Starting in 1965, the first Catholics who moved into the Whiting area, primarily adult villages, attended Mass at St. John's in Lakehurst. In the middle of 1975, Rev. Philip T. Matera, pastor of St. John's, met with the residents of Whiting and all agreed on the need for the formation of a new parish in Whiting. A fund drive was initiated and shortly thereafter, on February 11, 1975, the first five acres of the present 10 acre parcel of land was purchased.
On December 3, 1976, the Most Rev. George W. Ahr appointed Rev. John J. McGovern as first pastor. The newly established parish was named in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was canonized a saint on September 14, 1975.
Ground was broken on September 25, 1977, for the construction of the parish complex to include a parish center, church, and rectory. Mass was celebrated in the Parish Center on June 24, 1978, and in the Church on March 25, 1979. Bishop Ahr laid the cornerstone and blessed the completed church on June 10, 1979. The Most Rev. John C. Reiss solemly dedicated the church and burned the mortgage on June 12, 1983. Monsignor McGovern elevated to prelate of honor on March 10, 1984, was stricken with his final illness on February 4, 1986. Rev. Anthony Poovakulam arrived as vicar, and Fr. Matera took over as administrator.
Monsignor McGovern resigned in November 1986 and Monsignor Joseph C. Shenrock arrived on January 2, 1987, as the parish's second pastor. Monsignor Shenrock constructed an addition to the Parish Center, including a library, meeting rooms, stage and garage. Monsignor retired to Villa Vianney. Father Pasquale A. Papalia was installed as pastor on November 23, 2008.
During her stay from July 1, 1987 until July 19, 1992, Sr. Adrienne Fallon, O.P. served as pastoral assistant. She restructured and improved the Religious Education and youth programs. Sr. Adrienne returned to the parish September 2006 and worked as an assistant in the Religious Education program until relocating to St. Catherine Convent, Caldwell, NJ in December 2011.