Our Patron
"Tenderness is the language children best understand."
Elizabeth Ann Seton, our patron saint, was the first native-born American saint of the Roman Catholic Church (canonized on September 14, 1975) and foundress of the Sisters of Charity.
OUR PATRON, ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON
Mother Seton was the first native-born American saint of the Roman Catholic Church (canonized on September 14, 1975) and foundress of the Sisters of Charity. Of special importance to us, she founded the first free Catholic school in America in 1808, an academy in Emmitsburg, MD for girls from families who could not afford tuition. That school became the foundation for parochial schooling in the United States—an education system that has been around as long as public government schools and produced better results with fewer resources. In just 45 years, she had accomplished several lifetimes’ worth of good works. The legacy she left now includes six religious communities, hundreds of schools, orphanages, hospitals, day nurseries, and child care centers throughout the United States and the world.
Watch this video about Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton honoring the 200th anniversary of her death to learn about her conversion and impact.
PRAY WITH US
When Seton was founded, we reached out to more than one hundred religious orders to ask them to pray for our work. We are convinced that those prayers are a big reason for our success over the years. We invite you to receive updates on our work so you can pray for us—that the Holy Spirit may continue to guide our efforts and that our Lord may bless our staff and the children and families we serve.
Gracious Lord, I stand before You grateful for the gifted people You have called to Seton Education Partners. It is with these talents that Seton can respond to Your Call to love and serve Your Kingdom, particularly the children and families in Seton’s schools and programs.
I turn to you, Gracious Lord, to seek Your presence in the Holy Spirit. Give Seton the guidance and strength to be your hands and feet on earth as we work with thousands of children and families in underserved communities.
Turn the minds and hearts of all associated with Seton, Lord, toward Your Word as they strive to live out the Gospel, as they strive to both bear and be witnesses of Your love and will.
Bestow on Seton’s children and families, Your protection and care; that they may know Your name, feel Your presence, receive Your blessings and walk in faith.
Amen.