Book Club New

Book Clubs

Participate in one of the Seton Shrine’s Book Clubs and explore the life of Elizabeth Ann Seton as she trusted in God, fought for what she believed in, and left a legacy in the charism of charity. We invite you to join us for a six-week session to meet weekly in the video conferencing platform, Zoom, for a facilitated conversation on parts of the book based on the discussion schedule.

Details

Twenty spots are available per book club. Registration is required at $35/person. If cost is a factor that is holding you back, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Shrine at 301-447-6606.

What You Need:

A copy of your book which you can purchase through the Seton Shrine Gift Shop (Some books are included in the price of registration. Please read descriptions below)
A computer with a webcam and microphone, laptop, tablet, or phone

You will receive a link from the Club Host to connect to the 60 minute discussion each week (the last night of each session will be 2 hours long).

If you are struggling to register online, please call the Shrine at 301-447-6606.

Upcoming Book Clubs

Please send all inquiries to Anita.Digregory@setonshrine.org

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: A Spiritual Portrait

Dates: July 10- Aug 28th

7-8pm EST

Few lives shine as brightly as that of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose profound faith and relentless devotion to God continue to inspire generations. As we honor the 50th anniversary of her canonization, we invite you to join this virtual book club exploring The Soul of Elizabeth Seton: A Spiritual Portrait by Fr. Joseph I. Dirvin—a moving biography that unveils the spiritual life of this multifaceted saint.

Through this deeply reflective book, participants will encounter Elizabeth Seton not just as a saint but as a profoundly human figure—a convert, wife, mother, widow, and foundress of the Sisters of Charity. Fr. Dirvin draws upon her writings, correspondence, and recollections to reveal her courageous spirituality, unwavering trust in divine Providence, and her ability to combine prayer and action. Her life was marked by joy and sorrow, triumph and struggle, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to God’s will.

This virtual book club will guide participants through themes such as her Eucharistic devotion, her reliance on God’s providential care, and her enduring message: “Fear nothing so much as not to love enough.” Examine how her example can inspire us to live with greater compassion, patience, and faith in our own lives

Fearless: Stories of American Saints

Dates: Sept. 4th – Nov. 6th

7-8pm EST

Fearless will bring the reader through the history of the Catholic Church in America in an intimate and personal way, with the stories of the saints and blesseds who helped Christianity become part of this country’ s fabric. These men and women did not set out to be saints, only to live out the Gospel as they best knew how. They followed their hearts and God’ s will to build a better place for the people of the New World.

Join this book club to discover how American Catholics carved out unique identities for themselves during pivotal times in American History. Fearless will bring the reader through the history of the Catholic Church in America in an intimate and personal way, with the stories of the Saints and Blesseds who helped Christianity become part of this country’ s fabric. These men and women did not set out to be saints, only to live out the Gospel as they best knew how. They followed their hearts and God’ s will to build a better place for the people of the New World. As a special experience, an exclusive virtual tour of our Special Exhibit “One of Us” will be held for book club participants on Sept. 11th to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Canonization.

Discussion Schedule

Week 1: Part 1 (pages 1-22)

Week 2: Part 2 (pages 23-56)

Week 3: Part 2 (pages 57-100)

Week 4: Part 2 (pages 101-130)

Week 5: Part 2 (pages 131-172)

Week 6: Part 2 (pages 173-197)

Week 6: Guest Speaker

Estimated reading time: 3 hours a week

Past Book Clubs

Nothing Short of a Miracle: God’s Healing Power in Modern Saints

Dates: May 8-June 26

7-8pm EST

Few stories inspire the soul like those of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton—her life, her faith, and her enduring legacy. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of her canonization, we invite you to join a virtual book club centered around Nothing Short of a Miracle by Patricia Treece.

Through this eight-week journey, participants will delve into accounts of divine intervention that transcend human understanding—stories of lives transformed by faith and prayer. Woven throughout this book is the amazing and inspiring story of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the process of her canonization, the miracles attributed to her intercession, and friendships she continues to foster from Heaven.

Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal or simply wish to deepen your understanding of God’s healing power through the saints, this book club promises to be a transformative experience. Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as we discover how her example continues to inspire us to trust in God’s plan and embrace His miracles in our own lives.

The Devout Life by St. Francis DeSales

Dates: Feb 27^th– May 1^st (Will not meet on Holy Thursday),

7-8pm EST

Travel alongside Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton this Lenten Season by discovering how St. Francis de Sales’ An Introduction to the Devout Life, a much-loved devotional classic, shaped her spiritual life as she journeyed with God from seeker to saint. In this book club, participants will read portions of the book each week and share discussions on how the virtues featured in this book were adopted by Elizabeth Ann Seton in her personal faith and into the fabric of the Sisters of Charity.

