An Advent Letter for Serrans. December 17, 2015

An Advent Letter for Serrans from USA Council Episcopal Advisor Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Dear Serrans,

In Advent the Church offers us a wonderful time to focus on the longing we all have for the coming of Christ.  Together we try to keep our focus on the spiritual meaning of the season and listen to Christ's call in our hearts to spend more time with him. It is also a good time to rejuvenate the important mission we have as Serrans.  Advent is in particular a season of consecrated vocations, because it is a time when we remember when we are living for heaven and longing for thesecond coming of Christ.  Those who live vocations as priests, sisters, and brothers remind us all by their lives totally given to what we are all longing for Christ's  coming into the world.

This Advent, I want to thank you for your membership in Serra and for all you do to focus the world on the true meaning of Christmas.  Serra invites its members, and all people, to focus on the true meaning of this life. Advent can be a good time to recommit to your Serra ministry.  Your prayers and work as Serrans are extremely important to our Church.  There is much work to do to continue to support the work of vocations in our Church.  I am grateful for so many Serrans who have joined together as the USA Council of Serra to carry out this work.

I'm honored to be the Episcopal Advisor to the USA Council of Serra and I can speak for my fellow bishops when I say thank you for your efforts.  So many bishops appreciate the great work that you do.  Hundreds of priests and consecrated religious would also want me to say thank you for being a Serran and beg you to continue your efforts to increase our numbers.  Our church needs the mission of Serra and a strong, committed membership.

As we focus on the true meaning of Christmas this advent and we invite others to do the same, let us ask God to bless the work of Serra that we might support those who are called to be a light in the darkness of our world.

May all the blessings of Christ be with you this Christmas and in the coming new year.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, S. T. D., D. D.
Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Last Minute Gifts from the Serra E-Store.  

This very special 9-inch tall (6 inches sitting) is embroidered with the new Saint Junipero Serra icon on the front and Siempre Adelante! on the back.  The Serra Bear comes in a gift box.
FREE shipping on all bear orders through 12/31/2015!  Order today at $12.95.  Go to
www.serrainternational.org and click on the "Serra Store" at the top.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, December 2015

Help me, Lord, to carry the spirit of this joyous feast throughout the new year.  Let me celebrate the coming of Christ every day.  Let me welcome him wherever I find him.  May I always rejoice:  Hallelujah, Jesus Christ is born!   Source:  Catholic Art Calendar, 2015.

Calendar of Events.
Note:  Read Carefully.  We are in a time of transition as to meeting schedules and activities.

December 7, 2015.  Pearl Harbor Day (1941) and First Day of Hanukkah.
December 8, 2015.  The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Holy Day of Obligation.  December 8 is also the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America and the first day of the Year of Mercy.
December 12, 2015.  Schubert Chorus Concert. 7:30 p.m. at East Grand Rapids High School Fine Arts Center. Ask Aggie about tickets.  Also Our Lady of Guadalupe.
December 14, 2015.  Christmas Dinner at 5:30 at the University Club.  As stated in the November Newsletter, this would be a fine opportunity to get accustomed to our new evening meeting schedule. If you or your friends have a difficult time making the noon meetings, join us for this occasion.  RSVP with Weldon Schwartz.
December 15, 2015.  Last day for early registration fee for the Houston Rally.
Early fee is $275;  after December 15 is $300.  Please visit serraus.org
December 21, 2015.  There is no Board Meeting in December.  We will resume in January.
December 25, 2015.  The Nativity of the Lord.
December 27,  2015. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Looking Ahead.  
January 14-16, 2016.  Serra Rally, Houston, Texas.  See below for important information about the convention.  We especially wish to call to your attention three very special talks and workshops:
Reaching the Masses: How to Promote Serra through Media;  Campus Ministry:  Increasing Vocation Awareness on College Campuses; and Hundredfold Workshop:  Laying the Cornerstone for your Parish Vocation Ministry.  
Call 1-281-443-2310 for information about accommodations at Houston Airport Mariott at George Bush International.  Book your room as soon as you decide to attend the convention.
February, 2016.  World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.
March 28-April 7, 2016.  California Mission Pilgrimage.
June 30-July 3, 2016.  Serra International Convention, St. Louis, MO.
Please visit serraus.org and click on the link to the convention for all information about the rally.for all

About the Year of Mercy. 

During his homily for a Lenten penitential service, Pope Francis announced an extraordinary Jubilee to start the end of the year, which will be dedicated to a theme close tot he pontiff's heart:  mercy.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have thought about how the Church can make clear its mission of being a witness of mercy,..
It's a journey that starts with a spiritual conversion.  For this reason I have decided to declare an Extraordinary Jubilee that has the mercy of God at its center.  It will be a Holy Year of Mercy."

The Biblical passage for the Holy Year's theme is from Luke Chapter 6:36, in which Jesus tells his disciples, "Be merciful as I am merciful."  Source:  Catholic News Agency.

Editor's Note:  Luke's Gospel is a rich source of Scripture readings about mercy.

Priests' Anniversaries for December.

Fr. Norbert Leyrita,  December 21, 1964.
Fr. Michael P. Olson, December, 1994.  (No day given).
Msgr. John Porter, December 15, 1957.
Fr. Julian Reginato, December 19, 1964.
Why not address an extra Christmas card, or an anniversary card, to one or more of these priests to thank them for answering the Lord's call?  Addresses may be found on the dioceseofgrandrapids.org web page.  Click on the link to Priests.

Reflections on our Club's Direction and Mission for 2016.

At our November Board Meeting, we discussed Frank Lake's proposal for Holy Hours.

Mt 9:37.  Then He said to the Disciples, The Harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few, so ask the Master of the Harvest to send out laborers for the harvest.

Goal:  To encourage Grand Rapids Serrans and their families and friends to make Holy Hours for vocations.  Keep a count of Holy Hours made.

We had four transitional deacons ordained this past year.  How about asking our Lord for at least four a year for the next 10 years.  How about asking for 10 women per year to enter religious life?

1.  Ask members each month to make a Holy Hour.
2.  Report the Holy Hour.

Look for parishes which regularly hold Holy Hours.

Msgr. Hankiewicz suggested that we could even spend quiet time with the Lord in churches which are open.  He recommended no Rosary, no books.  Instead, just spend quiet time listening to the Lord.

No formal decision was made, but we will keep you in touch after the next Board Meeting.
Your suggestions on this and any other of our activities are always welcome.
St. Isidore Chapel's code, 24/7 is 513.  IHM times are 24/5, code 5412.

Another topic we touched upon was increased collaboration with the Muskegon Serra Club on various events throughout the year.  Again, no formal action was taken.
We invite you to share any special information about Holy Hours at your Parish.  Notify Nancy King.

Serrans United in Prayer.  

Along with observing Holy Hours, Serrans throughout the world are invited to pray an International Rosary for Vocations.  Again, you may find the link to the new Serra International web page to read more about this activity.  The practice was launched in October.

The International Rosary for Vocations takes place the last Saturday of every month.  To join the rosary from your computer, tablet, or smartphone , find the information on the web page.  You can also dial using your phone.  Access code: 314-315-981.  The dialing code for the United States is 1-312-757-3119.

A Message from our President.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our Christmas dinner scheduled for December 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the University Club.  This date will kick off the new time for our monthly meetings, the second Monday of each month at 5:30 in the evening.  There will be no charge for parking at the U club for our monthly dinners.

Also, from this month on we will have only a single meeting as described above, plus a board meeting on the 3rd Monday at noon at Saints Peter and Paul. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you!

P. S. from the Editor:

"I've just spoken with staff at the Kalamazoo diocese and they're planning to send two people from that diocese to our Christmas dinner as our guests.  We have been working hard to establish a new Serra Club in the Kalamazoo diocese, so I want them to come up and visit our club. 

Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us!
Weldon Schwartz

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter November 2015

Important Editor's Note:  Some of our members have mentioned that the blog link that appears in your e-mail notification is no longer working as it used to.  If you are having this trouble, please let me know and I will see what corrections we can make to better serve you.
Also, Serra International is looking for our members' reports on Eucharistic Adoration Hours.
Log in your hours at Eucharistic Adoration Registry at Serra International.
Adoration times are St. Isidor, 24/7, 513 and IHM, 24/5 5412.
Calendar of Events.
November 1-7, 2015.  National Vocation Awareness Week.  Say a prayer of thanks for all those who have answered the call to serve the Lord in this way.

November 1, 2015.  All Saints Day.
November 2, 2015.  All Souls' Day.
November 9, 2015.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.
November 11, 2015.  Veterans' Day.
November 16, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
November 21, 2015.  Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
November 22, 2015.  Christ the King.
November 23, 2016.  No Meeting.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving Week.
November 29, 2015.  First Sunday of Advent.
Looking Ahead.
December 12, 2015. Schubert Choir concert, 7:30 p.m. at the East Grand Rapids Fine Arts Center. Tickets $20 per person.  Order from Aggie.  This is a fine opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family.  Feel free to invite guests.
December 14, 2015.  Christmas Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at the University Club.  This is new.  Weldon has made a tentative reservation at the University Club.  The cost will be about $25 per person, and we will sell drink tickets as well.  RSVP to Weldon.  He has sent a separate e-mail about the dinner as well.  Please reply ASAP because the time of holding the reservation is limited.  This would be our first evening meeting at the University Club and makes a nice lead-in to our new schedule which will start in January 2015.  This is another opportunity to invite guests.  If you have mentioned Serra to your friends before, but they say they can't make the noon meetings, this is a perfect time to introduce them to the club.
January 14-16, 2016.  Serra Rally, Houston, TEXAS.
Go to serraus.org for more information about the upcoming rally.  All information about accommodations and meetings will be found at that site.
The rally will be held at the Houston Airport Mariott.  Telephone 1-281-443-2310 for reservations, and mention the rally.  John Osterhart and Tim O'Neill will give the State of Serra Address on January 15 immediately following the opening Mass.  Other talks include, "Laying the Cornerstone for your Parish Vocation Ministry, by Rhonda Gruenewald, "Campus Ministry-Increasing Vocation Awareness on College Campuses," by Rev. David Konderla, Texas A&M, and "Reaching the Masses:  How to Promote Serra through the Media," by Larry Massey.
The rally is designed to renew our dedication to our Serra mission, and (perhaps) for those who live in colder climates, to offer a brief respite from the winter season.
February 5, 2015.  National Day of Awareness of the Cloistered Life.

