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"In the Loop" News

Serra’s College Connection Program Links Catholic Youth with Church on Campus

Parents are often dismayed when their kids go off to college and wander away from the Catholic faith. The USA Council of Serra International saw the need to connect young people with the church on campus and developed the College Connection program to forge that bridge.<more>

"Super" Super Weekend

Plan now to attend the "Super" Super Weekend in Chicago, January 14-17, 2010. The USA Council of Serra International has opened registration for our January Super Weekend and new this year will be the added one-day format District Governor Regional Director Planning Conference. This really adds the "Super" to our Super Weekend. This new one-day format will replace the three event in late February. The attendees are invited and very much encouraged to stay for the regularly schedule Super Weekend meeting. <Download the registration materials>

Begin Planning Today

National Vocation Awareness Week Jan 10-16, 2010
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb 7, 2010
World Day of Prayer for Vocations Apr 25, 2010

International and National Annual Celebrations The Catholic Church annually gives us numerous opportunities to celebration vocations. Three of these annual events include: National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). NCCV annually publishes user-friendly planning kits to help parishes, schools, dioceses, and religious congregations celebrate these events. The kits are developed to coincide with the Liturgical Calendar and Cycles. Search National Vocation Awareness Week, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, and World Day for Consecrated Life for complete descriptions and ordering information. Purchase of any of the Annual Celebration Kits includes duplication rights for a single parish or school only. The Kits may not be duplicated for quantity distribution by a diocese, religious congregation, or other organizations without the purchase of a bulk distribution permit from NCCV. Contact NCCV at 773.955.5453 for a permit number. All Annual Celebration Kits are copyrighted by NCCV. Permit numbers are valid for one year only.   World & National Annual Events 2010 Cycle C 2011 Cycle A 2012 Cycle B NVAW January 10-16 January 9-15 January 9-14 WDCL* February 7 February 6 February 5 WDP** April 25 May 15 April 29 *The US Bishops observe WDCL on February 2 when that date falls on a Sunday; if not it is observed on the Sunday after February 2. **The Holy Father issues a pastoral letter each year for the celebration of WDP. Visit the Vatican Web site for more information.

The USA Council of Serra International Vocations Committee, in collaboration with the National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV), is again preparing to provide the planning kits to Serra clubs through a bulk permit in order to encourage Serra clubs to assist their parishes and Catholic schools in celebrating these annual vocation events.

Available in English and Spanish. These complete resources for these annual international and national events are the no-hassle way to observe and celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL), and World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDP). Includes: liturgy planning guide, music suggestions, homily guide, general intercessions, prayer service, prayer card master, bulletin announcements, clip art, poster.

Please contact the USA Council of Serra International toll-free 1-888-777-6681 or email serraus@serraus.org for more information and pricing details.

Save the date - 2010 Serra International Convention, Anchorage, AK - September 2-5, 2010

Plan now to attend this wonderful event. The 2010 Serra International Annual Convention will be in Anchorage, AK September 2-5, 2010 it promises to be informative, historical, and very enjoyable. We hope to see you in Anchorage! For registration and additional information please visit the Serra International website www.serra.org.

The Serra Leader Summer 2009

SerraUSA Spring 2009

The serraUSA Magazine, Vol. 8, No. 1

SerraUSA E-Store

Shop and purchase select merchandise with the
SERRA USA COUNCIL logo.

The E-Store has been approved by the SerraUSA Council, is operated by Serrans with Grand Promotions, Inc., of Minneapolis, Minnesota and is monitored by SerraUSA staff in Chicago.

Our objectives with the E-Store:

Offer quality apparel and other items via an easy and convenient purchasing arrangement for United States Serrans and Clubs.

Use the Serra logo with approved colors and layout.
Your purchases will give SerraUSA additional revenue to support Serra’s mission.

Add new items in the future as needed by Serrans and Clubs.

The “e-store” does not replace the “USA Council Merchandise Catalog” at www.serraus.org
Use both to purchase your Serra items.

Begin shopping now!

