Serra Club Updates, October 28, 2020.

A Note from John Liston.

November 1-7 is National Vocation Awareness Week.  NVAW is an annual week-long celebration is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, and the consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Also, October 31, masses for the beatifcation of Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, will be celebrated at various locations throughout the United States.  Our Lady of Sorrows will be celebrating such a mass at 4:00 p.m.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter Template

 

Serrans are lay Catholics-men and women from all walks of life, lawyers, doctors, accountants, business people, nurses, engineers, sales people, clerks, retirees, etc., all dedicated to promote and foster vocations.

September 23, 2020.

Serra Club International President John Liston  Forwarded from Always Forward, Never Back:

Five Years Ago Today, Blessed Junipero Became a Saint.

It was a hot day and the lines were long in Washington, D. C.on September 23, 2015, when His Holiness Pope Francis canonized our patron, St. Junipero Serra.  To keep their spirits and to pass the time while waiting among thousands to get to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Serrans from Mexico cheerfully sang "Siempre Adelante", and the crowd moved forward!

St. Junipero has faced many challenges to his legacy in the past year, but we celebrate him as our patron, our inspiration, and our mission's personal ally in the communion of saints.

News of the restoration of Mission San Gabriel.

Thanks to You, We Have Almost Reached $20,000.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many Serrans, the Serra International Foundation has raised nearly $20,000 to help Mission San Gabriel's  restoration efforts after fire damaged the mission roof and the church interior.

If you have already donated to this fund, thank you.

If you would like to donate to the Mission St. Gabriel fund, type in Donate Mission Saint Gabriel fund.

Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, August 2020

Serrans are lay Catholics-men and women from all walks of life, lawyers, doctors, accountants, business people, nurses, engineers, sales people, clerks, retirees, etc., all dedicated to promote and foster vocations.

Calendar of Events.

August 17, 2020.  Tune into upcoming Facebook event at 7:00 p.m. with Father Stephen Durkee.

This is  a virtual event in lieu of the Muskegon Club's annual dinner.  See Bob Nolan's letter of June 22, 2020 to the Muskegon membership.

Dear Serra Club Supporter:

Serra Club of Greater Muskegon is celebrating their 71st year in a different way than we ever have.  In light of our current pandemic we were forced to postpone our traditional May event.  We envisioned  a live dinner later this summer, but the uncertain path of the virus and the Governor's order has required creativity...

The good news is we have scheduled a virtual event in lieu of a dinner this year.  I am inviting each of you to join us for the live event on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m.  Fr. Stephen Durkee, current Diocesean Director of Priestly Vocations will share inspiring words of hope.  We also invited two men currently attending seminary who will share a glimpse of their personal journeys to the priesthood...I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift in support of the courageous men and women who dedicate their lives to ministering to our souls through sacrament and prayer  by giving to the only organization recognized by the Holy Father for their work in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life, Serra International.  This year our theme is, Now more than ever."  This theme is important because, as you know, the number of Catholics worldwide is increasing, but the number of men and women choosing religious life is declining.  We need to do our part in doing everything possible to encourage more young men and women to consider dedicating their lives in service to the Church.

Please consider being a sponsor at the highest level you can.  It was our patron, St. Junipero Serra, who said, "Always Forward, never back!"  In that spirit,  I hope you will help us advance the critical cause of supporting the promotion of vocations throughout West Michigan.  May God richly bless you and your family this summer.

With warmest regards,

Robert J. Nolan

President

Weldon Schwartz, our Grand Rapids President, directed Pat Leikert to send a check for $300 in support of the Muskegon Club.  Our members may choose to add their own contributions.  Keep in mind that the Muskegon Club has always relied heavily on the dinner to raise funds for their chosen Serra activities.  Contributions may be sent to Bob Nolan, 454 Melody Lane, North Muskegon, MI 49445.

What does the Lord require of thee, but to love mercy, to love justice, and to walk humbly with thy God?  Micah 6:8

Grand Rapids Serra Club, July 2020

The first thing readers will notice is that there is no calendar of events.  Serran Judy Cozzens sends a helpful notice which addresses the pandemic and related issues:

Dear Serrans,

I challenge you to meet the needs of our Church at this time.  We cannot let the virus stop us from fulfilling our duties and mission as Serrans.

