St. Joseph's Chapel

St. Joseph's Chapel is named in honor of St. Joseph, a figure of great importance to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded the original school that MSS is descended from. Mother Seton placed her fledgling community under St. Joseph’s protection, seeing in him a model of faith, humility, and steadfast trust in God. Just as he guided and protected the Holy Family, St. Joseph continues to serve as a spiritual guardian for the school that bears her name.

TJ and Donna (Fitzgerald) Demmon, whose ties to the school run deep—Donna is a proud alumna (MSS '63)—funded the construction of the chapel in memory of their son, Christopher. Christopher, a class of 1988 alum of Mother Seton School, died in a tragic car accident in 1991, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. For the Demmons, the chapel is a way to honor his life in a space where future generations can find comfort, hope, and inspiration.

Construction began on June 6, 2025, under the direction of Conewago Enterprises Inc. and was completed in mid-October. The steeple, bell, and cross were installed in late November 2025. The chapel was blessed on December 3, 2025, by Archbishop William E. Lori from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. 

The chapel is able to accommodate an entire classroom, providing students with a dedicated place for daily prayer, spiritual growth, and moments of stillness. It includes four stained glass windows featuring Saints Francis of Assisi, Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph. Dean Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Heavy Timber Construction, who is Donna’s brother, played an integral role in the construction, providing structural timber-frame components, roofing, a custom bell tower, and a cross to be affixed to the steeple. The cross was signed by every student, staff, and faculty member at Mother Seton School, as well as the Demmons, before it was gilded and mounted.

The project has also become a community effort. Generous donors have purchased every item needed to furnish the chapel, from the altar to the seating, and their names will be recorded in a memorial book kept inside as a permanent reminder of their support.