Dates Outside the Club.
November 12, 2015.  Serran Mark Kubik, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Widowed Persons Service, and Board chairman Aggie Cloyd, invite us to take part in the 6th Annual Widowed Persons Service Fall Fundraiser, at the LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
It is advertised as An Evening of Art Appreciation, Hors d'oeuvres, Wine, and Silent Auction.
Parking is available right outside the door.  The proceeds help the organization to continue its mission of offering supportive services to those individuals in the Grand Rapids area who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death.  Charitable gifts enable WPS to serve thousands of widowed people through this most difficult time in their lives.

An Important Note.  As we look forward to the new year, we will be changing our scheduled meeting times.  We will hold one regular meeting per month;  most of these will be evening meetings with speaker at 5:30 p.m.on the second Monday of each month at the University Club  Parking will be free. Other events, such as Catholic Legacy Award Meeting and Charter Night, for example, will be announced in due time.

Priests' Anniversaries for November.

Father Daniel DePew, November 2, 1982.
Father Charles Hall, November 3, 1979.
Father Rock Badgerow, November 3, 1979.
Father Wayne Wheeler, November 3, 1979.
Father Thomas Bouffard, November 7, 1981.
Father Brian Johnson, CSsR, November 8, 1986.

A Catholic Priest's Miracle.
"My captivity was like being born again."  Catholic priest who miraculously escaped ISIS speaks our.
Father Jacob Murad was one of 250 Christians who were captured by ISIS from the Syrian city of Al Qaryatatyn.  Miraculously, with the help of a Muslim friend, he managed to escape the militants.  He has now spoken out about his time in captivity and of the amazing perseverance of the other Christian captives.
"Even while being deported, with my hands tied behind my back, I surprisingly found myself repeating again and again:  I am going towards freedom," Murad told the Arab Christian broadcaster Noursat TV-TeleLumiere.
"My captivity was like being born again," he said.
Before his captivity Murad belonged to a monastic community on the ourskirts of Al Qaryatayn.  He was abducted on May 21 by jahadis and taken to the ISIS-controlled city of Palmyra.  There, he was placed in a dormitory with hundreds of other prisoners including 250 Christians, also captured from Qaryatyn.
"The Christians," said Fr. Jacques, "were often questioned about their faith and about the Christian doctrine.  But they did not convert to Islam despite much pressure.  They were faithful to the recitation of the Rosary."
Among other experiences, Murad spoke of how he celebrated a mass in the underground dormitory with the other captives.  "This experience of trial strengthened the faith everyone including my faith as a priest.  It is as if I have been born again."
In a separate interview with Italian TV2000,  Murad recently told of how he was repeatedly asked to declare his faith in captivity, and threatened with death if he did not convert.
"Almost every day there was someone who came to my prison and asked me, 'What are you?'  I would answer:  "I'm a Nazarene, in other words, a Christian."  
"So, you're an infidel," they shouted.  "Since you're a Christian, if you don't convert, we'll slit your throat with a knife."
Despite the threats, the priest said he refused to renounce his faith.  He credits a Muslim friend and the Virgin Mary for his escape.
"I want to thank all those who prayed for my liberation," he said..

A Prayer for Persecuted Christians.
Father in Heaven, you make your sun shine
on good and bad alike.
Your Son Jesus Christ died for us all
and in his glorious Resurrection
He still retains the five wounds of his Passion.
With his divine power he now sustains
all those who suffer persecution and martyrdom
for the sake of their fidelity
to the faith of the Church.
Merciful and mighty Father,
do not allow Cain to return again to murder
helpless Abel, innocent Abel.
May persecuted Christians around the world
remain, like Mary their Mother,
together at the foot of the cross
of Christ the Martyr.
Comfort those menaced by violence
and those oppressed by uncertainty.
May your Holy Spirit of love
make fruitful the witness and the blood
of all the martyrs.
Source:  Quidnunc.  This prayer and others are from Aid to the Church in Need's website.  Please visit them for more information on how you can help persecuted Christians in Iraq, Syria, the Middle East, and around the world.

A Message from our President.
As you undoubtedly know, we are changing times for our meetings from luncheons at the University Club to dinners (at the same location), to be held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
We will begin the new times with our Christmas party on December 14 at 5:30 at the U-Club.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our November luncheon, which will be our last luncheon, and at the Christmas party in December.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for us!
Weldon Schwartz

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

Grand Rapids Serra Club October 2015

October is Respect Life Month
Calendar of Events.

October 4-25, 2015.  XIV (14th)  Assembly of Bishops at the Vatican, Rome.  The synod, themed "The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the Contemporary World,"  will mark the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops.
October 5, 2015.  Deadline to register for Celebrating Autumn on the Farm at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Saturday October 17.  Spend the day with the children in your life.  RSVP to Sister Colleen Nagle at 616-459-7267. The day will begin with a short reflection on celebrating God's Creation.  Then enjoy activities that include lunch, hayrides, visiting farm animals, making caramel apples, pressing our own apple cider, playing kickball, and walking the trails. Adults $10.  Families of four $25, with $5 extra per person.  This sounds like a wonderful way to reflect on the upcoming National Vocation Awareness Week on November 1-7. 2015.
October 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2015.  Holy Family Radio Fall Fund Drive,  Call 844-337-2346 to pledge, or call the HFR general telephone number at 616-940-1140.  Check the HFR website for a schedule of programming during drive.  The website also offers the opportunity of donating to the drive online.  The theme of this year's drive is, "A Light in the Darkness."
October 12, 2015.  Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.  Our speaker will be Sister Margaret Mary of the Franciscan Life Process Center.
October 17, 2015.  Respect Life Day.
October 18, 2015.  Spaghetti Dinner, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows.  Call 243-0222 for tickets in advance.  Adults $8 in advance or $9 at the door.
October 19, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
October 25, 2015.  Priesthood Sunday.  Sponsor a special activity at your parish.  This day would also provide an excellent opportunity to teach fellow parishioners about our club following the canonization of our new saint.
On or about October 26, 2015.  Mass in celebration of the canonization of our patron Junipero Serra.  Exact date, location, and time to be announced.  We will keep you posted.
April 16, 2015 and April 17, 2015.  Retreat at Franciscan Life Process Center, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., both days, with Fr. Vincent O'Malley.  Father will speak on "Anti Christian Persecution Around the World:  Its Extent and our Response
 in the morning and "Mercy and Compassion" in the afternoon.  Attendees may attend the full day, or attend in the morning only or in the afternoon only.  The day will begin with the Rosary and end with Mass.  Adoration will be available throughout the day.  We will keep you posted in coming weeks for registration information.  Other retreat classes at the center will be posted preceding Lent as they become timely.

Outside the Club.
November 12, 2015.  6th Annual Widowed Persons Service--Fall Fundraiser.  An Evening of Art Appreciation, with Hors d'oeuvres, Wine, and Silent Auction.  6:00-8:00 p.m. at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE.  Proceeds help to continue the mission of offering supportive services to those individuals in the Greater Grand Rapids area who have suffered the loss of a spouse through death. Serran Mark Kubik is on the Board of Directors of this organization.  No need to buy tickets or RSVP.  Just attend.

Priests' Anniversaries.
There are no priests' anniversaries in our diocese.  But let us continue to pray for our priests and for
an increase in priestly and religious vocations.

Local Serrans Celebrate St. Junipero Serra Canonization.
Dennis Leiber writes,
"I want to thank Nancy King for inviting me to share my  impressions of the Canonization Mass of our Patron, Junipero Serra.  As you can imagine, the interest to attend far exceeded the number of tickets available.  I was greatly honored to be present among Serrans representing Canada, the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Italy, Great Britain, Brazil, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Thailand, Australia, India, and the Philippines.
The historic significance of this occasion cannot be understated.  This was the first Pope from the Americas to the United States to celebrate his first Mass in which the first person to be canonized in North America is our patron, Junipero Serra.
Reports of the security in the place were not exaggerated.  I left the hotel six and a half hours early for the Canonization Mass scheduled for 4:15 p.m.  While the cab ride to the barricaded entrance to the site took 12 minutes, the walk to the security area was 25 minutes, followed by an hour and a quarter wait for tens of thousands to pass through one of seven magnetic security screens where every bag and purse was examined, followed by another twenty minute walk to the seating area on the grounds of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
The crowd was infused with joyful expectation.  Seminarians sang hymns.  Groups of pilgrims wearing brightly colored shirts so as not to get lost in the crowd prayed the Rosary.  A mother spotted her newly professed daughter with her congregation in the throng and they embraced in a happy, tearful family reunion.
You hear the Pope's arrival before you see him.  Thousands waited for hours behind tall metal barricades to catch a glimpse of the fabled Popemobile.  At the appointed hour, a roar was heard in the distance and two large screens on the campus of Catholic University of America broadcast the televised coverage of the Pope's arrival.  Slowly, the cortege entered the grounds and drove down and back so that the faithful, waiting on both sides of the road, could see him more closely.
Nine hundred priests concelebrated the Canonization Mass.  Msgr. Edward Hankiewicz, Moderator of the Serra Club of Grand Rapids, and Father Scott Nolan, whose own father is a Serran from the Muskegon Club, were in attendance in an area closest to the altar.
It is difficult to describe the prayerful atmosphere.  Rather, one feels the presence of over twenty-two thousand gathered in a relatively small space.  Respectful.  Reverent.  Silent.
We are accustomed to inclusion in diocesan-wide Eucharistic celebrations.  The Canonization Mass was no different.  Here, petitions were read in languages not generally heard in Western Michigan, including the language that Fra Junipero Serra spoke when he preached in the tongue of the native peoples he had come to evangelize.
I am grateful to have witnessed the canonization of Saint Junipero Serra and proud to be associated with Catholic men and women who support the ministerial priesthood.  Serra lived a life of dedication and commitment to God's people no different from the men of today who evangelize in our own back yards.
Editor's Note.  We thank all from our club, those who attended the Mass in person, and Sara Vanderwerff, who witnessed the proceedings from the Mayflower Hotel.  And let us pray that that the canonization will bear rich fruit for Serra Clubs throughout the world.

