St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

We, the Christian Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine, commit to our baptismal promises. We believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who set us free to be a worshipping, ministering people. As a loving community of brothers and sisters in Christ, accepting the gospel message, we reach out to one another as we share the good news. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by the faithful, we pledge to live our lives in a Christian manner as an example, to our children and others, of values and traditions. As a priestly people, growing in faith together, we wait in joyful hope of God’s eternal peace.

The Epiphany of the Lord

As we celebrate this magical Feast of God truly among His people, one has to wonder, even just momentarily, if the star in the east was so bright, so magnificent; bright enough for kings, wise men to travel such distance, why were the shepherd’s the only ones to listen to the angels sing? If the Magi were compelled to leave their country of origin to seek this wonder, how could the residents of Bethlehem just sleep through sounds of angels voices? Where were the rest of the people? Not one curious person the crowd? Then, it only seems to reason, that each of us have to ask ourselves; are we awake….can we listen….do we hear the movements of God? »»

Our New Year begins with the very special Solemnity of our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Christ, our God. We are reminded that as our God became flesh, he became like us in all things but sin;
His beloved Mother, Immaculate from the moment of her conception.

Today’s Gospel passage from St. Luke picks up where our Christmas celebration left off. The Shepherds,
upon being told of the Savior’s birth, leave their fields in search of the child. We are told that upon
finding Him, just as the angel had foretold, they worshipped in awe. When the time came for them to »»

The angels sang “Glory to God in the Highest” with such vigor that the lonely shepherds keeping watch on their flocks awakened with such startled joy! Finally, the  prophecy of Isaiah had to come true: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us: upon his shoulder domination rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” The brightness of the star in the sky would lead all to the quietness of the lonely stable. Magi from afar would come to pay homage. Truly, a child is born unto us and our world is forever changed. God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to teach us by example and show us a Father’s love. »»

Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and realize that our period of waiting is almost over. Our Gospel from St. Luke, today’s passage, takes us back to our childhood as we hear of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Our Blessed Virgin Mary that she would bear a Son and name Him Jesus. We also are told that Elizabeth, now old and thought baron is to bear a child and name him, John! Such simplistic beauty in a story that literally “changed” our world. As story that we have heard over and over again yet, still as mesmerizing as the first time we heard it! »»