At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, we believe every person is called to deepen their relationship wit Christ and grow in community. On our Clear Path, Grow is an ongoing journey for all individuals, regardless of their stage in discipleship. This step encompasses the three areas of formation: evangelization, sacraments, and catechesis, allowing us to deepen our understanding and practice of the faith.
Growth groups are essential in this step as it is in these small faith-sharing groups that individuals can continually learn, grow spiritually, and accompany one another. Wherever you are on your faith journey, we invite you to walk with us.
Explore the groups below to find a community where you can grow in faith, friendship, and purpose.
Visit Family Faith Formation.
People with disabilities, their families, friends, and circles of support are valued members of our Parish family. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church is committed to ensuring the meaningful participation and full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of our Church community.
Please email Stephanie Hanley if we can accommodate you better or if you want to be connected with resources!
We have a Sensory Friendly Room in the back of the church by the chapel for those who need a calm (light and volume controlled) space during Mass.
SPRED – Our neighbor church, Sacred Heart, offers a Special Religious Education Development for children with disabilities (SPRED)who have not yet received the sacraments. Please contact them at 703-590-0256.
Visit Our Seton Scout Troops.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long half-day camp where children can explore, learn, and grow in their Catholic faith! Each day will begin with Mass followed by an opening assembly, five small group stations, and a closing assembly where parents are invited to join us for a song performance by the kids; the stations will include faith, crafts, games, music, and snacks!
NEXT VBS: (date)
Mom’s Group is a welcoming community where mothers of all ages and stages come together to share faith, friendship, and encouragement. Through regular gatherings, prayer, and conversation, we support one another in the joys and challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned parent, there’s a place for you here.
Inviting young people into a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ & His Church through St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Formed in what it means to be a disciple of Christ, youth ministers encounter young people where they are, invite them into a relationship with Jesus Christ and accompany them as they engage in the life of the parish through the sacraments, prayer, and fellowship. In the contexts of various youth activities, special events, small groups, and one-on-one discipleship, youth ministers inspire young people to discover who they are as a child of God and how He is specifically calling them to be missionary-disciples.
Arlington Diocese WorkCamp is an annual youth ministry program culminating in a week-long overnight camp providing the teens of the Diocese with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship. This program is coordinated by the Office of Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministries.
This service opportunity combines prayer, great speakers, daily Mass, confession, and tons of fun, making it an integrated experience of true Christian community and one of the most transformational opportunities of the year!
Contact our Youth Ministry for more information.
Designed for high school-aged youth this annual event is an opportunity for the young Church in the Diocese of Arlington to gather each year to pray, learn, and celebrate the Catholic faith. RALLY includes Mass with Bishop Burbidge, Eucharistic Adoration, inspirational speakers and entertainers, breakout sessions, inflatable games, music, and more! Contact our Youth Ministry for more information.
Register for RALLY: https://setonlakeridge.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3184734
Learn More About Rally Here: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/rally/
Designed for all middle school-aged youth, BASH is the Diocese of Arlington’s largest gathering of Catholic middle school students (6th-8th graders)! This celebration of our Catholic faith and love of the Lord includes music, games, inspirational speakers, confessions, and a Vigil Mass for Sunday, with Bishop Burbidge as the principal celebrant. Contact our Youth Ministry for more information.
Learn More About BASH Here: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/youth-ministry-bash/
Jesus isn’t boring.
His church isn’t, either.
Missioned to awaken, empower, and equip a generation to live the adventure of the Catholic faith Damascus offers camps, retreats, and resources that help young people encounter Jesus through world-class programs and an environment of encounter.
A week at Damascus Summer Camp is a chance for students in to step away from the distractions of daily life and experience high-adventure activities that lead to a high-adventure faith!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
For High Schoolers
For Middle Schoolers
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus Council 8183 invites all Catholic men 18 and older to join us in service, fellowship, and faith. From hosting parish events like the Parish Picnic, Easter Egg Hunt, and Lenten Soup Kitchen to supporting causes like Coats for Kids, Special Olympics, and the Food for the Needy program, the Knights are actively making an impact. Be part of the largest Catholic men’s organization in the world—grow in faith, serve your community, and protect your family with access to top-rated insurance. So far this year, just four of our Knights have already logged 83 hours of volunteer service—come add yours!