World Meeting of Families.
Takeaway from Papal Visit One Week Later.
Philadelphia, (CBS), October 4, 2015.
 Last week, Pope Francis was spending his final day in Philadelphia.  In the seven days since he's been gone, much has been said about the man who touched the heart of tens of thousands who came to the City of Brotherly Love to see him.
St. Joseph's University theology professor William Madges says the Pope's message continues to reverberate in Philadelphia and beyond.
"Appreciating the richness of our diversity when he talked about immigrants coming to this country.  He did the same thing when he was talking about religious liberty, talking of  appreciating the diversity of religion.  But namely, this diversity is intended to enrich all of us and build a stronger community that's bound together in love and commitment to the common good."
He says Pope Francis was very aware of the hot-button issues, but chose to approach them using a pastoral approach rather than with a scolding or judgmental tone:
"Try to find what are some of the values in American culture that provide common ground with his own sense of what it means to be a human being or what it means to be a good Catholic Christian."
Madges says he felt the Pope's awareness of the realities of family life--saying sometimes plates fly and children cause headaches for their parents--showed his true love for humanity.
And Madgtes believes the Pope's message about a family being the place where love and compassion and learning to work together will stick with those who heard it.
By Mark Abrams, KYW Newsradio family.

Let us Pray...
for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East, and especially for the work of Dominican Brother Augustine Marogi for his work in providing relief for displaced Christians in Iraq.  In just over a decade, the number of Christians in Iraq has plummeted from more than 1 million to fewer than 300,000.  Many who remain have been forced out of their homes, and displaced families are now scattered in temporary camps, living among tents or caravans.  Some 125,000 refugees from Mosul and the Nineveh Plains region are now in the Kurdish-controlled city of Erbil.
Mar Elis Chaldean Catholic Church in Erbil is one site where some 200 Christian families have found some shelter...The city was seized by ISIS on August 6, 2014.  The attack intensified, and (families) were forced to flee when Kurdish forces surrendered the town...
Source:  Columbia, September 2015.

Editor's Note: The above item is just one of all too many examples of the increased incidences of persecution in recent months. The internet offers a variety of opportunities to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle East and elsewhere.  Examples of listings are Samaritan's Purse for international relief, Open Doors, Christian Solidarity International,  Release International, and Voice of the Martyrs, to name a few.  Let us by ever mindful of the plight of those persecuted in the name of the Lord.

A Message from our Bishop.
My dear friends in Christ, the theme of Respect Life Month this year is, "Every Life is Worth Living."  Whether it lasts for a brief moment or for a hundred ears, each of our lives is a good and perfect gift.  At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God's love.
Our relationships on earth are meant to help us and others grow in perfect love.  We are meant to depend on each other, serve each other with humility and walk together in times of suffering.  Pope Francis reminds us of the profound nature of our connections as human persons when he wrote his encyclical Laudato Si, 'The human person grows more, matures more, and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others, and with all creatures.'
An elderly man whose health is quickly deteriorating; an unborn baby girl whose diagnosis indicates that she may not have long to live; a young boy with Down syndrome, a mother facing terminal caner--each may have great difficulties and need assistance, but each of their lives is a good and perfect gift.
In recent months, we have been reminded with often shocking imagery and language that the 'business' of abortion providers has no regard for the sanctity of unborn life.  Pope Francis has called abortion the product of a 'widespread mentality of profit, the throwaway culture, which has today enslaved the hearts and minds of so many.'  We must renew our efforts to prayerfully and peacefully act on behalf of these most vulnerable unborn babies, embracing life and remembering that every life has worth.
I am grateful to the parishes and schools throughout our diocese who participate in the Respect Life program during October and who make our respect life efforts a priority throughout the year.  I invite everyone in our diocese to continue to pray and witness our commitment as Catholics to being people of life."
Sincerely,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids

A Message from our President.
My Fellow Serrans:
I was very pleased with our recent event honoring the canonization of Junipero Serra, our club's patron.  There were good speeches from Sister Serra, a Franciscan from the Franciscan Life Process Center in Lowell, and from our own Serran, the Hon. Judge Lieber, who has personally witnessed the canonization Mass in Washington, D. C.  We are planning another event, a Mass later this month, again to celebrate the canonization of St. Serra.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us.
Weldon Schwartz

Adoration.
IHM, 24/5, Code 5412.
St. Isidore, 24/7 Code 613.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, September 2015.

VERY IMPORTANT.  
The items in this newsletter are all devoted to the upcoming canonization. Be on the lookout for much time-sensitive material.

A Message from Our President.

On September 23, Pope Francis will canonize our club's Patron Junipero Serra.  We are planning our own celebration of this event to take place on September 28 at the Basilica Center, immediately next to the Basilica, at 671 Davis Avenue NW, Ste. 225. There us parking on either side of the building. The cost of the celebration will be $25 per person for appetizers and wine.  We will begin at 5:30 p.m. The event will include a couple of brief speeches and an opportunity to discuss our work as a Serra Club.  We have invited members of the Muskegon Serra Club.
I purchased a media kit from Serra International which contains large posters suitable for display at our local parish.  Let me know if you can post one at your local parish and I will deliver it to you.  There is space at the bottom to write the date and location of our event.  Also, there are five smaller cards Questions and answers about Serra, Pope Francis, Serra International and canonization, and an invitation to join Serra International in celebrating the canonization.  These cards are also available to you.  Call me at 616-401-0227.
Hope to see you and any guests at our event.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us.
Weldon Schwartz

Aggie adds:
The dining hall at the center holds approximately 100 people, and the event will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres catered by Chef Tommy Fitzgerald.  Coffee and lemonade will be included in the menu, and the cost of beer and wine will be included in the price of the ticket, $25.  Franciscan Sister Maria Serra will give a short talk on Junipero Serra and how she was given the name.  RSVP to Pat Leikert.  Payment can be made with your dues statement.  Members are encouraged to bring guests.  If you need more information, call or write Sara Vanderwerff or Agnes Kempker-Cloyd.

Also Very Important.  Spread the Word Fund.
Fellow Grand Rapids Serrans,
All Serra Clubs in the United States are being asked to contribute to the Serra "Spread the Word Fund" to be used to help with expenses including security costs related to Pope Francis' visit to the United States and especially the canonization event in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2015, when our patron Bl. Junipero Serra will be declared a saint.
Funds will also be allocated to publicizing our new saint and promoting the vocations work and mission of Serra--the organization which has taken his name as patron.  Donations will be channeled to and through the Serra International Foundation
We would like for our club to contribute at the$1000 level to this cause.  A small number of Grand Rapids Serrans have offered to match donations of up to $500 as encouragement to others in our club to help meet or exceed this goal.
We hope that overall our Serrans will be able to contribute at least an average of $50 per member.  Regardless of amount--we are asking for 100 percent participation from our Grand Rapids Serrans.  The Council is asking for 100 percent participation from all 200-plus clubs.  Donations are being received internationally as well.
Time is short as we have a deadline of September 11 to send a donation to the Serra Chicago office to be used by the Serra Spread the Word Fund.  
Please send your donations as soon as possible to:  
Grand Rapids Serra (Please note purpose as:  Spread the Word Fund
Attn:  Pat Leikert
Dolinka, VanNoord, & Company
360 E. Beltline NE #200
Grand Rapids, Mi 49506

Calendar of Events.
September 14, 2015.  Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.  Speaker will be Mr. Douglas Kindschi, founder of Interfaith Institute of Grand Rapids and Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy at Grand Valley State University.Also, Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Rosh Hashanah.
September 21, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
September 23, 2015.  Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D. C.  From our club, Sara VanderWerff will be in Washington, D. C. that day and is still waiting for information about tickets to the event.  We may follow the canonization on EWTN.
September 21-28, 2015.  World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Pope Francis will take part in the events, and will hold Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul in the morning.  Please consult the September issue of Faith Magazine for information about our local families who plan to attend and for information about a virtual pilgrimage to Philadelphia.  The following parishes will serve as host sites:  St. Robert of Newminster, Ada; Holy Family, Caledonia; St. John Paul II, Cedar Springs; Cathedral of St. Andrew, Grand Rapids; St. Isidore, Grand Rapids;  St. Thomas, Grand Rapids; Our Lady of the Lake, Holland; St. Francis de Sales, Holland; St. Philip Nieri, Reed City; and St. Michael, Remus.  The parishes plan to live stream the keynote address and general sessions each day, followed by prayer and discussion;
Tuesday, September 22, 2:30 p.m.  Fr. Robert Baron, "Living as the Image of God:  Created for Joy and Love.
September 28, 2015.
  Our local canonization event, 5:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Center of Grand Rapids at the Basilica of St. Adelbert. See above, in our president's message.
November 1-7, 2015.  National Vocation Awareness Week.  Watch for information about how to celebrate this week in your parish.

