By Joan Zombek
The moon had long ago vacated “the seventh house” and Jupiter no longer “aligns with Mars,” (Aquarius, 1969), but many events over the years have brought us to this 50th anniversary of our parish in the semi-quincentennial (250th) year of our nation’s birth. It all started with Elizabeth Bayley of colonial New York, who was born during the time the independence movement was taking root in our country, two years before the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. She lived through the American Revolution, married William Seton, a wealthy businessman, and raised five children after being widowed at 29. Later she founded and led the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, who were committed to the underprivileged and to the education of children.
In 1975 Elizabeth Seton became the first American-born woman to be elevated to sainthood (www.setonshrine.org, 2016). In our bicentennial year (1976), she would be named patroness of the newest Sun City, Arizona parish. A connection between Elizabeth Seton and Sun City was discovered through parish-history research. The Hellman sisters, “her distant cousins”, donated the funds for the sculpture of St. Elizabeth Seton which stands in welcome at the entrance to our parish property. (Daily News – Sun, 1988.) Now in our 50th year, she continues to favor us with numerous opportunities for spiritual and social growth, as well as interaction among parishioners and the members of the Seton Women’s Society.
St. Valentine’s Day was the perfect opportunity to take a step back in time with a Seventies-themed dance party, organized and sponsored by the Seton Women’s Society. The Jimmy Mack Band’s live music resonated with enthusiastic attendees who sported their best looks and showed off dance steps reminiscent of that era. No one could resist participating in a lively rendition of “Y.M.C.A”, which was originally sung by The Village People. Every song invited vocal participation, and a conga line snaked its way through the room during the evening. Father Williams could also be seen demonstrating his enthusiasm on the dance floor.
The program included a very secure and impartial election of Queen and King of the evening. Through the volume of applause, Linda and Deacon Sal were chosen for their Seventies garb. They cheerfully accepted the crowns and scepters of royalty.
A very generous selection of strategically-placed sweet and salty snacks and beverages was available throughout the event, and no one went home hungry or thirsty at the conclusion of the evening. Parishioners have been very lavish in their praise of the festivities, and the members of the St. Elizabeth Seton Women’s Society are already planning a similar event to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year.
Sources:
Daily News – Sun, Sun City, AZ. 1988. “America’s First Canonized Saint,” April 8, 1988.
Hoopes, Tom. 2016. “The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.” Setonshrine.org.
January 1, 2016. https://setonshrine.org.
The Fifth Dimension. 1969. Aquarius. Digital Recording. Bones Howe.
