ABOUT US

OUR PARISH HISTORY

The story of our parish is rooted in God’s providence and the vision of many faithful leaders.

In 1962, when the area was still farmland, the Archdiocese purchased 15 acres through Fr. Thomas D. O’Connell, pastor of St. George. By the mid-1980s, rapid growth led Fr. William Devine, pastor of St. Julie Billiart, to advocate for a new parish on this land.

On December 12, 1986, Fr. William O’Mara was named pastor. Just two months later, on Valentine’s Day 1987, our first Eucharist was celebrated at Andrew High School. We quickly chose St. Elizabeth Ann Seton—the first American-born saint—as our patron, seeing in her life as wife, mother, educator, and foundress a reflection of our own diverse parish family.

A building committee was formed, and plans moved forward under the guidance of Belli and Belli architects, liturgical consultant Regina Kuehn, and builder Frederick Quinn. On November 5, 1988, we broke ground on our new home. Two years later, on September 30, 1990, the cornerstone was blessed. As we entered the empty structure singing “Alleluia,” we inscribed prayers and petitions on its unfinished floors—signs of our faith and hope in the house of God we would soon call home.

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN BAYLEY SETON

Our Patron Saint

In 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton became the first native-born American to be canonized a saint.

Born in New York in 1774, Elizabeth was raised in a Protestant family and married William Seton at age 18. Together they had five children. After William’s health declined, the family traveled to Italy, where he died in 1803. During her stay there, Elizabeth encountered the Catholic faith. Returning to New York, she converted despite great personal cost, losing friends and facing prejudice.

To support her children, she opened a school, later moving to Baltimore at the encouragement of Archbishop John Carroll. In Emmitsburg, Maryland, she founded a new religious community in 1809—the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph—rooted in education and service to the poor.

Elizabeth endured many sorrows, including the loss of two daughters and other close family members, while continuing her mission of faith and education. She died in 1821 at the age of 46, remembered as “Mother Seton,” wife, mother, teacher, and foundress of the first American religious community for women.

ST. ELIZABETH SETON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

MISSION PURPOSE

The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) consists of nine (9) laity members, the Pastor, and the Associate Pastor. The PPC meets monthly, September through June. The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is the primary advisory/consultative body to the pastor, for the life and mission of the parish. The PPC engages the parishioners to carry out the parish’s mission and the Church’s teachings of the Gospel for the benefit of our community and world. The PPC assesses the current needs of and developing the future vision for the parish in four commission areas set forth by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The four commissions are: Spiritual Life, Human Concerns, Education, and Parish Life.

THE FOUR COMMISSIONS

Spiritual Life: The purpose of the Spiritual Life Commission is to foster our parish commitment to proclamation and evangelization with a missionary spirit recognizing that we bring the Good News of God’s love to our community and world., Some current ministries within this commission are: Liturgical Ministry (Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, Sacristans, Art and Environment, Greeters); Music Ministry (Choirs, Cantors, Parish Instrumentalists); Ministers of Care, Ministry of Consolation; Children’s Liturgy of the Word; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; Rosary Group; and Centering Prayer.

Human Concerns: The purpose of the Human Concerns Commission is to fulfill the social, emotional, and physical needs of others by bringing the charity of Jesus’ scripture stories to life by offering outreach programs to a wide community sharing our gifts, talents, and resources with those both within and beyond our parish boundaries. Some current ministries within this commission are: Social Action Ministry (Pro-Life Ministries, Environmental Ministry, Fair Trade Events, Sharing Parish-St. Procopius, Respond Now Outreach, Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen); St. Vincent de Paul Society, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Seton Sowers Newborns in Need; HOPE Employment Ministry; Heart Warmers Meal Sharing; and Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Education: The purpose of the Education Commission is to provide adult and youth formation to enrich the understanding of our Catholic faith. Some current ministries and programs withing this commission are: SES Religious Education; Vacation Bible School; Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Regional Catholic School; Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA); Children’s Sacramental Preparation; Baptismal Preparation; Marriage Preparation; Sacred Space Book Club; Adult Scripture Study; Advent/Lenten Book Discussion.

Parish Life: The purpose of the Parish Life Commission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment “sowing seeds” to encourage a rich faith and parish life. Some current ministries within this commission are: Women’s Club; Men’s Club; Seniors of Seton (SOS); Youth Ministry; Young Adult Ministry; Family Ministry; Service Projects; Mission Trips; Retreats; Youth Athletics; and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Boy Scouts and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Girl Scouts. 

ST. ELIZABETH SETON FINANCE COMMITTEE

Promoting good stewardship through best practices.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Rev. Kevin McCray (Pastor), Rev. Dan Korenchan (Associate Pastor) , Donna Stolinski  (Business Manager), Joe Dillon (Staff Advisor), Jim Anderson, Jim Long, Denise Maiolo, Mary McKernan

The Finance Committee is a parish group, established by Church law to advise and assist the pastor in the financial management of the parish. The Finance Committee is a resource for the pastor and the parish financial administration. The Finance Committee reviews the overall financial operations of the parish, reviews recent expenditures, oversees the annual budget, and communicates the parish financial report to the parishioners. The Finance Committee meets monthly, September through June. For more information about the Finance Committee contact Father Kevin McCray at 708-403-0101.