Dear St. Elizabeth Seton Parishioners,

Our Jubilee Year is going by so quickly.  From special celebrations, prayers and teaching masses, we have witnessed a renewed vigor in the growth and sustainability of St. Elizabeth Seton.  The past week experienced substantial renovation in our church.  The carpeting has been removed, as noted in extensive piles of carpeting outside the west entrance. The carpenters have been constructing a raised choir platform that will be level to the bottom step of the sanctuary. The electricians are re-wiring electrical outlets and will begin re-lamping all the lightbulbs in the church to provide a consistent light throughout.

One of the most exciting next steps is interior painting. Paint Corps is a veteran own and run company that has been hired to paint both the interior and exterior of the church.  They began with a dedicated crew of painters that requested they be assigned to paint St. Elizabeth Seton.  The superintendent of the crew said he had a “calling” to be part of the renovation, committing his time and talent to make our parish a beautiful place to worship God.  

An economic phase used by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 claimed “A rising tide raises all ships”.  We have taken this to heart and taken our renovations seriously as we look beyond the church and into the hall and courtyard. Indeed, you may have noticed that renovations have not stopped at the door of the church. New safe thresholds have been installed at the doors of the Hall as you enter our temporary worship space. We expanded seating for those with walkers and wheelchairs and have introduced new technology to record and livestream our services.  Additional artwork has been hung in our temporary worship space to welcome everyone to worship.The courtyard benches have been painted and stabilized by the Knights of Columbus.  They have worked hard to make sure the seating is safe and secured.

There is much more work to come. But the visual signs of progress are being seen and felt.  It is the prayers of this congregation that are moving us forward. It is so apparent that this family of believers care deeply about St. Elizabeth Seton. May we all say a prayer of thanks for those who are committed to bringing the vision of our parishioners to fulfillment.

 In Christ and with Gratitude,

Dr. Kathleen H. Goeppinger
Jubilee Chair