You are here Home ~ serraUSA >> Our Ministry >> A Brief History...

A Brief History of Serra International . . .

The year was 1934; the place was Seattle, Washington, and four Catholic friends had an idea. They decided to meet regularly over a meal to discuss how their Christian values could be lived out in their professional lives. Soon more friends were joining them, and within several months they had decided on an additional focus: the encouraging of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They chose Padre Junipero Serra, the noted Spanish missionary, as patron.

This small group has grown into Serra International. Serrans today are still dedicated to spiritual growth, continuing Catholic adult education, warm fellowship, and the encouragement of Church vocations.

Serra clubs are a great idea, and they have become a tradition of commitment.

Serra International chartered its first Serra club in 1935 in Seattle, Washington. Then, as now, the two great needs for the church were for informed Catholic lay leaders who understand and live their own Christian vocations to service, and for dedicated priests and religious.

In 1951, Serra International became aggregated to the Sacred Council for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations.

In 1986, Serra International voted to welcome women as well as men to membership in the organization.

Today, there are more than 1109 Serra clubs in 46 countries with a total membership of more than 19,000 men, women and permanent deacons on six continents. Each Serra club is a member of both a national council and Serra International. Serra International, which has an office located in Chicago, links Serra clubs around the world.

To learn more about Serra International and its activities, explore the subjects below:

OBJECTIVES - Serra's objectives are to foster and promote vocations to the Catholic priesthood and religious life, and to encourage its members to fulfill their own Christian vocations to service.

SERRA INTERNATIONAL - The Serra International Office is in Chicago, IL and Mr. John Woodward, is the Executive Director. The Serra International Board coordinates the activities of the international committees and supports National Councils in furthering Serra's mission worldwide.

SERRA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION - Created in 1951, the Foundation helps Serra International fulfill its organizational objectives by awarding grants within a competitive application process. Worldwide in scope, the Foundation accepts direct contributions and planned giving. Janet Dell-Freeman is the President of the Serra International Foundation. Mr. John Woodward is also the Executive Director of the Serra International Foundation.

CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES - Annually Serra International is host to an International Convention.

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...

A Brief History the USA Council . . .

On June 1, 1994, Serra International approved and established the USA/Canada Council, as one of eight National Councils. Since the 1970's, the National Council were established to respond to the needs of a growing worldwide membership and the unique vocational needs of the Church within those councils throughout the world.

On June 1, 2000, the Serra International approved and established the Canadian Council of Serra International and the USA Council of Serra International.

The USA Council of Serra International provides the structure to effectively respond to the twofold challenge placed before it: to be the "Vocations Arm of the Church" and to increase the number of clubs and members in the United States.

The United States is divided into 14 regions that correspond to the regions established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and adopted by the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD).

Click here to locate a Serra Club near you.

Today, there are over 11,500 Serrans in 318 Serra Clubs in the United States. Each Serran and Serra Club is supported in their ministry by District Governors, Regional Directors, National Committees, the USA Council Board and the Chicago Staff.

Four major committees work to further the goals of the USA Council in the areas of Vocations, Membership, Programs, and Communications. Standing goals for of each committee are as follows:

Vocations

To engage in those projects and programs that will prepare districts and clubs to assist their bishops and vocation directors in carrying out their vocation ministry in the diocese and parishes.

To continue to develop and distribute new manuals and promotional videos dealing with such topics as: affirmation of vowed religious, ordained priests, Life Awareness retreats, parish vocation committees, vocations in minority communities, and programs for youth groups.

Programs

To develop in each Serra club a program of adult education and faith formation through new internal Study and Discussion programs on the Eucharist, Vocational Pastoral Ministry, the new Catechism, The Splendor of Truth, and the Apostolate of the Laity and programs for reaching younger, lay Catholics, and a resource library of program materials.

Communications

To encourage all Serra Clubs to have active and involved newsletter committees that effectively communicate club activities, provide news to members, increase club morale, and support club goals.

To promote club activities and news within the local community through press releases in local papers, regular contacts with secular and religious press, and access to local and cable television.

Membership

To actively strengthen and expand the present clubs with new, enthusiastic members, especially women, and retain current members.

To spread Serra through the formation of new clubs, especially in areas where bishops have requested Serra, and establish and improve our effectiveness in those areas not presently or under served.

To review and improve the training of District Governors and assist with the development and establishment of District Advisory Councils.

To update and improve the various report forms to provide meaningful information to assist in continued improvement of Serra.

To develop a group of interested and active non-Serrans who will contribute to Serra's vocational activities.

The USA Council is seeking Serrans to volunteer their time and talent for these four committees and the other national committees. Please contact the USA Council office.

Return to Top

---