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9/23/2026 Vitaliano “Vic” Niegas1930 - 2026Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday, September 23 11:00 am Padre Serra Parish Burial Wednesday, September 23 12:30 pm Conejo Mountain 9/11/2026 We’ll be “Bach” Dear Friends, After a well-deserved summer break the choirs are returning to ministry, and we are recruiting! What we’re looking for in choir members: • A pleasant voice (doesn’t have to be fantastic)
Today’s responsorial psalm says “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being bless his holy name.”  Music ministry in a choir is a great way to do that! Siempre adelante, Dominic MacAller Worship Minister Readings Join
9/4/2026 Anything Goes … Not!Dear friends on the journey, The increased usage of phrases like you do you; live and let live; whatever makes you happy; anything goes; I’m spiritual, not religious; or all’s fair in love and war, suggests that our 21st century mentality is prioritizing the individual over community and personal desires over the common good. While there is merit in celebrating individuality, the danger is doing so to the point where self-reliance, isolation, and no rules, accountability, care for others leads to tunnel vision, blindness, misunderstanding and even chaos. Today’s readings state that not every way of living, most especially the “you do you” life, is acceptable for Christian discipleship. Jesus’ way, his message, draws a very clear line in the sand for what it acceptable. Today’s readings illustrate the better way of living. What does this consist of? Well, namely, living in community and relationship with one another. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mt 18:20). God is always ever present and at center of our relationships and communities and in God-centered relationships, love is at the center as the binding force, the guide, the goal. In Romans, Paul is reminding us that simply not breaking the commandments is not the way. Avoidance of wrongdoing is not sufficient. He says you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Romans 13:9). Active love is: •proactive •anonymous • patience and kindness when you just want to shout • letting go of the need to be right and first • forgiving the undeserved • inclusive • celebrating others’ successes • humility • the corporal and spiritual works of mercy • giving sacrificially, not from our excess • sometimes inconvenient • being vulnerable • uncomfortable • addressing conflict sooner rather than later • honesty • listening • responding rather than reacting • making decisions for what is best for the good of the many • voting and advocating for justice on behalf of the poor and marginalized I’m reminded and challenged by St. Gregory the Great’s words, “The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” Everything goes when love is given and experienced through action, not just intention, in community and relationship with our neighbors, known and unknown  To whom or where might God be calling you to love more or better right now?
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 8/29/2026 Responding to Sacrificial LoveToday’s Gospel might be a tough one to swallow. Jesus declares to his Apostles, that he is going to suffer greatly and die. Obviously, we know how this story ends and that the gates of heaven are opened with Jesus’ death and resurrection. But what makes this Gospel difficult to hear is our Lord’s response to Peter’s attempted defense for Jesus. If any loved ones in our lives would declare that they will suffer and die, even for our benefit, our basic human nature would kick in and we would try to protect our loved one from the pain and death, even if it’s for our personal benefit. Heck, even if a stranger were to declare this, as humans, we would try to offer some assistance to find a different route. It’s obvious that Peter means well, but it’s not yet obvious to him what the outcome of his Messiah’s death will be. It is not yet obvious that Jesus’ suffering and death is a way to show that he loves eternally. Hindsight adds so much clarity. The fact that we know the outcome of Jesus’ ministry should help us to understand the beauty of the necessity of His death. We know for certain that resurrection and salvation come soon after. Because we know this end, we live accordingly in response to the God who loves us and we share that beautiful story for all who need to hear it, strangers and loved ones alike. What makes this story difficult, though, is that it is obvious that Peter means well as he tries to defend his Lord and wishes for no suffering for Him. While it may be uncomfortable to hear it in Mass this weekend, I can’t help but to think of another theme that I think is vital for our lives. I can’t help but to ponder about how we sometimes don’t allow God to love us uncomfortably. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that God loves us to the point of death. Sometimes it is difficult grasping with the idea that we don’t deserve it. As we pursue our God, let us remember that we aren’t worthy to receive the sacrificial love that God has for us. I don’t mean this in a dreary way that is clouded with guilt. But when I plead for us to remember our unworthiness, I instead plead for us to recognize how God loves us and truly allow Him to do it, even if we don’t understand it. I pray that we don’t allow ourselves to deny the way God loves us, but rather, we accept His love in our lives. We never can fully reciprocate perfect love, but that’s where the beauty of God’s love shines. It is fully given, knowing that we can never give anything remotely equal to it.  It’s just what He does. Our God gives. We never deserve it, but that’s why it’s so beautiful. I pray that we always allow God’s unconditional love to be clear in our lives and I pray that we don’t try to limit His love for us. Even when we don’t understand it. God Bless, Brett Becker Youth & Young Adult Ministe 8/22/2026 Mary "Alice" Martinez1940 - 2026