We need to be creative in reaching out to support our priests, seminarians, and consecrated orders.
We can use this time to strengthen our Serra Mission.

Recently, the U. S. Council Board had a brainstorming session on ways to keep our clubs and their activities thriving during the pandemic.  I am including here a link to the fruits of our session for your own use in your .  I would recommend you conduct a similar brainstorming session with your local club leadership as well.

Now is the time to be curious and courageous with regard to the wonderful communications services offered to us by technology.  It might be a little intimidating, but don't let that stop you.  I tried to set up a Zoom meeting and signed up for a trial run.  However, I was the only one who couldn't get into the trial. So I contacted our new regional director, Jerry Biese, and I asked him
if he would learn how to run a Zoom meeting.  Jerry accepted the challenge and we had our first district-wide Serra meeting with about 60 attendees.

Father Stephen DeLacy, vocation director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, wants to organize six new Serra Clubs in his archdiocese for vocation work.  To that end, U. S. Council Northeast Region Director Mark Bonkiewicz, five Serrans and I took part in a virtual rally introducing Serra to over 100 potential members in that archdiocese.

If we can do it, so can you!

If you would like speakers for your electronic meetings, please let us know.  The Serra Board is willing and ready to help..

Please feel free to call or email me if you have questions.  Remember our patron saint's slogan, "Always Forward, Never Back."
God Bless,

Judy Cozzens,

President, Serra's United States Council

P.S.  Don't forget to download and print the Ways to Keep Your Serra Club Thriving During Self Isolation and Social Distancing document.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

I know you can still hear me!"--God

Even when Mass is cancelled, God is still calling.

When youth groups can't meet, God is still calling.

When Catholic schools are closed, God is still calling.

When college students are stuck at home, God is still calling.

In the hardest, strangest times, God is still calling.a

Become a Part of a Prayer Team.

John Osterhart sent an important note regarding the formation of a Gaylord club:

All:

Our Serra Club has been working to help the Diocese of Gaylord start a Serra Club.  Past USA Council President Judy Cozzens helped initiate a program of prayer for diocese of Gaylord Vocation Director(s).

Attached is the Prayer Team sign-up sheet for Gaylord Vocations Director Fr. Ben Rextoat (and also his assistant Fr. Christopher Jarvis and staff secretary Caryn Jacobs).  The sign-up sheet has some background information about Fr. Rexroat. who is a good friend of one of Muskegon Serran Bob Nolan's sons.  Fr. Ben is leading the Gaylord effort to form a Serra Club in their diocese.

Committed to pray so far are Sunday, Ann and Jim Rosloniec; Tuesday, Pam McKenzie; Wednesday, Dan Grady, and two days unassigned (whatever is left), John and Ellen Osterhart.  Open yet are 2 or 3 days--pick from Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

We would anticipate that some of the Gaylord Serra recruits would take this project over before a year is up.  Please notify me or Weldon Schwartz if you wish to participate or have any questions.

Blessings to all,
John Osterhart
616-245-1893
ejost@att.net
Weldon Schwartz
616-401-0227
kazu12769@gmail.com


Seminarians Need Our Prayers.

"These last four years have been incredible, but they haven't been easy."  That's how one swhateminarian from the Midwest, now preparing for ordination, described his time in seminary.
"The academics are tough, sure.  But for me--and I think for most of the other guys--the hardest part is abandoning yourself to formation, to admit there's stuff you need to work on personally, and to put a hundred percent into growing into virtue."  He laughs, "Thankfully seminary formation works!  When I visit home, my brothers say I've lost my edge in Xbox, but I can tell them I've become a stronger Catholic man.  Honestly, my classmates and I are just eager to get ordained, get into the parish, and start bringing Jesus to people."
Because we Catholics care so deeply about the quality of our priests, we need to redouble our prayers for seminarians.  They are striving to be faithful to daily prayer, discern the gift of celibacy, serve part-time in hospitals and schools, all while doing master's level coursework.  ...Would you adopt a seminarian to pray for daily?


Life Goes On, and We Give Thanks for That.

