Thank you from the Catholic Chapel’s Ministry at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility!

A note of gratitude from the Chaplain Maria de la Luz “Lulu” Santana for Padre Serra’s support at Christmas
 
Dear Padre Serra community,
 
On behalf of the youth and staff at the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility, I offer our gratitude to you for once again responding with such generosity to support the Catholic Chapel’s ministry. This past December’s Advent Angel program resulted in $3,890 in Target gift cards!  We will be able to use the cards all year long for a variety of outreach and programs.
 
We were able to immediately use a number of the gift cards to purchase items for a Christmas Eve treat bag that each youth received the morning of December 24. The gift bag was an ecumenical effort from various Ventura County church communities and Catholic schools, including decorated bags by students at St. Anthony’s School, Oxnard.
 
Given the continued impact of COVID related protocols that restrict in-person volunteer visits, the gift bags were a visible sign to our youth and staff that our church communities continue to care and find ways to support our youth who are incarcerated. Indeed, some of the words of appreciation that youth asked me to convey to those who made donations include:
  • “Thank you for not forgetting us!”
  • “Thanks for everything you do for us. It’s truly appreciated.”
  • “Thank you for your kindness. God bless you.”
  • “Thank you for all the love you show us.”
  • “Thank you for the clutch holiday stuff!”
  • “We appreciate you. Thank you.”
 
I am moved and inspired by Padre Serra’s support.
 
With gratitude,
Lulu

​​January 2022

Christmas Gift Giving

Thank You from Angel Tags 2021
Sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make our Christmas gift share a success. Over a thousand kids & adults received gifts this year. This included gifts cards for the youth facility and 100 cards for seniors at OASIS. The communities of Fillmore, Piru, and Rain are so grateful for everyone who gave their time and resources to selflessly provide gifts to these kids & adults who wouldn't have a Christmas without your help. We also extend appreciation to all the Confirmation candidates and volunteers who helped sort & bag the gifts.
​About
​Help a child or adult have a special Christmas morning! Pick up a tag from the Christmas trees in the church, purchase at least one of the items listed, and attach the Angel Tag firmly to the outside of the package. Return the wrapped gift to the church.

Questions:
Geralyn Moody
​angeltags@padreserra.org