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Promoting New Vocations in the United States

There are over 300 Serra Clubs in the USA Council of Serra International. All USA clubs share a common commitment to fostering, promoting, and supporting vocations to the ministerial priesthood and consecrated religious life in the Catholic Church. The individual clubs, however, carryout this Serran mission through a variety of programs and activities specific to their local club and circumstances.

This report is limited to the types of activities Serra clubs are doing in the United States to encourage and support “new” vocations. Although the clubs also do a great deal to affirm and support men and women who have already responded to God’s call, those activities are not addressed in this report.

The report is not meant to catalogue all “new vocation” activities. Rather, it provides a broad overview of the types of new vocation programs and activities underway in USA Serra clubs.

The report is divided into four broad areas related to fostering and promoting new vocations:

• Prayer
• Building a Culture for New Vocations
• Vocation Awareness
• Invitation and Discernment

Promoting New Vocations in the United States

 

To Save A Thousand Souls
A Guide to Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood

In what has been hailed as “a groundbreaking work” Fr. Brett Brannen compiles all the wisdom of a master Vocation Director into one volume. Using powerful and entertaining stories, the book explains in down-to-earth language how to discern a vocation to diocesan priesthood. For more information or order a copy of the book please visit Vianney Vocations.

 

The Calling

The Power of Life proudly presents, "The Calling." 3 unlikely men realize there is a higher calling in life than just money, materials, and power.

Be inspired by three men who answered God’s call to the priesthood! They lived happy and full lives with their sports and business, but even amidst the success and reaching their dreams, they hungered for a deeper meaning to life. They believed that there must be something more; there was a hunger for the void that existed in their heart….and the answer was God calling them to the priesthood.

Go on a journey of three men who experienced the ultimate goal of finding the answer to their vocation: the Catholic priesthood. Also, hear witness numerous priests witness their heartfelt reflections on why they answered their calling to priesthood, along with The Most Reverend David Ricken’s invitation to answer God’s calling.

The film invites the audience to reflect on their own life and the
importance of each of us answering God’s call. By The Power of Life, Inc. The DVD is 9:17 minutes and may be personalized for arch/diocese at additional production costs by contacting Power of Life at 920-363-6377.

For more information and questions, please contact Power of Life at (920) 362-6377.

To order the DVD, for a cost of $9.00, contact:

National Coalition for Church Vocations
5401 S. Cornell Avenue #205
Chicago, IL 60615-5664

Phone: 773.955.5453 - www.nccv-vocations.org

serraUSA Proposes Changes to Constitution and Bylaws

This is to follow-up the USA Council of Serra International mailing to all Serra clubs the proposed amended Constitution and Bylaws subject to your clubs' approval.

The first document is a version of the Constitution and Bylaws indicating the changes made at the most recent USA Council Super Weekend. This document includes updated comments to the proposed changes.

serrausa_constitution_bylaws_rev012810.pdf

The second document is to explain the rationale for these proposed changes.

rationale_for_constitution_bylaw_changes.pdf

If you have any questions or need additional information please contact the USA Council of Serra International via email serraus@serraus.org.

2010 Net Tour

NET Ministries may be coming to your diocese this winter or spring. It is great to connect with these energetic missionaries when they are in your area. Check out the list of their spring routes and let me know if you would like to arrange a get together, speaker for your meeting or just a time to share a cup of coffee. My email is jcozzens@msn.com. Thanks, Judy Cozzens

Net Ministries Tour Dates

Serra’s College Connection for Catholics Program Links Catholic Youth with Church on Campus

Parents are often dismayed when their kids go off to college and wander away from the Catholic faith. The USA Council of Serra International saw the need to connect young people with the church on campus and developed the College Connection for Catholics program to forge that bridge.<more>

Learn More...
the COLLEGE CONNECTION for Catholics

Begin Planning Today

National Vocation Awareness Week Jan 10-16, 2010
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb 7, 2010
World Day of Prayer for Vocations Apr 25, 2010

International and National Annual Celebrations The Catholic Church annually gives us numerous opportunities to celebration vocations. Three of these annual events include: National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). NCCV annually publishes user-friendly planning kits to help parishes, schools, dioceses, and religious congregations celebrate these events. The kits are developed to coincide with the Liturgical Calendar and Cycles. Search National Vocation Awareness Week, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and World Day for Consecrated Life for complete descriptions and ordering information. Purchase of any of the Annual Celebration Kits includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. The Kits may not be duplicated for quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV. Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 for a permit number. All Annual Celebration Kits are copyrighted by NCCV. Permit numbers are valid for one year only.   World & National Annual Events 2010 Cycle C 2011 Cycle A 2012 Cycle B NVAW January 10-16 January 9-15 January 9-14 WDCL* February 7 February 6 February 5 WDP** April 25 May 15 April 29 *The US Bishops observe WDCL on February 2 when that date falls on a Sunday; if not it is observed on the Sunday after February 2. **The Holy Father issues a pastoral letter each year for the celebration of WDP. Visit the Vatican Web site for more information.

The USA Council of Serra International Vocations Committee, in collaboration with the National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV), is again preparing to provide the planning kits to Serra clubs through a bulk permit in order to encourage Serra clubs to assist their parishes and Catholic schools in celebrating these annual vocation events.

Available in English and Spanish. These complete resources for these annual international and national events are the no-hassle way to observe and celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). Includes: liturgy planning guide, music suggestions, homily guide, general intercessions, prayer service, prayer card master, bulletin announcements, clip art, poster.

Please contact the USA Council of Serra International toll-free 1-888-777-6681 or email serraus@serraus.org for more information and pricing details.

Save the date - 2010 Serra International Convention, Anchorage, AK - September 2-5, 2010

Plan now to attend this wonderful event. The 2010 Serra International Annual Convention will be in Anchorage, AK September 2-5, 2010 it promises to be informative, historical, and very enjoyable. We hope to see you in Anchorage! For registration and additional information please visit the Serra International website www.serra.org.

The Bellringers (Feb 2010)

Serra International Bellringers

The Bellringers (Feb 2010)
The Bellringers (Dec 09)
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07-PDF)
The Bellringers November 2009
The Bellringers October 09 (pdf)
The Bellringers July 09 (pdf)
Serra International Bellringers (May 09)
THE BELLRINGERS (Dec 08 - PDF)
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07 MS Word)
The Bellringers April 2009
The Bellringers Christmas Message
THE BELLRINGERS (Dec 08 - MS Word)
The Bellringers April 2008
The Bellringers April 2008

The Serra Leader Summer 2009

SerraUSA Spring 2009

The serraUSA Magazine, Vol. 8, No. 1

Annual Report

USA Council of Serra International Annual Report ('08-'09)

USA Council of Serra International Annual Audit ('08-'09)

USA Council Awards Program!

Are you part of a winning team? Let us know.

 

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Working for You Committee News

Vocations

2009 "Year for Priests"

Fellow Serrans,

For many years the USA Council-Vocations Committee has identified four annual national Church Vocations activities to raise awareness of and appreciation for those who serve our Church as priests and religious. This year…”Year for Priests”…we are giving extra emphasis to the 2009 Priesthood Sunday, October 25th. <more...>

Communications

Attention all Serra Clubs: Do you have a website that we do not know about? Send us an email and we can create a link to your Serra Club's website. Need help please see our Serra Club Webpage Template page for more information.

Serra Club Newsletter Editors: Do you want to post your newsletter online? Send us a copy via email and we add it to our online listing.

Does your Serra club want the best of both world? Serra clubs can set a webpage and online newsletter. If you'd like to create a club newsletter that can be created easily and e-mailed instantly, check out the Serra Club Communication and Newsletters Portal service created and privately maintained by Southwind Technologies (fee required).  

Programs

The USA Council of Serra International has prepared a new "Suggested Program Calendar" for your club's internal programming planning. Download load it today!

Membership

2008 Membership Strategy

Serra Clubs are encouraged to draft and implement a comprehensive membership strategy for their clubs. Membership strategies will be implemented at all levels of Serra in the USA. Our success relies on you. Download the SerraUSA Membership Strategy for 2008 here.

A one page plan that details what your club, district or region will do to implement the membership strategy is you will need.

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Looking Forward

Where two or more are gathered...

One Serran said, "A Serra meeting should be like spending an hour with Jesus." Serrans believe that when members gather for prayer, a meal and conversation, they grow in faith and are inspired and challenged by each other.

After hearing a speaker or discussing a topic such as prayer, social justice, Scripture, business ethics, ministry or church vocations, Serrans return to work, the family and the community with a renewed sense of how to live out the Christian message.

The Serra club is a place for spiritual growth and fellowship. Retreats, prayer at meetings and regular liturgies nurture the spiritual life of each individual and help members grow together as a Christian community.

Serra clubs typically meet twice each month and districts meet annually. Also, international conventions are held every year, attended by representatives from Serra clubs throughout the world.

We invite you to consider anyone of the following opportunities for you to join us at these events and learn more and why we are Serrans.

On the road...visit a Serra Club during your trip

USA Council of Serra International Serra Club Meeting Calendar

As of January 2010 through September 2010, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations to Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life

His Holiness John Paul II blessed this monstrance for the Church in North America so that during the Year of the Eucharist we all might pray for vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life. In cooperation with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation, the USA Council of Serra International is coordinating and sponsoring the tour of this Monstrance to US Catholic dioceses throughout the Year of Eucharist and beyond.

Adoration for Vocations
March 1-March 8, 2010 (Archdiocese of Miami, FL)
April 11-April 17, 2010 (Diocese of Fall River, MA)
June 1-June 15, 2010 (Archdiocese of Detroit, MI)
June 17-July 12, 2010 (Archdiocese of Washington DC)

Dates to Remember

Check serraUSA Monthly Planner often to plan ahead.

March 2010

March 25-28, 2010
Incoming Executive Committee Retreat

April 2010

April 25, 2010
World Day of Prayer for Vocations

June 2010

June 17-20, 2010
serraUSA Annual Meeting & Super Weekend, Chicago, IL

September 2010

September 2-5, 2010
Serra International Convention, Anchorage, AK

August - December, 2010

Annual District/Regional Conventions

USA Council of Serra International is happy to provide this list of Annual Fall District/Regional Conventions.

Join Serrans from your district and region for fellowship, inspiration, learning, and worship. Discover the world of Serra locally by attending a district or regional convention near you.

 - May God bless you and your work for vocations.

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The USA Council will be happy to post a notice of your district Spring Leadership and Planning Conferences, Serra Club days of prayer and reflection, and other Serra Club events on our website.

Submit your event notice with us . . .

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Ohio Valley/Great Lakes Convention

Date: October 8-10, 2010

Location: Historic Hilton Netherland Hotel, Cincinnati, OH

The Great Lakes Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 15, 19, 21, 48, 51, 84, and 85.

Region 8 Convention

Date: November 19-21, 2010

Location: Buffalo, MN

The Region 8 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 7-, 7-E, 7-W, and 137-.

Region 9 Convention

Date: October 1-3, 2010

Location: Dubuque, IA

The Region 9 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 12-1, 12-2, 9-E, 9-C, and 9-W.

Western Regional Convention

Date: October 1-3, 2010

Location: San Jose, CA

The Region 11 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 3-, 4-, 31-, 33-, 34-, 79-, 82-, 83-, 127-, 157-, and 165-.

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Vocation Discernment Retreats

"Vocation is about following that God-given pull or leaning that seems to come from deep within."

USA Council of Serra International is happy to provide this list of open invitations to hear God's Call.

Please contact the retreat master directly for more information regarding each scheduled event.

No Events Scheduled

 - May God bless you on your discernment journey.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist

Young Ladies. . . Single Women. . . You Are Invited . . .
Do you think God may be calling you to Religious Life? Have you felt an irresistible urge to give yourself totally to Christ and His Church? Have you tried to ignore it but it keeps seeping back into your soul? Then come! Come and share the support of others with the same values and dreams. The basic requirement is an open mind and a loving heart!

Extended times for discernment can be arranged by contacting Sr. Andrea

Sr. Andrea Kantner, O.S.F.
2100 N. Noland Road
Independence , MO 64050

Tel: (816) 252-1673
E-mail: stfran2100@aol.com

Webpage: http://www.osfholyeucharist.org

Retreat Masters

The USA Council will be happy to post a notice of your days of discernment, life awareness, prayer, and reflection on our website.

Submit your retreat notice with us . . .

 

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