About Mother Seton · Germantown, Maryland
Mother Seton Catholic Church in Germantown, Maryland, is a vibrant parish community centered on the life and legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, its patron saint. Established in 1974, the parish has grown from humble beginnings in rented spaces to its current location, offering Masses in multiple languages and serving a diverse cultural community. The parish is known for its strong ministries, faith formation programs, and active outreach, including support for the poor and global missions. It is also close to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, making it a spiritual hub for pilgrims and parishioners alike.
- Established
- 1974
- Patron
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Rector
- Father Lee Fangmeyer
- Diocese
- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
Why belong here
Join a welcoming community that offers Masses in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and French, and supports diverse cultural ministries including African, French, and Vietnamese communities. Engage in faith formation for all ages, volunteer opportunities, and sacramental programs. The parish also hosts events like the May Crowning, Confirmation, and Quo Vadis Camp, and provides pastoral care through ministries like Respect Life, Stephen Ministry, and Sacred Music.
Mass times at Mother Seton
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 6:00 to 7:00 PM (English & Spanish)
- Saturday 12:00 to 1:00 PM (English & Spanish)
- Upon Request (Call the parish office)
Adoration times
- Tuesday 6PM - 9PM
History
Mother Seton Parish was established in 1974, one year before St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized. It began in a rented house near the train station, later moving to Germantown Elementary School and Seneca Valley High School before settling at its current location in 1981. The parish has had several pastors, including Msgr. Leonard Hurley (founder), Father Paul Lavin (1987), Father Milton Jordan (1991), Father Thomas Wells (1999–2000), Father Ron Potts (2000–2007), Father Mark Ervin (2007–2010), Father Carlos Benitez (2010–2013), and Father Lee Fangmeyer (2014–present). The parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Ministries
The parish offers a wide range of ministries to serve the spiritual, social, and cultural needs of its diverse community. These include youth groups, men’s groups, quilting, angels, Respect Life, sacred music, and cultural communities such as African, French, and Vietnamese. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in these ministries and in parish outreach efforts.
- High School Youth Group
- Knights of Columbus
- Men’s Group
- Mother Seton Quilting
- Angels
- Respect Life Ministry
- Sacred Music
- Sodality of Our Lady
- Social Concerns
- Stephen Ministry
- Young Family Ministry
- Africa Union 55
- French Community
- Vietnamese Community
Faith Formation
Faith formation programs are offered for children and teens, including grades 7–8 and high school (9th–12th grade). The parish also provides resources for parents and catechists, including the OCIC, OCIA, and Virtus Child Protection Policy. Registration for the 2026–2027 academic year is open with an early bird discount available before August 26th.
- 7th–8th Grade
- High School (9th–12th Grade)
- Prayers to Learn by Grade
- OCIC
- OCIA
- Virtus Child Protection Policy
Sacraments
The parish offers all seven sacraments: Baptism (for children and adults), Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. Funerals are also conducted with pastoral care and support. Sacramental request forms are available for those seeking to receive sacraments.
- Baptism for Children
- Baptism for Adults
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Matrimony
- Holy Orders
- Funerals
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. Leonard Hurley1974–1987
Founding pastor; later renamed Germantown Drive to Father Hurley Blvd.
- Father Paul Lavin1987–1991
Built upon foundation set by Msgr. Hurley.
- Father Milton Jordan1991–1999
Expanded programs and activities for parish life.
- Father Thomas Wells1999–2000
Pastor until his untimely death in 2000.
- Father Ron Potts2000–2007
- Father Mark Ervin2007–2010
- Father Carlos Benitez2010–2013
- Father Lee Fangmeyer2014–present
6th pastor; appointed in March 2014.