<![CDATA[Padre Serra Parish

<![CDATA[Padre Serra Parish - News]]>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:22:59 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Elidia Gallegos]]>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/elidia-gallegos1940 - 2025

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, July 25
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[Donna Reardon]]>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/donna-reardon1938 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Tuesday, July 21
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[July 15th, 2026]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:47:19 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/july-15th-2026Dear Friends,

One of the best passages in the New Testament, in my opinion, is this one from Paul’s letter to the Romans proclaimed at this weekend’s liturgies: “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes...”

When we take time to think about what this means, it is very reassuring. When we are out of ideas, out of options, out of energy, and out of meaningful prayers (it seems), the Holy Spirit within us, given to us in our Baptism, prays for us. I think that the Spirit prays for us both in the sense of asking for what we need, and in the sense of praying in our place when we just can’t do it any more.

Furthermore, we are told that “the one who searches hearts [God the Father] knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones [you and me, and all who seek God, however imperfectly] according to God’s will.”

If this is true, then we can be free from worry because we are assured that prayers in accordance with God’s will get answered (Ask and you shall receive ... seek, and you shall find, etc.). Julian of Norwich, an English Christian mystic of the 14th century, must have been aware of this when she wrote, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

In case further reassurance is needed, today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us that God, who is “master of might” still judges with clemency and governs with lenience; by his deeds he teaches us that: “Those who are just must be kind.” I can’t help but think of Pope Francis, and now, Pope Leo when I read that. It seems clear that his way of leading the Church is evidence of the truth of these promises in God’s word, and an example of how we are to treat one another.

Caring for others can be difficult – particularly when those we’re caring for are difficult. Sometimes it’s right in that reality that we “do not know how to pray as we ought.” And what about caring for ourselves – so that we are strong to care for others?

How do we find the proper balance? Who we are and what we do both matter. We are not always going to get it right. But all shall be well – because the one who searches hearts knows the intention of the Spirit praying within us at a level so deep that it’s beyond our thoughts and feelings, interceding for us, according to God’s will.

Siempre Adelante,

Dominic MacAller
Director of Liturgy & Music
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]]><![CDATA[Cruz Garcia]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/cruz-garcia1951 - 2026

Vigil
Friday, July 10
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Conejo Mountain

Rosary
Friday, July 10
6:00 pm
Conejo Mountain

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, July 11
11:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

Burial
Immediately following
Conejo Mountain

]]><![CDATA[Rodrigo Camacho]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/rodrigo-camacho1954 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, July 11
9:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[The Seed is the Word of God, Christ is the Sower]]>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 02:38:22 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/the-seed-is-the-word-of-god-christ-is-the-sowerDear Parish Family,

Our Gospel today gives us a beautiful image of Jesus leaving the house and going to the seashore, as a large crowd gathered around him to hear him speak. God’s word is so powerful and efficacious that it gives life to those in need. I imagine all these people are so eager to listen to every word from Jesus, just like many of us do today in our liturgy.

On this occasion Jesus told the crowd the Parable of the Sower. We know that this parable speaks to us about how we are like the different types of soil, and how we must be like the rich ground, and we will produce abundant fruit.

Jesus’ disciples questioned him about why he spoke to them in parables,he could have spoken to the crowd more clearly. Jesus tells them, “I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” These strong words are fitting for us today. How many times do we hear our Gospel, we only focus on the surface of the story and fail to be receptive to understanding and living out what we are hearing?
When we open our hearts and allow God’s word to dwell and grow in us, we will bear fruit. We must be mindful that we too must do our part. If I am not willing to put in the work, how can I expect growth?

Let us ask ourselves:

Am I making room for God’s word in my heart? Do I seek to understand what I
am hearing?
What “rocks” or “thorns” keep me from growing in faith?
How can I become more like the good soil that bears fruit through prayer, the sacraments, charity, and obedience to God?

