Have you ever wondered about the dreams that built a community? We are standing before Saint Helen’s Catholic Church. Its story began with ten Catholic families. They envisioned a church and school in Vancouver Heights. This area overlooked the growing city in the early 20th century.
These families were willing to live remotely. They wanted to create a Catholic community. It would take hard work. It would take sacrifice.
Their dream started to materialize in 1912. The Second Narrow’s Bridge was built. Several industrial plants came to the area. Archbishop Neil McNeil saw the potential for growth. He sought help from Toronto’s Catholic Extension Society. They purchased property to build a church. It stood at the corner of Pandora and Ingleton. Mr. Justice Kelly donated the construction costs. He requested the church be named St. Helen. This honored his daughter Helen. On August 11 1912 Saint Helen’s Church was blessed.
Eleven years later in 1923 another dream came true. Saint Helen’s School was built. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul staffed it. They dedicated over fifty years to educating children.
Msgr Daniel Carey led an era of growth beginning in 1936. In 1948 despite post-war challenges he inspired the community. They built a new school. He then focused on the crowded church. On December 16 1956 the new Saint Helen’s Church was blessed. Parishioners were delighted.
By 1973 Saint Helen’s Parish changed. The Anglo-Irish parishioners were joined by many Italian immigrants. Archbishop James Carney recognized their needs. He asked the Missionaries of Saint Charles to lead the parish.
These missionary priests ushered in a second era of growth. Father Joseph Ponti oversaw construction. A new rectory was built. A hall or gymnasium was added. The school was fully renovated.
Father Joe dreamt of a new church. He began buying land. Succeeding Pastors continued this work. Father Angelo Calandra and Father Peter Sordi acquired land. They initiated the planning process. Father Claudio Holzer took charge. He turned the plans into reality.
The new Saint Helen’s Church was blessed on December 22 1997. Archbishop Adam Exner officiated. Parishioners celebrated their first Christmas in this beautiful space. In 2014 and 2015 Saint Helen’s School marked its 90th anniversary.
In September 2012 a new West Wing was completed. It included classrooms and a conference room. Parents parish members and committees worked hard. Archbishop Michael Miller blessed it.
Saint Helen’s community continues to thrive. It looks forward to a bright future. Saint Helen’s Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith community and dreams realized. It started with ten families and continues to evolve.