Priests' Anniversaries for September.
Fr. Loc Trinh, 9/19,1992.
Fr. Ron Hutchinson, 9/24/1994.

We continue to pray for:
Hazel Paul and Robbie Gross.  Let us pray also for the repose of the soul of Mary Stepanovich.

Letters from our two Presidents.

"Our Best Days are Still Ahead!" from our Serra International Past President, Dan Grady.
",,,It has been a great privilege to represent Serrans this past year.  I have enjoyed the pleasure of visiting countless Serrans around the world, and everywhere I went I experienced generous hospitality and enthusiasm for our mission--wonderful conversation, great food, prayerful liturgies.  Your enthusiasm helped make 'my yoke easy and my burden light.'
My deepest regret is that I could not fit more visits into my schedule.  One of Serra's most underappreciated blessings is the blessing of the global Catholic fellowship we experience and share.  I look forward to seeing many of you again and meeting more of you at future Serra conventions (St. Louis in 2016, Rome in 2017, Nashville in 2018 and wherever we meet in the future)!)
I have missed many of my own club's events this past year, and I look forward to returning to more active work for vocations in my own diocese.  and, I hope to have more time to visit my daughter and first grandchild...
I am pleased with the progress we have made this past year.  The Serra International/USA Council task force and staff have made tremendous progress in reducing our operating costs and yet laying the foundation for more effective service going forward.  The recently completed audit through December 31, 2014, will document the strengthening of our financial position.  Our use of technology and social media is improving.  Serrans in leadership positions around the world are forthrightly addressing the questions we need to answer to remain a vibrant apostate in the 21st century.
...Both staff and board members have worked diligently to offer Serra's participation in whatever way the organizers of the event deem appropriate.  Information about the canonization event is tightly held and many decisions have not yet been finalized. We are doing our best to inform you about the canonization and appreciate your patience.
Since many Serrans will not be able to attend in person, we have prepared canonization "kits" for clubs that provide some of the resources and suggestions for promoting and celebrating the canonization in our local communities.  We can use the excitement about Junipero Serra's canonization to promote Serra among our Catholic brothers and sisters.  This is a great opportunity to expand our apostolate!
I am foolish enough to believe that our best days are still ahead.  The publicity surrounding the canonization, the hard work of our board and staff, and most importantly the enthusiasm of the Serrans I met during the past year give me great hope.
Finally, thanks to John Liston and the CAO staff for their efforts, my fellow Board members for their sacrifices for Serra and their patience with me, to Bob Labat and the USA Council Board members for their work to develop the CAO, and most importantly to all my fellow Serrans for their prayers, work, and enthusiasm in promoting vocations through our Serra apostolate!
Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us!  Blessed (soon to be Saint) Junipero Serra, pray for us!
Source:  the Serran.  Vol 62 No 3, Summer 2015

In the same issue, USAC President John Osterhart writes about the outstanding downloadable resources available on www.serraus.org.  "All of these are underutilized and even unknown to
a large portion of our Serra members and club leadership.  Many of these are internal programs directed at enhancing our members' own spiritual lives and knowledge of their faith.
Such material related specifically to our patron Blessed Junipero Serra includes the following:

*In His Steps:  A Program for Renewal and Recommitment"  found in the Programs Manual--Part II.
*"Junipero Serra, A Study Guide--Rediscovering Blessed Junipero Serra"  is another program downloadable from our website and found in the Programs Manual-Part II.
*A prayer for the canonization of Blessed Serra
Club meeting resource programs offered  by the Programs Manual-Part II, like the two mentioned above, follow a standard format:  Opening Prayer; Scripture; Introduction; Historical Tradition; Discussion Questions, Reflection; Closing Reflection; and a Bibliography.  These programs provide opportunities for Serrans to:
*Turn our attention to God in our lives
*Examine the topic in a Scriptural context
*Consider how the topic fits into our organizational context
*Increase our knowledge of the topic
*Look for lessons we can put into action
Please spend some time exploring the www.serraus.org website starting with the Programs Manual--Part II.  The materials on the website were developed specifically to aid Serrans in achieving their programming goals.
The point of this is two-fold  One, we have a great chance to learn more about and reflect upon the life of our soon-to-be canonized patron and take to heart and put into action lessons from his example.  At the same time, we can explore the treasure trove of programs and resources that make available to us depth of content designed to provide spiritual reflections to nurture and support our own call to sanctity.
Similarly helpful resources can be found for our other major club functions of vocations, membership, and communications.
To better assist Serrans, we will be working to establish a new "Information Technology (IT)and Resource Awareness/Utilization Leader" position in each of our clubs and in other levels of Serra.
God bless you and thank you for all you do for the cause of vocations and Serra."

Let us all consider John's suggestions and all other aspects of the canonization not so much as a one-day event but an ongoing opportunity to make our mission and our work known to our fellow Catholics.

.About Meeting Times.
So far, we have received no objections to changing our meeting schedule from midday twice monthly to  a once-monthly evening meeting.  Our board has not yet finalized any plans and is still considering several options.  We will keep you posted.

Adoration.
IHM 24/5, Code 5412
St. Isidore, Code 613.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, August 2015

Calendar of Events.
July 31-August 2, 2015.  Serra International Convention, Melbourne, Australia.  Msgr. Hankowicz, Dan Grady, John Osterhart (and Ellen), and Dennis Leiber (and Margaret) will attend from our club.
Our board chose Dan Grady and John Osterhart as delegates from our club.
August 10, 2015.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.
August 15, 2015.  The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  (Not a holy day of obligation).
August 22, 2015.  The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
September 21-28, 2015.  World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  See the Diocese of Grand Rapids website for information about this Congress.  Also, look for opportunities for a virtual pilgrimage.  Families interested in attending may visit the WorldMeeting website.
November 7-13, 2015.  National Vocation Awareness Week.
January 14-16, 2016.  Serra Rally, Houston, Texas.

Priests' Anniversaries for August.
Reverend George Darling, August 11, 1984.
Reverend Stephen Dudek, August 11, 1984.
Reverend Dennis O'Donnell, August 20, 1983.
Reverend Dennis Morrow, August 24, 1975.
Reverend James B, Wyse, August 29, 1987.

Our Prayers are Requested.

Our prayers are requested for Mary Stepanovich, who is being treated for cancer, for
Hazel Paul, who has returned home, but is facing repair of a heart valve, andfor
Robbie Gross.  Beth's latest note indicated that she has gone home but faces long rehab.
She and the family thank you for all your prayers and concern.  Also, pray for the repose of the soul of Marian Marrow, mother of Fr. Dennis Morrow.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on June 20 at Ss, Peter and Paul, with the Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak officiating.

Serra's 80th Anniversary.

As we celebrate Serra's 80th anniversary, we note that copyright and literary property rights have been transferred to Loyola University, Chicago.  Information about the archives and special collections have been cataloged at UA1991.01, UA 1992.19, and UA2007.35.
The administrative history of Serra appears as follows:
Serra was founded in 1934 by Harold Haberlie, Dan Rooney, Leo Sharkey, and Richard Ward in Seattle, Washington.  These four men and their wives met in Leo Sharkey's home to discuss the idea of starting a Catholic Service Club and thus Serra was born.  The first Serra club was chartered in Seattle with 35 members in 1935  Serra officially became Serra International in 1938, at the first convention.  The first official Serra club outside the United States was chartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in 1943.
Serra International is named for Father Junipero Serra, a Franciscan friar who founded the mission chain in Alta, California.  The mandate of Serra International is to foster and promote vocations in the Catholic Church and to aid in financing the education of seminarians.  Serra clubs were chartered around the world to help promote Catholic vocations.
As interest in Serra International's work increased, so did the number of clubs.  In 1954 The Serran magazine was first published in efforts to keep Serrans around the country informed.  International clubs also had their version of The Serran, which was published in a variety of languages.  Every year an annual convention was held to gather the clubs and decide on uniform goals for promoting Catholic vocations.  Committees and programs were also created to help promote and finance vocations.
In 1946 Serra International moved its central offices to Chicago, and the headaquarters have remained in Chicago to this day.  The growth of international clubs greatly expanded in the 1950s and 1960s as clubs were chartered in the countries of Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, as well as additional charters across the United States.  National Councils were formed in Great Britain, Brazil, and Spain...

About our Meeting Times.

In addition to this historical overview, Mark Meyers, onetime president of the Kansas City Serra Club adds this perspective regarding to meeting schedules for Serra Clubs:

"When the club was established, it was common for businessmen to enjoy 'two martini lunches,' one reason why the twice monthly meetings are commonly held over the lunch hour, although few businessmen have time nowadays for a long lunch."

Our club has long held that same tradition of holding two monthly lunchtime meetings.  In recent times, our board has begun discussing possibilities of a change in that format.  A number of Serrans who have tried to recruit new members have mentioned that potentially interested new members would not be able to attend the luncheon meetings and have therefore declined the invitations.

In July our Board decided to poll our membership about your suggestions.  One distinct possibility is to go to one evening meeting at the University Club and one luncheon Board meeting at Ss. Peter and Paul.  A suggested time for the evening meeting was 5:30 p.m.

Please reply to Nancy King at njking50@gmail.com to voice your opinions.  We want to hear from you.  We have made no official plans and will not do so until we know what you think.  Please reply, whether you would like to keep the present schedule of whether you would have no serious objections to the new plan.  We would make no changes, if we do so at all,  in our meeting schedule until January, 2016.  At any rate, a change in the schedule would require an amendment to our by-laws.

Our Plans for celebrating the Canonization.

The Board is also making plans for a special celebration of the Canonization on September 23.
A number of Board members are exploring the possibilities, whether it be a speaker, an event at the direction of the diocese, a lecture at Aquinas, or a meeting with local Franciscans.  We will notify you as soon as a plan emerges.

