About us
History
In 2008, a parishioner of the Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, Texas generously provided the seed funding to establish a permanent endowment honoring the peace and social justice ministry of Monsignor Henry V. Petter. In addition to his commitment to works of charity, Father Henry, as he is known, has been instrumental in challenging and transforming local structures of injustice. Through his leadership, thousands of families in need have received vital, life-sustaining support within our community.
Recognizing the importance of this mission, representatives from faith communities that also prioritize justice joined the founding of the Monsignor Henry V. Petter Endowment Fund (HVP Fund) Advisory Board. Early members included leaders from Adat Chaverim Reform Jewish Congregation, West Plano Presbyterian Church, and other community partners who helped advance the purpose of the HVP Fund.
One of the HVP Fund's most significant justice initiatives focused on improving the distribution of the county healthcare benefits so that more families in need can access essential medical care.
Guided by Father Henry, parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton—together with an interfaith coalition of churches, community leaders, and public officials—advocated for fair and appropriate poverty thresholds for Collin County residents seeking basic healthcare services. Their efforts ensured that vulnerable families would no longer be excluded from the care necessary for their well-being.
Monsignor Henry V. 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, Texas, and Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas. 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 Fort Worth, Texas 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.
Father 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, Texas. He was Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Community from 1997 until 2011. Monsignor Petter was Pastor of St. Ann Catholic Parish in Coppell, Texas from 2011 to May of 2021. As a retired priest of the Dallas Diocese he assists wherever he is needed. However, since he lives at St. Joseph Village Retirement Center in Coppell, Texas, most of his priestly service is with St. Ann's Catholic Parish. He also assists with the liturgies at St. Joseph Village.
On December 20, 2004 Father Henry was named Prelate of Honour 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.
Before his retirement, Father Henry served as a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, and the Personnel Board at the Pastoral Center for many years.