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.

“Behold, I make all things new.”

This last line from today’s second reading from Revelation goes right to the core of this Easter Season. The great Paschal Mystery we celebrate is about renewal from death to newness of life! Mel Gibson in his movie “The Passion” took this quote from Revelation and inserted it into the passion narrative as our Blessed Mother encounters Jesus after he had fallen Continue reading “Fifth Sunday of Easter” »

The shock and horror of the bombings in Boston this past week impacted us as a nation.  We wonder why people would do something so violent and so hateful and we search for answers.  Sadly, there is evil at work in the world and these acts of hatred and violence reflect that vividly.  Those who perpetrate these acts show no preference who they attack; men, women, children it makes no difference to them.  Whether it is an attack based on some ideology or an attack by someone who is has mental illness, the end result still brings pain and heartache and a yearning for justice.  Continue reading “Fourth Sunday of Easter” »

As I type this I am watching a live video feed from the Vatican awaiting to see what color smoke will come from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.  It is a very exciting time and a time of great hope and expectation.  Hopefully, by the time you are reading this we will have a new Pope!  This papal transition reminds us of the renewal the Lord is constantly working in our midst. Just as the Lord is working now for the renewal of the church so too is he working in us to renew our lives and reconcile ourselves with him!  Today’s Gospel reminds us that our Lord does not condemn us but calls us to conversion. He challenges us to remember that we are all sinners and are in need of healing and grace, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone!” Let us rejoice in God’s abundant mercy and love! I was moved by how many of you came to encounter our Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation this past Tuesday and I hope it was a positive and renewing experience for you! If I can make one suggestion, keep coming back to this font of renewal and allow the Lord to help you in your daily spiritual battles.  He is our strength and our hope! Let us also keep in our hearts and prayers our new Holy Father (hopefully already elected or soon to be!) May the Lord guide him by the light of the Holy Spirit and may he shepherd the Church faithfully in in love!

+Father Jason

On February 28, 2013 at 8:00pm Pope Benedict XVI officially resigned as the Holy Father and Bishop of Rome.  It has been 600 years since a Pope has resigned from office!  In studying this decision it is evident that it is Pope Emeritus Benedict’s love for the Church that has brought him to this decision.  At almost 86 years old and ailing in health, he realizes that the Church and the world need more than he is physically able to give.  As we gather this weekend, the Cardinal Electors prepare for Conclave to elect a new Pope, let us pray that the Holy Spirit guide their efforts and bless us with a Holy Father who will continue to teach and lead us as His Holiness Benedict XV, Pope Emeritus has done.