“From many lands, united in one faith.” That’s not just a slogan it’s the living story of Saint Helena Catholic Church. This parish is located at 6161 N. 5th Street in Philadelphia. For a century Saint Helena has stood as a beacon of faith in the culturally diverse Olney community.
Imagine stepping back in time to 1924. The original parishioners gathered for Sunday Mass not in this grand church but in a simple row home on Fairhill Street. As the congregation grew they moved to the Olney movie theater. The theater was transformed into a place of worship each Sunday.
Father James McCloy the founding pastor received permission to build a combination church and school. On August 18 1924 ground was broken on the feast day of Saint Helena. Just a few weeks later on September 14 1924 the Sisters of St. Joseph began teaching religious instruction. They traveled from St. Mary’s Academy. The new St. Helena School opened on September 6 1927. It welcomed 438 students.
Father McCloy’s vision was to bring Catholic education to the culturally diverse Olney community. This mission has flourished under each succeeding pastor.
After Father McCloy’s death Father Joseph McDowell continued his work. A basement church and convent were added. The original parish building was converted from a church to classrooms. Despite the challenges of the depression Saint Helena’s parishioners cleared their debts and gained approval to build a rectory.
Father Thomas Harron succeeded Father McDowell. He built the new rectory. It was the first building built in the archdiocese after World War II. Growth in Olney led to the construction of the majestic Romanesque upper Church. It stands as a tribute to the devotion of Saint Helena’s hard-working parishioners.
Responding to post-war population growth Msgr. Francis Furey built a new 3-story school building on Spencer Street. It opened in September 1959. Enrollment reached 1350 children. Msgr. Furey was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in 1960.
Bishop John Graham oversaw further expansion in the 1960s. He completed the 3rd floor of the convent and added a 4th floor to the Spencer St. building. The original school building was renovated. Enrollment peaked in 1967 at 1839 students.
In preparation for the consecration in 1974 repairs and renovations were made to both the upper and lower churches. Bishop Graham guided Saint Helena for 27 years.
Father Thomas P. Gaynard became pastor in 1990. He tended to the needs of an aging and changing parish population. Father Craig Brugger followed in 1996. He initiated community and social outreach programs. The parish embraced its cultural diversity.
Father Joseph Trinh became pastor in 2002. He continues to meet the spiritual and temporal needs of this diverse parish. He established the St. Joseph the Worker Society. The society maintains the parish buildings.
In 2012 St. Helena Parish School merged with Incarnation of Our Lord School. It formed St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School.
Saint Helena celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrated Mass with pastor Msgr. Joseph Trinh and the faithful. The theme was “From Many Lands United in One Faith”. This church stands as a testament to faith community and enduring spirit. It welcomes all to share in its rich history and vibrant present.