Sara Vanderwerff plans to attend the canonization if she can get a ticket and a security clearance.  Our Board voted to make her our official club representative if her plans materialize.

Thoughts from John Liston, who writes, "Serra is a "YES" organization.

"Yes" is an incredibly important concept for Serrans and all Catholics.  In many respects, everything that we do as Serrans flows from the word "yes."  We seek to help men and women say "yes" to their vocations to the ministerial priesthood or consecrated religious life, we say "yes" to our own personal call to holiness through prayer and good works.  We say "yes" to our bishops, priests, and religious when asked for assistance.

All of these "yeses" are faint echoes of the most important "yes" in the history of the world.  They all stem from Jesus Christ saying "yes" to death on the cross for our salvation (Romans 4:25).  The Son of God said "yes" to an agonizing death because that was the only way He could also say "yes" to redeem humanity and conquer sin.

Jesus' "yes" and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowered the Apostles and disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations, despite the persecution they faced.  Jesus' "yes" laid the foundation for our Church and led St. John Paul II to proclaim:  "Do not be afraid.  Do not be satisfied with mediocrity.  Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."  That is exactly what Serrans must do:  go out into the deep, outside of our  comfort zone, to increase vocations and help spread the Gospel throughout the world.

Serrans must focus their efforts on assisting seminarians, postulants, novices, and those discerning a vocation to say "yes" to the Lord's call.  This can be done through words of encouragement, but it should also be done through prayer and other acts of support.  Additionally, Serrans are tasked with supporting and affirming priests, sisters, and brothers who have already said "yes" to their vocations.

Serrans must also say "yes" to their own personal call to holiness.  However, merely saying "yes" is insufficient.  Serrans must also live out their call to holiness and act in a way that allows everything they do to affirm their call to holiness.  This call was clarified in 1988 by the Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laici:

The Second Vatican Council has significantly spoken on the universal call to holiness.  It is possible to say that this call to holiness is precisely the basic charge entrusted to all the sons and daughters of the Church by a Council which intended to bring a renewal of Christian life based on the gospel (41).
This charge is not a simply moral exhortation, but an undeniable requirement arising from the mystery of the Church:  she is the choice vine, whose branches live and grow with the same holy and life-giving energies that come from Christ; she is the Mystical Body, whose members share in the same life of holiness of the Head who is Christ; she is the Beloved Spouse of the Lord Jesus, who delivered himself up for her sanctification (cf. Eph 5:25 ff.).  The Spirit that sanctified the human nature of Jesus in Mary's virginal womb (cf. Lk 1:35) is the same Spirit that is abiding and working in the Church to communicate to her the holiness of the Son of God made man.

It is ever more urgent that today all Christians take up again the way of gospel renewal, welcoming in a spirit of generosity the invitation expressed by the apostle Peter "to be holy in all conduct" (1 Pt 1:15).  The 1985 Extraordinary Synod, twenty years after the Council, opportunely insisted on this urgency"  "Since the Church in Christ is a mystery, she ought to be considered the sign and instrument of holiness...Men and women saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult circumstances in the Church's history.  Today we have the greatest need of saints whom we must assiduously beg God to raise up"(42).

The need for saints to rise up is even greater now than it was in 1988.  That's the bad news.  The good news is that anyone can become a saint by saying "yes" to a life of holiness.  Recently, Pope Francis reminded us that we are all called to be saints.  The Holy Father said, "Be holy by becoming a visible sign of God's love and His presence beside us.  This is it:  every state of life leads to holiness, always!  At home, on the streets, at work, at church, in the moment and with the state of life that you have, a door is opened on the road to sainthood."  Serrans have the opportunity to become visible signs of God's love by saying "yes" to Serra's objectives and purposes in their work to foster, promote, and affirm vocations and by responding to their own call to holiness.

Through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, and prayers, Serrans say "yes" to their call for holiness.  By encouraging, inviting, promoting, and affirming vocations, Serrans bear witness to Christ's love in this world.  In living lives of holiness, Serrans walk to the path of sainthood.
Source:  the Serran, Vol. 62 No. 2

Our president reaffirms John Liston's message.
On Thursday, July 30, President Weldon Schwartz wrote:
"Sorry about the delay in getting the President's message to you, but I've been outof town dealing with the death and subsequent funeral arrangements for my late mother-in-law, Elizabeth Hinch, age 95, who passed away a couple of weeks ago in Royal Oak.  Funeral Mass is this Saturday in Berkley.  We are involved in emptying out her apartment at the Senior Center.

My wife and my mother-in-law's two sons and I were with her through her final hours in the hospital.  We were with her when she received last rites from the priest chaplain, to her final minutes on this earth and then bade her good-bye for the last time.
She wanted to die naturally, and refused all extraordinary measures that would have been needed to keep her alive. I believe that she went straight from this earth into heavenly reward to join her late husband, who had passed away five years ago.
It has been said many times before, time on this earth is limited and we have a duty to live our lives well, following the teachings of the Catholic Church as a good Catholic should."

He later added, ,"We are in the midst of some interesting potential changes in the way we conduct our business.  We are also making plans about the upcoming canonization of our Patron.  I would hope that you would think about the proposals that are discussed above in this newsletter and let us know your thoughts".
.
Adoration.
IHM 24/5, code 5412; and St. Isidore, 24/7, code 613.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter, July 2015

Calendar of Events.
July 1, 2015.  Feast Day of Blessed Junipero Serra.
July 13, 2015.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.  July speaker will be Fr. Joachim Lally.
July 15, 2016.  Aquinas College Catholic Studies Event.  Father Robert Barron,Baker Book House, 2768 E. Paris, "To See According to the Icon of Jesus Christ:  Reflection on the Intellectual Tradition of the Catholic Church." Private Q & A session, 3:30-4:30 p.m.  Tickets $10.00.  Call 866-241-6733 or 957-3110. Two participants at this event will win a dinner with Fr. Barron that night.  The evening event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.  Again, call 915-3110..
July 16, 2015.  Fr. Robert Barron, 10:00 a.m. at Aquinas College, Thomas Merton and the Metaphysics of Peace."  For questions about the Aquinas event, inquire at catholicstudies@aquinas.edu.  This event is free and open to the public and does not require a ticket or RSVP, but a large turnout is expected.  Arrive early to insure a seat.
July 20, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
July 27  2015.  Luncheon Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
July 30-August 2, 2016. 73rd Serra International Convention, Melbourne, Australia.
September 21-24, 2015.  World   Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, Pa.  Since its inception by St. John Paul II in 1994, the World Meeting of Families has strengthened the sacred bond of the families across the globe.  An internet search, World Meeting of Families 2015 will provide links to information regarding all events, accommodations, and other related topics.
September 23, 2015.  Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D. C.  See below for the note to the Membership from John Liston.
September 23, 2015.  Celebratory Dinner for the Canonization of Bl, Fr. Junipero Serra, Hyatt Regency, Washington, D. C., September 23, 2016,  Reception at 6:30 p.m., Dinner at 7:30 p.m.
November 1-7. 2015.  National Vocations Awareness Week.
Editor's Note:  John Osterhart, having been asked to proofread the draft of this newsletter, comments on Fr. Barron.
"Father Barron was a featured speaker at our 1998 Regional Convention in Grand Rapids, which also coincided with our 50th anniversary as a Serra Club.  I hope to attend one or more of his presentations.  I remember his saying that families who feel that their sons might have had brilliant careers in medicine, law, or science should be viewing the chosen vocation of our priests as "BEARERS OF THE MYSTERIES AND DOCTORS OF THE SOUL," (vs. presiders or leaders of services) a profession of even greater significance than those others that they may have chosen.  I believe that terminology may even have been used in the title of one of his earlier books.

Priests' Anniversaries for July.
Rev. Thomas Davidson, CSsR.  July 2, 1984,
Rev.  Laurence King, July 8, 1989.
Rev.  Peter Omogo, July 10,2004.

About John Liston's Note.
Our patron, Fr. Junipero Serra, will be canonized by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in Washington D. C., U. S. A., on 23 September 2015--over two centuries after Serra's death.
There has never been a better time to share our important vocations mission and organization, named after Father Serra, in the world.
Recognizing this unique opportunity to raise awareness about our work around the world, we have created a special "Serra Spread the Word Fund."

Between May 1 and September 15, 2015, money donated to this donor-designated fund will be used for the express purpose of promoting Serra International during Pope Francis' visit to the United States, the canonization and World Meeting of Families via displays, sponsorships, materials and selected publicity, including resources that Serra clubs can use to celebrate the canonization in their own parishes and dioceses.
Dozens of Serrans and Serra Clubs from around the world have contributed to this fund and we ask you to help us reach our goal of $250,000 by September 15, 2015!

Please make your tax deductible contribution payable to "SERRA SPREAD THE WORD FUND" AND SEND TO
Serra International Foundation
Attn:  John Liston, Executive Director
333 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606
Donate online using your credit card at
http://www.serrainternational.org/spread-the-word
A promotional flyer is available online at the Serra International Website, or call Serra International Executive Director John Liston at 312-419-7411.
Thank you for all that you do for the Church, for Vocations, and for Serra.

P. S.  An announcement of Serra's participation in the canonization ceremony in Washington, D. C., will be isued once the final details are confirmed to us by the Holy See.

Also, John Liston will provide a link for tickets for the canonization.  Tickets for Fr. Serra's canonization have not yet been distributed.  Serra International has requested a block of tickets for this blessed event.  Information on how those tickets will be distributed will be released at a future date.

A Thank You Note.

