Louisville
Established 1975
Registrations: 460
PARISH OFFICE
11501 Maple Way, Louisville, Ky. 40229-2210
Phone: (502) 969-0004
FAX: (502) 969-0553
E-mail: parishoffice@easeton.com
Web site: www.easeton.com
CLERGY
Pastor: Rev. R. Dale Cieslik, Ext. 205
Permanent Deacon: James C. Olrich
MASS SCHEDULE
Sundays — Sat: 5:30 p.m.; Sun: 9 a.m., 12 noon
Holy Days — See bulletin
Daily — Mon, Wed: 8:30 a.m. (Communion Service); Tue, Thu: 8:30 a.m; Fri: 8:30 a.m. (Except First Friday)
First Friday only: 10 a.m. (Wesley Manor)
HISTORY
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish was formed in 1975 when Father Joseph M. Fowler began ministering to parishioners in the southern section of St. Rita’s territory. In 1976 the new parish was established and named for the first American-born saint, canonized the previous year. Father Fowler was the first pastor.
Built through hard work and strong community spirit, a multi-purpose building for worship and parish activities was dedicated in July 1977. The debt was paid off in 1989. For fundraisers, Father Fowler rented a building which became known as Seton Bingo Hall. Religious education classes were also held there. Through bingo, parishioners raised funds to put their children through neighboring Catholic schools. After the roof had caved in twice—1994 and 2004—the hall was closed.
A commitment to lifelong Catholic formation and education was already evident in catechesis programs held at St. Rita.
A new facility was envisioned in 1993 to provide better space for religious education, offices, receptions and other activities and to protect the sacred space of the church. It was dedicated in 2003, after the parish made a commitment to stewardship in all areas of its life.
Lay leadership has characterized activities from religious education to mission trips home and abroad to spiritual and social enrichment. The long tenures of Sister Alice Casper, SCN, as pastoral associate and of Deacon James Olrich have provided continuity. A growth spurt early in the third millennium came from a new housing development nearby.
The parish is known for its warm and welcoming Sunday liturgies, enlivened by a music program which includes a men’s choir. A regular Sunday collection helps families in need of rent, utilities, food, medicine, or clothing and reflects the parishioners’ longtime concern for those in need. Today, almost 1,500 parishioners are learning together to answer God’s call and be better stewards of God’s gifts.