God continually offers His grace to everyone, and through conversion and cooperation with that grace, even a heart that was once rocky or thorny can become good soil. And Jesus will tell us, just as he told his disciples, “Blessed are your eyes, because
they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

May we plant deep roots, prepare excellent soil, and diligently cut out the thorns to ensure the Lord has all the room possible to bring forth an abundant harvest!
Siempre Adelante,

Tere Delgado

Faith Formation Minister
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]]><![CDATA[Stephen Serwe]]>Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:49:26 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/stephen-serwe1951 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Friday, July 17
4:30 pm

]]><![CDATA[A Call for the Burdened]]>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:07:22 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/a-call-for-the-burdened
It is always right to rely on God. There are plenty of ways that we can ask God for help. Whether it’s a decision that we need guidance for, asking for assistance on how to love more fully or anything that we can ask of God to give us wisdom and guidance. The examples are never-ending and our God is, in fact, never-ending in His love for us.

This Sunday’s Gospel clears that up even more for us. There are times where I tend to approach God only when it comes to making difficult decisions. Whether they are worldly, familial or involve my faith life, I have a habit of asking God to make His intentions clear for me and to give me the strength to do it. While I think there is something very good about this, this Gospel indicates that God’s aid doesn’t stop there.

Our loving God doesn’t just give answers to the difficult questions, but He is also our Father who brings us peace. He is our Father who loves us so much, that he is willing to be with you step by step in your lives.

Because of God’s personal relationship with us as our Father, we should also reach to him in moments of anxiety and fear. Our God doesn’t just want to give us the wisdom to seek holiness, our God created us so we can be at peace with Him for all eternity. Encounters with God aren’t simply an aid to do what is right, but these encounters are strong glimpses of Heaven, which is eternal peace with Him.

When Jesus says “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light,” it is not just Him expressing that life just becomes easy when you follow and learn from Him, but rather, He is expressing His eternal assistance and His eternal gift of peace. He offers you a glimpse of heaven. He offers you His own example of unconditional love.

A holy life is not avoiding real life. Fear and anxiety is unfortunately a part of our world. When Jesus asks us to learn from Him, we see a shining example of one who overcame fear, anxiety and pain to save the world. It might be safe to say that holy lives will always have examples of fear and pain, Jesus is a glaring example of that.

Jesus doesn’t express that anxiety and fear is sinful, but rather, He shows that He is greater than these. He shows that when life seems at its most difficult, your God is there to comfort and assist you. He is there to give you glimpses of heaven. He shows that this is not the end. And somehow, he shows that suffering can sometimes help us to love others in the way He did. When trials seem never-ending, God shows you that His love is even greater than that.

God Bless,

Brett Becker
Youth and Young Adult Minister

]]><![CDATA[David Leonard Andrews]]>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/david-leonard-andrews1938 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Monday, June 29
11:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[Robert "Bob" Hearne]]>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/robert-bob-hearne1960 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, June 27
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[Parish Anniversary… and Still Growing]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:55:19 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/parish-anniversary-and-still-growingParish Anniversary… and Still Growing Msgr. Liam Kidney, our founding pastor, and the first generation of parishioners built our beautiful church and courtyard complex. The church’s shape and unique seating, the gorgeous woodwork of the ceiling, the sturdy pillars, the impressive, welcoming vestibule doors, and the splendor of the light from the windows all work together to create an incredibly uplifting place to worship God. Fr. Jarlath Dolan and our second generation helped everyone envision and construct our amazing Serra Center, and what a blessing that has been to the life of our parish, sheltering our dinners and dances, our children’s faith formation, and adult education.

I, in contrast, have built a BBQ. I suppose I can also take credit for replacing the asphalt out front. The truth, of course, is that pastors do not build buildings…the dedication and generosity of all the parishioners who made great sacrifices deserve the credit.

And so, on this anniversary of the founding of our parish, I look forward, within this year to the next fruit of the great generosity and goodness of the parishioners who, in this case, are so especially praiseworthy because our coming youth center wasn’t for our general use. Both the church and Serra Center have served us all well, but that’s the point: it was as much for us all as it is for everyone else, and these buildings have been so worth the sacrifices you made to make them possible. But this last building, our youth center, doesn’t serve you, the donors. It makes me so incredibly happy to think that your generosity will serve the needs of young people. It will provide a warm, safe, and comfortable place for a particularly struggling demographic who are not yet able to provide for themselves.