As Vice-president of Communications, I wish to thank all who took part in making our Charter Night and Serra USA Council National Meeting a success.  Thank you to His Excellency David J. Walkowiak, to Mark Kubik for organizing the dinner, to John Osterhart in organizing and presiding over the Serra USA Council meeting, and to all who attended the event.  For those who could not attend, thank you for your support and your prayers for the event.  Also, congratulations to John Osterhart, who became President of  the Serra USA Council during the weekend of June 20 and 21.
Regarding the USA Council meetings, newly installed president John Osterhart writes, "Most USA Council meetings attendees also attended the Friday, June 19 evening Mass and Grand Rapids Charter Night celebration, and were seated so as to share tables with and be able to visit with  our local club members.  Our USA Council meetings were held on Saturday at the Holiday Inn Downtown.  Bob Labat and Don Semeneaux led a review of a Long Range Planning Committee report on structure and governance in a meeting of the outgoing Council Board where retiring members were also recognized.  The legally required Annual Meeting of Serra's National Council for the United States followed and a brief meeting of the incoming Board which dealt with a number of primarily perfunctory requirements completed the day's meetings.
Most Council meeting attendees then rode a bus to St. Adalbert Basilica where Mass was celebrated by Fr. Scott Nolan, son of Serra Club Muskegon Past President Bob Nolan.
Dennis and Margaret Leiber hosted a wonderful reception BBO which was enjoyed by Council meeting attendees.  Mark Kubik served as chef, in addition to his many other Serra responsibilities for the weekend.
Many favorable and complimentary comments were received from our out of town attendees regarding their experiences, the weekend's events, and the City of Grand Rapids in general.  Thanks to Bishop Walkowiak, to Msgr. Hankiewicz, and to all of our local members for making the experience here a most positive one."

Serrans United in Prayer,

My Fellow Serrans:
Three Past Presidents of Serra International, Gerald Murphy (1980-1981) of the Serra Club of London, England, Luis Jimenez Franco (1993-94), Serra Club of Guadalajara, Mexico, and Jame E. Brennan (1982-83) Serra Club of Janesville, Wisconsin, recently passed away.  I did not have the honor of knowing Luis Jimenez Franco or James Brennan.  I did enjoy the peasure of knowing Gerald Murphy.

I first met Gerald in Tel Aviv in July 2011 on a pilgrimage he organized for Serrans.  I fondly recall Gerald and his wife Fiona looking after us like elementary school teachers look after students on a field trip.  They displayed a sincere interest in each of the members of our group.  In 2013 I enjoyed a brief visit to London with Gerald and Fiona.  Gerald was very proud of his "flat," which was the top level of a renovation project he had developed early in his career and which had a stunning view of downtown London.  He proudly and mischievously confided that the top level was in violation of certain municipal codes restricting roof heights and window openings!

Serra celebrates 80 years of service this year, and the passing of my predecessors reminds me of the debt of gratitude we owe those who have served Serra these past 80 years and the obligation we have to continue this work they have helped build.

The Feast Day of our Patron, Junipero Serra, is July 1....Thank God for the increase in vocations in recent years, for the service of so many Serrans over the past 80 years, and the privilege of serving the Church through Serra.  Pray confidently, knowing that Junipero Serra, Gerald, Luis, James and the Serrans who have gone before us will be praying with us!
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us!

Daniel S. Grady

More About Fray Junipero Serra.
Junipero Serra will be canonized this September 2015.  This 18th century saint from Mallorca, Spain had a fascinating life.  Born of humble peasant illiterate parents, he studied and became a university theology professor.  He entered the Franciscan Order when he was 16 years old and studied with important figures of the arts and philosophy of Mallorca.  He was sent to Mexico, where he contracted an illness in his leg;  however, he never stopped walking huge distances to extablish over ten missions throughout California.  Besides spreading the Gospel, he taught agriculture, ranching, carpentry, masonry, cooking and sewing.  He also taught people to sew and weave.  His work has been recognized in the Capitol, in Washington, D. C.
Source:  Our Lady of Sorrows Bulletin, June 21, 2015.


Prayer for Persecuted Christians in the Middle East.
Lord, the plight of our country is deep and the suffering of Christians is severe and frightening.  Therefore, we ask you, Lord, to spare our lives, and to grant us patience and courage to continue our witness of Christian values with trust and hope.  Lord, peace is the foundation of life; grant us the peace and stability that will enable us to live with each other without fear and anxiety, and with dignity and joy.  Glory to you forever.  Amen
By His Beatitude Louis Rafael Sako, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Iraq

Your Prayers.  Let us continue to pray for Robbie Gross and for all of her family.
Also, let us pray for Fr. John Kenney. CSsR, of the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
Our friend Lee Sullivan sent us a note that Fr. John was recently in the hospital, but the good news is that he saw his cardiologist and was cleared to attend the Paulist gathering.

Adoration.
IHM 24/5, Code 5412.  St. Isidore 24/7, Code 613,  Let us spend quiet time with the Lord to pray for vocations.

A Message from our President:
My fellow Serrans:
Thank you for selecting me to be your next Grand Rapids Serra Club President.  I plan to maintain the same level of excellence that our club has enjoyed for the past few years since I have been a member.  We have exciting events coming up, including the canonization of our namesake Fr. Junipero Serra on September 23, as is discussed elsewhere in this newsletter.  We also have wonderful speakers lined up for the remaining part of this year.  With your help and guidance, we will be planning more events for the upcoming year, including participating in some fashion with the canonization of Fr. Junipero Serra, Sisters' Appreciation night, and other events.
Hope to see you at our next Serra Club luncheon at the University Club.
Mary, Mother of Vocations, Pray for Us.
Weldon Schwartz

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter June 2015

2015  Year of the Family and Year of Consecrated Life

Calendar of Events.
June 6, 2015.  Ordination of Douglas A. Braun and William R. VanderWerff to the priesthood and Thomas Cavera, Patrick Fickel, Colin John Muhall, and Daniel P. Schumaker to the transitional diaconate, 10:00 a.m. at the Catheral of St. Andrew.  Our club has been asked to serve as ushers, with an arrival time at 9:00.  You should have received an e-mail about this invitation.  Fr.Braun's first mass will be celebrated  on Saturday 4:30 p.m. at St, Stephen, and Fr. VanderWerff will celebrate his first mass at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday at St. Isidore.
June 7 2015.  Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).  
Celebrate this feast with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.  Friends of the Center and members of local parishes are invited to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi with Mass and a Procession on Sunday, June 7 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lowell Campus.  An open house and refreshments will follow.
"As Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, we desire to continue this holy tradition of a procession in honor of the Eucharist by bringing Catholics from area parishes to our Center," states Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, FSE.
Msgr. Edward Hankiewicz, (our Moderator), pastor of St. Mary Great Mother of God Church, will be the celebrant.
Please call Barbara at 616-897-7842 if you plan to attend so that we can adequately prepare for the day.
June 8, 2015.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.
June 15, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
June 16, 2015.  Eighth Annual Bishop Robert J. Carlson Seminarian Endowment Fund Dinner, with Social Hour beginning at 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7:00.  This event will be held at the Swan Valley Banquet Center, 9521 Highland Green Drive, Saginaw, MI, 48609.  $50 per person, table of 8 $350.  Make checks payable to Serra Club of Saginaw.  Direct questions to John and Marian Moll, 3828 Fireside Lane, Freeland, MI 48623.  Call 989-751-2228 or email at mjmoll333@gmail.com.
June 19, 2015.  Charter Night.  Mass at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  A reception will follow at the University Club where dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.  You should have received your invitations from Mark Kubik by now.  Please respond  ASAP but for sure by Tuesday, June 15.  If you still have questions, call Mark at 616-450-8509 or send an e-mail at markakubik@gmail.com.  Our Bishop, the Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, will be the principal celebrant.
June 21-July 4, 2015.  Fortnight for Freedom.  This is a 14 day period of celebration of a series of great martyrs, who paid the ultimate price for remaining true to the Gospel.  This year's theme is "The Freedom to Bear Witness" to the truth of the Gospel.  Find more information in the diocesean web page and the Fortnight for Freedom web page.  Please watch for a letter which will be published on June 13-14 throughout the diocese.  Bishop Walkowiak writes his very important message, an excerpt of which is as follows:  "During these 14 days, I invite you to join me in prayer for our country and its leaders.   Culminating on Independence Day, this special time of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action provides the opportunity for us to concentrate on the freedom of religion we enjoy in the United States, while also focusing on the need to defend it...Additional resources may be found at dioceseofgrandrapids.org.
June 22, 2015.  There will be no Fourth Monday meeting in June.  The June 19 Charter Night takes the place of that meeting.
IMPORTANT:  As you have seen in Mark's letter, Serra's National Council for the United States will hold their board meeting on Saturday.  Because of John's investiture on that day there will be Board Members from the National Council, Serra International Foundation and the Executive Staff will be joining us for Mass and Dinner.  
Also, please note that there will be a CASH ONLY bar at the reception and dinner.  No credit 
cards can be accepted at that time.  
June 30, 2015.  
Tuesday, 4;00-6:00 P.M.  D. A. Blodgett-St. John's open house in honor of Mark Thomson's retirement after 42 years of service, 2355 Knapp Avenue NE.  Remarks at 5:15 p.m.  RSVP to Meghan at 616-361-4138 or e-mail mbechtel@dabsj.org.

Charter Night makes history for our club, with Dan Grady serving as International President until the Serra International Convention in July, and John Osterhart will be invested as President of Serra's National Council on June 20.  No other Serra Club has had two members serving concurrently in these very important officers.  The evening also marks the investiture of our own officers.

July 31-August 2, 2015.  Serra International Convention, Melbourne, Australia.
September 22-27, 2015.  World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, PA.  More to come later.
September 23, 2015.  Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D. C.  Go to the "Always Forward, Never Back" April 29 edition for more information.

