St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Celebrates 50 Years!

St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Celebrates 50 Years!
Est. 1976

~St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish History~

St Elizabeth Ann Parish and Seton Paris was established on April 9, 1976 by Bishop James Hickey, Bishop of Cleveland to include the townships of Columbia and Eaton. Father David D Libratore was appointed it’s founding pastor on June 7, 1976 and celebrated the parish's first mass on July 4, 1976 at Columbia middle school. It was the celebration of the 200th anniversary of our country's founding, and so the parish colors are red white and blue. St Elizabeth Ann Seton is America’s first native Bourne saint. In October 1977 the parish moved to the vacant Bronson school on Root Road. This temporary home had a large multipurpose room for both church and social activities as well as classrooms for one Parish School of Religion.

To found a parish is always a formidable task. There were many meetings and chats to develop the spiritual education and social programs and activities to bring people together, so the unity of the parish might soon take place. This effort was primary in the beginning and continues to be so. As needs change, the program continues to evolve to this day. Christ is the center of all that is done.

At first, Father Libratore lived at Saint Joseph Church in Strongsville. The parish purchased a house which was still under construction at 24383 Forestview on April 22, 1977. In July of that year, it was occupied and also became the office for the parish. Hilda Black became its first secretary and cook and kept the office in the living room.

To aid in the parish development, Father Thomas Tifft, a seminary professor of church history became a weekend associate. Sister Mary Gemma, an Ursuline nun came from Saint Jerome‘s Parish to develop some of the parish‘s programs..

To help the parish become a reality a building committee was formed in January 1977. Mr. Richard Fleischmann was selected to make plans for a multipurpose building. Ground was broken on May 21, 1978, and the Cornerstone laid in December. Much of the work was done by parish volunteers under the direction of Rich Medvetz who was hired by the parish. The first mass was celebrated in March 1979 and the building was dedicated on the weekend of September 14-16, 1979.

In February 1982 Father Libratore was appointed pastor of St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights and Father Al Alexander became pastor. The need for a closer residence became more obvious and the office had already been moved to the Parish Penter. After some initial attempts failed the reality took shape beginning in 1983. In 1987 the decision to build a residence on the property was made. The house sold quickly and Father Al moved to the second floor of the Paris Center. To build the house was a Parish effort with the estimated 216 volunteers working to get the house built. It was completed in July 1988. These volunteers included workers and those who fed the workers. The work was supervised by the very capable Paul Brown. In December 1984, Sister Karen’s Shimko joined the parish as a pastoral minister and the staff worked as a team.

Father Al left the parish in November 1992 and Father Melchiorre Esperido from the Philippines was temporarily assigned to the Parish. He was anxious to return to his country and Father Charles Reba was assigned his pastor and came on March 15, 1993. Father Chalie served well until his retirement in June of 2018. Until a permanent Pastor could be found, Father Joe Mamich of St Joeseph and John stepped in. Then August 15, 2018, on the Feast of the Assumption, Father Edward Hollard joined us and has been our spiritual inspiration through COVID and beyond.

We are grateful to all the Pastors who have served us.

Over the years there have been many fundraising projects. From Bingo to carnivals, Las Vegas nights, Ladies Guild projects, clambakes church barbecues, Polka Mass and Dinner, pancake and sausage breakfast, 200 Club, spaghetti dinner and the waffle booth at Columbia Homecoming Days. Eventually, the mortgage was paid in December 1996. To help the parish focus upon the mission of Jesus the parish council had its first meeting on November 8, 1977. The council continues to both give Vision for the parish and tackle particular issues. The Finance Council continues to keep the parish on a sound financial basis.

The Spiritual Life and Worship Commission enhances the liturgical and spiritual life of the parish. They work to improve the different ministries involved with the liturgy. Together, they sponsor workshops, days of recollection, reconciliation services, and plan the decorations for the liturgical seasons and feasts. With other parishes, they participate in offering opportunities for spiritual growth. Participation in the Columbia Ministerial Association contributes to community prayer services.

