The USA Council of Serra International
“Serrans accept their responsibility for promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They possess a deep appreciation of the ministerial priesthood as being essential to the Church. Serrans have been generous in offering their support to those who hear the call to serve Christ in the priesthood.”
Pope Saint John Paul II
Always Forward, Never Back!
Serrans Are Lay Catholics
Serrans are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life: lawyers, doctors, accountants, business people, nurses, engineers, sales people, clerks, retirees etc.– all dedicated to promoting and fostering religious vocations. Serra is the only lay Catholic apostolate officially aggregated to the Vatican, which means we are part of and under the direction of the Vatican. At all times a cardinal is assigned to Serra for oversight and direction. There are about 200 Serra clubs in the US and about 8,000 Serra members in the US. Serra clubs work with and for the Bishop and his Vocation Director to foster and promote religious vocations.
The Serra Organization began in 1935 in Seattle, Washington and has spread to over 400 clubs in 46 countries with over 13,000 members worldwide.
Serra International and the US Serra Council are both 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Our Mission
To Promote new Priesthood and religious vocations; To Support and Affirm existing Priesthood and religious vocations; To Encourage and Affirm vocations to the permanent diaconate; And in doing so, to grow in our own holiness
Qualifications
to Become a Serran
- Be a Catholic in good standing
- Pay Serra International, US Council and Club dues
- Attend club events
- Participate in club events
- Have a special place in your heart for religious vocations
To join Serra, find your local club and contact our office.
OUR PATRON
St. Junipero Serra
St. Junipero Serra—The Saint for whom we are named. St. Junipero Serra was a Franciscan Priest in the 1700’s. He was a renowned professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Lullian, Spain. At age 35 he heard the call to become a missionary to the New World, serving initially in the missions in Mexico. At age 56 he set off on the journey to establish the missions in California, the work for which he is most famous. He died at age 70 in California.
In answering the call to missionary work at age 35, he freely chose a humble and dangerous life. He suffered constant physical pain while in the new world. On the way to Mexico City, he was bitten by a serpent or an insect and his leg became terribly infected. He suffered from this wound his entire life but he never let it stop him, even though it brought him close to death twice. He believed in the power of persistent prayer to overcome obstacles and it always worked. He was a tremendous advocate for the indigenous people. Serrans have a tremendous advocate for our mission in heaven.
Our Board
The Serra USA Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and faithful stewardship to advance
Serra’s mission of fostering and affirming vocations to the Catholic priesthood and religious life.