My Dear Brothers and Sisters of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church,

            What a daunting task:  trying to summarize what it means to be 'pastor' of such a great parish as it marks a quarter century of ministry in the Lord's service.   So much has been accomplished in this short span of time by those who have called 'SEAS' their spiritual home.  Where does one begin to encapsulate our brief but momentous history?
           
            By now you know of my deep love for the Sacred Liturgy; in this 'Year For Priests' I am humbled to know that Saint John Vianney, patron of all priests, felt as I do:  humbled by the sacred mysteries I am honored to dispense; painfully aware of my inadequacies and failings - yet filled with the hope and love that comes from celebrating the sacraments, especially the Mass.  So what better place to turn to describe my sentiments on our 25th Anniversaary than the Responsorial Psalm designated for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B -- which is also the weekend of our Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving.  Could it be Divine Providence that the Word of god we will echo in song that day is:

"God has done great things for us, filled dwith laughter and music." 
[Psalm 126:3]

             Many visitors to our parish remark that it is such a joyful, welcoming church.  While that may be partly true because our worship space is so bright and filled with natural light, it is also because our church - that is, the people who are the Church of Saint Eliezabeth Ann Seton - are so radiant with the joy of the Holy Spirit and so willing to share the many supernatural gifts God has entrusted to them.  However, while we may be filled with joy - and as your shepherd, I am certainly filled with joy - I believe our God is filled with joy - because of us!

              May this celebration of our Jubilee not only fill us with more laughter and joy, but help us deepen our commitment to be all that God calls us to be in this small part of His great world.  may the Lord grant eternal rest to the deceased members of our parish, an abundance of grace to those who worship and minister here now, and the blessing of continued growth and development in the future.  happy Anniversary, people of SEAS!

In His holy Name, 

                                                                                           Rev. Thomas J. Serafin, pastor