Three priests were ordained on June 6, 2020 at St. Andrew's Cathedral.  They are Father Dominic Couterier, Father Michael Goodwin, and Father Daniel Orris.  Masses of Thanksgiving were celebrated on June 7 at Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Paul the Apostle, and St. Dominic, respectively.  Let us give thanks for these new priests.

President Weldon Schwartz is looking into ways to start meeting again during this time.  We will keep you posted.  Our main goal is to stay focused on our mission of nurturing, praying for, and supporting priestly and religious vocations during this time.  We have the technology and the time to do so.

What doth the Lord require of thee but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your 
god?  Micah 6:8.

Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for us.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter May 2020

Calendar of Events

The main news during this special time is that there is no posted calendar of events.  Weldon
will schedule regular monthly meetings and board  meetings as soon as we are cleared to do so.
We will continue to pray for priests and vocations as usual. 

John Liston has announced that the Board of Trustees, after careful deliberation with the local and international convention committees, made the decision to cancel the 2020 International Convention.

Plans are already underway for the 2020 Convention, which will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada,July 1-4, 2021.  Please mark your calendars.  Also, the local convention committee in New Orleans, led by Joe Dicharry, has not disbanded as we plan to return to the Big Easy in 2022.

In making the decision to cancel our 2020 convention, we had to accept that convening a large group gathering in June this year would be extraordinarily challenging, and potentially unsafe.  The current Serra International Board will remain in place until the 2021 Convention.

For those of you who have already registered for the 2020 Convention, you have three options:

1.  receive a full refund of your registration
2.  use your 2020 registration fee (USD350) to cover the cost of the 2021 Serra International Toronto convention registration registration (CAD500)
3.  Donate your registration fee to the Serra International Foundation during these most unfortunate times

If you would like to roll your registration fee to 2021 or donate your registration fee to the Serra International Foundation, please notify John Liston by May 29, 2020, or you will receive a full refund.  The Westin Hotel will automatically cancel your room reservation without your having to contact them.  Please let John Liston know if you would like to retain your hotel reservations at the Westin.

Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make, but ultimately se believe it to be the correct decision.

We cannot express enough our appreciation for ll the hard work expended by the New Orleans
planning committee over the past two years as well as their willingness to serve for another year.

We hope to see everyone next year at the Toronto Convention in 2021 and back in New Orleans in 2022.

Please direct any questions to John Liston, jliston@serrainternational.org

Ruben Gallegos, Ph. D., President, Serra International
Joe Dicharry, Chair, New Orleans Convention Committee
John Liston, Executive Director, Serra International

Please keep in mind that Seminarians Need Our Prayers.
Even when Mass is cancelled, God is still calling.
When youth groups can't meet, God is still calling.
When Catholic schools are closed, God is still calling.
When college students are stuck at home, God is still calling.
In the hardest, strangest times, God is still calling.

Please Pray For these faithful departed priests:


Father Ernest Bernott, aged 98, a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, who passed away at St. Ann's Home on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.

Father Dennis Morrow, aged 72, who passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020.  Both obituaries may be viewed online.  Father Dennis was featured in the May issue of Faith Magazine.

Thank you for your prayers.

Thank you for your prayers for my husband, Jim King.  We received a favorable update on his condition.  He underwent a biopsy, and his doctors plan to treat his condition with medication, as opposed to more invasive procedures.  We will keep you posted, and once again, we appreciate your care and your concern.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter March 2020

Lent 2020 includes all of the days of March.  March is the month of devotions to St. Joseph.  See below for more information.

Calendar of Events.

March 9, 2020.  Luncheon Meeting and Prayer Service, 12:00 Noon at Cathedral Square.  Let us make a Lenten goal of attending both of the March meetings.
March 19, 2020.  The Feast Day of St. Joseph.
March 23, 2020.  Luncheon Meeting and Prayer Service, 12:00 Noon at Cathedral Square.

Looking Ahead..

May 9, 2020.  Sister's Dinner at Immaculate Heart of Mary.  All are invited to attend the 5:15 Vigil Mass, with social hour and dinner to follow.  At some point we will meet with the IHM kitchen staff to discuss menu and other plans.  We invite everyone to help with hors d'oeuvres,
cooking, serving, cleaning up and all else that is needed to make this event a success.  We will keep you informed as we work out our plans.  Those of us who remember Sisters' Dinners from the past recall how enjoyable these events have been for us and for the Sisters.  They are always so appreciative!

