Marking the parish’s 50th anniversary Jan. 4, Father Evarist Kabagambe, pastor, and parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, launched their 2026 series of celebrations with a breakfast reception after all the morning Masses. On loan from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Md., was a first-class relic of the parish’s patroness and namesake. The relic was available for exhibition and prayer in the parish’s All Saints Chapel.
Celebrated on the Feast of Elizabeth Ann Seton – the first native-born U.S. citizen to be canonized and the parish’s namesake – the day was the first of many celebratory events planned for the year ahead. Highlights include a planned bus trip to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine; monthly “meet and greet” events after Sunday Masses featuring various ministry leaders; a parish religious education presentation of a play based on the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; a blessing of the parish’s shrine of the Blessed Mother which is being updated with new engraved pavers and landscaping, and presentations by various speakers.
Planned events will culminate in September with a Mass of Thanksgiving offered by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., followed by dinner. Details for these events can be found on the parish website: seaswhiting.org.