It won’t be a small, minimal space with a stingy spirit. It will be a large, pleasant place to gather, in a grand and attractive building, which will be all theirs. It will wait for them every day, providing a place for youth and peer ministry, for young adult ministry, for scouting, and for young people from other parishes and churches. They won’t ever need to feel like stepchildren in this new place or in our parish. We are building it for the express purpose of bringing youth to the Lord who loves them. The ground on which it sits is holy ground. The building will be a blessing.

We are now entering into the last months of constructing what may well be the last major building of the parish, and it’s coming along very quickly. In fact, the contractor thinks we may be finishing construction before Christmas. And you all made this possible. This priest is feeling incredibly grateful towards you as we move though these last months of construction

The spirit of our patron, Padre Junipero Serra, and his motto, siempre adelante,
find expression in this next expansion of our campus.
Thank you for making this possible.

Your priest,

Fr. Patrick

]]><![CDATA[It’s Worth Repeating]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:38:19 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/june-19th-2026
Our lives are filled with borrowed wisdom. We find funny, thought-provoking, or often meaningful quotes at our favorite restaurant, buried in media events, or within shared conversations. I recently heard the following on a television documentary: “I didn’t fail. I just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.” It was Thomas Edison that embraced this philosophy as a way of life where multiple failures encountered often paved the road to eventual successes. While I agree with the sentiment shared, I’ve developed an additional perspective when considering these words through the lens of personal reflection and what I’ve witnessed.

We have all made the wrong decision at times, felt challenged, or been exposed to trials beyond our control. Most adults have felt the stress and impact of difficult choices, financial and family decisions, or health concerns. This can be daunting at times as we acknowledge our own 10,000 ways that didn’t work as we had planned or anticipated.

It takes courage, strength, and will to find hope in the midst of it all. But, we do not have to go it alone. We have a God that loves us as we are including all good things, challenges, and decisions made. In faith, we recognize this reality and become fully aware that Jesus is the source of our hope and strength. We do nonetheless require reminders from time to time.

Today’s Gospel meets our anxiety with a threefold refrain. Jesus reminds us to, “Fear no one,” to “not be afraid.” These words are not intended to imply that the world is easy to navigate or that trusting Him is always comfortable. It often takes great courage to rise above our personal trials though worry may remain. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to trust God more than any distress we face. It leads us to believe and accept that God sees, He knows, and He holds and cherishes every moment of our lives.

Jesus is offering us a relationship, one where we are never alone or feel abandoned. He calls us to not be afraid and to recognize we are precious to Him. Ultimately, the Lord asks us to include faith, hope, trust, and courage as we journey through life with Him by our side.

Personally, I find it difficult at times to remember not to be afraid. When this feeling overwhelms my thoughts, I find a quiet place and sit with the Holy Spirit. I soon grasp once again that in faith, God is with me; He is ahead of me, bringing me hope. Working through me, God teaches me what it means to trust. And, when I need courage, He strengthens me. Then, I truly realize what Jesus means when he says: “Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

Endless Blessings,

Deacon Luc and Diana Papillon

]]><![CDATA[Gerard "Gerry" Lynham]]>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/gerard-gerry-lynham1946 - 2026

Rosary
Wednesday, June 17
9:30 am
Padre Serra Parish

Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday, June 17
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[Receive & Give]]>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:56:54 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/receive-giveDear friends on the journey,

About ten years ago, I discovered the teaching strategy called “I do, we do, you do” being used in mentoring and raising up leaders in ministry. I appreciate this profound yet simple method and wonder if its origin is in fact in Jesus. Today’s gospel is an example of the master teacher at work.

Leading up to our gospel story, Jesus has called each of his disciples and begun to teach them in word and deed. They have become his students, watching and listening to his lessons on life, love, and faith. With the Beatitudes as a foundation, Jesus has taught them how to live as citizens of God’s kingdom — how to love, pray, forgive, trust God, and follow him faithfully. Moving from words to action, Jesus then began to teach the disciples through miracles and his ministry of healing.

Through all this, Jesus has been equipping them for something more, not just to receive and hold to themselves all his wisdom and lessons. A disciple learns from the master; an apostle is sent by the master. Jesus has shown that authentic discipleship always leads to mission. Today’s gospel is a pivotal moment, the movement from “I do” to “you do.” The Twelve are no longer only his disciples, his followers. Now they are his apostles, sent forth to do and put into action all they have learned. The apostles are now going out to give to others what they had received from the teacher. The apostles were sent out to proclaim and to heal.