September 23, 2015.  
Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra.
Please be mindful of this special message from John Liston, Executive Director of Serra International.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Serra,
Our patron, Fr. Junipero Serra, will be canonized by Pope Francis in Washington, D. C., U. S. A., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on 23 September, 2015.  We are alerting Serrans far and wide to some exciting news about how you can be a part of this momentous occasion, not only for our organization, but for our Church.
Serra International has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency Washington, D/ C. on Capitol Hill from September 21-25, 2015.  The rate is $199 plus taxes.  Following the canonization ceremony, there will be a dinner for members of the heirarchy, Serrans and guests at the Hyatt.  Over 100 Serrans from all over the world are planning to be present at this once-in-a-lifetime event.  Please join us in rejoicing for the sainthood of our patron.
The hotel's address is 400 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, D. C. 20001.  For those attending the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia (September 22-27, 2015, the Hyatt Regency is about 3 hours away.  For those attending the World Meeting of Families, Serra has secured a block of rooms at the Hyatt House Mt. Laurel, 3000 Crawford Place, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08504.  Stay tuned for more information.  We will share more as details are confirmed by the Holy See.
Questions?  Call Serra International Executive Director John Liston at 312-419-7411.
Thank you for all you do for the Church, for Vocations, and for Serra.  Help us use this unique opportunity of our patron's canonization to raise awareness about our vocations mission.  Donate to the SERRA SPREAD THE WORD

Priests' Anniversaries for June.

Bishop David J. Walkowiak, priesthood June 9, 1979, and Episcopacy, June 18, 2013.
Bishop Emeritus Walter A. Hurley, June 5, 1965 and Episcopacy August 12, 2003.
Rev. Louis Anderson, June 1, 1963; Rev. Michael Alber, June 1, 2002; Rev. Msgr. Gaspar Ancona, June 1, 1963; Robert K. Balser, June 29, 2949; Rev. Matthew Barnum, June 2, 2007; Reb. Mark Bauer, June 14, 1986; Rev. Thomas Bolster, June 12, 1982; Rev. Edward Boucher, June 14, 1960;  fund!Rev. James Bozung, June 3, 1961; Rev. Charles D. Brown, June 5, 1993; Rev. Thomas J. Brown, June 5, 1999; Rev. Michael E. Burt, June 6, 2009; Rev. Bernard R. Carlin, June 1, 1978; Rev. Patrick T. Crowley, June 6, 1970; Rev. James A. Chelich, June 6, 1976; Rev. Michael Cilibraise, June 7, 2008; Rev. Michael A. Danner, June 5, 1965; Rev. Thomas DeYoung, June 18, 1983; Rev. Norman P. Droski, June 6, 1964; Rev. George Fekete, June 5, 1965; Rev. Aaron Ferris June 6, 2009; Rev. Joseph Fix, June 1, 1968; Rev. Melvin E. Fox, June 1, 1963; Rev. Luis Garcia, June 4, 2011; Msgr. John J. Giammona, June 6, 1959; Rev. Eugene S. Golas,  June 4, 1955; Rev. Patrick Grile, June 24, 1971; Rev. David C. Gross, June 5, 2010; Msgr. Edward Hankiewicz, June 24, 1979; Rev. Frederick D. Hoesl, June 11, 1964; Rev. Victor Kynam, June 2, 2007; Rev. John P. LaGoe, June 3, 1961; Rev. Donald E. Lomasiewicz, June 2, 1962; Rev. Richard J. Lowie, June 7, 1969; Rev. Thomas McKinney, June 3, 1961; Rev. Paul A. Milanowski, June 5, 1965; Rev. Ayub Francis Nasar, June 28, 2985; Rev. Troy A. Nevins, June 1, 1996; Rev. Scott T. Nolan, June 1, 2013; Rev. Godfrey Onyekwere, June 7, 2003; Rev. Thomas P.Page, June 16, 1979; Rev. Mark E. Peacock, June 2, 2007; Rev. Anthony M. Pelak, June 7, 2003; Rev. Jose Luis Quintana, June 1, 1996; Rev. Chris W. Rouech, June 1, 1996; Rev. Anthony Russo, June 3, 2000; Rev. Philip J. Salmonowicz, June 7, 2003; Rev. Kenneth H. Schichtel, June 2, 1962; Rev. Ronald F. Schneider, June 3, 1967; Rev. Charles J. Schwartz, June 1, 2013; Rev. Philip A. Sliwinski, June 7, 1997; Msgr. R. Louis Stasker, June 5, 1965; Msgr, Terrence L. Stewart, June 19, 1970; Rev. John J. Thome, June 15, 1946; Rev. D. Anton Tran June 1, 2002; Rev. Anthony C. Vainawicz June 3, 1961; Rev. John F. Vallier, June 13, 1987; Rev. James R. VanderLaan, June 1, 2013; Rev. Thomas S. Vesbit, June 6, 1964; Rev. Peter C. Vu, June 7, 1997; Rev. John J. Wisneski, June 6, 1964.  Those wishing to send cards to any of these priests may go to the Diocese home page and click on Priests.  The page provides a link to locations and mailing addresses.

Nominations.  

Our candidates for 2015-2016 are as follows:
President:  Weldon Schwartz
Past President:  Aggie Kempker-Cloyd
Vice President:  Sara VanderWerff
Treasurer:  Pat Leikert
Secretary:  Nancy King
Vice President, Communications:  Nancy King
Vice President Vocations:  Frank Lake
Vice President Programs:  Beth Gumina
VicePresident Membership:
Trustees:  John Osterhart, Aggie Kempker-Cloyd, Nancy Mulvihill
Moderator:  Msgr. Edward Hankiewicz

Pray for this Raising Vocations Awareness Event.  

As a way of raising awareness in vocations to priesthood and religious life, two Catholic priests and three seminarians have embarked on a 29-day, 1400 mile cycling journey from Saint Augustine, Florida to Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York.  Along the way they will stop in various dioceses to celebrate Mass, pray the Office of the Hours, meet with youth groups, and more.  Passing through 11 states, 10 dioceses, and 5 archdioceses, the biking pilgrimage began on May 17 in Saint Augustine and will conclude on June 14, a week prior to the ordination at the Cathedral of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre.
"The objective of this biking pilgrimage is to give glory to God by encouraging priestly vocations and inviting the local Church to respond to Jesus' missionary call to 'make disciples of all nations.' (Matthew 28, 19-20)" said rider Reverend Joseph Fitzgerald, Diocese of Rockville Centre Director of Vocations and 1996 Olympian.
The NCDVD is helping to organize this exciting event, which also involves 15 NCDVD vocations directors from Florida to New York  Check out NCDVD's biking4donations website where you can make financial donations of $5 to $500 to help support the team and vocations.

In our diocese, Sister Sandra Delgado, O. P.leads retreats at Marywood on the second Sunday of each month for those who may be discerning for the consecrated life.  Sister Delgado has spoken to our club and also serves as a musician at the Noon Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows.

To learn more about the Church's teachings on the Consecrated Life, download the 8-page e-booklet, Dedicated Totally to God.  You will discover what the Church really believes regarding this sublime vocation.  Drawn from the Church's official teaching as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, you will gain a better understanding on the vital importance and wide variety of expressions that this special vocation can take.  You will also begin to comprehend why the Pope is urging the faithful to help promote and preserve this sublime calling which serves as a visible sign of the Gospel in our world.
In this booklet you will learn:
***Why the evangelical counsels perfect the virtue of charity in those who embrace them
***What form of consecrated life has existed since apostolic times
***How the consecrated life anticipates the Kingdom yet to come.

Source:  Find the link to this information in the serraus.org Always Forward, Never Back, serraus.org. May 29, 2015.

Many thanks to Frank Lake, who directed us to an article in Columbia,  "Bringing Christ to the People," an interview with Archbishop Jose Gomez about the life and legacy of Blessed Junipero Serra.  If you would like to obtain a copy of this publication, notify me, Nancy King and I will see that it gets to you.  This is a very thoughtful discussion of the topic of his life and his canonization.

A Message from our President.
Dear Serrans,
Please pray for me and our Grand Rapids Serra Club as we work together on the vocations mission and our spiritual growth.
This is my final President's message and I want to let you know that I've really enjoyed working with the Board and membership of this organization.  Thank you for all you do for the club.  The newsletter lists many anniversaries and events.  Of special importance is the Charter Dinner.  Please get your reservations in ASAP.
May the love of Christ be with you and your families this year.  Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us and guide us to dedicated leaders to her call to service in the Holy Catholic Church.  Love to all of you!
Aggie

Finally, we note the passing of Barbara King's mother this past Thursday.  The funeral was held in Detroit on Tuesday.  If you wish to send cards, address them to Ss. Peter and Paul Rectory, 1440 Quarry NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49404.