If you think you can help John with locating the sisters (they are scattered throughout the diocese and some live independently), let us know.  Also, he may need some help keeping track of the RSVPs.  We would like to get an accurate count, of course.

May 14, 2020.  Weldon Schwartz, John Osterhart, and Bob Barrett will meet several people from the Gaylord Diocese at a location near Traverse City.  They are working on forming a new Serra Club in Gaylord.  Pray for the success of this effort, and also pray for new members for our own club.

June 25-28, 2020.  

Serra's 78th International Convention, New Orleans, LA, at the Westin in New Orleans, overlooking the Mississippi River, on the edge of the French Quarter.  Register online at www.serrainternational.org.

Priests' Anniversaries for March.

Fr. Richard Host, March 17, 1974.

March Devotion--St. Joseph
 giarch is the month of devotion to St. Joseph, whose feast is on March 19.  The date of the solemnity of St. Joseph dates back o the end of the 15th century; within the next few centuries, the entire month as a time for devotion to St. Joseph became part of a tradition.

In a society which seems to discourage the importance of marriage and fatherhood, St. Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin and the man given the responsibility of raising Jesus, is an incredible model of an obedient, faithful Christian father.

There are indulgences attached to the devotion of St. Joseph during this month:  three hundred days daily for those who privately or publicly perform some pious practice in honor of St. Joseph, during a month, a plenary indulgence on any day of the month under the usual conditions.

At Our Lady of Sorrows, a parishioner of Sicilian ancestry celebrates the feast by baking a large variety of special breads, beautiful works of art in their own right.

Lenten Penance Opportunities.

As we begin the season of Lent, the Diocese of Grand Rapids will once again offer a special opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

"The Light is on for You: An evening of Penance", Thursday, March 26, 5-8 p.m. in almost every parish in the diocese.  Visit grdiocese.org/penance for details.

Pray for the sick, including Fr. Dennis Morrow.  Because our mission is to pray for and support our priests, we could light a candle for Father Dennis, or we could send him a card.  The address of Ss. Peter and Paul is 520 Myrtle St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

Prayer for Priests.

Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord,
Keep them for they are Thine--
Thy priests whose lives burn out before
Thy consecrated shrine.,
Keep them for they are in the world,
Though from the world apart,
When earthly pleasure tempt, allure--
Shelter them in thy heart.
Keep them, and comfort them in hours,
Of loneliness and pain,
When all their life of sacrifice,
For souls seems but in vain.
Keep them and O remember Lord,
They have no one but Thee,
But they have only human hearts,
With human frailty.
Keep them as spotless as the Host,
That daily they caress--
Their every thought, word, and deed,
Deign, Dearest Lord, to bless.

What doth the Lord require of thee but to love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with thy God?
Micah 6:8.

Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us!

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, February 2020.

Serrans are lay Catholics-men and women from all walks of life, lawyers, doctors, accountants, business people, nurses, engineers, sales people, clerks, retirees, etc., all dedicated to promote and foster vocations.

February Devotion--The Holy Family.
February is the month devoted to the Holy Family. Though the start of the Lenten Season changes within the calendar year, a fair-sized portion of February gives us a space of time between the Christmas celebrations and the increased focus on Jesus's public life and ministry which occurs in Lent.  It is a transition from the feast of Christmas to the fasting of Lent.  Therefore February has become a time to recall the Holy Family; within the Holy Family is where Jesus spent the time between his birth and embarking on his public journey.

Calendar of Events.

February 1 and 2, 2020.  World Day of Prayer for the Consecrated Life.
February 2, 2020.  Presentation of the Lord.
February 10, 2020.  Luncheon Meeting and Prayer Service, 12:00 noon at Cathedral Square.
February 24, 2020.  Board Meeting and Lunch, 12:00 Noon at Cathedral Square.
February 26, 2020.  Ash Wednesday.

Looking Ahead.  

