Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In celebration of its past and with plans for the future, hundreds of current and former parishioners attended a Mass celebrated by Bishop James Conley on Sunday, Sept. 15. The event marked the 100th anniversary of St. Helena Church in Grafton and the 145th anniversary of the parish.

The Mass readings included a story from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8, where Christ said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” St. Helena, the patroness of the parish, is believed to have discovered the cross on which Christ died.

During this centennial year, St. Helena Parish is undertaking several notable projects. On the day of the centennial Mass, Bishop Conley broke ground for a handicap-accessible wheelchair ramp that will provide access for all into the church. This project has been years in discussion.

Another significant endeavor will be redecorating the interior of St. Helena Church. Last painted at least 40 years ago, conceptual plans have been drawn up by Conrad Schmitt Studios from New Berlin, Wisconsin. The goal is to complete all projects by the parish's 150th anniversary.

In his homily, Bishop Conley noted that many parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln have undergone restorations during his tenure as bishop: “They are giving glory to God by giving people beautiful places to come to worship and glorify God together,” he said.

St. Helena Parish is ready to renovate a church “that’s already very beautiful,” according to Bishop Conley. He praised its stained-glass windows as “stunning” and called preserving their beauty fitting for this "little community of faith." Grafton has 122 residents, and St. Helena Parish has fewer than two dozen registered families.

The day's celebrations included a food truck and children playing century-old games in honor of the centennial.

St. Helena Parish traces its origins back to Civil War veteran Patrick Real from Ireland who was one of Grafton's first settlers and contributed significantly to its early development.

Among those attending were Bill and Eloise Timmerman who remembered fondly their time at St. Helena Church over their 70 years of marriage: “I took my instructions in the faith from him,” Eloise said about Father Thomas Kadlec O.S.C., who married them in 1954.

The Timmermans raised four children in St. Helena Parish: “Our kids have been really good,” Bill said proudly.

The couple still attends Mass regularly; Bill serves as sacristan setting up for services led by pastor Father Michael Zimmer or visiting priests. They were recognized at the centennial Mass with a papal blessing from Pope Francis for their wedding anniversary.

Dick Hoarty shared memories spanning his 77 years as a member: “My family always sat in the same pew," he chuckled.

Reflecting on changes over time Dick added: "We made decisions based on economic needs."

Both Dick and Deb Hoarty support plans to repaint St. Helena's interior: "We need change to keep moving forward," they stated.

Father Zimmer emphasized gratitude during these celebrations: “Celebrations like this are important reminders for us... It is inspiring seeing fidelity & generosity calling us all forward.”

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