One of the important commands Jesus gave us was to teach. This time the Education Commission has seriously accepted. While it embraces the PSR program, it also undertakes the task of the RCIA. SEAS was one of the first parishes to participate in a retreat/workshop training session. This led the parish to go out to other parishes to begin and help set up this process. Bible study and Baptismal parent sessions continue. In 1985 the Parish embarked on the Renew program, which gave out of the sessions called the Seaside Chats, which helped people express their needs and discover new ways to meet those deeds.

Service groups have always been a part of SEAS. A parish library was formed in 1985. Quarterly the parish welcomed new parishioners at mass and shared a loaf of homemade bread as a sign of their welcome. The parish was instrumental in establishing a Columbia food bank, which still reaches out to those in needs today. A newsletter called Seascape shared parish happenings and interests three times a year. A Ladies Guild was formed officially on January 6, 1978 and today they are called The Women of SEAS and meet twice a month for fellowship and planning. They work hard and make significant contributions to the parish. Our fundraising events including the Annual Fall Pasta dinner and wine tasting events in the past. Our events are fun and successful thanks to their help & enthusiasm.

The Men of SEAS offer Men’s Fellowship twice a month and the parish has its own Knights of Columbus Council who contribute greatly to the success of the Parish and all our events. We also have established Ruth’s Ministry for the Widowed Men & Women of SEAS. They talk about the challenges and blessings of our lives after our losses, and we give thanks that we are resilient.

There are many outreach programs. In December 1985, Dick Falloon began the blood bank and it continues to this day. There are many pro-life activities and childcare opportunities. Other activities are held to help birthright and Cornerstone Pregnancy Center with our Baby Bottle campaign. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is vital to the parish and the community as well as our Tree of Hope during the Holidays and our Hope Fund all year long.

In the beginning. There were social events, such as dances, skating parties, and softball leagues for youth, men and women. In August the parish still gets together for its picnic. It was a picnic and outdoor mass in September 1984 that the statue of St Elizabeth Ann was blessed. We also Bless our Pets once a year.

Today, the townships of Columbia and Eaton continue to grow. The parish has firm footing in the spiritual and social life and offers a peaceful, family atmosphere for worship, Eucharistic Adoration and the Rosary. This will help all to continue to build and meet the needs of our day and age. May St Elizabeth Ann Seton continue to intercede for us.

Our Wonderful Parishioners.....

February 1st, 2026 - Our Annual Pasta Dinner Fund Raiser was another roaring success due to our incredible Parishioners who volunteered for and all who came out during the record cold temperatures to support our church!!! Thank you and God Bless you All and keep you WARM!!!

Third Annual Fall Fest - November 2nd, 2025!

Thank you to all who attended, set up, cooked, baked, set up and cleaned up!

WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

It was a beautiful day for our Annual Pet Blessing October 4th, 2025!

Delicious Venezuelan Dishes Prepared by our Cantor Francisco for the lucky winners

of the Venezuelan Dinner!!

FALL 2025 - Beautiful Fall Colors surround our peaceful Church

~EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 20th, 2025~

~PALM SUNDAY - APRIL 13, 2025~

ANNUAL PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER AND FELLOWSHIP!

Thank you to all who came, all who cooked, cleaned up and made this possible!

The food was delicious and the fellowship fun!

WINNER WINNER VENEZUALIAN DINNER! The Norris Family were the lucky winners from our Fall Fest who got to enjoy a home cooked traditional meal made by our own Cantor Francisco! Yum! Looks delicious!!!

ANNUAL PET BLESSING!

It was a beautiful day for this year's annual pet blessing! A good time was had by all and our parish's sweet animals and parishioners were grateful for the blessing!

FALL FEST SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

Our Fall Fest was a smashing success today! Parishioners gathered after 11am mass to enjoy food, fun and fellowship! Thank you to all who attended and a special thank you to the volunteers who made sure everyone had a lovely time!