Published first in 1609, this beloved classic gently guides and instructs the reader in the practice of growing in holiness. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton discovered this timeless treasure while grieving the heartbreaking loss of her husband in Italy, and it remained a trusted resource in her own spiritual formation and the development of the Sisters of Charity.

St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life thus served as a foundational text for Elizabeth Ann Seton, guiding her through personal loss, her conversion to Catholicism, and her subsequent life of service. Its emphasis on practical spirituality and the sanctification of daily life deeply resonated with her, shaping her own approach to faith and influencing her life and legacy.

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton by Sister Betty Ann McNeil, DC

Dates: Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2o25, Thursdays 7-8pm ET

This 8 week virtual book club is the perfect way to learn more about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and to celebrate her Feast Day. As a daughter, wife, mother, convert, widow, foundress, and teacher, Mother Seton is truly a saint for us all. Having lived through times of epidemic, quarantine, war, upheaval, loss, and tragedy, Mother Seton is a saint for our times. Through a thorough reflection on her spirituality, this work gently leads readers to a place of peace and prayer.

Elizabeth Seton: American Saint

Dates: Aug. 8 – Sept. 26, 2024, Thursdays 7-8pm ET

Deepen your connection to Elizabeth Ann Seton by learning more about her life, conversion and ministry in this popular biography, Elizabeth Seton: American Saint written by Catherine O’Donnell. This opportunity offers a meet the author session on the final week of the book club!

A Saint Of Our Own

Dates: Oct. 10 – Nov. 21, 2024, Thursdays 7-8pm ET

Learn how the canonization of Elizabeth Ann Seton, our first American born Saint, answered a deep need for American Catholics who were seeking a Saint who’s life would highlight the beauty of the Catholic Faith and Catholic experience in the United States.

A Mother's Journey Book Club

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was a wife and mother before becoming a Catholic and founding the Sisters of Charity. She was an affectionate mother, often calling her children her “darlings” and letting them know, even in childhood, that they were future friends. Explore Elizabeth’s values and relationships with her daughter Catherine and her son William through examining the advice that she left to them in letters and journals she wrote especially for them. In this special topic book club, participants can receive a journal in which they can leave advice to a loved one, as they explore what mattered most to Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Imitation of Christ

Walk with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton this Lenten Season by discovering how The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, a much-loved devotional classic, shaped her spiritual life as she journeyed with God from seeker to saint. In this book club participants will read assigned portions of the book each week and share in discussion on how the virtues discussed in this book were adopted by Elizabeth Ann Seton in her personal faith and into the fabric of the Sisters of Charity. Shrine Chaplain, Father Ted Trinko, will also be a featured panelist helping participants to develop a deeper understanding of these spiritual truths.

Elizabeth Bayley Seton

Exclusive to the Seton Shrine, this extensively researched book is a definitive biography of the first American-born canonized saint, Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Written by Annabelle M. Melville and edited by Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., this updated and revised edition interjects direct quotes and writings of Mother Seton into the story of her life. As a result, this portrayal enlightens the reader with not only the factual depiction of the life and times of this quintessential American Saint but also includes important insights into the early history of Catholicism in the United States. Enticing and educational, this edition includes extensive edits and additional information.

Friendship of My Soul

In honor of the new Museum and Visitor Center opening this September, we are excited to offer our next virtual book club! Compiled and edited by Sister Betty Ann McNeil, D.C., this lovely presentation of selected letters of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, first American-born canonized saint, chronicles from 1803 to 1809 her relationship with three women on the themes of friendship, faith, and family.

Memento Mori Series

Participate in just one of the upcoming book clubs or sign up for all three and save 20%!

Living Memento Mori

Using the Stations of the Cross and her own story of brushes with death, Emily DeArdo shows how to trust in God’s providence in the face of suffering and how to develop enduring spiritual strength and courage along the way.

Advent Memento Mori

(This book club is just 4 weeks!)

Advent is a season of darkness and light, and for many (like Mother Seton), it was a season of loss. Explore the reality that Advent means nothing without recognizing that Jesus came to save us from death, and Jesus was born to die so that we may live.

Lenten Memento Mori

This unique and powerful Lenten devotional is a wonderful tool to assist in the contemplation of one’s life, death, and the afterlife (traditionally known as the “Last Things”). Prepare for Easter by taking part in this Lenten journey.