Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, a time to rejoice in the coming of Jesus and the nearness of Christmas. The name comes from the Latin word for “rejoice,” and its theme is a break from the penitential nature of early Advent to focus on joy. We will share in this joy by inviting everyone to wear an ugly Christmas sweater or their best festive holiday wear to worship on this Sunday!

The annual Greening of the Church will take place on Sunday, December 14, immediately following the 9:00 a.m. service. We will meet in the Parish Hall to gather bows to hang on the wreaths and to decorate the trees for the Great Room, Narthex, and Parish Hall. A tamale brunch will be held in the Parish Hall at 10:00 a.m., provided by St. Helena's Seniors Ministry. For more information, contact Pam at admin@sthelenas.net.

The Ukuladies will be playing Christmas tunes before the Boerne Concert Christmas Program on Sunday, December 14, at 3:15 p.m. at the Boerne High School Auditorium. Everyone is welcome to this joyful concert.

A service of Holy Eucharist is offered at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs every third Wednesday of the month, at 2:30 p.m., led by one of St. Helena’s clergy for the residents of Menger Springs in the chapel located on premises.

Advent is a liturgical season of slowing down and preparation as we pay attention to how the God of the universe is present with us - once again.  As we walk through this season together, all are invited to join us for a service of Compline during the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Compline is a service that descended from the night prayers said before bed at the end of the monastic round of daily prayer.  We will gather at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Sanctuary for worship on Wednesday, December 3; Thursday, December 11; and Wednesday, December 17.

Our annual, festive choral service of Lessons & Carols will be held on Sunday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. in the Historic Sanctuary.

A Blue Christmas service will be held at St. Helena's on Monday, December 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Sanctuary.  This service is for those experiencing loss, grief, or sadness during this season of anticipation and joy. For more information, reach out to Father Mike at asstrector@sthelenas.net.

Come and join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Four worship services will be held on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24.

• 3:00 & 5:00 p.m. Contemporary, interactive services in Wendler Hall
• 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Traditional services in the Historic Sanctuary

On the first Sunday of each month, a shuttle departs Menger Springs at 10:30 a.m. for St. Helena's Episcopal Church. Those on the shuttle arrive in time to attend the 11:00 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist, and the shuttle returns to Menger Springs following worship.  For more information, please contact Father Mike Woods at asstrector@sthelenas.net.

One combined worship service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Great Room on Sunday, January 18 to accommodate for our Annual Parish Meeting to be held at 11:00. If you are part of the St. Helena’s community, we want you at this meeting! Father Jay promises it will be fun. We will hear reports about ministries, finances, and St. Helena’s School. We will elect new Vestry members and Diocesan Council delegates. There will even be breakout sessions, and there is a rumor that prizes will be awarded. So, join us for the Annual Parish Meeting at 11:00 on January 18. And don’t miss the chili cook-off following the meeting. The 7:45 a.m. worship service will be held in the Historic Sanctuary. 

A service of Holy Eucharist is offered at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs every third Wednesday of the month, at 2:30 p.m., led by one of St. Helena’s clergy for the residents of Menger Springs in the chapel located on premises.