Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, New Berlin, Wisconsin, United States

Use mouse wheel to zoom

A Parish Born in Community

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish was founded on January 4, 1981—the feast day of its patroness—with Father Bernie Sippel as its first pastor. Its earliest years were marked by hospitality and simplicity. For nearly two years, the new Catholic community celebrated at neighboring Resurrection Lutheran Church, while daily Masses, meetings, and parish offices were housed in a rectory and faith-formation classes took place in parishioners’ homes.

Construction of the parish’s first church began in 1982. The community celebrated its first Mass there on Christmas Eve, and Archbishop Rembert Weakland dedicated the building on January 23, 1983. Growth came quickly: an addition was completed in 1987, and by the early 1990s the parish had begun planning a larger worship space. The goal was not merely to gain more seats, but to preserve the closeness and warmth that parishioners had come to call the “Spirit of Seton.”

Dennis Horbinski was selected as architect and liturgical consultant in 1997. Ground was broken in May 1998, and the first Mass in the present church was celebrated on Holy Thursday in 1999.

Photo credit: https://www.mystelizabeth.com/

Architecture That Gathers the People

The present church reflects the liturgical priorities of contemporary Catholic architecture. Rather than separating the congregation from the sanctuary through a long, processional nave, the building draws worshipers toward the altar in a broad, embracing arrangement. The altar, ambo, baptismal font, and assembly are visually connected, emphasizing that the Eucharist is celebrated by a gathered people.

High, angled ceiling planes and abundant natural light give the interior a sense of openness without sacrificing intimacy. Wood, pale masonry, glass, and restrained ornament create a calm setting in which the principal liturgical elements remain clear. The baptismal font stands prominently within the worship space, while the Blessed Sacrament Chapel offers a more focused place for prayer before the tabernacle.

Photo credit: https://www.mystelizabeth.com/

A Theology Written in Glass

The church is especially distinguished by its custom art glass, created by Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin. The windows were designed as a unified contemporary program rather than as a series of traditional narrative scenes. Their abstract movement evokes water, wind, light, growth, and the mystery of creation, allowing color and form to invite contemplation.

In the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, three windows direct the eye toward the tabernacle. The upper design suggests the Eucharistic host, while wheat, vines, and the blood of Christ appear through flowing organic lines in the side windows. The large nave window, titled Spiritual Awakening, connects the human figure with the wider movement of creation.

The studio also created the church’s 14-foot crucifix, 33 A.D. Combining wood, steel, copper, copper leaf, and opalescent glass, it holds together the sorrow of the Crucifixion and the strength of the Resurrection. Here, sacred art does not simply decorate the building; it interprets the faith celebrated within it.

Photo credit: https://www.mystelizabeth.com/

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Vincentian Family

The parish’s deepest connection with the Vincentian Family comes through its patroness. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s in Emmitsburg in 1809 and adapted the spirituality and apostolic vision of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac to the needs of the young Church in the United States. Her communities served through education, health care, care for orphans, and direct assistance to people living in poverty.

That inheritance remains visible in New Berlin. The parish describes its mission in terms of inclusion, compassion, service, prayer, and ministry to others, and its many outreach efforts include a Saint Vincent de Paul meal program. The “Spirit of Seton” is therefore more than a parish slogan: it is a local expression of the Vincentian-Setonian conviction that love of God must become practical service.

Address: 12700 West Howard Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151, United States
Website: https://www.mystelizabeth.com/

All Vincentian Churches in this Series

Use mouse wheel to zoom