Connect with our Knights of Columbus.
Our Knights of Columbus Council 8183…
Become a Man After God’s Own Heart! This Catholic men’s leadership program honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive! Interested in joining our parish’s TMIY or learning more? Connect with our parish’s That Man is You!
Visit: https://paradisusdei.org/
She Shall Be Called Woman (SHE) is a space for women of all ages to grow in faith, identity, and community. Rooted in scripture, prayer, and sisterhood, this ministry helps women deepen their relationship with Christ and live with purpose.
As part of Grow in our parish’s Clear Path (Connect – Encounter – Grow – Accompany), it offers formation, support, and inspiration for becoming the women God created us to be. Connect with our parish’s She Shall Be Called Woman
The Silver Foxes is a senior ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for parishioners aged 55+, offering spiritual, social, educational, and entertainment activities. Founded 23 years ago by Tom and Fritzie Vertiz, the group welcomes members from multiple local churches such as Holy Family and Our Lady of Angels.
Led by President Ann Signore Muench, members meet monthly on a Saturday after the 9 AM Mass for breakfast, with volunteer caterers or a $3 donation.
The group also hosts guest speakers and organizes trips and activities such as theater outings, museum visits, baseball games, wine tastings, picnics, bingo, and spiritual events. A monthly newsletter keeps members informed.
Membership is free.
Connect with Silver Foxes
Catholic Campus Ministry provides college students with a vibrant community to grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Christ, and live out the Gospel on campus. Through prayer, sacraments, service, and fellowship, students are supported in their spiritual and personal journey. See the college campuses that offer this below. If you don’t see your school, be sure to inquire with your college’s Student Life Office.
George Mason University (GMU)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
University of Virginia (UVA)
Virginia Tech (VT)
Didn’t see your school? Check out the Diocese’s CCM Page Here.
The Alpha Marriage Course is a parish offering designed to strengthen and enrich marriages! With a range of topics on communication, resolving conflict, establishing intimacy, and dealing with finances, it is also designed to be a safe and relaxed environment where couples can learn and grow together.
Each session consists of video teachings followed by guided discussions and practical exercises. Alpha Marriage is open to couples of all ages and stages, whether engaged or married for a few years or several decades. It provides a valuable opportunity for couples to invest in their relationship and build a strong foundation for the future.
Adventures in Marriage (AIM) is a transformative experience designed to help couples (of all ages and stages in marriage) strengthen and renew their vocation of marriage.
Grounded in Christian principles and enriched by the latest relationship research, AIM guides couples through practical ways to communicate with love, resolve conflict in healthy ways, and deepen emotional and spiritual connection. This interactive experience equips couples with hands-on tools to build a lasting, joy-filled marriage.
Whether your relationship is flourishing or in need of renewal, Adventures in Marriage invites you to rediscover the beauty of your sacrament and continue the journey together.
Visit Marriage Preparation.
Visit Marriage Difficulties.
Greeters | Send Email
Quite often one of the first people you encounter when you arrive for Mass is one of our Ushers or Greeters! Greeters arrive prior to the Mass to ensure that all who walk through our doors feel welcomed; they may also answer any questions people may have or point them in the right direction. Anyone who is part of our parish family can be a greeter regardless of gender or age.
Ushers | Send Email
Ushers are needed to make others feel welcome, assist in seating, collect the offering, and distribute bulletins after Mass. There is a need for volunteers at all Masses. Ushers are scheduled on a periodic basis for a Mass time of their choice. Assistance at occasional Holy Day Masses is welcomed.
The requirements are:
Schedule accommodations are made for families with members in other ministries, for instance, Lectors, EMHC, and Altar Servers. For a more detailed description, please review the Usher Duties. This ministry is open to men, women, teens, and families.
Visit Altar Servers.
Visit Music Ministry.
Join in proclaiming the Word of the Lord! Readers proclaim the Old and New Testament readings (other than the Gospel) and serve as commentators for weekend Mass, Holy Days, and special liturgies. You must be willing not only to be assigned to any weekend Mass, but also to volunteer for Holy Days and special liturgies.
Previous experience not required (training and lector preparation book provided), but there is an annual, mandatory meeting in October. Readers are normally scheduled to read/commentate approximately every other week/third week depending on the total number of readers. Schedule accommodations are made for families with members in other ministries, for instance, EMHC, Ushers, and Altar Servers.
