Seeds

Seeds of Hope

Seeds of Hope is a ministry of the Seton Shrine that specializes in hosting retreats and events for those who might not otherwise be able to attend due to challenging circumstances. Whether a participant is experiencing poverty, a profound sense of isolation, or is simply down on one’s luck, Seeds of Hope is here to help.

"Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's story gives me hope that anyone can heal."

–Retreat Participant Tweet

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Conducted in partnership with organizations and individuals who serve those on the margins of society, Seeds of Hope enables us to offer special retreat days at the Seton Shrine for those who could never otherwise attend. The very people who Mother Seton sought to serve—both before and after her conversion—are being offered a chance to experience all that the Seton Shrine offers.

Seeds of Hope retreats are customized to meet the unique needs of each group, and may include:

-Tour of the Seton Shrine
-Time for prayer and reflection in the Basilica and on the Shrine grounds
-Food and fellowship
-Time of sharing

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a place of holy retreat and inspiration, where visitors by the thousands have their hearts lifted, their spirits renewed, and their faith strengthened.

As a place of prayer, pilgrimage and learning, the Shrine fulfills its mission through the liturgical, spiritual and reflective life of the Basilica, through the educational and inspirational exhibits and experiential programming which takes place in the Museum, and in buildings on the historic site that Mother Seton, her children, and her early religious community called home.

Ways We Can Help

Ways We Can Help:

-Contact us on our Prayer Line at 1-866-202-4934 to chat and pray with someone who cares about you.

-To see if your organization would benefit from a Seeds of Hope retreat contact Sarah Heil at sarah.heil@setonshrine.org. Previous groups include homeless shelters, 12 step programs, and pregnancy homes.

“I’ve been on Seeds of Hope three or four times, and I keep coming back for the peace of the grounds and the nice people. You can be at ease when you’re here and not worry about the struggles of the day or what’s going on in the world.”

—Retreat Participant

Join the 200th Anniversary Capital Campaign

AS WE CELEBRATE THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY of Mother Seton’s entrance into eternal life, the Seton Shrine has a unique opportunity to reintroduce her to America. In these challenging times, people need her—and all that her Shrine represents—more than ever before. In this anniversary year, we are renewing our mission for the future—a bright future for the National Shrine of our beloved St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. To assure the promise of that future is fulfilled, the Sisters and the Shrine’s National Leaders Council are announcing a $7 million 200th Anniversary Capital Campaign.

Ways You Can Help

“Blessed a thousand, thousand times be God who governs all and will bring light out of darkness.”

—Mother Seton

Life can be hard these days, for all of us. So many are struggling. Inspired by Pope Francis’s call to ensure that Shrines are places of welcome for all—including those on the margins, who are suffering, rejected or without hope—the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine recently launched Seeds of Hope.

At each Seeds of Hope retreat, the most vulnerable among us have the opportunity to visit the Shrine where Mother Seton is entombed. Each retreat is almost entirely subsidized, with transportation, meals, and fees largely covered by the Seton Shrine and generous donors.

If you would like to volunteer by helping handicap visitors, serving meals, and more, please email Penny Sims at penny.sims@setonshrine.org

“In the Shrine, the doors are wide open to the sick,

the disabled, and above all, the poor, the marginalized,

refugees and migrants.”

—Pope Francis