From the Executive Director's Desk

Annual Report

2007-08 USA Council of Serra International Annual Report

2007-08 USA Council of Serra International Annual Audit

 

Serra International Bellringers

The Bellringers October 09 (pdf)
The Bellringers July 09 (pdf)
Serra International Bellringers (May 09)
THE BELLRINGERS (Dec 08 - PDF)
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07 MS Word)
Serra International Bellringers (Dec 07-PDF)
The Bellringers April 2009
The Bellringers Christmas Message
THE BELLRINGERS (Dec 08 - MS Word)
The Bellringers April 2008
The Bellringers April 2008

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USA Council Awards Program!

Are you part of a winning team? Let us know.

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Working for You Committee News

Vocations

2009 Vocation Activities during the "Year for Priests"

Fellow Serrans,

For many years the USA Council-Vocations Committee has identified four annual national Church Vocations activities to raise awareness of and appreciation for those who serve our Church as priests and religious. This year…”Year for Priests”…we are giving extra emphasis to the 2009 Priesthood Sunday, October 25th. <more...>

the COLLEGE CONNECTION program

Are Vocations an interest to you as a member of Serra? I would hope so! Are you concerned about your children or grandchildren losing contact with their Catholic faith while away at college? It seems we hear many Catholic parents express that concern.

Well, there is now a program to help our students as they leave home for college continue their faith journey. This is the time when they will begin making their own choices, including continued involvement in their Catholic faith.

2009 COLLEGE CONNECTION ACTIVATING KIT

Learn more and get started today...

Communications

Attention all Serra Clubs: Do you have a website that we do not know about? Send us an email and we can create a link to your Serra Club's website. Need help please see our Serra Club Webpage Template page for more information.

Programs

The USA Council of Serra International has prepared a new "Suggested Program Calendar" for your club's internal programming planning. Download load it today!

Membership

2008 Membership Strategy

Serra Clubs are encouraged to draft and implement a comprehensive membership strategy for their clubs. Membership strategies will be implemented at all levels of Serra in the USA. Our success relies on you. Download the SerraUSA Membership Strategy for 2008 here.

A one page plan that details what your club, district or region will do to implement the membership strategy is you will need.

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Looking Forward

Where two or more are gathered...

One Serran said, "A Serra meeting should be like spending an hour with Jesus." Serrans believe that when members gather for prayer, a meal and conversation, they grow in faith and are inspired and challenged by each other.

After hearing a speaker or discussing a topic such as prayer, social justice, Scripture, business ethics, ministry or church vocations, Serrans return to work, the family and the community with a renewed sense of how to live out the Christian message.

The Serra club is a place for spiritual growth and fellowship. Retreats, prayer at meetings and regular liturgies nurture the spiritual life of each individual and help members grow together as a Christian community.

Serra clubs typically meet twice each month and districts meet annually. Also, international conventions are held every year, attended by representatives from Serra clubs throughout the world.

We invite you to consider anyone of the following opportunities for you to join us at these events and learn more and why we are Serrans.

On the road...visit a Serra Club during your trip

USA Council of Serra International Serra Club Meeting Calendar

As of October 2009 through March 2010, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations to Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life

His Holiness John Paul II blessed this monstrance for the Church in North America so that during the Year of the Eucharist we all might pray for vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life. In cooperation with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Formation, the USA Council of Serra International is coordinating and sponsoring the tour of this Monstrance to US Catholic dioceses throughout the Year of Eucharist and beyond.

Adoration for Vocations
November 12-Dec 6, 2009 (Diocese of San Diego, CA)
March 1-March 8, 2010 (Archdiocese of Miami, FL)
April 11-April 17, 2010 (Diocese of Fall River, MA)
June 1-June 15, 2010 (Archdiocese of Detroit, MI)
June 17-July 12, 2010 (Archdiocese of Washington DC)

Dates to Remember

Check serraUSA Monthly Planner often to plan ahead.

September-December 2009

September - December 2009
District Governor Visits

December 2009

December 15, 2009
District Governor Visit Reports Due

January 2010

January 10-16, 2010
National Vocation Awareness Week

January 14, 2010
District Governor/Regional Director Planning Conference

January 14-17, 2010
serraUSA Super Weekend

February 2010

February 7, 2010
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

April 2010

April 25, 2010
World Day of Prayer for Vocations

August - December, 2009

Annual District/Regional Conventions

USA Council of Serra International is happy to provide this list of Annual Fall District/Regional Conventions.

Join Serrans from your district and region for fellowship, inspiration, learning, and worship. Discover the world of Serra locally by attending a district or regional convention near you.