The Sacristan, under the general direction of the Pastor, undertakes the overall preparation of liturgical celebrations, including all that is needed for special days such as Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.
He/She arranges the books needed for the celebration, lays out the vestments and anything else needed for the celebration, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils, processional crosses, candles and torches. He/She also ensures a ready supply of fresh hosts, duly authorized wine, sufficient purificators, corporals, hand towels, incense and coals necessary for worship. The pastor may also entrust other responsibilities which include coordinating with others who help with the general decor of the church and who arrange the flowers.
In order to carry out these duties, the sacristan needs to have a fairly good idea of the content and norms of the principal liturgical books and an understanding of the intricacies of the liturgical calendar.
Contact:
Rev. Brian Bashista | Pastor | Send Fr. Bashista an Email
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the celebrant with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Sunday Liturgy. Some of the requirements include a willingness to rotate your service at all Masses, a commitment to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass, and a commitment to attend training as the need arises.
Schedule accommodations are made for families with members in other ministries, for instance, Lectors, Ushers, and Altar Servers.
Holy Communion to the Home Bound
EMHC for the Homebound is in Great Need of Volunteers.
Our current Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Home Bound is facing a greater need in our community for individual homes and care facilities. We need you! You will not believe the experiences you will have by serving our Lord! Also, many hands make lighter work! Ministers serve by bringing the Holy Eucharist to those in Assisted Living facilities, the sick, and the homebound of our parish. Holy Communion is usually taken after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass on a rotating basis.
Connect with our EMH Ministry
Note: You may serve in one or both of these ministries
The Seven Sisters Apostolate is a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop—a “holy wasting” (cf. Mt. 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ.
A Seven Sisters group begins when at least seven women respond to a call to the mission of the apostolate. The initial recipient, of a Seven Sisters group, should be their parish pastor. After the pastor has a committed group, subsequent groups may be formed for others, such as the parochial vicar, a retired priest, a priest serving in a non-parish assignment, or a bishop. Each member commits to a Holy Hour on a distinct day of the week, thus covering a complete week.
This generous commitment of one hour per week of prayers is asked for a period of one year, but can remain open-ended. Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of this very important ministry. Connect with our Seven Sisters Apostolate
To Learn More About Seven Sisters Apostolate: sevensistersapostolate.org
Fasting Brothers are men who commit to fasting one day a week exclusively for the intention of their clergy (bishop, pastor, parochial vicar(s) and deacon). Sunday is excluded as it is the Lord’s day and thus unsuited to penance.
What we do: Fasting Brothers each commit to a day of the week (other than Sunday) to offer their fast for a member of the clergy. Each man chooses what type of fast he will offer, e.g. no food all day, only bread and water, not eating until 3 p.m.—whatever he discerns from the Holy Spirit. It should be sacrificial.
The WHY behind it all: On the specific day of the week to which he has committed, a Fasting Brother offers his fast solely for the intentions of the specific member of the clergy he is supporting. These include: the clergy member’s sanctification in general, specific spiritual and temporal needs, and his ever-deepening devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Priests. It is also encouraged that the Fasting Brothers offer their fasts for the clergy’s increased devotion to St. Joseph, model of fortitude and purity. Interested in learning more? Connect with Fasting Brothers.
Holy Hour | Tuesdays | After 9am Mass
The Blue Army is a worldwide spiritual organization which lives the message of Fatima to make reparation for sinners and to pray for world peace. At Seton Lake Ridge, we have a Holy Hour on Tuesdays after the 9:00 am Mass. We foster the message to pray for vocations.
Visit Blue Army.
Holy Hour | Thursdays | 9:30am
The Seton Lake Ridge Divine Mercy Cenacle follows a program of fellowship, study and prayer developed by the Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy (an apostolate of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception).
The objectives of the program are to promote a deeper understanding of the Divine Mercy message as revealed in scripture, the role of St. Faustina in spreading and growing devotion to the Divine Mercy, and to grow in living the Divine Mercy in our daily lives.
On Thursdays, the Cenacle hosts a Holy Hour in the chapel to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the sick and dying, for an end to abortion, for our priests, for an increase in vocations, for the special needs of the parish, for religious freedom and for the intentions of our parishioners.
