On January 4th we celebrate the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
The following prayer was prepared by Sisters Judy Mertz and Kathleen Flanagan, Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Celebrating Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
God’s Presence in the World Today
January 4, 2022

Choose music appropriate for the prayer.

Opening Prayer     

We gather to celebrate the Feast of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, wife, mother, woman religious, convert and Saint. We pray that she encourage us, her spiritual daughters to embrace new opportunities to witness a God of love and compassion in our world today. Amen
 
In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, let us pray the psalm that Elizabeth prayed and taught others to pray:

Psalm 23

Oh my beloved, you are my shepherd,
I shall not want;
You bring me to green pastures for rest
And lead me beside still waters renewing my spirit.
You lead me in the path of goodness to follow love’s way.
 
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow and of death,
I am not afraid;
For you are with me forever;
Your rod and your staff guide me;
They give me strength and comfort.
 
You prepare a table before me,
In the presence of all my fears;
You bless me with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the heart of the Beloved forever.
 
Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill (adapted)

Reflection

In what way does this psalm speak to me today?

Readings

“You see, God’s grace has been revealed and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race. . .”          Titus 2:11
 
“Faith lifts the soul on one side. Hope supports it on the other. Experience says it must be. Love says, let it be.” Elizabeth Ann Seton

“So even those whom God allows to suffer should commit themselves to a Creator who is trustworthy, and go on doing good.”   1 Peter 4:19
 
“The more a soul is united to God, the more its affections are drawn to every being of God’s creation.”       Elizabeth Ann Seton

Reflection

As I reflect on these readings, what is the invitation for me to be faithful to my commitment as a Sister/Daughter of Charity?
 
What is the invitation to us as members of the Sisters of Charity Federation?

Shared Reflections

Litany to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth, loving daughter
Encourage in all children obedience and love
Elizabeth, troubled teenager
Speak to today’s confused, sometimes abused young people
Elizabeth, Faithful wife,
Grant gifts of love and generosity to all spouses
Elizabeth, caring mother,
Share your mother’s heart with all parents.
Elizabeth, grieving widow,
Look with compassion on all bereaved spouses
Elizabeth, loyal friend,
Teach us to share friendship generously.
Elizabeth, heroic searcher of truth,
Guide all who, with fear and doubt, seek the way.
Elizabeth, courageous convert,
Strengthen the newly baptized as they embrace the faith.
Elizabeth, sorrowing mother:
Console those parents suffering the loss of a child.
Elizabeth, steadfast religious:
Inspire young women to follow in your path.
Elizabeth, inspired educator:
Share your gifts with all teachers.
Elizabeth, a woman for all women:
Bestow your charism of love and service on all women today.
M. Irene Fugaze, SC (New York)

Closing Prayer

Loving God, you blessed Elizabeth Ann Seton with gifts of grace as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might spend her life in service to your people. Through her example and prayers, may we learn to express our love for you in love of our brothers and sisters. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.