In 1814, Elizabeth Ann Seton turned 40 amid a time of war, violence, and uncertainty in the world similar to today. She and her young community chose to expand their mission by sending sisters to care for orphans in Philadelphia, despite her own worries for her children's future. The reading from Matthew describes Jesus calming a storm after his disciples woke him, demonstrating his power over nature. The litany includes quotes from Elizabeth Seton about trusting God and finding one's way forward through transitions and opportunities for grace. The closing prayer asks God to move people from today into tomorrow's mystery, like Elizabeth met grace amid life, and welcome God coming to meet them from the future.

1. F O R T H E B I R T H D AY
O F S T. E L I Z A B E T H
A N N S E T O N ,
A U G U S T 2 8
P R AY E R

2. I N T R O D U C T I O N
In 1814, Elizabeth Ann Seton turned 40. The
world knew war, violence, turmoil and
uncertainty, much like today. Napoleon’s
defeat in the spring of 1814 meant the end
of warfare on the seas for a time. Pope Pius
VII was released from prison in France and
returned to Rome. But as the War of 1812
continued, a British force invaded
Washington, DC, and burned the White
House, the Capitol, and other public
buildings.
Amid this insecurity, Elizabeth and her young
community chose to expand their mission,
sending three Sisters to care for orphans in
Philadelphia. In midlife, she worried about
her children’s future and described herself as
“a bag of bones.” Yet she continued to
“hazard yet forward,” meeting the grace of
each moment with unshakable confidence in
a God who would never abandon her.

3. CALL TO PRAYER:
Let us celebrate God’s gifts to Elizabeth Ann Seton,
a valiant woman, filled with faith and trust
amid the twists and turns of life.
Let us join our hearts and voices in thanksgiving.

4. SONG:
We Walk by Faith (traditional);
You Are Mine (D. Haas);
Trust in the Lord (Roc O’Connor)
or another of your choosing

5. P S A L M
Praise be to You, O Gracious One!
Blessed are those who reverence the Holy One, who greatly delight in the
Word!
For they dwell with Love, and their children will learn of peace and justice.
Abundance and wholeness will be their heritage, and truth will be their
banner.
Light penetrates the darkness for those who face their fears;
Love stands by them with mercy and forgiveness.
It goes well for those who are loving and kind, who live their days with
justice and integrity.
They become co-creators with God; they bless the world with their
presence.
In times of trouble, they know not fear; their hearts are
fi
rm, trusting in
your Loving Presence.
Yes, their hearts are steady, they are not afraid; even their enemies are
blessed by their love.
They are generous and give freely; the needy are offered shelter and food;
justice and mercy make their home there; and their righteousness endures
forever.
The unloving are witness to this; who knows when the seed will
fi
nd a
fertile heart?
The fruits of those who know Love are blessing to all!
Glory be ….
(Psalm 113, adapted from Psalms for Praying,
Nan C. Merrill)

6. READING – Matthew 8:23 – 27
Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed
him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the
sea, so that the boat was being swamped by
waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke
him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terri
fi
ed, O you
of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the
winds and the sea, and there was great calm.
The disciples were amazed and said, “What sort
of man is this, whom even the winds and the
sea obey?”

7. In the readings and prayers, is there any phrase that speaks to your heart?
Any phrase that challenges you?
PA U S E F O R R E F L E C T I O N A N D S H A R I N G

8. L I TA N Y
(alternate sides): (Quotes in italics are Elizabeth Seton’s
words.)
Elizabeth, teach us to trust
– that “every good work we do is a grain of seed for eternal
life.”
Elizabeth, fill us with courage
– to “push on…since the Providence of God turns out so
often quite different from our calculations.”
Elizabeth, empower us
– to “find our way forward through transitions,…to make of
hazards, opportunities and occasions of grace.” (Diane
Collesano, SC-NJ)
Elizabeth, strengthen our confidence in God
– who “smiles at the anxious, calculating heart, and makes
everything easy to the simple and confiding.”
Elizabeth, keep us steady on the path of Charity,
– committed to “do what we can, and God will do the rest.”

9. C L O S I N G P R AY E R
God of Love, we celebrate Elizabeth Ann Seton,
our sister, founder and saint.
We pause on the road, on the journey,
at the threshold, gathered with others
who long to be rooted deeply in your love.
Impel us toward you and toward our sisters and brothers
in need,
with passion and compassion.
Move us from the reality of today into the mystery of
tomorrow.
Like Elizabeth, may we meet our grace in the midst of life,
and be ready to welcome you
as you come to meet us from the future.
Amen.
Share a sign of peace and community with those around you.

10. – P R AY E R P R E PA R E D B Y R E G I N A B E C H T L E , S C ( N Y )
Sculpture: Hazard Yet Forward, by Margaret Beaudette, SC (NY)
I M A G E S : D E PA U L I M A G E
A R C H I V E