This is our life of faith too. We are disciples and apostles. It’s not one or the other, rather it’s both and. We are to be disciples — followers who sit at Jesus’ feet to learn and receive his teaching, his healing, his love, his mercy and forgiveness. This transformative receiving is our motivation and invitation to be his apostles, sent forth to give what we have received.

In the gospel, Jesus did not send the apostles to the ends of the earth but rather to their own people it the house of Israel. Jesus asks us to start at home too. It is often said that charity begins at home so in reality we do not have to leave our zip code to minister for Jesus. Sometimes proclaiming the kingdom and bringing about healing simply means listening patiently to a struggling spouse, encouraging a discouraged coworker, forgiving a family member, reaching out to a lonely neighbor, and extending a spirit of generosity wherever we go, to whomever we meet.

This week, Jesus sends us where he first sent the apostles — not to distant lands, but to the people already in our lives so today I invite you to reflect on what you have received from Jesus that others need to experience too, then, with confidence and courage, go and give freely what you have freely received.

Siempre Adelante,

Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate

]]><![CDATA[The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ]]>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:25:22 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/the-solemnity-of-the-most-holy-body-and-blood-of-christDear Parish Family,

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This solemnity focuses our attention on the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and calls us to profess our faith in the Eucharist. At every liturgy, we get to be witnesses of the greatest miracle, when our Lord Jesus offers himself to the Father, for us. Be attentive! Because of this sacrament, earth becomes heaven for us, we celebrate with the angels and saints. I invite you to lean intentionally as we pray like the Centurion, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Let this be a true moment of self-emptying, and grace, aswe prepare ourselves to receive The Body and Blood, soul and divinity of our Lord.

In the Eucharist, what we are given as bread IS the glorified body, blood, soul, and divinity of the risen One in the sacrament of the altar. This food strengthens us: It emboldens us to speak freely to our God; it is our hope, our salvation, our light, and our life. We are empowered to Go Out, Sent on our mission to proclaim the Good News to others. Though we are unworthy, we are made worthy by Jesus who desires to remain in us. This is the source and the summit of the Christian life, the only way to fill the deepest hunger of the human person. Our Lord’s promise to be with us till the end of times, is manifested in the Eucharist. When we receive him, not only is he in us, but we can bring him to others through us. We can be physically present with him in Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel even when we cannot receive him in the Eucharist. He is always patiently and lovingly waiting for us.

Just this past May, 115 children, teens and adults received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. What a blessing this is. May we always hunger for our Lord, and take every opportunity to receive him in the Holy Eucharist.

For those who are in need of sacrament preparation to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for your children, the Faith Formation registrations for the new program year open on June 1, for children grades 1-12. You will find the online registration on our parish website. For adults who also need sacrament preparation, please contact martha@padreserra.org

Siempre Adelante,

Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister

]]><![CDATA[Kimberly Cafaro Chang]]>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/kimberly-cafaro-chang

1983 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, June 6
11:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[Happy Trinity Sunday!]]>Sat, 30 May 2026 19:23:11 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/happy-trinity-sundayIn the second reading today, we hear from St. Paul, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” We hear this greeting from St. Paul at every Mass, and today, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the love of the Trinity of Persons is top of mind. The Church is one because of her source: “the highest exemplar and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit (CCC 813). Love is central to the Trinity. God desires that we share in this eternal love. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35).

You can see love in action when parishioners use their time and talents to build up the Kingdom right here at Padre Serra. This past April, the number of volunteers who serve the parish was front and center for me as I worked through the process of counting our volunteers for the Safeguard the Children Program. The number of volunteers is impressive and to see that many volunteers serve
in multiple ministries is a testament to their commitment to this parish.

While it is impressive to have over 200 active volunteers, our parish community is much larger. I encourage you to consider joining one of the ministries over the summer. For example, Tere Delgado is always looking for adults who have a desire to help children grow closer to Jesus. Tere is currently looking for Adult Children’s Liturgy leaders, and volunteers to join the Posada and Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe planning teams. There are many other opportunities to serve. A couple of others that come to mind are the Welcome Gazebo ministry and volunteer photography. Friendly folks to volunteer at the welcome circle gazebo are needed to welcome visitors and help them navigate our parish. We are also looking for volunteer photographers to take photos at parish events.

