About Saint Helen · Frederick, Oklahoma
St. Helen Catholic Church in Frederick, Oklahoma, traces its roots to the first Mass held in June 1902 in a private home. The parish grew slowly, holding Masses in various community spaces before building its first church in 1915. A major expansion occurred in 1961 with the dedication of the current church, named St. Helen’s at the request of the Catholic Church Extension Society. The parish has served a growing community, including during World War II with Masses at the local airbase, and has been shaped by dedicated clergy and lay volunteers over its more than 100-year history.
- Established
- 1902
- Patron
- Saint Helen
- Diocese
- Diocese of Oklahoma City
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots in Frederick, where community and faith have been nurtured for over a century. Active ministries include senior citizen and caregiver Masses, catechetical work, and outreach through the Carmelite Sisters. The parish offers a welcoming environment with regular Masses, Adoration, and opportunities for spiritual growth through education and service.
Mass times at Saint Helen
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday at 5:00 PM
History
The first Mass was celebrated in June 1902 in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Pearl A. Little, attended by seven people. Masses continued sporadically under various pastors until 1915, when the first church was built with $1,000 from the Catholic Church Extension Society of Chicago and volunteer labor. In 1930, the parish was attached to Sacred Heart at Mangum. In 1950, it became part of a Dominican mission. The current church was built in 1961 after property was purchased by Bishop Victor J. Reed; the first Mass was celebrated by Father Joseph Kolb. The parish was named St. Helen’s at the request of the Extension Society. Two Benedictine Sisters and two high school girls assisted in the early years. The parish was served by multiple priests through 1969, including Father Kolb, who was resident pastor from 1957 to 1969.
Ministries
The parish offers ministries including Senior Citizen and Caregivers Mass, catechetical work, vacation school, and community outreach through school board, city council, and PTA meetings. The Carmelite Sisters, who lived in the parish from 1961, were instrumental in community engagement and education.
- Senior Citizen and Caregivers Mass
- Catechetical Work
- Vacation School
- Community Outreach (school board, city council, PTA)
Sacraments and Services
Masses are held Sunday at 10:30 AM and Thursday at 5:30 PM. Confessions are available Thursday at 5:00 PM. The Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, and Litany are offered Sunday at 10:00 AM. Adoration is not listed as a regular offering.
- Sunday Mass at 10:30 AM
- Thursday Mass at 5:30 PM
- Confessions Thursday at 5:00 PM
- Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary and Litany Sunday at 10:00 AM
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph Kolb1957–1969
Resident pastor; celebrated first Mass in new church May 28, 1961
- Father Robert Schlitt1964–mid-1965
- Father Thomas MeltonAug. 1965–July 1967
- Father T. W. DarnallJune 1969–
Assigned as pastor after Father Hanrahan