parish was established in 1963 by the Diocese of Charlotte in response to growth in the Matthews area.[1]
The first Mass was celebrated on August 18, 1963, at the Matthews Community Center, presided over by Bishop Peter L. Gerety.[2]
Special features
- Annual Saint Helena's Day celebration with traditional food and festivities
- Ministries inspired by Saint Helena's life, including service to the poor and marginalized
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources.
Architecture
The church, dedicated in 1972, features design aimed at fostering reverence and community fellowship.
External features
- A large parking lot allows for ample space for parishioners
- The surrounding area is landscaped to create a peaceful atmosphere
Interior features
- Beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Saint Helena
- A large crucifix above the main altar
Art and Devotional Features
Devotional elements focus on Saint Helena, reflecting her life of faith and charity.
Stained Glass Windows
The church's stained glass windows feature vibrant colors and intricate designs, showcasing the beauty of Catholic art.
Statues and Sculptures
A statue of Saint Helena stands proudly in the narthex, welcoming parishioners to the church.
Other Artwork
The parish also features a beautiful mosaic depicting the life of Saint Helena, created by local artists.
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Related parishes
- Saint Michael Catholic Church (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (Matthews, North Carolina)
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Helen - Matthews". Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. https://www.charlottediocese.org/parishes/st-helen-matthews/.
- ↑ "History of St. Helen Church". St. Helen Catholic Church. https://www.sthelenchurch.org/about/history/.