In 1989, the Archdiocese of Dubuque purchased ten acres in Hiawatha to establish a new Catholic parish to serve the needs of a growing population in Hiawatha and the northeast side of Cedar Rapids. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish first began worshipping in temporary spaces.
In 1992, Phase One of our permanent building was started. It included an upper hall to serve as a transitional church and a lower hall for meeting and classroom space, as well as a social hall.
The second building phase began in 1999 and it added office space and a multi-purpose classroom area in the lower level.
The latest phase of construction began in 2008 and was dedicated on Sunday, June 13, 2010. It includes:
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is a young, vibrant parish with a pioneering spirit attributable in part to its role as the only Catholic parish in Hiawatha. It’s the members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton that makes the Church, rather than any actual structure; however, our new church allows us to best fulfill our mission of hospitality, education and acts of charity.
We are continually striving to become an “Amazing Parish” (www.amazingparish.org). We seek to rebuild our parish (www.rebuiltparish.com) and our part of the Rebuilt Parish Association (https://www.rebuiltparishassociation.com/) to better help Catholics and other Christians grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through praying, learning, sharing and witnessing. We do this by focusing on an engaging and welcoming Sunday experience and meeting people where they are.
Currently our parish is made up of over 1,850 households. We look forward to increased membership to enable us to further help those within our community and beyond. We exist to bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.