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 Seton Paris was established on April 6th, 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 born 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 programs continue 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 Block 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 parish 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 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 Ryba was assigned as 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, the Polka Mass (which was invented here) 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.

One of the important commands Jesus gave us was to teach. This time the Education Commission was seriously accepted. While it embraced 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 continues. 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 included the Annual 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 a blood bank and it continues throughout the year. There are pro-life activities and other activities are held to help birthright and Cornerstone Pregnancy Center with our Baby Bottle campaign. Our Tree of Hope during the Holidays and our Hope Fund helps people all year long.

In the beginning. There were social events, such as dances, skating parties, and softball leagues for youth, men and women. In the Fall the parish still gets together for its fellowship event. It began as s 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.