8/21/2026 Faith in Who Do You Say I AmIn Matthew chapter 4, Jesus went around Galilee “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and curing every disease and illness.” From there in advancing chapters, he gave the Sermon on the Mount, spoke love your enemies, gave almsgiving, taught the Law, the Lord’s Prayer, offered teachings and more healings. In chapter 9 Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me.” In chapter 10 Jesus “summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority “to cure every disease and every illness.” Jesus continued giving signs and teaching parables leading to Matthew’s Gospel reading from chapter 16 today. I am a bit suspended and curious how the apostles witnessed many miracles, saw signs, heard parables, witnessed the Sermon on the Mount and more through 15 chapters of Matthew’s gospel. They did not ask Jesus any questions as to who he was but Jesus did ask them the question that needed to be answered. In today’s Gospel Peter did answer the question and the world changed. Mt.16:15-16 “But who do you say that I am.” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” I have a few more questions... In effect Jesus is also asking each of us to say what Peter said. Have you ever openly professed that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” to yourself, to another Catholic, or more daring yet, to a non-Catholic? With and without words our witnessed Catholic faith should be shared and expressed to others. Many Catholics and other Christians often offer small, toned ways to express their faith. Some wear crosses and others crucifix necklaces. Some priests wear Roman collars, and some religious order priests and nuns wear habits, but not as much as days gone by. Other reflections of the Catholic faith are seen among athletes in sports making the Sign of the Cross or others saying grace in public before a meal. Cars and trucks often have statements or bumper stickers expressing the Christian faith as do various television spots for St. Jude’s Hospital, Catholic Charities or Catholic colleges in sports and academics. Occasionally, I see people carrying and praying the rosary in public. How have you offered some witness with or without words to your Catholic faith outside of church?  All this brings us back to Jesus’ question to Peter and the answer he gives. Like Peter, it is important for us to express Jesus in our lives as we live, act and lead with or without words
the truth of who he is for us. At times I have missed and forgotten that importance. What about you? How are you living, acting, leading and sharing the journey of your life in Christ? Deacon Jack and Sharon Redmond 8/18/2026 Alexandra Zuromski1938 - 2026
8/14/2026 Quiet HeroesSome 16 years ago I came to Padre Serra parish, and soon after moved from the seminary, where I was teaching, into the old parish house on the corner of Upland Road and Hillridge Drive. It was a nice house in a pleasant neighborhood, on a very busy street. I had some friendly neighbors next door who I would run into with some frequency at odd moments. Within about 3 months of moving in, my neighbor, two houses down, made a point of introducing himself to me. We had an agreeable moment, standing in my driveway. He spoke of his wife and daughters who were not present. I told him I looked forward to meeting them. It embarrasses me to say that I never saw him again ... ever, and I lived in the house for over a decade. Granted, my hours can be long, but even still. Just once I saw his two daughters sitting in the upstairs window, but never him or his wife. That should seem strange ... but somehow fits the patterns of our lives now, where we can live in neighborhoods, busy about our own private lives, divorced even from the people living just a few doors down. I think this is part of the loneliness that recent studies suggest is epidemic, especially among youth and the elderly. This leads me to the gratitude I have for the many people at the parish who take responsibility for providing the kind of hospitality that is so necessary in our fractured world. First, I would like to recognize the Marthas and Matthews who come to our church, quietly, during the week to straighten out the hymnals, to clean the handprints of the toddlers on our glass doors, who water the plants and vacuum the carpets, who take care that no unsightly litter is left. Their efforts provide a place that is comfortable and clean, because that says that you, the parishioners, are important. There are a small coterie of people, staff and volunteers, who provide the content of the worship aids, set the music onto the sheets, and artfully place the art and photos. Their work keeps us informed of upcoming parish events and educational opportunities, helps us celebrate recent significant moments in parish life, and enables us to sing along at the liturgies, worshipping God with intent and heart. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing our worship aids, and I am so thankful for all they do. Out at the welcome booth, in the front of the church where visitors are most likely to park, are the first round of greeters who offer hearty and sincere welcome, provide directions to restrooms, and make wheelchairs available for those whose mobility is challenged, sometimes escorting them all the way into the church. Consider helping out in this wonderful ministry. It does so much to create such an important sense of welcome for visitors, guests from out of town, and the potential parishioner who’s new to town or new to the spiritual journey, going from church to church wondering if there is a spiritual home for them here in Camarillo. It would be wonderful if they felt truly welcomed by us at Padre Serra Parish. Is this something you could do for God and God’s uprooted and lonely people? Then there are the greeters and ushers who stand at our doors, welcoming us home as we arrive at our parish, bulletin in hand, helping us participate in the liturgy.  Each of these quiet heroes deserves our gratitude! Whatever we do for the Lord’s least ones, we do for Him. Welcoming the stranger is the way to welcome Christ into our midst. Please join with me in thanking the many who make our spiritual home a welcoming place and consider what you might do to join these important ministries. ¡Siempre adelante! Fr. Patrick 8/7/2026 Childlike FaithHello Friends, Many years ago, I was teaching my 5-year-old daughter, Rebekah, how to swim while her younger sister, Rachel, sat on a pool step, waist-high in the water. Rebekah was learning and growing in confidence, swimming to me repeatedly. Out of nowhere, Rachel pushed off the steps and swam a few strokes to me, demonstrating that she also had taken in the lesson. Truly childlike abandonment and complete trust in my ability to keep her safe. I had plenty of adult help watching from outside the pool, so I was able to enjoy the leap of faith my little girl had taken as I scooped her out of the water and into my arms. In today’s Gospel, Peter starts off with complete faith and trust in Jesus. He steps out and walks a few steps on the water, “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Jesus saves Peter and tells him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This was not the first time that Jesus had admonished Peter for having “little faith”. Earlier, in Matthew (chapter 8), Jesus rebukes the wind and calms the storm while he is in the boat with the apostles. There he says to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith.” In these scenes we can see Jesus preparing the apostles for the faith that will be required of them (and us) for discipleship. In the Catechism we learn: By his Revelation, “the invisible God, from the fullness of his love, addresses men as his friends, and moves among them to invite and receive them into his own company.” The adequate response to this is faith (CCC 142). Faith is entrusting our lives to God and letting him direct our lives. I have made it a habit to start my day with a morning offering. I step out into the world with faith and trust in God, and a desire to remember God’s presence in every moment. Inevitably, at some point of the day, the cares of the world will blow me off course, and I will find myself relying on only my human power. When I become aware that I am acting as if I am alone, I take it as a prompt from God to slow things down and pray. Our desire for God is always a response to his first move. Our loving Father knows what we need before we need it, and our turning to him in conversation is simply an acknowledgment that he has the situation under control and that we just need to understand our role in his plan.  In that pool episode, my daughter did not cry out for me to scoop her out of the water. She was treading water with confidence to get to me, and she seemed to intuitively know that my presence meant all was going to be well. When we have simple and childlike faith in God, we know that God is present at every moment. Let us strive to remember God’s presence in every moment and know that before we cry out to the Lord, he is already there, stretching out his hand to us. He only wants us to accept his hand with faith and trust. Siempre Adelante, Manuel Leon Business Manager 8/1/2026 Receive ... Trust ... ShareDear friends on the journey, In our early years of marriage, while raising young children, my husband and I didn’t have much money. So, when our van suddenly needed four new tires, we were stressed and unsure how we would pay for them. Then God provided. An opportunity for my husband to take on a side job appeared, and it paid exactly what we needed for the tires — no more and no less. Perhaps this is why I have always loved today’s readings. The first reading from Isaiah when the Lord says, “Come and I will give you ... water, food, drink, and life” demonstrates God’s