JULY BLOOMS

our resident photographer Jon Gorczyca captures the beautiful Summer flowers all around the church.

JUNE BLOOMS

The peace and serenity of our church is magnified by a walk thru our beautiful grounds following the

Stations of the Cross prayer path and enjoying the beauty of nature at the same time.

If you haven't walked our prayer path you own it to yourself to enjoy and find peace!

OUR MUSIC MINISTRY RECIEVED A GRACIOUS ANONYMOUS DONATION OF A

BRAND-NEW BABY GRAND PIANO THAT ENHANCES THEIR ALREADY GLORIOUS MUSIC!

HERE ARE SOME NEW PICTURES OF OUR BELOVED SANCUTARY

SOLD OUT WINE TASTING FUND RAISER APRIL 28TH, 2024 at MATTEOS' in OLMSTEAD FALLS!

Our sold out Wine Tasting fundraiser at Matteo's on April 28 was a lot of fun.

Tasty wine, good food and great conversation made for a delightful afternoon.

Thank you to all who attended and supported the event which raised more than $2000 for SEAS!

A big thanks to everyone in volved who helped make it possible as well as to Matteo's restaurant

for being fantastic hosts for the event.

Palm Sunday Father Ed and Deacon Bob Bless the Palms for all Parishioners in honor of Jesus riding into Jerusalem.

SPRING is beginning to show her beauty at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church!

Our Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser was held on February 4th! Thank you to all who came out for another fun, successful event and a heart filled appreciation to all who worked to make it so!

THANK YOU!!

OUR NEXT EVENT!!

SEAS Wine Tasting & Food Pairing Sunday, April 28, 2024
At Matteo’s Restaurant From 1pm-4pm Join us for an afternoon of good wine, good food, good fellowship and good fun. $50 per person ticket includes 4 different wine tastings with food pairings and desserts. Your ticket will be entered into a drawing for door prizes, along with free fun activities, 50/50 Raffle and Basket Raffle. Cash Bar available for drinks and beer. Very Limited number of tickets are being sold.

Call the office during business hours to reserve your tickets as they will be sold out quickly!!!

Winter 2023/2024 - Beauty and Peace as the snow blankets our church.

Fall 2023 - follow the "fall" yellow brick road, er, walkway ...

Thank you JON GORCZYCA for these beautiful Fall photos of our church grounds!

PET BLESSING OCTOBER 8th, 2023

Many of our parishioners brought their pets to the Fall Fest to receive a blessing from Father Ed - it was wonderful chaos with all the pets gathered together but despite the chill fun was had by all and pets and their owners were grateful!!

ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON - THEN AND NOW...

These pictures represent and interesting look at how our beloved church has not only stood the test of time but has grown and flourished with the love of her parishioners.

Compiled and coordinated by JON GORSZYCA and GENE SMOLIK, look at how she was in 1996 and 2023.

Enjoy!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME OUT TO ENJOY A DELICIOUS BBQ CHICKEN DINNER

WITH ALL THE FIXINS!

AND TO ALL THOSE WHO COOKED, CLEANED UP & PITCHED IN!! WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Enjoy the pics below of the even Sunday August 27!

Stay tuned for details about our fun FALL FESTIVAL coming soon!

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Here are pictures of our beautifully remodeled deck overlooking our serene lake!

Thank you to all who made it possible!

Photos of our beautiful church and our Parish!

YOUTH GROUP COLLECTED TRAVEL-SIZE TOILETRIES TO HELP THE HOMELESS

As a Lenten almsgiving project, our Youth Group collected travel sized toiletries during the month of March in conjunction with Hands on Northeast Ohio.

Below is a photo of teens from our Youth Group assembling the Blessing Bags for the homeless.

The parish had a fantastic response to the Homeless Stand Down toiletry collection!

We were able to make 110 full bags (with all the required items), plus we have boxes and boxes of leftover donations that we will also be dropping off.