About Us
The parish was founded in 1981 and is named after St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (August 28, 1774 – January 4, 1821). She was the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church (September 14, 1975). She established the first Catholic girls' school in the nation in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she also founded the first American congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of Charity. The Catholic Church here in Rohnert Park was established in June of 1981 and has about 545 registered families.
Parish Staff & Advisors
Pastor - Fr. Thomas K. Diaz: I was born in Sonoma, California and the youngest of six children. I love to cook and garden. As of this year, I am 40 years ordained a priest and love it.
My Role: To promote the spiritual welfare of the faithful by: preaching, administering the sacraments, taking on the pastoral care of the parish, and administrating the physical needs of the parish.
Faith Formation - Jennifer Bedoka: I have grown-up in Rohnert Park and in this church for over thirty- five years. I am married and have two wonderful grown-up women. I love playing softball and bunco when I have time.
My role: To nourish the lives of our families, students and catechists by building strong spiritual foundation to increase knowledge, inspire growth, and service through sacramental preparation.
Pastoral Council Chairperson: Giovanna DeSimone: I have been at St. Elizabeth’s for over 30 years. I have 2 daughters and a lovely granddaughter, Ava. I like to ride my bike around town.
My role: To assist the committees in the parish in a timely fashion to: know, go, and show the way of the Lord.
Family Life-Dave Grundman: I am a registered civil engineer and started out as an Army brat. I have had a lot of family experiences where difficulties arise. I am married to Pat and have two children.
My role: To provide a review of common life situations while offering individuals and families tools and strategies to help manage many of life’s issues and challenges.
Social Justice-Peggy Wyman: I have been a parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Seton for 37 years. I have been an active parishioner working on the council and many committees with the youth. I’m proud to be on the social justice committee.
My role: To strive to educate, inform, unite and mobilize our parish to restore respect, dignity and legal protection for every human life from womb to tomb.
Spiritual Life- Maureen Sheridan Scott: I am a mother of 4 adult children and 4 grandsons, member of SES since parish inception. I am a retired Litigation specialist and Hearing Rep., Paralegal,hospital emergency room and admitting clerk, and school teacher K-8.
My role: To help people know that God loves us and we love God and putting it into action in our parish.
Social Life - Patty Turner: I have been married to Karl for 35 years and blessed with two children. Presently, I am the Director of Student and Family Engagement for Santa Rosa City Schools. Karl Turner: Culinary Chef with experience of 35 years serving a range of fine dining establishments from five-star hotels to private golf clubs.
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Our roles: To create events for church members to experience faith and fellowship.
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Parish Finances-Dianne Foppoli: I have been a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish for 21 years. I am a widow, have 3 grandsons, and am a retired RN. I'm involved in many ministries which keep me busy and bring much joy.
My role: To be an advisory to the council in assisting them in making decisions that can affect our parish finances.
Office Manager-Chris Giacometti:
I was born and raised in San Francisco attending St. Monica's Elementary School, Presentation High School, and the University of San Francisco for my undergraduate degree in science. My family moved to Petaluma in 1972. After earning my M.S. in Biology I began a long teaching career including S.S.U., S.R.J.C., Indian Valley College, and twenty years as the science instructor at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in Petaluma. I am delighted to be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and look forward to meeting many of you as we work together.
My role: To manage the church office and offer support to all ministries and parishioners