What began in 1976 at Haggard Middle School has blossomed into a vibrant Catholic community. Today we stand before Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano. It is a testament to faith and service.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish came into being on February 28 1976. The Diocese of Dallas established the parish. This was due to projected growth patterns in the Plano area. The parish was named after the first native-born American saint.
Mass was first celebrated on Palm Sunday April 11 1976. The location was Haggard Middle School. This served as the parish’s home for almost two years. The Diocese of Dallas purchased the parish site on February 20 1976. Groundbreaking for Phase I occurred on April 24 1977.
Mass was celebrated in the Religious Education building on Palm Sunday 1978. Groundbreaking for Phase II the Sanctuary took place on May 17 1980. The first Sunday Liturgy in the new church was November 8 1981. Bishop Thomas Tschoepe dedicated the church on October 10 1982.
Initially the parish community had under 100 families. It has grown to exceed 4000 families in 45 years. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton gave birth to two Catholic communities. Prince of Peace Catholic Church split off in 1991. Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church followed in December 2000.
The Seton Faith Formation Center was built across the street. This was due to increasing growth and need for gathering space. Bishop Grahmann formally dedicated it at the 30th Anniversary Mardi Gras Celebration on February 28 2006.
Ground was broken for the Seton Columbarium and Garden on March 1 2009. This was the first Sunday in Lent. The initial phase was completed and consecrated on All Souls Day in 2009. A fountain featuring a statue of the Archangel Raphael and Tobias was added in 2013. It stands at the entrance of the Memory Garden.
Statues of the Mourning Mother the Good Shepherd and St. John the Evangelist have been added. The garden was completed on All Souls Day 2015. A mosaic of the Madonna of Consolation was added to the wall behind the Gazebo.
The Parish Activity Center has undergone renovations. Classrooms were freshened with paint and new flooring. Bathrooms were remodeled and a Bride’s Room was added. Two rooms were combined and redecorated. This created a large gathering space called the Seton Room. The Parish Hall and kitchen were fully remodeled. The Parish Hall has state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The kitchen is now a fully functioning commercial kitchen.
All columbarium niches have been sold out since 2021. There are no plans for additional spaces at this time.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to a vibrant community. It continues to serve and grow in the Diocese of Dallas. The church’s mission statement reflects its dedication. It is building God’s Kingdom in Faith Through Service.