All are welcome to come and participate! Connect with Divine Mercy Cenacle
Wednesday Evenings | 7:30pm – 9:00pm | Sts. Peter and Paul Rooms
If you seem to have stopped growing spiritually – or just feel like you want more of the Lord in your life – come join us…..for intercessory prayer, Sacred Scripture sharing, Spirit-filled music, “Life in the Spirit” workshops, and teachings on timely aspects of the Christian life (with particular emphasis on how and when to use the extraordinary charismatic gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12).
Every Third Wednesday | 7:30pm – 8:30pm | in the Chapel
Our Mother of Joy Prayer Group will be available for anyone seeking confidential, intercessory prayer for physical, emotional, spiritual, or relationship healing.
Fridays | 10:00am | in Trinity 3 Room
A worldwide organization of Catholic men and women who offer their services to the Pastor to aid him in performing spiritual works in the parish.
The Legion’s aims are to increase the personal holiness of its members, foster a deeper devotion to Mary, and undertake apostolic works. This group requires a weekly meeting, daily prayers, and apostolic work for two hours per week.
Visit Seton Lake Ridge’s Respect Life.
The Mother Seton Food Pantry was established in February 2019 to support parishioners who were struggling financially as a result of the partial government shutdown. A few months later, services were expanded to include families experiencing food insufficiency in the surrounding community and remain in operation today. The pantry stocks nourishing non-perishable foods. Elderly parishioners or those who are ill and in need of groceries may call to inquire about having groceries delivered to their homes.
Please Remember: We are a small pantry so we only have room for items on our list. You may place your donations in the labeled bins in the Fellowship Hall anytime the church building is open. Kindly check the dates and don’t leave expired food. Thank you so very much for helping our neighbors in need! See Full List of Acceptable Items Here
Hours of Operation: Thursdays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Connect with Food Pantry
When we face challenges in life, sometimes the overwhelmingness of our situations can cause us to lose our way. Here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, our parishioners have teamed up to create Seton Lake Ridge Help Network. This network allows us to connect with and help each other, especially in times of need. No request is too little or too big.
When a parishioner with a genuine need is identified, an email containing relevant details is sent to the network members and whoever is available to help, will be given an opportunity to do so. Examples of this could look like: an elderly parishioner needing a ride to Mass, a parishioner in the hospital needing meals cooked for their family, etc.
There are many different ways our help network can provide assistance to those in need, so if you are interested in joining the Seton Lake Ridge Help Network, please contact our Director of Human Concerns Outreach.
Our Human Concerns ministry volunteers are willing to assist in shopping for groceries and pharmacy items for those who can’t go because they are in a high-risk category. For those who are in financial hardship and are in need of non-perishable food items and/or toiletries, our Mother Seton Food Pantry is well stocked and is open to parishioners and non-parishioners.
Visit Catholic Charities.
Bánica, a major town in the central-western Dominican Republic near the Haitian border, and the nearby town of Pedro Santana are part of a region that is 95% Catholic but has very few priests to meet the spiritual needs of its people. In response to this need and to Pope John XXIII’s call for dioceses with abundant clergy to assist those with fewer, Bishop John Keating established the Arlington Dominican Mission in 1991.
The mission provides vital spiritual and material support to impoverished communities while giving the Diocese of Arlington a deeper connection with the universal Church, enriching both parishioners and clergy. Since its founding, it has served more than 70 communities in the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana.
Learn about the Mission’s History, Programs, Projects, and more here: https://arlingtonmissions.org/banica-mission/
Diocesan Resource: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/missions/
In late 2004, Virginia’s Catholic bishops founded the Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) to represent them and their dioceses of Arlington and Richmond by advocating for public policy that reflects natural law, advances human dignity and serves the common good.
The Conference primarily addresses policy issues considered by the Virginia General Assembly and state agencies. In addition, the Conference supports the efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which addresses federal policy issues considered by the U.S. Congress and executive branch in Washington, D.C. Led by Diocese of Arlington Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and Diocese of Richmond Bishop Barry C. Knestout, the Conference advocates for Respect Life, Social Justice, and Family Life and Education initiatives.
Contact: Claudia Brown, Seton Lake Ridge VCC Liaison ([email protected])
Sign-up to receive VCC email alerts HERE.
Visit Community Assistance.
