“Have you ever wondered about a church that started in a semi-permanent shack?” That’s the story of Gereja Santa Helena. It is located in Taman Permata Lippo Karawaci. This Catholic parish church has a fascinating history.
Gereja Santa Helena is dedicated to Saint Helena. It falls under the administration of the Tangerang I Deanery. This is within the Archdiocese of Jakarta. But its beginnings were quite humble.
Before Gereja Santa Helena became its own parish, it was part of Santa Monika Parish in Serpong. The plan to create a separate parish began in May 1996. The land where the church now stands was initially a simple dwelling.
Before having its own building, the community gathered in various locations. These included a shop house in the Permata area. They also used a room in Siloam Hospital. Even a campus at Pelita Harapan University served as a place of worship.
The Church Building Committee was formed on October 25 2003. A significant milestone was reached on October 1 2006. Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja, the Archbishop of Jakarta, elevated the status of Gereja Santa Helena. It officially became a parish.
The blessing of Gereja Santa Helena took place on January 21 2007. The first pastor of Curug Parish was Father Yohanes Surono. Currently, the Curug Parish is under the care of the Order of the Holy Cross.
The church is more than just a building. It is a hub of activity. Warta Helena is the internal communication medium for the Curug Parish. It keeps the community connected.
Gereja Santa Helena offers various services. Daily masses are held at 6 am from Monday to Saturday. On Saturdays, there is an additional mass at 5 pm. Sunday masses take place at 630 am 9 am and 5 pm. Special masses include a Friday First mass and an English mass.
The church provides family counseling services. It also has several bank accounts for different purposes. These include environmental contributions and social funds. There are also accounts for the St. Joseph Fund and scholarships.
Various events and activities take place at Gereja Santa Helena. These include bazaars and seminars. The church also organizes events for different groups. These include youths and those with special needs.
Gereja Santa Helena continues to evolve. It serves the community with devotion. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith. The story of Gereja Santa Helena is one of growth, community and unwavering dedication. It is a place where faith comes alive.