1	Instructions for use This packet is intended to provide an orientation for persons totally unfamiliar with Serra International. The material is divided into three sections. The first section contains pages from which to make transparencies for use with an overhead projector. The second section contains the same material as above but with the addition of comments prepared for the presenter’s use. The presenter has the option of using the comments as given or as a reference for an ad-lib delivery. The comments do not include all that might said nor do they expand in much detail on the topics mentioned. The choice of adding supplementary data or material is left to the user . It is expected that some changes may be required to suit the needs of a particular club. The third section contains handouts. The handouts are designed to make note taking convenient for those in attendance.
2	New Member Orientation USA Council of Serra International Membership Committee
3	THIS IS SERRA INTERNATIONAL where faith becomes action
4	Presentation Objectives History of Serra Spiritual aspects of Serra Mechanics of Serra What you can expect from Serra What is expected of you as a Serran Vocations are the principal reason for Serra existence
5	SERRA INTERNATIONAL IS… An organization of Catholic laypersons of all ages from all walks of life who share a deep faith and want to incorporate the teachings of Christ into their daily lives.
6	“Queretaro” Serra Portrait
7	Padre Serra’s Missions
8	Serra’s Objectives To foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life To further Catholicism by encouraging its members, in fellowship, through education, to fulfill their Christian vocations to service.
9	Typical SERRA Spiritual Activities Monthly Mass Day of Oblation 31 Club Holy Hours Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Private Prayer
10	SPIRITUAL GROWTH As the men and women of Serra work together, a distinct fellowship develops. Each club strives to become a “university of Christian principles” which helps the members respond to Pope John Paul’s challenge to them to: “Prove it is possible to live the Sermon on the Mount with all the radicalism it entails.”
11	Serra International Organizational Chart
12	USA Council Organizational Chart
13	Dues Structure Serra International: $32 per year USAC: $42 per year* Total: $74 per year Spousal Rate: 50% or $37.00 per year Under 35 yrs of age: Dues same as spousal rate* One time initiation fee: $8.00
14	THE FIVE ELEMENTS OF SERRA Spiritual Growth Encouraging Church Vocations Religious Education of the Laity Responsive Lay Leadership Association in Christian Fellowship
15	Expectations
16	Challenges “…Prove in your whole behavior that, with the grace of God, it is possible to put into practice in the modern world the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and the ‘Beatitudes’ with all the radicalism they involve.” Pope John Paul II
17	What we do . . . Serrans foster vocations to the priesthood and the religious life: By encouraging new Church vocations through prayer, education and collaboration with their bishops and Church vocation offices; and By offering affirmation to those who already serve the Church.
18	Typical Serra Activities Youth Programs Altar server events Day of recollection for boys and girls Essay contests Visits to a seminary Fun day at a seminary Visits to a convent Scouting Discernment Programs Life Awareness Weekend Called by Name Project Andrew Project Miriam
19	Typical Serra Activities Affirmation Programs Congratulatory cards to priests and religious recognizing their birthday or their anniversary Dinner or picnic for seminarians Evening at the seminary Christmas party for seminarians Priests’ Night – dinner or outing Adopting a seminarian Other Programs Religious Educators’ Dinner Vocation programs for parish groups – i.e. films, speakers, etc. Participation in: World Day of Prayer for Vocations Vocation Awareness Week
20	Serra is . . . The Holy See has called Serra “…the lay vocation arm of the Church.”
21	Promoting the cause of Blessed Serra
22	The Church . . . “The Church needs Serra. Blessings on your work.” Pope John Paul II