I encourage you to pray about how you might serve your parish, and if you feel called to serve, reach out to one of us on the parish staff. You can also call the parish office or send me an email. Looking forward, in September we will have the ministry fair in the courtyard and there you can learn more about all of the opportunities to volunteer.

My heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who responded to my request and submitted their Safeguard Program acknowledgment forms. We are so grateful to all our volunteers who choose to give their time and talent to Padre Serra Parish.
Siempre Adelante!

Manuel Leon
Business Manager

]]><![CDATA[Send down the fire!]]>Sun, 24 May 2026 01:15:24 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/send-down-the-fire5820670Dear Friends,

As I think about this weekend’s Solemnity which closes and culminates the Easter Season, I try to imagine what the outpouring of Holy Spirit must have been like for those who experienced it as it’s described in Scripture – whether it’s the Risen Jesus appearing in the locked Upper Room and breathing the Spirit and peace on his disciples, or the rushing wind and tongues of flame described in the Acts of the Apostles, or the sudden ability of Jesus’ disciples to speak and be understood in a multitude of languages. All of those stories seem both thrilling and remote.

If there was ever a time where we needed an outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn’t now that time? I write this overshadowed by our collective sadness over a world still at war in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza. How can we joyfully celebrate Pentecost in light of such violence as that, or the economic uncertainty many of us live under, or any of countless other instances of violence, hunger, trauma, and grief?

While we may not have experienced it in such a dramatic way as the apostles did, or as the early church did, nevertheless our faith tells us that at our baptism we were given the Holy Spirit – none other than the One who inspired such courage, such wisdom, and such love in the apostles so many years ago. None other than the Spirit that built the church to which we belong today and whose truth we profess. Even the secular media has noticed a huge increase in the number of conversions to Catholicism, yes, but also to religious belief in general. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles just this past Easter, more than 8000 new Catholics were initiated
– and that is a 139% increase over the number in 2025, itself remarkable.

To what else can this be attributed but to the work of the Holy Spirit? Often when we celebrate Confirmation, Fr. Patrick tells the newly confirmed (and all of us) that the grace of that sacrament is one that is quietly there for us to draw on when needed – when we need the courage to do the right thing. To stand against bullying and violence. To love the not very lovable, and not very attractive. To care for all of creation. To find the outcasts and bring them back in.

We may feel powerless to change our world, our politics, maybe even ourselves. But we can draw upon the Gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us in baptism and confirmation to be God’s love right where we are, to (as a song in the 70s said, probably meaning something quite different) “love the one we’re with”. It might not change the world, but, then again, it might. St. Teresa of Calcutta said we are called not to success but to faithfulness. Plant the seed, tend the garden, leave the harvest to God. Here is a list of the gifts given to all of us for the good of all:

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and piety. Let’s support one another drawing upon the inexhaustible supply of grace given to us by the Holy Spirit.
Siempre adelante,

Dominic MacAller

Worship Minister

]]><![CDATA[Patricia Slavin]]>Sat, 16 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/patricia-slavin1958 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Saturday, May 16
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[The Mission of the Confirmed]]>Sat, 16 May 2026 02:30:21 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/the-mission-of-the-confirmed
This Saturday, at Padre Serra, we celebrate the Year 2 Confirmation teens as they receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Throughout their two-year process, they have been catechized and engaged in small group discussion with their peer and young adult leaders. It can be safe to say, that through these two years, the mission of the teen Confirmation program is to have the teens Encounter Jesus. Can you take a guess on what the next step would be for the newly Confirmed teens?

Discipleship is at the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is through the Sacramental Grace of Confirmation that the confirmandi become further equipped to be disciples. It is through this Sacrament that the Holy Spirit will guide them to bring others closer to their God. This Sacrament is so beautiful, because it really aids them to live out the second part of our beautiful parish mission statement.

