Membership Planning ~ A Perspective


	OPENING:
	My fellow Serran’s, look around this room, look around your clubs. Who will be sitting in this room 10 years from now; 20 years from now, 30 years from now? Who among your present clubs’ membership will be shown on the membership roster 10 years from now; 20 years from now, 30 years from now? Actuaries and life expectancy charts can tell you the answer ranges from just a few to absolutely none! Average life expectancy in the United States falls somewhere in the late 70’s. It’s a natural phenomenon that we will die; it’s not a frightening new trend nor a devastating world plague! As mortals, we accept the fact that we will all die. We all know that, it’s the timing we can’t yet come to terms with. I like the approach, “Take me Lord at your Will, but can’t you wait till tomorrow?” Sooner or later tomorrow will come for each of us.
	This begs the not so rhetorical questions, “Will Serra span generations of Catholics?”. “Is the need for our mission short term?” I tend to feel that our mission is important today. It’s more than important, it’s critical today and will be critical tomorrow. The point is the Catholic faithful that will be carrying out this important mission will be in the capable hands of people that are not members today. These future Serrans are now out there in our Church pews praying, receiving the Sacraments practicing their Catholic faith. Think about them; envision them in your minds. What are our future members doing right now? Do they know they will be called to serve? How will they answer? What will stir them to accept the mission. Who will ask them? Who will train them? Who will mentor them?
	The answer to the last three “Who” questions is, “YOU”, “YOU”, and “YOU”!