Grand Rapids Serra Club Newsletter May 2015

Calendar of Events.
May 2, 2015.  Day of prayer and reflection on Serra's life at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.  The Holy Father will be the guest of honor.
May 5, 2015.  Lecture as one in a series in celebration of Fr. Dennis Morrow's 40 anniversary in the  priesthood.  See below for details.
May 5, 2015.  Vocation Activities Conference Call, 7:30 p.m. CST.  To join the conference, call 712-775-7031 and enter access code 42655-041#.  The call will cover the following vocation activities:
Traveling Cross Program, Five Quick Tips for Getting H S. Graduates Connected to College Campus Ministry, Into for Newman Connection, Vocation Awareness Field Trips, Prayer Initiative with Nursing Home, and Prayer for Priests Promotion.
May 5, 6,7, and 8.  Holy Family Radio's Spring Fund Drive.  See the HFR Website for a listing of the special features, including Bishop David J. Walkowiak on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.  Donate securely online, or call 1-844-337-2346 OR 1-844-33RADIO.
May 11, 2015.  Luncheon Meeting and Speaker, 12:00 Noon at the University Club.
May 16, 2015.  Knights of  Columbus Vocations Dinner, May 16, St. Isidore Parish, 625 Spring St. NE, Grand Rapids.  Mass at 5 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m., beginning with Religious Meet and Greet.  Dinner and Speakers will take place 6:30-9:00 ;.m.  Speakers are the Reverend Scott Noland and Sister Sara of the Trinitarians of Mary.  To RSVP call St. Isidore at 616-459-4731 or e-mail homictm@gmail.com.  This item was forwarded by Dan Grady.
May 18, 2015.  Board Meeting, 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter and Paul.
May 19, 2015.  Detroit-Oakland Serra will celebrate their 50th Anniversary Charter Night aat Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 W. Chicago Blvd. in Detroit.  John Osterhart and Dan Grady expect to attend.  Contact Detroit-Oakland Serran Marte Bewick, 248-761-2175, by May 11 for details if you would like to attend.
May 21, 2015.  District Governor Bob Barret's District Leadership Meeting, Thursday, May 21 in Okemos, from 10:30 a.m, with lunch following, at Gilbert and Blake Restaurant in Okemos.  Agenda will include Building Club Membership, Discussion of Five Star Program & Brochure, Newman/College Connection Program, and NEW Serra Club Opportunities.  CLUB OFFICERS AND INTERESETD SERRANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND, ESPECIALLY NEW INCOMING OFFFICERS AND NEW MEMBERS.  Please RSVP to bobb@rcwa.net and coordinate with President Aggie Kempker-Cloyd.
May 24, 2015.  Pentecost Sunday
May 25, 2015.  Memorial Day Observed.  There will be no Fourth Monday meeting in May.
May 31, 2015.  Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity.
June 7, 2015.   Ordinations of Deacon Douglas Braun and Deacon William Vander Werff at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  We will notify you if Serrans are asked to serve as ushers.  Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue their discernment in service to our Lord and His people.
June 16, 2015.  Saginaw Serra Club's Eighth Annual Bishop Robert J. Carlson Seminarian Endowment Fund Dinner, Swan Valley Banquet Center, 9521 Highland Green Drive, Saginaw, Mi 48609.  Social hour at 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow at 7:00.  Donation is $50 per person or a Table of Eight at $350.00.  For contact information and other details notify Nancy King at njking50@gmail.com.  We encourage our club members to support our fellow Serrans in Saginaw with our attendance at this event, and we thank John and Marian Moll of the Saginaw Club for their invitation to this event.  They may be reached at mjmoll333@gmail.com.
June 19, 2015.  Charter Night,  Mass at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Dinner at 7:30 p.m., with social hour preceding, at the University Club.  Please help celebrate this very special night.  Among other things, we are celebrating our special place among Serra Clubs, with the simultaneous presidencies of Dan Grady, who will continue his term as Serra International President until the Melbourne Convention, and John Osterhart, who will step up as President of Serra USA at the June 19-20 meeting.
June 19-20, 2015.  USA Council Annual Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 30-August, 2015.  Serra International Convention, Melbourne, Australia.
September 22-27, 2015.  World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  See below for further information.
September 23, 2015.  Canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D. C.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Save the Date.  Junipero Serra's Canonization will take place on Wednesday, September 23 in Washington, D. C.

"We are honored that the Holy Father will celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and canonize Blessed Junipero Serra, the first-ever canonization to take place on American soil."  (From the Basilica's Website),

"Serrans from all over the world are already planning to be present at Serra's canonization in Washington this September.  Watch for further information to find out how you can be a part of this momentous celebration.    Source:  Serra's USA Council publication, Always Forward, Never Back, April 29, 2015:  Issue 19.   

Priests' Anniversaries in May.
May 1.  The  Reverend John Kenney
May 11.  The Very Reverend John Geaney
May 13.  Fr. Robert Sirico
May 14.  Fr. Anthony Britt
May 16.  Fr.Tom Tovello
May 19.  Msgr. William Duncan
May 19.  Fr. Charles Mann
May 19.  Fr. Mark Przybysz
May 20.  Fr. Peter Hount Xuan Nghiem
May 20.  Fr. Ernest Bernott
May 22.  Fr. Ernest Bernott
May 22.  Fr. Joachim Lalley
May 24.  Fr. Robert Bliszcz
May 24.  Fr. Ted Kozlowski
May 24.  Fr. Don Weber
May 27.  Fr. Brad Schoeberle
May 28.  Fr. Thomas Hack

Also, in celebration of Father Dennis Morrow's 40th Anniversary of Priestly Ministry, Ss. Peter and Paul Church will be hosting a lecture series.  The featured speaker for May will be George Weigel, an official biographer of St. John Paul, will speak on the greatness of St. Paul

A reception with light refreshments will follow in the parish center.  Please join the lecture on Tuesday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m.  at Ss. Peter and Paul Church at 520 Myrtle.  All are wecome and no reservations are needed.

Serrans are encouraged to send Fr. Dennis a card or a note on observance of the occasion.

US sees increase in priestly ordination numbers this year.

Washington DC., April 10, 2015.  The numbers are in:  almost 600 Catholic men will be ordained as priests for the US in 2015, an increase of more than 100 from last year.  Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, N. C. said April 7 that the increase in numbers is "encouraging."

The bishop, who heads the U. S. bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, noted that those to be ordained cited positive influences like "very high" support from their family, parish priests and Catholic schools.  The 595 men to be ordained in 2015 is an increase of 25 percent from 2014, when 477 me were ordained to the priesthood.  In 2013, 497 men were ordained Catholic priests, the U. S. bishop's conference reports....

...The median age of the priests-to-be is 31, a slight decrease from past years.  Respondents to the survey said they first began to consider a vocation to the priesthood at the age of 17 and received encouragement to pursue a vocation from an average of four people.  Most said a parish priest encouraged them, while under half said friends, parishioners, and mothers had encouraged them in their vocations.

Most have been Catholic since infancy, though seven percent were converts.  Eighty-four percent said both of their parents were Catholic, while about 37 percent said they have a relative who is a priest or vowed religious.  Half attended Catholic elementary schools.  They were somewhat more likely than other Catholics to have attended a Catholic high school and were much more likely to have attended a Catholic college than other U. S. Catholics.

Almost 80 percent had been an altar server, while half had served as a lector.  Seventy percent said they prayed the rosary regularly before they entered the seminary, while a similar number said they participated in Eucharistic adoration before entering the seminary.  About 70 percent identified their race as Caucasian, European American or White.  Fourteen percent identified as Hispanic or Latino, while 10 percent said they were of Asian or Pacific Islander background.  About 60 percent of the 2015 ordinands had completed college before entering seminary.

Father W. Shawn McKnight, executive director of the U. S. bishops' Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, voiced concern about new seminarians' student loan debt.  About 26 percent had educational debt when they entered seminary, averaging $22,500.

Considering the high percentage of the men ordained already having earned an undergraduate degree, it will be important to find ways to assist in debt reduction in the future," Fr. McKnight said.
Source:  CNA/EWTN news.



Francis Cardinal George, 1937-2015.

On April 17, John Liston, Executive Director of Serra International wrote,
Dear Serrans and Friends of Serra,

Francis Cardinal George, former Episcopal Adviser of Serra International and Archbishop Emeritus of the Archediocese of Chicago entered the Kingdom of Heaven today, 17 April 2015.  He was a model for priestly holiness and possessed a rare combination of faithful zeal, compassion, temperance, intellect, and diplomacy.

Serra was privileged to have Cardinal George address the Serra International Convention in Chicago 2003, Anchorage, Alaska, in 2010, and most importantly to have him serve as our Episcopal Adviser from 2012 to 2014.  I ask that all Serrans keep Cardinal George and his family and loved ones in your prayers.

The Cardinal always spoke of Serra with great fondness.  He recognized Serra's unique place within the Church as the global lay apostolate for vocations and the vital role of Serrans in encouraging and affirming vocations, and Serra in grateful for his service to the Church.

In Christ,\
John Liston
Executive Director, Serra International

World Meeting of Families.

Held every three years and sponsored by the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world's largest Catholic gathering of families.  Each World Meeting of Families has a theme that energizes and enlivens the event while adding great depth of meaning to our understanding of families.  The theme of the World Meeting of Families--Philadelphia 2015 is "Love is Our Mission; The Family Fully Alive," emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families in our society.

If you're ready to be a part of the greatest event in Philadelphia's modern history, we need more than 10,000 volunteers.  Our volunteers will take care of more than one million people coming to the World Meeting of Families-Philadelphia 2015 and the Papal visit.  See  serraus@serraus.org for links to various events.

A Message from our President.

Please pray for me and our local Serra Club as we work together on our vocations mission and spiritual growth.

The newsletter this month is chock full of local, state and national events.  Of special importance is the leadership meeting for our incoming officers..

I want to thank all the people who made the Sisters' Appreciation Dinner a special event.  Joel and Beth Gumina led the way as chief chefs, with help from Nancy King, Bev Shields and Nancy Mulvihill.  The invitations/reservations were handled by Tim Hile and Dan LaVille.  Dan also served as the wine master.  The set-up committee included Dr. and Mrs. Burns, Len and Robbie Gross, Nancy Mulvihill, and Weldon Schwartz.  Clean-up was headed by Sara VanderWerff, Frank Lake, and a last-minute draft of a Serra friend, Mike Farage, who added knowledge and skill with a winning personality.

May the peace of Christ be with you and your families.  Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us and guide us to dedicated leaders to her call of service to the Holy Catholic Church.

Agnes Kempker-Cloyd

Adoration.  Finally, let us continue to practice adoration in our prayers for vocations.
St. Isidore 24/7, Code 513 or IHM, 24/5 24/5.