St. Elizabeth Seton

Welcome & Mission

St. Elizabeth Seton describes itself as a Eucharistic community whose mission is to be welcoming with open hearts, growing together in faith, and serving one another as the Body of Christ. In his welcome message, Parochial Administrator Fr. Williams Abba — who greets the assembly with the joyful call-and-response 'God is good! — All the time!' — invites visitors and longtime parishioners alike to find a 'sanctuary of peace and a community of belonging.' The parish explicitly welcomes guests from neighboring parishes and out of state, and reminds all comers: 'No matter how far you have traveled, you are always welcome here.'

History of the Parish

Plans for St. Elizabeth Seton were announced on July 14, 1976 by Bishop Edward McCarthy of the Diocese of Phoenix — the first Arizona parish named for an American-born saint. Founding pastor Fr. Paul P. Smith broke ground on May 6, 1978 on a 7⅓-acre site at West Palmeras Drive and 98th Avenue. Bishop James S. Rausch celebrated the first Mass on July 14, 1979 and dedicated the completed church on October 21 of that year. The parish grew from 300 to roughly 2,453 families. Six pastors have served since Fr. Smith: Fr. Henry Hodges, Fr. Matt Feit, Fr. Joseph Gillespie, Fr. Franklin Bartel, Fr. Joseph McGaffin, and Fr. Kilian McCaffrey — followed today by Fr. Williams Abba as Parochial Administrator.

Architecture & Campus

Designed by native Phoenician architect Bennie Gonzales, the church draws on old Spanish missions for its Southwestern motif. It features dome-capped two-story towers, semi-circular passageways, arched windows and doorways, an open courtyard, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling with stained glass windows. The Risen Christ is depicted in a large glass mosaic behind the altar, which is flanked by two portraits of St. Elizabeth Seton. The sanctuary seats approximately 700, and Seton Hall — the adjoining parish/social hall — adds overflow space for about 400 more during holidays and winter months. The original marble altar and pulpit have been replaced with dark brown wood, the sanctuary floor has been retiled, and the former priest's residence now houses the Fatima and Guadalupe meeting rooms.

Clergy & Staff

Fr. Williams Abba, born in 1969 in Godogodo in southern Kaduna state, Nigeria, and ordained December 9, 1995 by Archbishop Gabriel Ganaka, serves as Parochial Administrator. A published author and longtime advocate for social justice, he previously served as Parochial Vicar at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Scottsdale. Fr. John Slobig is Priest in Residence and Fr. Bill Fournier is a Retired Priest. Five deacons (Dcn. Jeff Arner, Sal Lema, Marty Pogioli, Craig Reaktenwalt, Jim Brown) assist with liturgy and formation; Dcn. Jeff Arner also directs Faith Formation & Evangelization.

Faith Formation

The Office of Faith Formation, directed by Deacon Jeff Arner, supports parishioners of every age and stage. Adult programs include Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism (a 20-part video series), the men's group That Man is You!, and ongoing retreats. The parish also subscribes to FORMED, giving parishioners access to thousands of Catholic movies, audios, and children's programs. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) welcomes those inquiring about Catholicism or baptized Christians preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist, while the Catholics Come Home ministry supports returning Catholics.

Parish Ministries & Groups

St. Elizabeth Seton's parish life is sustained by a wide range of lay-led ministries. The Seton Women's Society gathers every Thursday from 9 to 11 AM in the parish hall, while the Holy Spirit Prayer Group meets every Friday at 9 AM in the Guadalupe Room for prayer, praise, and fellowship. Outreach to those in need is carried out through the St. Vincent de Paul Conference (meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 2 PM in the Deacon Tone Room), and men are served by the Knights of Columbus (2nd Tuesday, 6:30 PM). A Solo Spouse Group meets for fellowship and connection, and the Chalice Apostolate Ministry supports vocations.

• St. Vincent de Paul Conference
• Knights of Columbus
• Seton Women's Society
• Holy Spirit Prayer Group
• Our Lady of Fatima Devotion
• Solo Spouse Group
• Evening Prayer Group
• Chalice Apostolate Ministry
• Parish Library

Liturgical Ministries

Trained, baptized and confirmed lay parishioners assist priests and deacons during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Roles include Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (including visits to the sick and homebound), Lectors/Readers who proclaim Scripture, Altar Servers who assist at the altar, Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers, Music Ministers/Cantors, and Sacristans who prepare the sacred vessels and vestments.

Pastoral Succession

Eight priests — or pastorates — have shaped St. Elizabeth Seton since its founding. After Fr. Paul P. Smith's founding tenure (1978–1980), the parish was led successively by Fr. Henry Hodges (1980–1986), Fr. Matt Feit (1986–1993), Fr. Joseph Gillespie (1993–1999), Fr. Franklin Bartel (2000–2010), and Fr. Joseph McGaffin (2010–2016). Fr. McGaffin's sudden death in 2017 led Fr. Kilian McCaffrey, a Dublin-born priest ordained in 2007, to take the helm through the COVID pandemic and to oversee the addition of the adoration chapel and two portraits flanking the altar. Fr. Williams Abba now serves as Parochial Administrator.

Communications & Community Outreach

Beyond Mass and formation, the parish engages in ecumenical and civic outreach. In November 2024, Fr. Williams Abba joined clergy from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran and Episcopal traditions for a Prayer Vigil for Peace in Our Nation hosted by Sun City Christian Church across the street. The parish also publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter, The Family Seton, with seasonal messages from the pastor, feature stories about parishioners and ministries, and reflections from parish columnists.

Visiting & Contact

St. Elizabeth Seton is located at 9728 E. Palmeras Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373, just north of 99th Avenue and Bell Road. The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Friday from 8 AM to noon; the main phone line is 623-972-2129 and email comes through [email protected]. The website at sescc.org hosts the latest bulletin, Mass livestream, Safe Environment information, volunteer opportunities, and contact information for every staff member and ministry.