St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church — Attraction in Westfield

I grew up in this church. I had my First Communion here, was confirmed here, and spent countless Sundays in these pews. That’s why I’m so angry. My cousin’s son, who is nonverbal and autistic, went through the religious education program, just like many other children. And yet when it came time for First Communion, he had been denied that sacrament by the education director, Nicole Murphy. Why? Because of his disability.

This wasn’t a misunderstanding. The church has known about his autism for years. This is discrimination: ableism, pure and simple. Nicole Murphy took it upon herself to decide that this child, who cannot speak cannot receive the Eucharist. That kind of ignorant, exclusionary thinking has no place in any church.

We have thankfully found another church that will offer him the Eucharist. To deny a child the sacraments because he communicates differently is a shameful failure. It betrays the core of what a church is supposed to represent. Shame on this parish for allowing someone to...

I just attended the 10 AM mass today! I am so impressed with St Helen’s Church! I was greeted at the door by 2 very lovely greeters Laura and Marge! I was told by a friend that the music at this church was fantastic and yes it was indeed! It was better than I could have imagined!!! Both of the greeters asked me how I liked the church after mass. Marge personally brought me over and introduced me to the Pastor who also was very welcoming! My husband and I will come back to St Helen’s! It felt so good to be back in church after a long time away because of the pandemic! I am feeling very uplifted this morning after attending mass at St Helen’s! Thank...

I was speechless at how beautiful St. Helen's was as soon as I stepped foot inside the church. It had a more modern feel with clear glass walls/doors separating the lobby from the pews and sanctuary. It was very well lite with beautiful class windows and a high ceiling in the center. The floor graded downward with tile flooring which seemed to make it more accessible to all. Beautiful experience for my Brother-In-Laws Wedding. And his Priest...