First Church in the United States Named for  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Destiny seems to be the word best suited to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton, MD. Nearly three hundred years before its establishment, the land where the parish is located was purchased by James Carroll, the uncle of Archbishop John Carroll. It was Archbishop Carroll who encouraged St. Elizabeth Ann's vocation and her foundation of the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg. Later the land was willed to the Jesuits, sold, and eventually willed to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The Archdiocese of Baltimore purchased the land from the Episcopal Church, the church of Mother Seton's baptism.

Destiny came to the fore again when Fr. Michael Spillane celebrated the first Mass for the community on the weekend of Mother Seton's canonization. What other name would be appropriate for the new parish. On November 2, 1975 the parish officially received its name and became the first parish in the United States dedicated to St. Elizabeth Ann.

For the first several years of their existence parishioners worshipped in several Protestant churches, held religious education in a number of public schools, and established parish ministries.

Destiny reared its head again when plans for a church began. The stained glass windows came from the Jesuits in Woodstock and the bells came from St. John's in Baltimore where Mother Seton's sisters taught for many years.

In December 1999 members of the parish made a pilgrimage to Emmitsburg to "catch the spirit" of their patron saint. In many ways it is evident that parishioners have that spirit. Religious education and Catholic education are important priorities. Outreach programs at Christmas and through the year help institutions, Catholic Charities and city parishes, especially St. Gregory the Great, in their ministries.

As the parish plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary, liturgies, pilgrimages, lectures, and other events are planned. Father Edward Connelly and the parishioners call their parish a caring community of faith. Destiny put them under the patronage of a woman of faith who cared for all those in need. 

Sister Eleanor Casey, D.C. Emmitsburg Province