I am always beaming with pride when it comes to this point of the year. It’s so easy to reflect on all the fruits that have been born throughout the Confirmation process. If you ever find yourself second guessing the power of the Sacrament, I invite you to take a peek at the large number of leaders that we have for Confirmation. It truly is a sight to behold, and I can’t help but feel invigorated every time I see them.

The interesting thing about our leaders, though, is the diverse amount of personalities amongst them. It truly is a mix between extroverts and introverts. While they may have a plethora of personalities, the shared goal always brings them together. To bring people closer to God and His Church. This is such a microcosm of our Church as a whole and it is so fun to see.

While not all our recently Confirmed teens and adults may be drawn to leadership in a Confirmation program, hopefully they will recognize that the mission is stillthe same. Although it will look different from person to person, different from disciple to disciple, the goal of bringing people to God is still universal. I have no doubt that our recently Confirmed will take this to heart. They have been such a wonderful group of holy people. I’m very excited for their future.

As we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend, my prayer is that we continue to reflect on how the Holy Spirit compels all of us. Without the Holy Spirit, discipleship is a blank lifestyle.

If we ever find ourselves second guessing the Holy Spirit’s power, it is very comforting to know that we can look to our neighbor and see the Holy Spirit working through them.

God Bless,

Brett Becker

Youth and Young Adult Minister

]]><![CDATA[Kathryn "Trenie" Cecchini]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/kathryn-trenie-cecchini1932 - 2026

Funeral Liturgy
Tuesday, May 12
10:00 am
Padre Serra Parish

]]><![CDATA[It Ain’t Heavy with the Holy Spirit]]>Sat, 09 May 2026 02:16:28 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/it-aint-heavy-with-the-holy-spiritDear friends on the journey,

The May 11, 2002, issue of the Taipei Times reported a remarkable story of a mother’s love. In 1972 two-year-old Chinese boy, Hu Jen-chuan, fell from a table and went into a coma. When he woke up after six days, he could not talk or move. Like any parent, his mother was distressed. This stress was compounded by the fact that she could not afford to place him in a nursing home.

Instead, for thirty years, she cared for Hu Jen-chuan herself, a loving care that has shown the unfathomable depth of her mother’s love. So her son would not be totally bedridden, she has done the unbelievable – this mother has carried her son on
her back for thirty years. As of the story’s publication, Liu Kuei-lan was 65 years old and weighed 80 pounds. Her grown son weighed 180 pounds. On many occasions carrying her son, Liu has fallen and fractured bones. Yet she continues to carry him. When asked how she can do it, her reply is simple, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my son.”

It is this love that God has for each of us and the love with which we are to love God, our neighbors and ourselves. Our faith is not just a set of beliefs or rules, but a living, growing relationship with the God who made us and loves us.

Today’s gospel is certainly a declaration of God’s love for us, but it challenges us to move from that knowing to action. Love is more evident in action. To love God is to follow his will and keep his commandments.

So how do we know this? How do we know what God is asking of us? The good news is that we do not need to rely on our own resources to do this. With abundant generosity, God has given us Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. In their generosity, God and Jesus have promised not to leave us orphaned and have given us help: the Holy Spirit, the promised Advocate. The word advocate means one who speaks or acts in support of another. The Holy Spirit is our divine guide and intercessor. She helps us to discern God’s will and desire for our lives, guides us in wisdom and truth, and a constant source of support, most especially in moments when we feel far from God.

St. Augustine said, “The Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of
us to love.” This is the heart of our faith: God’s love for you is personal and profound, like the love of a mother for her child. God created you in love and for love: to know God in a deeply personal way and then respond with your own love in return

How will you love God this week? Who might God be calling you to “carry” right now? No matter how heavy it is, the Holy Spirit is right there with the confidence, support and fortitude needed.

Siempre Adelante,

Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate

]]><![CDATA[Welcome to the Table of the Lord]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 02:58:28 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/welcome-to-the-table-of-the-lord
Dear Parish family,

The joy and excitement of the Easter season continues, as we celebrate with those receiving the sacraments for the first time. This weekend we welcome 101 Children to the table of the Lord for the first time.

