A Reflection
As our parish begins to celebrate its 25th Anniversary and begins its ‘Year of Grace’ I would like to share some of my remembrances.
My family and I were one of the original 300 families that were asked in November. 1984 to register for the new parish. At this point we had no church but we did have a plot of land on Summer Road. We scurried around looking for a place to have our Sunday Masses. The schools, firehouses and halls would not have us. Finally with the Grace of God we were invited by the Three Bridges Reformed Church to have our Masses there. Our first Mass as a parish was the midnight mass on Christmas Eve 1984. I’ll always remember that day. Walking past an outside ‘Living Manger’, we entered this unique small church. The Christmas hymns where sung with special joy and we all had chills at the glorious celebration of the Birth of Christ. Our stay at the Reformed Church lasted 5 years. In those years our parish grew and the Church grew so crowded that at one point we were fearful that one day the balcony would collapse. One interesting note- after each mass we had to vacuum the floors remove all our books and symbols so that the Reformed members could use the church.
Well a building campaign was underway and my wife Norma and I were on that committee. The building committee, under the guidance of our Administrator Fr. Edward Kearns worked diligently until finally our new church on Summer Road was built. The First Mass offered in our new Church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was Midnight Mass Christmas Eve 1989. Although the walls were still plaster board and spackle, floors still concrete no Church anywhere in the world was more beautiful than that one on that evening. I think every parish family attended this mass. The church was bright not only from the candles and Christmas lights but from all those happy joyous faces. Another Christmas to remember.
We were finally gathered together and we were on our way
So many things have happened since those early days. The parish itself grew from 300 families to 1700 families. New buildings were added and programs have been expanded.
The people are making this their spiritual,educational and social center.
The parish has offered me, my wife Norma and family so very much both in good times and bad. There is a special place in our hearts for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
As for me, I was a Lector, and Eucharistic minister but never a cantor (don’t want to hear me sing). Through the parish I had the call to become a Permanent Deacon. I enjoy this ministry. I baptize your children and I try to spread the word and goodness of the Lord. I get to meet you, the children, those preparing for marriage and help those in need.
I am most privileged to serve at the Altar of the Lord.
One of my proudest social activities is founding the Seton Men’s Club. This club has been the backbone to our very successful annual parish picnics where 600 people come together. They have helped in many ways in the parish as well as in major construction saving the parish more than $100,000. The Club is both social and spiritual and meets once a month on the last Thursday.
This community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a loving and giving parish and I am happy to serve as its Deacon.
I pray God blesses us all as we worship here .
