Parish Music Director
Helene.Fortierportlanddiocese.org
Helene Fortier, Music Director for Good Shepherd Parish, was born in Biddeford and attended St. Andre's School. She began her music career with piano lessons at the St. Joseph Convent, formerly on Adams Street. While a high school student at Marie Joseph Academy, she began to study the organ under Sister St. Aime, who made a large impact on her. Helene decided to pursue organ studies at Emmanuel College in Boston, where she studied under Fr. David Gallagher. After receiving her BA in Music, she stayed in the Boston area, working as organist and piano teacher. Helene received a Master of Music degree in organ at Boston University while studying with Max Miller. She moved to Springfield, Massachusetts for 5 years and worked at St. Michael's Cathedral and St. Cecelia's Church.
After returning to her hometown in 1987, she played at St. Andre's Church in Biddeford, followed by 6 years at Most Holy Trinity in Saco, and has been at St. Joseph's in Biddeford since 2000. She also substituted at St. Mary's and Notre Dame! Helene has therefore become quite comfortable with all the church communities! While her 3 children attended St. James School, Helene became a part-time general music teacher. She loved sharing her music with the students, Pre-K through Grade 8, for 16 years. Helene recently retired from teaching in order to babysit her new grandson!