March 8-14, 2020.  National Catholic Sisters Week.
March 14, 2020.  Men, now is the time to do ONE thing that will make your life better.  Sign up now for the Building a Legacy/KEPHA Catholic Men's Conference at West Catholic High School.  God has worked powerfully in men's lives in the past and He's ready to do it again--you just need to show up.  Our speaker lineup is filled with men on fire for Christ who want to help you to live your best life.  Mass celebrated by our own Bishop David Walkowiak.  Don't miss this.  Tickets sell out fast.
More details and registration at buildingalegacy.org.  Questions?  Call Deacon Jim Thorndill at 616-242-0222.

Tentative Sisters' Dinner at IHM Parish.

On January 30, John Osterhart wrote,

All,

At our Monday, January 27th GR Serra Board Meeting, we had a discussion of, and a positive reaction to trying to resurrect a Serra sponsored dinner for Sisters in the GR Diocese.  As an initial step I have temporarily reserved IHM Parish facilities for two different dates--Saturday, May 9 (Mothers Day) and Saturday, May 16.  I told IHM that I would get back to them next week to select one date or the other.

The dinner presents several positives--a good recognition of the Sisters, good for PR for our Serra Club, potential for attracting members from the IHM Parish, and possibly raising some funds for a Serra, Parish, or Diocese cause (largely depending on whether we open the dinner to parishioners and/or others)

I would like to get input from some of the Sisters, our Serans, and IHM Parishioners who have expressed interest in participating in the event before making that choice.  Dan LaVille will be talking to some of the Sisters before this weekend, and I will talk to some of the Parishioners as well.

Some other significant details will have to be determined.  I would expect to have a joint meeting between IHM members and Serrans to discuss some of the details.

I hope that most of our Serrans will participate.  I would welcome any affirmation to that effect.  If you have preference for one of the dates, please let us know. We will also be open to any suggestions you may have.

Thanks to all for your help and any participation.

Blessings,
John Osterhart
616-245-1893
ejost1@att.net

John,
I would be very interested in helping.  As you know, my daughter is a Franciscan Sister.  I am certain she could attend.  I will be visiting her this Sunday and will pose the question.
George Rutherford

Note:  Dan LaVille has been talking with some of the Sisters.  As things stand now, May 9 is emerging as the winner.  John just reported to me that May 9 has a 99 percent chance of ending up as the date.  Also, Aggie just said she would be back from Mexico on May 6 and would be glad to help on May 9.  Please let John know if you could help as well.

Vocation Support for Military Chaplains.

Last weekend Our Lady of Sorrows held a special collection for the military.  To find out more about the Archdiocese of the Military, sign up for a free subscription to Salute Magazine by sending your title, name, address and phone number to support@milarch.org OR call 202-719-3600 OR write Advancement Office, Archdiocese of the Military Services, P. O. Box 4469, Washiongton, D. C., USA 20017-0469.

Pray for our Seminarians.ly, fait

Heavenly Father,

We give you thanks and praise for your son, Jesus Christ.  Send your Holy Spirit to inspire holy, faithful men to minister us as priests.  Lord, we pray for your grace to encourage and support our seminarians as they endeavor to become priests.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

What doth the Lord require of thee but to love mercy, act justly, and to walk humbly with Thy God?

Micah 6:8

Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, January 2020

498 Clubs, 46 Countries, One Community.

January Devotion.

January is the month of the Holy Name of Jesus.  Because of the feasts in January which pertain to Christ's infancy and childhood, January has also become a month dedicated to the Holy Childhood of Jesus.

Calendar of Events

January 13, 2020,  Luncheon Meeting and Prayer Service, 12:00 Noon at Cathedral Square.
January 16-19, 2020.  Serra Rally, Ventura, CA.  The post-rally tour of cathedrals and missions is available again this year.  Fr. Jim Heyd will serve as chaplain.
January 27, 2020.  Board meeting and Luncheon, 12:00 Noon at Cathedral Square.
June 25-28, 2020. Serra International Convention, New Orleans, LA.

