About us
History
In 2008, a parishioner of the Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Plano, TX donated the initial seed money to establish a permanent endowment fund to honor the peace and social justice work of Monsignor Henry V. Petter. In addition to the works of charity, Monsignor has played an important role in bringing about changes to structures of injustice in the local community. Due to that effort, thousands of families in need have received life-sustaining support within our community. Representatives from faith communities who make the work of justice a priority joined the founding Advisory Board for the endowment which included representation from Adat Chaverim, West Plano Presbyterian and other community leaders and began to advance the fund and its mission.
One significant Justice Initiative was in the way in which county healthcare benefits are distributed so that more families in need may gain access to basic healthcare. Under Monsignor’s guidance, the parishioners of St Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano and a coalition of interfaith representatives led and participated with churches, community leaders, and public officials to ensure appropriate poverty limits were set for those seeking basic healthcare within Collin County.
Monsignor Henry Petter
Reverend Monsignor Henry V. Petter was born in West, Texas on April 5, 1946. He did his seminary studies at St. John Seminary and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio and Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX. While at Holy Trinity Seminary, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1968. He joined the Air Force in July, 1968 and served at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, and Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He received an Honorable Discharge in March, 1972.
In September, 1972, he re-entered Holy Trinity Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Dallas Graduate Program in May, 1976. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dallas by Bishop Thomas Tschoepe on May 1, 1976.
Fr. Henry served as Associate Pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Tyler, Texas from 1976 to 1980 and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Plano, Texas from 1980 to 1982. From 1982 to 1983, he served as Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Commerce, Texas. In the early 80's he held the position of City Executive Priest for World-Wide Marriage Encounter for the Dallas area.
From 1983 to 1992 he served as Pastor of Immaculate Conception in Grand Prairie, Texas. From 1992 to 1997, he was Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle in Richardson. He was Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Community from 1997 until 2011. He is currently Pastor of St. Ann's in Coppell, Texas.
On December 20, 2004 he was named Prelate of honor by Pope John Paul II. His installation took place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on Sunday, May 1, 2005 by Most Rev. Charles V. Grahmann, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas.
Fr. Henry is a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, and serves on the Personnel Board at the Pastoral Center.