Pray! Invite! Encourage! Affirm! Vocations
Find out more...
2007-08 Annual Report
A Brief History...
F.A.Q.
Our Ministry
Padre Junipero Serra
Serra Clubs in the USA
serraUSA E-newsletter
SerraUSA
Here and Now!
Serra International Accords
Serra Memorandum of Understanding
Things you know & things you don't...
Cardinal Rigali's Keynote and Homily
Cesare Gambardella Acceptance Speech
Lloyd Crockett Farewell Address
Serra USA Council to File NEW IRS Form 990-N for US Serra Clubs
Novena to Blessed Junipero Serra
Dates to Remember
October 26, 2008
Priesthood Sunday
January 8-11, 2009
USA Council of Serra International Super Weekend, Chicago, IL
January 11-16, 2009
National Vocation Awareness Week
February 8, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
February 20-22, 2009
serraUSA Planning Conference, Kansas City, MO
May 3, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
August 27-30, 2009
2009
Serra International Convention, Omaha, NE U.S.A.
"In the Loop" News
SerraUSA Fall Conventions
The SerraUSA Committees would like to encourage all convention committees to download and distribute the following one page summaries of current committee programs for your attendees.
Vocations Committee
Programs Committee
Communications Committee
Membership Committee
Begin Planning Today
National Priesthood Sunday Oct. 26, 2008 If you go to www.serraus.org and click on National Priesthood Sunday it will give you a lot of great ideas You can also go to www.priestsunday.org. The liturgy planning guide are provided to you en español.
Consider putting a basket in the vestibule and having parishioners write Thank You card for your pastor or any priest who was important in their life.
National Vocation Awareness Week Jan. 11-16, 2009
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb 8, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 3, 2009
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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.
*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.
The Serra Leader ~
Summer 2008
SERRA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, BRAZIL, AUGUST, 2008
Most Rev. Justin Cardinal Rigali
Acceptance Speech
SERRA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, BRAZIL, AUGUST, 2008
Cesare Gambardella, PRESIDENT, SERRA INTERNATIONAL, 2008-09
Eminences, Excellencies, Priests, Chaplains, Seminarians, fellow brothers and
sisters in Serra.
Serra International is in its’ 73rd (seventy-third) year and I am its’ 65th
(sixty-fifth) President, the 3rd (third) Italian in its’ history.
Words are not enough to express the emotions I feel at this moment for the honor you have given to me to preside over such a prestigious organization..<more>
FAREWELL ADDRESS
SERRA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, BRAZIL, AUGUST, 2008
LLOYD P. CROCKETT,
PRESIDENT, SERRA INTERNATIONAL, 2007-08
Your Eminences, Most Reverend Bishops, Reverend Fathers, Beloved Sisters, My Brothers and Sisters in Serra:
First, let me thank our Brazilian Brothers and Sisters for this outstanding Convention! You have made us all proud to call ourselves Serrans.
As we look back over this past year, I am pleased to tell you that the State of Serra is good and getting better! We have so much to be thankful for. Let me tell you why: <more>
From the Executive Director's Desk
News You
Can Use
IRS Form 990N - Notice and Report Form (PDF)
IRS Form 99N - Report Form (Excel)
IRS Form 99N - Report Form (Lotus 123)
On Feb. 13, 2008, the Internal Revenue Service released the electronic Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Pursuant to a provision of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, tax-exempt organizations with annual gross receipts of $25,000 or less, that were previously exempt from filling Form 990, will be required to file Form 990-N. The first e-postcards are due in 2008 for tax years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2007.
Form 990-N must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the organization’s fiscal year. For example, for all of our US clubs with $25,000 or less of gross receipts, we will file a 990-N by no later than Nov. 15, 2008.
To repeat, the Chicago office will file the 990-N for each US club that qualifies for a 990-N filing. Because all of the club officers are volunteers and change frequently, we will be doing the filing because any club that fails to file for three consecutive years will lose its tax-exempt status.
What you must do: You must submit to this office by no later than Sept. 1, 2008 a summary of all of your income and expenses for the June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008 period. We need this information in order to determine if your club qualifies for a 990-N filing. If your club has gross receipts of over $25,000, the Chicago office will file the 990 for you.
Please note that this is not optional for your club. A letter will be sent to each club president and treasurer with this information.
Click here for the Suggested Accounting Documentation from the Serra Club Treasurer's Manual. These pages should help your Serra prepare the requested summary of all of your Serra Clubs' income and expenses for the June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008 period due by September 1, 2008.
Annual Report
2007-08
USA Council of Serra International Annual Report
2007-08 USA Council of Serra International Annual Audit Report (Coming Soon!)
Serra International Bellringers
The Bellringers April 2008
The Bellringers April 2008
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07 MS Word)
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07-PDF)
USA Council Awards Program!
Are you part of a winning team? Let us know.
