Cross the threshold of St. Elizabeth Seton Church in St. Charles, MO on a sunny summer morning, the violet light of the foyer windows is reflected on the statue of Mother Seton teaching two children. The statue not only is a reminder of the patron of the church, but a sign of the parish’s commitment to education. Father John Hickel, the first pastor, invited St. Robert Bellarmine, the neighboring parish, to establish a regional school for the two parishes in 1975. This was the parish’s first commitment to embodying Mother Seton=s charism. The school was opened in the fall of 1976 and almost immediately had to be expanded. It continues today on two campuses: grades K - 5 at St. Elizabeth’s; grades 6-8 at St. Robert’s.

In the spirit of Mother Seton the parish established several ministries, notably the Apostolic Works Ministry and Seedbearers. The first group was formed to assist parishioners in financial need. Currently it provides emergency assistance to anyone in the area. Through "Bag It@ food is collected for local food pantries and the Apostolic Works Ministry. Seedbearers is a parish youth group which spends a week each summer rehabilitating houses. During the summer of 2000 a group of 58 teens and 42 adults worked in Perryville, about an hour from St. Charles. 

They collaborated with St. Vincent de Paul Parish and lived at the high school. Teams of about ten

 members each painted a house and landscaped yards. They replaced a porch and two roofs. The week was not all work. Time was provided for prayer and socials in the evening. Many of the teens come back summer after summer, and as adult leaders. 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish was established in St. Charles, MO, on May 29, 1975 by Cardinal Carberry of St. Louis. 

Initially the church met in Saint Andrew's Cinema. There are still some parishioners who remember those days. On September 14, 1975, the day of Mother Seton=s canonization, members of the parish gathered in a field to break ground for a temporary church and the school. They celebrated with an outdoor Mass and picnic. As the parish continued to grow it was important to build a permanent church. In 1989 work was begun on the new building. Archbishop John May dedicated the new church which includes 

a large hall for parish gatherings in 1991. The church contains several interesting touches. At the base of the statue of Mary is a small replica of the original church. The windows, designed by a local artist, are based on drawings done by children in the school. They contain sacramental symbols and reminders of Mother Seton. The Stations of the Cross are actually etched blue- glass windows based on the scripture verses associated with each station.

After 22 years as pastor Msgr. John Hickel was transferred. He was replaced by the present pastor Father Kevin Mahoney who has an interesting connection with Mother Seton. His aunt is Sister Hildegarde Marie Mahoney, former Superior General of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth. More importantly, under his leadership and that of the staff, the parish carries on the work of Mother Seton in education and care for the those in need.

Sister Eleanor Casey, D.C.
Emmitsburg Province