Our Children's & Middle School Choir (aka CMSC) is open to boys and girls in third through eighth grades. Their "season" runs from September through May. CMSC sings at liturgy about once a month and rehearses every week on Mondays. The choir also is featured in the annual PSP Christmas Concert, singing alone, and in combination with the other choirs as well. Membership is open to all children who would like to participate and who are willing to commit to what's required.  For questions and more detailed information about the requirements, please contact kathleen@padreserra.org.

There are occasional solo opportunities and one of the most important missions of CMSC is to form young people in music ministry - the idea that rather than a mere performance what the choir does at the liturgy is to lead the singing of the assembly, and to enable their own and everyone's sung prayer. Additionally, when the choir sings by itself at the liturgy, the purpose is to help everyone there who hears the music, including the singers themselves, to encounter Jesus. We are trying to teach all participants in all the choirs that it is a ministry of service to God's people and to the liturgy, and that worship "in spirit and in truth" is what we are aiming for.

To join CMSC, schedule a Vocal Checkup with our Children's Choir Director, ​Kathleen MacAller.

Beginning levels are welcome to learn and practice conversational Spanish to:Learn to communicate practically with friends, neighbors, and people in our community

• learn a new language and experience the benefits in mind and spirit
• learn Catholic prayers  
• will help with conversation, vocabulary, reading, writing.

Do you speak Spanish and would like to help others learn too? Come be a part of this community!
Following Living Liturgy Bible Study. No cost.
Questions:
Patricia Guzman
(805) 827·5903
patty.g.q14@gmail.com

Also visit: 

• Adults Faith Formation
• Young Adults Faith Formation

SVDP relies on donations to support their efforts. Ongoing simple fundraising opportunities include:

•  eScrip
  Simply follow this link to www.escrip.com and use Group Code 136559191
• Amazon Smile
  Shop Amazon like normal and Amazon will donate 0.5% to our St. Vincent De Paul.  Simply follow this link to smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1002110
• iGive
  Follow this link and shop your favorite stores!
• Ralphs Community
  Follow this link to register your Ralphs card

​The donation truck will be on-site to accept your donations of gently used clothing, books, games, DVD/CDs, sports gear, toys, and small household items such as lamps, small appliances, frames, etc.

Every Monday food is bagged and distributed to families in need. Remember our friends and neighbors in Camarillo served by our food pantry. ​All the items you place in the boxes in church are taken over to our centralized storage at St. Mary’s Chapel on Sunday afternoon.

SVDP is open to both men and women who wish to grow in their faith by serving God and their neighbor.  Members are united in their efforts to conduct their ministry with compassion and confidentiality, while promoting human dignity and respect.  To learn more about volunteering, contact: Terri Korell korellhome@verizon.net
​
From a current member of the ministry: 
"Being a volunteer is a blessing. It makes me aware of the blessings in my own life. Viewing the world through the eyes of the less fortunate keeps me grounded and more aware of the people around me. Our parish conference very special. The love and support we receive from our fellow Vincentians is wonderful and the service itself keeps faith in front of everything you do. Come and join us and count your blessings."

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” - Mother Teresa

Working with patients on the oncology unit, it became evident that living in the “now” was a most important endeavor. To be present, one must make the most of their time; live their life with purpose, dignity and support; make the most of this day, rather than getting too caught up in regrets for the past or fears of the future.

But we don’t want to wait until we are sick to learn how to make “now” such an important part of our life. From the moment we are born, “now” is always what we have. The present moment is life itself.

One beautiful method of making the most of “now,” is learning to be mindful; the practice of mindfulness – a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment.

Mindfulness, in this sense, means bringing awareness to everyday life; to daily activities such as eating, walking, or doing chores. Each of these everyday activities gives us an opportunity to be mindful. These mindful moments connect us with life’s rhythms, helping us relate more directly to our life and experience an encounter with God.

As an example, the concept of mindful eating – simply eating or drinking while being aware of each bite or sip – may be used at any time, with any meal, and regards food and its preparation as sacred. The process requires one’s willingness to shift from being on automatic pilot or scarfing down a meal, to being fully aware of the moment as you eat.

Take note of what it is like to bite into a juicy plum. Appreciate the aroma and rich taste of that freshly brewed cup of coffee. Notice the crunch of the cucumber in your salad. Revel in the burst of scent and taste as you break open the skin of an orange. Savor that square of dark chocolate melting on your tongue. The wisdom of ancient cultures shows that food has always been a tool for spiritual growth and healthy living. We are reminded to live consciously and with an awareness of how all aspects of life – from food, to actions, to spirit, to community – are connected with all of our senses.

Christian mindfulness is the practice and discipline of being aware of Christ’s presence abiding with me the moment I wake up in the morning, while I eat, as I exercise, go about my work and throughout my day. Practice the presence of Christ today by taking the time to stop, to be mindful, to fill yourself with gratitude and to hear “Be still and know that I am God.”

Siempre Adelante,
Ann Mulligan RN, PHN
Parishioner

Event Hospitality teams help serve refreshments at parish events with a welcoming smile. 
Bakers provide homemade, delicious baked good for parish events.
Contact: Teresa Runyon

​Also visit: Ministries A to Z

Available in the parish office with our Faith Life Minister, Teresa Runyon, who will listen, help to discern your needs, and provide referrals to our many support ministries, clergy or other resources.
(805) 482·6417, teresa@padreserra.org
Find more information and the list of support ministries that are open and offered right here at the parish at our Care & Support Ministries webpage.