In the early 1970’s the Diocese of Tucson purchased several acres of desert land in anticipation of a future need for a new Catholic Church on the far northwest side of town.

In January 1980, Bishop Green officially established the parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, affectionately known as SEAS. Reverend Thomas Millane was assigned as the first pastor.

For the first two years, SEAS community of approximately 85 families met at Butterfield School for Saturday and Sunday Masses. The rectory, daily Masses and the parish office were at 7001 N. Donatello Way. Religious Education classes were held in parishioners’ homes. During this time, a building fund was established and construction of the parish center building was completed and ready for its first Mass on September 18, 1982. The new church was dedicated on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 1982.

SEAS community continued to grow and soon there was standing room only at some Masses. In 1990, a vigorous capital fund-raising campaign began and architect Douglas Seaver was commissioned to design the new church.

Groundbreaking took place on December 19, 1993, a new church that could seat over 1,700 was built, and the first Mass celebrated was Easter Vigil, April 15, 1995. As of that date, there were approximately 2,150 families worshiping at SEAS.

When the early Spanish settlers first arrived in the southwest, they were met by several bands of earlier inhabitants. These cultures included a variety of habitats, languages and lifestyles from peaceful farmers and nomadic traders to marauding warriors.

The languages of the many people differed greatly. Common among them, however, was a series of art elements and symbols, including the “Ojo de Dios” or “God’s Eye.” Regardless of the art form or materials used, this basic form of the cross represented the four directions and the basic elements of earth, air, water and fire.

Many ancient people of this land believed that the “Ojo” game them a glimpse into the soul of God while others said it meant that God is watching you. Whichever point of view you choose, the message seemed in accord with the early Christian missionaries and it was soon adopted as a part of the “local” Christian tradition. The prayer seems to say “May the eye of God be upon you.”

Today, here at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, the “Ojo de Dios” watches over us from behind the altar just as it has since the completion of our parish center back in 1982. We pray that God views favorably our efforts to bring His message to those of our community.