Atop Mount Allen, a few miles south of Mechanicsburg, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church has graced the eminence since 1978, when ground was broken for the newly formed parish. The church was dedicated in 1979 and has thrived since its establishment a half century ago.
The church resembles a colonial style design to honor St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who is the first American-born saint to be canonized and is recognized as the foundress of the modern-day parochial school system. She lived in Emmitsburg, Md., just 48 miles south of Mount Allen.
Father Daniel Menneti was named the first pastor; within a few years, Father Richard Waldron began his more than 20-year tenure of shepherding the faithful of the Mechanicsburg and Dillsburg area.
Bishop Timothy Senior made a pastoral visit to the parish on December 21, the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Father Charles Persing noted in his closing remarks of gratitude that last year Bishop Senior made a pastoral visit on the first Sunday of Advent. “Since he is here on the last Sunday of Advent, we can say Bishop Senior has now made the alpha and omega of pastoral visits to our parish. We are extremely grateful to him for coming, and I personally thank him for all the support he gives to me.”
Bishop Senior said in his homily: “Joseph is a great example for us as we prepare for Christmas.” He added, “God has a purposeful plan for each of us just like He had for Joseph…. We meet Joseph at a very vulnerable moment; he wants to divorce Mary quietly…. But he is obedient to the angel’s directions even though he was afraid…. He had an obedience of faith. How are each one of us being called to not be afraid, to also have that obedience of faith? God gives us – me and you – the grace when we trust Him.”
(Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.)
By Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness
