In Step with Change

By John W. Woodward, Executive Director
Serra International and the Serra International Foundation

At the beginning of the third millennium, many of us could be excused for feeling that the only thing that’s constant is change. Even those of us who can remember the Bob Dylan hit song of the 1960s, “The Times They Are A-changin’,” probably would not admit to more than a passing thought about how those words might turn out to be quite prophetic, although not necessarily in the ways that Dylan described in his popular lyrics.

Whether we like it or not, we must “face the music” and adapt to a world that is continually changing around us. Caught up in such a process at the moment are many of our dedicated Serrans in Toronto, who are working hard and smart to come to grips with a world that is no longer convention-friendly. In other times and circumstances, the excellent convention program, the very attractive location and the warm hospitality of our hosts, the Serrans of Canada, would combine to ensure that our 60th annual international convention is an unqualified success.

But times have changed! Since the dramatic events of Sept. 11, 2001, airlines and hotels everywhere have had to adapt to doing business with a traveling public who have a strong and enduring reluctance to travel. Unfortunately for Serra, registrations for our international convention in Toronto are at an all-time low for this time of the year. And because of all that has occurred recently that wasn’t predicted, we need to recognize that our past experience with conventions is probably a very unreliable indicator for the future. It is important that every Serran is aware of just how challenging a situation this is for Serra, one that could seriously impact the financial resources of the organization. Our Serra leaders are asking themselves lots of questions in an attempt to find answers that will guarantee the success of the Toronto convention.

With so many questions, where should we look for answers? To the Father, whose children we are; to the Son, Jesus Christ and the universal Church which He founded; to the Holy Spirit, source of wisdom and strength; to our beloved Serra apostolate for Vocations which is at the service of the Church, and the focus of our work for the Kingdom.

What will be our response? Surely, Serrans will want to help To complete His work on earth in Toronto. Surely, even our understandable aversion to air travel will not cause the number of attendees to fall below what is needed for a successful international convention.

In the midst of all the uncertainties, perhaps it is time to turn our dreams into actions. This could be the convention at which we, as Serrans acting in universal solidarity, achieve one of our most important goals – a truly comprehensive representation of our Serra world by delegates to the convention. May I ask that all our Serra clubs throughout the world meet urgently to consider what must be done to ensure that, at the Serra International Convention in Toronto, there is (1) a delegate from every Serra club; and (2) the largest possible attendance from every Serra club. That would be just the response we need!

Our Lady of the Way guide our travels! See you in Toronto!

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