By Dr. Kathleen H. Goeppinger
The lives of the saints fascinate me, but very few appeal to me as much as St. Elizabeth Seton. My fascination with her grew stronger when I related her experience to my own as an educator. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Catholic education system in this country and served the church by educating young women, providing private education to those in need.
As a parish community, we share in our reverence and pride for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be canonized a saint fifty years ago. She was an educator, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, and a pioneer of the Catholic parochial school system in the United States. Those of us who have educated our children and grandchildren and experienced Catholic education ourselves know first-hand about the importance of her work and values taught with dedication to teaching, academic excellence and caring for others.
The huge role played by St. Elizabeth Seton in ministry of Jesus reminds us that, just like St. Elizabeth Seton, we too play a role in the ministry of Jesus. Our parish has assembled many volunteers to help us make the Jubilee Year of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church a flagship celebration. We are planning many events to cater to various groups in our community. We have an Archive Committee busy pulling our history together by each decade to highlight our growth and development. And the Worship Space Renovation Committee is anticipating work to begin on our renovations in the Spring of 2026 and completion in the Fall of 2026. Quotes on new flooring, pews, paint and other adjustments are being collected and will be shared with our Committees, Parish Council, and Father Abba, and will eventually be sent to the Diocese of Phoenix for their blessing. Your comments, suggestions and ideas have been heard by these Committees as their dedicated volunteers work to make this a special year.
The Jubilee celebration will begin this coming September as we hold special masses and educational events over the weekend of September 13th and 14th 2025. This date coincides with the date St. Elizabeth Seton was Canonized, September 14, 1975 by Pope Paul VI.
As we come together to celebrate this Jubilee Year, let’s us remember the beautiful quote of St. Elizabeth Seton, “God is like a looking glass in which souls see each other. The more we are united to Him by love, the nearer we are to those who belong to Him.”
It is my prayer that during this Jubilee Year you are drawn closer to your fellow parishioners. We are one community of believers, and the celebration of our Jubilee can make a tremendous difference in the life of the parish and bring more individuals into its active participation. As an act of gratitude, let us pray for all the volunteers who are following the example of St. Elizabeth Seton as they provide care for the needy and continue to educate others in the love of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Dr. Kathy