We see them process two by two, in their beautiful First Communion outfits carefully chosen and prepared for their encounter with Jesus, but most importantly is how they have been preparing their hearts and souls for this moment. They have studied, prayed and received the sacrament of reconciliation. Filled with love and joy to receive this “sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.’”(ccc1323)

In the same way, every time we receive the Eucharist, we can do so with the eyes of a child receiving for the first time. Eyes lock and light up as the Eucharist is presented — “The Body of Christ.” Hands raised in anticipation, making an altar for Jesus in the Eucharist to be placed, excitedly responding “Amen.” Ever so carefully, pick up the Eucharist and consume it, like wise with His precious blood. And just like the children we too return to our seats almost bouncing with reverence knowing we have the most precious gift possible within us. Bread and wine transformed into Body and Blood; It is the greatest of intimacies and the most profound of mysteries.

We are so blessed to be witnesses of these spiritual milestones. Not just because we get to share in their Joy, but because it reminds us of our own sacraments. How do we prepare ourselves weekly to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? And let us Be Attentive, for we get to witness and partake in the Miracle at the Altar.

Join me in praying for all receiving their sacraments this month, especially the First Communion children and their families; may this day be an initial step to a lifelong love of the Eucharist.

Children, when Jesus comes to you, tell him you love him, and thank him
for coming to you. After the Holy Mass you will have many greetings and congratulations, some may even give you gifts. But, you must remember the most important present today is Jesus coming to you in Holy Communion. Jesus coming to you is the best gift you will receive today and forever!

Siempre Adelante!

Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister

]]><![CDATA[Youth Center Construction Update]]>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:29:28 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/youth-center-construction-update
Despite a few days of rain delay in January, construction of the youth center is on schedule and will be completed in early December. The photos below show the progress to date. Barring any unexpected delays, our young people can look forward to moving into their new home in 2026!

Siempre Adelante!

Manuel Leon
Business Manager

]]><![CDATA[Recognizing Jesus]]>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:37:20 GMThttps://www.padreserra.org/news/april-18th-2026Dear friends on the journey,

The thread woven through today’s readings is the transformative power of encountering the risen Jesus. The gospel tells the story of two of Jesus’ disciples traveling the road to Emmaus when they’re joined by a “stranger.” Their conversation is all about the unforgettable events that had just taken place in Jerusalem. While they do not recognize Jesus on the road, we know that later their eyes were opened when Jesus broke and blessed the bread.

I’ve always wondered how the disciples did not recognize Jesus. Wouldn’t you immediately distinguish your dear amazing friend Jesus from a stranger?! Upon deeper reflection, their recognition would have been way too easy, and we would not be able to identify with them.

Filled with great heaviness, the disciples contend with their confusion and disappointment. I suspect their grief clouded their ability to see anything and anyone clearly. Couldn’t this be said for us too? It has certainly been my case.

Fear, worry, anxiety and grief can have a powerful chokehold on reality. They become the lens through which we see and experience life and this only perpetuates the problems we face. Finding goodness is almost impossible. We cannot see a way out of the darkness. We feel great despair, not only in the present but for the future, which then opens the door to hopelessness. It becomes a vicious cycle in which we cannot see or feel Jesus’ presence, and we question where God is in the mess of our lives.

But their story does not end there. I think this “stranger” in their midst must have been a good listener, helping them feel safe enough to express their tidal wave of negative emotions. (Well, of course...he was Jesus after all.) We know they eventually come to recognize Jesus. Talking with him had transformed their hearts and minds, turning their grief into hope, courage, and confidence, compelling them to share their encounter with Jesus.

Their story is our story and our invitation to trust that Jesus is right with us the difficult times of our lives. He is always walking with us gently, quietly, and patiently, inviting us to see him, trust him and open our very selves to him. Jesus never abandons us.

Meeting the risen Jesus changes everything. The disciples were moved from sorrow to joy, from doubt to trust and fear to witness. We can be moved too. Each time we go to Mass we encounter Jesus very obviously in scripture and the bread and wine. The real work is to be ready to encounter Jesus between Sundays, in the everyday walk of our lives, to recognize Jesus in the people we meet, in the situations that arise, especially the difficult ones.

Today we are invited to ask ourselves whether we have truly recognized Jesus in our lives. Have I experienced his transforming power? Am I willing to share this good news with others? How can I be more open to Jesus and the hope, faith and trust only he can bring?

Siempre Adelante,

Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate

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