Other dates in January.  We might consider January as a time when we are waiting for spring,  but the month is rich in significant saints' days.  Devote the month to getting to know these saints better:

January 1.  Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
January 2.  Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church.
January 3.  The Most Holy Name of Jesus.
January 4.  St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious. Through her liturgical designation is "Religious," Elizabeth Seton, her feast-day prayer reminds us, was also wife, mothe, educator, and foundress.  Born into a wealthy Episcopal family, Elizbeth married William Seton, whose untimely death in Italy where the young family sought healing for William's tuberculosis, left her, at twenty-nine, a widow with five children.  Inspired by the faith and charity of the Italian family with whom they stayed, Elizabeth embraced Catholicism despite her family's disowning her and ceasing financial support.  This woman of many firsts (and several vocations!) opened the first free Catholic school, beginning the American Catholic educational system, and founded the first American religious community for women, the Sisters of Charity.  The tuberculosis that claimed her husband also took her oldest and youngest daughters and, finally, at just forty-seven, Elizabeth herself.  Another first: in 1975 she was canonized the first native-born American saint.  Once asked to summarize her spirituality, she replied:  "Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side, hope supports it on the other, experience says it must be, and love says let it be!"
January 5.  The Epiphany of the Lord.
January 6.  St. Andre Bessette, Religious.
January 7.  St. Raymond of Penafort.
January 12.  The Baptism of the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.
January 23.  St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr and St. Marianne Cope, Virgin.
January 24.  St. Francis De Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
January 25.  The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle.
January 27.  St. Angela Merici, Virgin.
January 28.  St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church.
January 31.  St. John Bosco, Priest.

Christmas Dinner.

Thank you to all who attended.  We enjoyed getting together with old friends and new, and we thank Weldon for making the arrangements for the dinner. Msgr. Ed received his gift for his faithful service as chaplain/moderator of our club.  Also, Dr. John Stepanovich has been given an award for 50 years of membership, but he was not able to attend the dinner.

Membership.  

Let us continue to pray and work for new members.  Is what we do important?  Please remind prospective members that Serra is recognized by the Holy See as the global lay apostolate for vocations.  Also, the Serra International website tells us that the Roman Catholic population worldwide is growing, but the number of priests and religious continues to decline.  Join Serrans in our work to ensure the future of our church.

In the December 2019 issue of The Serran, Mario Biscardi, Past President of Serra International reminds above all, "Serrans, our priority is clear: We must keep growing our membership."

Belated Congratulations.  

As I prepared for this newsletter today, I ran across an item which I had missed before, that a son, John Basil Liston, had been born to John and Volha Liston on March 12, 2019.

The Serra Foundation.

As the new year begins, we might consider financial gifts to the Serra International Foundation.  A number of options are available.

Legacy Giving:  Unlock Treasure for Future Vocations.

"When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.  This brings great glory to my Father."
John 15:8

There are many ways for you to leave a financial legacy ensuring that the Serra International Foundation responds to the needs of vocations all around the world.  Giving to our cause can be done either directly or through a gift model that can provide tax benefits and even income, including the following:

Bequest.  You designate our organization as the beneficiary of your asset by will, trust, or another instrument.

IRA  Rollover.
 Congress has enacted a permanent IRA charitable rollover.  As a result, you can make an IRA rollover gift to the foundation this year and in future years.

Beneficiary Designation Gifts.  You can designate the foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement,
investment or bank account or your life insurance policy.

Charitable Lead Trust.  You can transfer your cash or property to fund a lead trust that makes gifts to the foundation for a number of years.  You receive a charitable deduction; your family receives remainder at substantial tax savings.

Sale and Unitrust.  If you give a portion of your property to the foundation to fund a charitable remainder trust, when the property sells you receive cash and income for life.

Life Estate Reserved.  You may desire to leave your home or farm to the foundation at
your death, but would like to receive a current charitable tax deduction.  A life estate reserved might offer the solution you need.

Need help deciding which giving option is best for you?  Consult your financial planner or call Serra International Foundation Executive Director John Liston at 312-419-7411.

Shepherds of Our Future Capital Campaign.

Seminarian Peter Wasinski will visit Our Lady of Sorrows next weekend to tell us how the campaign is helping seminarians in reaching their goals to priesthood.

Weldon Schwartz, our president, proposes that we say this prayer from our Diocese at our future meetings:

Loving God, our needs are great and we thirst for your presence.  Call from us an abundance of men to serve your Church as priests in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.  Open their hearts to respond with faith and courage.  Open our hearts to support their calling to become models of discipleship, heralds of truth, and shepherds to your people.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.



What doth the Lord require of thee, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  Micah 6:8.