Partnership Enriches Legacies of Father Dubois and Mother Seton

The Mount, Daughters of Charity Announce Seton-Dubois Initiative

The Mount proudly announced the Seton-Dubois initiative this summer. The partnership is a joint effort with the Daughters of Charity, dedicated to preserving and enriching the legacy of education and service for both institutions.

The historic agreement became official after the Mount’s board of trustees and the Daughters’ council of sisters unanimously passed a memo of understanding, prompted in part by the “new evangelization” championed by the last three pontiffs.

In the coming months, a committee comprised of representatives from the Mount and the Daughters will brainstorm and plan specific projects. The committee also hopes to form other collaborative partnerships with similar organizations in order to better honor Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and Father John Dubois’ legacies. The specific goals of the Seton-Dubois Partnership include:

+ Sharing the legacies of Seton and Dubois + Increasing visits and spiritual pilgrimages to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

(L–R) Dubois founded Mount St. Mary’s in 1808 / Seton founded the United States’ first religious community for women in Emmitsburg, Md. in 1809. Photo courtesy of the Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise.

+ Developing innovative education materials to assist parish administrators and others who oversee parish programs such as RCIA and Parish School of Religion + Hosting leadership workshops and seminars for continuing education of clergy, religious, and lay leaders of the Church from local and (arch) diocesan levels + Publishing innovative Catholic education materials + Developing community service opportunities for the Mount’s students and seminarians

The two organizations have shared a unique connection in Christ for centuries. When Seton, founder of the Daughters of Charity, moved to Emmitsburg in 1809, Dubois, founder of the Mount, welcomed her and her companions. He invited them to attend Mass, and even educated Seton’s two sons at the University.

Matthew Thibeau, special advisor to the University president, is thrilled about the possibilities the agreement offers. Thibeau helped coordinate the initiative for the Mount.

“This agreement is about empowering and energizing the legacies of both Fr. John Dubois and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in a way that directly benefits the organizations they created,” Thibeau said. “As a Catholic, it’s inspiring to see these two groups working to promote education and service. It’s what the Church is called to do.”