Working for You Committee News
Vocations
Serra Club of Grand Rapids Forms First Venturing Crew Using the Matching Serra International Foundation Grant
Congratulations are in order for Dennis Leiber, the Serra Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting on forming the first Serra Club chartered Catholic Venturing Crew for students at West Catholic High school <read more...>
Fishers of Men
The Fishers of Men program is designed to encourage priests to step back from their daily lives and reflect on the many positive reasons they pursued their vocations, to discuss those reasons with their brother priests, parish families and ultimately to share those reasons with other men with an invitation to the priesthood.
Read more here...
Go to the Fishers of Men page here... "Fishers of Men" Trailer
Communications
serraUSA News and Networking Center
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.
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
Why I am a Serra? -- Serrans reflections on their ministry
Serra presented an opportunity for me to become personally involved in promoting vocations in the religious area and affirming those already serving the Lord. I observed first-hand the opportunities that existed between Serra and the local Archdiocese in assisting their Vocations office with related vocation activities. Moreover, I discovered the opportunities that are available in Serra to enhance my own spiritual life. I view Serra as a special Ministry. Read more...
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.
How do you recruit new members?
Success stories wanted. Every year we hear that membership is important to our mission and ministry and every year we ask you to go out and find new members. Well, now is your chance to tell us about your success in finding new members and how you did it. Serra clubs around the USA have creatively recruited new Serrans and we want to know how you so we can share it every Serra club. Please send these success stories to the Membership Coordinator.
The Serra Club of San Diego North Coast prepares this brochure to place in all their parishes literature racks. Take a look...
A new way to find Serra clubs online...take a look!
Meetings and Conventions
Just in time for those of planning an Annual Fall District/Regional Convention a report of the lessons learned and best practices to make your convention a great success - download it today!
Fall Convention Best Practices and Lessons Learned
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 October 2008 through March 31, 2009, dates and times are subject to change without notice.Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations to Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life
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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.
Tour Schedule (as of October 2008) through March 31, 2009
Save the Date - 2009 Serra International Convention, Omaha, NE - August 27-30, 2009
Plan now to attend this wonderful event. The 2009 Serra International Annual Convention will be in Omaha, NE August 27-30, 2009 it promises to be informative, historical, and very enjoyable. We hope to see you in Omaha! Registration and additional information please visit the Serra International website www.serra.org. Click for more information...
Dates to Remember
Check serraUSA Monthly Planner often to plan ahead.
October 2008
October 26, 2008
Priesthood Sunday
January 2009
January 8-11, 2009
USA Council of Serra International Super Weekend, Chicago, IL
January 11-16, 2009
National Vocation Awareness Week
February 2009
February 8, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
February 20-22, 2009
serraUSA Planning Conference, Kansas City, MO
May 2009
May 3, 2009
World Day of Prayer for Vocations
August 2009
August 27-30, 2009
2009
Serra International Convention, Omaha, NE U.S.A.
August - December, 2008
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.
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 . . .
New England Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The New England Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from Districts 24 and 41.
Mid-Atlantic Convention
Date: October 10-12, 2008
Location: Oglebay Resort, Wheeling WV
The Mid-Atlantic Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 35, 43, 49, 80-1, and 80-2, 84.
Great Lakes Convention
Date: October 10-12, 2008
Location: Oglebay Resort, Wheeling WV
The Great Lakes Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 15, 19, 21, 48, 51, 84, and 85.
District 18 Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The District 18 Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from District 18.
Louisiana Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The Louisiana Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from Districts 11, 13, and 172.
District 86 Convention
Date: October 11, 2008
Location: Knights of Columbus Hall, Ocean Springs, MS
The District 86 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 86.
Region 7 Convention
Date: October 10-12, 2008
Location: Oglebay Resort, Wheeling WV
The Region 7 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 8, 14, 16, 17, 29, 37, 145, and 154.
Region 8 Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The Region 8 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 7, 7-S, 7-W, and 137.
Region 9 Convention
Date: October 17-19, 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO at the KCI Hilton
The Region 9 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 12-1, 12-2, 9-E, 9-C, and 9-W.
Texas Convention
Date: October 24-26, 2008
Location: McAllen, TX
The Texas Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 5, 10, 11, 13, 44, 46-1, 46-2, 125, 125, 132, and 172.
Western Regional Convention
Date: October 17-19, 2008
Location: John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Reno, NV
The Western Regional Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 3, 4, 31, 33, 34, 79, 81, 82, 83, 127, 157, and 165.
District 1 Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The District 1 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 1-N, 1-E, 1-S and District 1 Canada.
District 6 Convention
Date: September 28-30, 2008
Location: St. Malo Retreat Center, Allenspark, CO
The District 6 Convention and will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 6.
District 30 Convention
Date: 2008 To be announced
Location: 2008 To be announced
The District 30 Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from District 30.
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!
The Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist invite you to come and spend a weekend seeking to know God’s will for you. The weekends offer:
Time for communal prayer with Mass and Liturgy of the Hours
Time for private prayer including Eucharistic Adoration
Conferences on Prayer, St. Francis, and Religious Life
Opportunities to visit with the Sisters
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 . . .
Pray! Invite! Encourage! Affirm! Vocations
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| Last Modified:
October 05, 2008 |
USA Council of Serra International
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