About St. Elizabeth Ann Seton · Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee, is a small but deeply devoted parish founded in 1973, with its first Mass celebrated in June 1973 and its permanent church dedicated in 1977. The parish was built with the generous support of Sister Henrietta of St. Vincent de Paul and Bishop James D. Niedergeses, who personally oversaw its planning and construction. The church is known for its serene, grotto-like interior with views of surrounding woods, fostering a prayerful atmosphere. Though small in membership, the community is described as warm and fellowship-driven, with active ministries and a strong focus on faith formation and sacramental life.
- Established
- 1973
- Patron
- Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Rector
- Father Aby Thanickal, CMI
- Diocese
- Diocese of Nashville
Why belong here
The parish offers a warm, fellowship-driven community where members are encouraged to grow closer to Jesus through prayer, worship, and service. Active ministries include choir, lectors, extraordinary ministers of communion, altar servers, and marriage support. Faith formation is available for all ages, including RCIA for adults, and the parish emphasizes the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
Mass times at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Wednesday: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at St Francis of Assisi in Dover
- Thursday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Saturday: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at St Francis of Assisi in Dover
Adoration times
- Monday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Wednesday: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at St Francis of Assisi in Dover
- Thursday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton
- First Friday: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton
- First Friday: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at St Francis of Assisi in Dover
Our History
The first Mass was offered in Houston County on June 3, 1973, after Catholics in the area grew large enough to form a parish. Due to confusion over parish boundaries, Dr. Douglas Ligon contacted local priests to establish a Mass in Erin. With the help of the Erin United Methodist Church, the community began gathering. In 1974, Sister Henrietta of St. Vincent de Paul offered to fund a church in memory of her parents. Bishop James D. Niedergeses completed the negotiations and oversaw the selection of a 10-acre site on Highway 49 in Tennessee Ridge. The church was designed by Jordan and Meiers of Nashville and built by Self and Sons. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on November 6, 1977, by Father Joseph J. Brando. Bishop Niedergeses dedicated the church on December 11, 1977. The parish underwent its first major renovation in 2005, updating the worship space while preserving its grotto-like, wooded sanctuary design.
Our Pastor
Father Aby Thanickal, CMI, is the current pastor. He welcomes all to the parish, whether long-time parishioners, new members, or those seeking a spiritual home. He emphasizes the centrality of the Eucharist in Catholic life.
Ministries
The parish offers active ministries including choir, lectors, extraordinary ministers of communion, altar servers, and marriage support. These ministries foster community and deepen faith through service.
- Choir
- Lectors
- Extraordinary Minister of Communion
- Altar Servers
- Marriage Support
Faith Formation
Faith formation is available for all ages, including RCIA for adults. The parish offers programs for Pre-K through 11th grade and adult faith formation, helping members grow in their understanding and practice of the Catholic faith.
- Pre-K - 11th Grade
- Faith Formation for Adults
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph J. Brando1977
First pastor; celebrated first Mass in new church on November 6, 1977.