The beginning

On the weekend of September 13-14, 1985, the 10th anniversary of the canonization of its patron saint, the parish family of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton celebrated its first public liturgy with Father Edward Michael Kelly at Ramblewood Middle School. Thus began the evolution of a new community of Catholic Christians committed to learning how to live God's love. Although the surroundings were rustic, the excitement of the pioneer adventure filled the air as new parishioners eagerly signed up to help in any way they could. From that first weekend of 300 worshipers, the parish has blossomed forth. Last year we celebrated 30 years of worshipping in our own Parish Center, and many of us can recall other milestones along the way.

Our first year was marked by many exciting "firsts" that have since become traditions in our community. Our official beginning was celebrated with great joy after the announcement of the new parish by Archbishop McCarthy had been marked with some uncertainty about finding a temporary home. Mr. Jim Flynn, principal of Ramblewood Middle School, welcomed us graciously, and we were on our way.

In October, through the kindness of Rev. Paul Davis and his congregation, we began celebrating daily Mass at Cypress Springs Baptist Church. We held our first Town Meeting on November 17 to solicit ideas from the community to help create our new parish. This process brought forth many ideas for committees and social events that are still with us today.

Our first Thanksgiving was one of those magical occasions. We planned a Mass in the park at Sherwood Forest, hoping for about 75 people. In a spontaneous outpouring of Thanksgiving and love, hundreds arrived to celebrate gratitude for our new parish. Thirty years later, our Thanksgiving Mass is still a magical event as we celebrate outdoors on our front lawn with many parishioners in lawn chairs.    

The Parish family picnic at Tradewinds began on December 1, and our Annual Christmas Tree Trimming Party found a strangely familiar black-clad Santa. Parishioners donated our nativity scene. We remembered those less fortunate by our food donations to the poor, and our first Christmas liturgy for the children was incredibly blessed.

Early in 1986, our Youth Group was flourishing, and the nursery was filled with children. Many eager volunteers pitched in to initiate the first parish census. March brought our first annual St. Patrick's Day Dance. Our Music Ministry grew, and we created a children's choir. Our first Easter together was marked by very moving liturgies, especially the Stations of the Cross and a family liturgy involving the parish's children. "St Ramblewood" was beautifully decorated with flowers donated by the parish family.

In April, we took to the outdoors again, and a very symbolic Mass was celebrated at the beach at John U. Lloyd Park, followed by fellowship and games. We also celebrated the reception of Holy Communion with our first First Communion CCD class. Other new events that followed, which were to become annual traditions, were the Fashion Show in May and the Golf Tournament in June. As we completed our first year, Fr. Kelly returned to Ireland for a well-deserved vacation, and we welcomed Fr. Kieran McDermott in his absence.

As our one-year anniversary approached, we were busy planning our new Religious Education program. The projected 400 students grew to 800, and the parish registration doubled in size! Over 100 volunteers dedicated their time to the program, and we filled Ramblewood Middle School to the brim on Sunday mornings with classes from three-year-olds to adults. Our outreach to the less fortunate continued and was augmented by weekly volunteers to Park Summit. Our social committee inaugurated the Dinner Club, and we got to know each other better while sharing a meal.

The following year, our Sunday Religious Ed program was so packed we had to expand into the portables at Ramblewood Middle. Excitement grew as we held our first youth retreat for 85 young adults in preparation for their Confirmation by Bishop Dorsey.

That year also brought an occasion that we had anticipated for almost two years. Plans for our Parish Center and a kick-off Building Fund drive were presented in a multi-media slide presentation that proclaimed "We Are Family"; we knew then that "Nothing Can Stop Us Now." We were on our way to having a home of our own.

On May 1, 1988, Bishop Dorsey, the Mayor, and many other dignitaries and friends came to help us celebrate our long-awaited groundbreaking, where we placed our family rocks on the foundation of our future home. We knew that with Jesus as our rock, we would build solidly. During that time in our history, Coral Springs' churches and synagogues worked together by lending their facilities so that each could get started. On this day, we rejoiced at the evidence of our oneness in the Lord.

1988 Confirmation brought Archbishop Edward McCarthy to us for the first time. Our confirmation class had grown so large that we had to have two retreats, and the spirit of the Lord was flowing once again. Our spiritual renewal was active with parishioners involved in ministries that are continued today.

We continued to grow, and on June 11, 1989, Archbishop Edward McCarthy dedicated our new "home." By this time, the parish had blossomed to over 2,200 families; our RE program enrolled 1,425 students; and our preschool, Seton Ridge Children's Center, was established.

As we grew in numbers, the parish's spiritual life continued to flourish. We were so thankful for our beautiful chapel, where many faithful come daily to Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Groundbreaking for the second phase of our parish development was in the Fall of 1999. With pride and joy, we awaited the day of the dedication of our beautiful church and chapel, where as a community, we now gather to adore, praise, petition and thank our awesome God for all He has done for us.

Thirty years ago, the Catholic community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was established. Sixteen years ago, plans, hopes, and dreams for a permanent "home" became a reality. Much happened in the following years, and as a family, we walked together in our faith journey and celebrated many milestones. As we continue on this path under the spiritual leadership of Fr. Kelly, we do so with the faith, hope, and knowledge that "With God, all things are possible."