 - May God bless you and your work for vocations.

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The USA Council will be happy to post a notice of your district Spring Leadership and Planning Conferences, Serra Club days of prayer and reflection, and other Serra Club events on our website.

Submit your event notice with us . . .

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New England Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The New England Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from Districts 24 and 41.

Mid-Atlantic Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Mid-Atlantic Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 35, 43, 49, 80-1, and 80-2, 84.

Great Lakes Convention

Date: October 8-10, 2010

Location: Historic Hilton Netherland Hotel, Cincinnati, OH

The Great Lakes Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 15, 19, 21, 48, 51, 84, and 85.

District 18 Convention

Date: October 8-10, 2010

Location: Historic Hilton Netherland Hotel, Cincinnati, OH

The District 18 Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from District 18.

Louisiana Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Louisiana Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from Districts 11, 13, and 172.

District 86 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The District 86 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 86.

Region 7 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Region 7 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 8, 14, 16, 17, 29, 37, 145, and 154. 

Region 8 Convention

Date: November 20-22, 2009

Location: Christ the King Retreat House, Buffalo, MN

The Region 8 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 7, 7-S, 7-W, and 137.

Region 9 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Region 9 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 12-1, 12-2, 9-E, 9-C, and 9-W.

Texas Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Texas Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 5, 10, 11, 13, 44, 46-1, 46-2, 125, 125, 132, and 172.

Western Regional Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The Western Regional Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from Districts 3, 4, 31, 33, 34, 79, 81, 82, 83, 127, 157, and 165.

District 1 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The District 1 Convention will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 1-N, 1-E, 1-S and District 1 Canada.

District 6 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The District 6 Convention and will bring Serrans and Serra clubs together from District 6.

District 30 Convention

Date: 2010 To be announced

Location: 2010 To be announced

The District 30 Convention will bring together the Serrans and Serra clubs from District 30.

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Vocation Discernment Retreats

"Vocation is about following that God-given pull or leaning that seems to come from deep within."

USA Council of Serra International is happy to provide this list of open invitations to hear God's Call.

Please contact the retreat master directly for more information regarding each scheduled event.

No Events Scheduled

 - May God bless you on your discernment journey.

Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist

God is calling young women to Religious Life

Serrans can be instruments of God’s call

Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist

Independence, MO

October 30 - 31, 2009

Young Ladies 13 - 17

November 13 - 15, 2009

Single Women 18 - 40 years old

 

Young Ladies. . . Single Women. . . You Are Invited . . .
Do you think God may be calling you to Religious Life? Have you felt an irresistible urge to give yourself totally to Christ and His Church? Have you tried to ignore it but it keeps seeping back into your soul? Then come! Come and share the support of others with the same values and dreams. The basic requirement is an open mind and a loving heart!

The Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist invite you to come and spend a weekend seeking to know God’s will for you. The weekends offer:

Time for communal prayer with Mass and Liturgy of the Hours
Time for private prayer including Eucharistic Adoration
Conferences on Prayer, St. Francis, and Religious Life
Opportunities to visit with the Sisters
 

Extended times for discernment can be arranged by contacting Sr. Andrea

Sr. Andrea Kantner, O.S.F.
2100 N. Noland Road
Independence , MO 64050

Tel: (816) 252-1673
E-mail: stfran2100@aol.com

Webpage: http://www.osfholyeucharist.org

 

Franciscan Servants of the Holy Family - Vocation Discernment Retreat

A retreat for single, Catholic woman. God might be calling someone you know to the consecrated life. You can be an instrument of His call by sharing this message…ask someone to Come and discern.

Who: Catholic, single, college age or older, interested in discerning a vocation to consecrated (religious) life

When: November 14-15, 2009 (11:00 a.m. Sat.- noon on Sunday)

Where: Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102

What we'll do: Presentations on discernment, consecrated life, Franciscan Spirituality, and the mission of the Franciscan Servants and ministry to families. Also, sharing in communal prayer and liturgy, discussions, quiet reflection time, ..

Interested? Questions? Contact: Sister Doris at 816/729-7065 or srdoris@aol.com

The Franciscan Servants is a Public Association of the Faithful,
working toward the status as an Institute of Consecrated Life.

Retreat Masters

The USA Council will be happy to post a notice of your days of discernment, life awareness, prayer, and reflection on our website.

Submit your retreat notice with us . . .

 

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