generous care which is echoed in the gospel story of Jesus and the apostles feeding five thousand plus people with only five loaves of bread and two fish! God’s providence in the face of a seemingly impossible situation, to human eyes, was certainly miraculous, yet it simply revealedGod’s way of caring his people. It was for me all those years ago and this “tire” moment has been a source of consolation for me ever since. I believe, as you reflect on your life, you’ll find those moments too. Trusting in God’s care does not completely take away any stress, nor excuse us from doing our work, but it is the hope and comfort that carries us through times of uncertainty. God’s gifts are never meant to stop with us. As Jesus’ disciples, when we have received from the good Lord, we are called to then share the good news of what God has done in our lives with others, to sing the words of the Psalm, “He answers all our needs” so that our family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors — believers or not — can come to know God. The other beautiful part of today’s Gospel is that Jesus never expected the apostles to have enough food. He met them exactly where they were — in their uncertainty, with their limited resources and imperfect faith. They simply offered what little they had, and Jesus multiplied it. The same is true for us. We don’t need theology degrees. We simply need our own story, our gifts and talents, a willingness to serve, and trust in God’s providence. Jesus will take what we offer and multiply it. Where it lands belongs to the Holy Spirit. Discipleship is a beautiful rhythm of receiving God’s love and sharing it with others. We receive then give, just as we are but with trust that God will give us what we need. Our parish provides several opportunities to give back. Just visit www.padreserra.org/ministries to get an idea of the breadth and depth of our ministries and save the date for our upcoming ministry fair on Sundays, September 13 and 20. Today, though, we have a special invitation from Catholic Charities’ OASIS, a ministry to the seniors in our community whose mission is to enhance their quality of life while meeting their basic needs.  This week, take a few moments to remember the ways God has provided for you — perhaps in ways you didn’t recognize at the time. Then ask God where he is inviting you to extend that same loving care to someone else.
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 7/25/2026 Answering a CallDear friends on the journey, God put the call to the diaconate on the heart of parishioner David Gutierrez, one he would wrestle with and discern for several years. Dave answered that call by applying to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Diaconate Formation Program and, in August 2024, Dave and his wife Jennifer entered the five-year program. You might recognize Dave and Jennifer as they have been in ministry here at Padre Serra for over a decade. Jennifer is on staff as Coordinator of Grades 1-2 and, together they coordinate our children’s initiation program, accompanying families as their children prepare for baptism and full initiation into our Catholic faith. Over the years Dave has been involved with returning Catholics, welcome ministry, military ministry, faith formation, gifts discernment and Eucharistic ministry. Journeying in a cohort of sixteen couples from around the archdiocese, their first two years of the program, known as the aspirancy phase, have included: · Continued discernment · Monthly classes at the diaconate formation center in Glendale · Three retreats: kerygma retreat, a Ignatian Spirituality retreat and a candidacy retreat · Study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, moral theology, four gospels · Nine-month Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, known as the 19th Annotation · Bi-weekly spiritual direction sessions · Marriage workshop and evaluation at Our Lady of the Assumption, Ventura · Two preaching workshops · Learning to preside at prayer services and the Liturgy of the Hours · Ministry to the sick and homebound in year two David became an official candidate for Holy Orders on June 21, 2026, at St. Denis in Diamond Bar with Bishop Brian Nunes. They express sincere gratitude to Fr. Patrick, our deacons, staff and t to all of you for continued support.   Prayers are appreciated for Dave and Jennifer as they enter their third year of discernment, formation and ministry. If you feel God is calling you to something more, whether it’s to pray more, learn more, do more, do something new, give back, whatever it is, I encourage you to notice it, pray about it, and if you like, come visit with me and we can explore it more. Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 7/15/2026 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 Readings Join 7/11/2026 Cruz Garcia1951 - 2026
Dear 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:
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 Readings Join Giving Directory 7/2/2026 A Call for the BurdenedIt 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 6/29/2026 David Leonard Andrews1938 - 2026Funeral Liturgy
Monday, June 29 11:00 am Padre Serra Parish 6/27/2026 Robert "Bob" Hearne1960 - 2026
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