Blog Archives

Seniors Christmas Luncheon

11/30/2019

Wednesday, December 11
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Serra Center

Celebrate the season with friends, a festive lunch, and entertainment! Enjoy a catered holiday meal, 50/50 raffle, and entertainment by The Other Reindeer Carolers, a Dickens quartet to fill us with Christmas cheer!

$25 per person, includes a meal and one glass of wine. The deadline is December 4.

In this season of giving, please consider donating a package of new socks for the Family-to-Family ministry.

Contact: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org

Also visit: Seniors Ministry, Advent

Christmas Concert & Dinner 2019

11/29/2019

Friday, December 13
Christmas Dinner
Serra Center, 6:00pm
Christmas Concert
Church, 7:30pm

Come and hear Padre Serra’s Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs, Instrumental Ensemble and Soloists as they bring you joyous music celebrating Advent and Christmas in the beautiful ambiance of the church.
Enjoy a festive community meal before the concert in the Serra Center.

Get your tickets online here

Also visit: Music Ministry

See's Candies

11/28/2019

December 14, 15
In the courtyard

Double your giving this season!
Your See’s Candies purchase for friends, family and coworkers will benefit the good work of our St. Vincent de Paul ministry.

Also visit: SVdP, Christmas in the Courtyard

Simbang Gabi Celebration

11/28/2019

Saturday, December 14
5:00 pm Mass
Followed by reception at the Serra Center

All are invited to this celebration of preparing our hearts, minds and lives to welcome and receive Jesus at Christmas.

Simbang Gabi signifies nine days of Christmas Novena Masses traditionally held at dawn in the Philippines. During these celebrations, churches in the Philippines are filled out the doors, and many Filipinos believe that petitions brought to the baby Jesus during these masses are likely to be answered.

After mass, people partake of traditional sweets and snacks at the town or church plaza and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and festiveness with fellow mass goers.

At Padre Serra, we celebrate this beloved tradition with a cultural Mass during Advent, after which we serve a sumptuous meal to the parish community.

Contact: filipinoministry@padreserra.org
Visit also: Filipino Ministry, Groups, Advent

Blood Drive

11/27/2019

Sunday, December 15
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Bloodmobile in parking lot

Give the gift of life. Donate blood!
Each donor will receive a $10 movie pass.

Make an Appointment

Also visit: Outreach

Thanksgiving

11/26/2019

I am grateful for:

the memory of picnics by the ocean, and Mom’s tuna salad sandwiches with tomatoes,
the way my car starts up so quietly and reliably, day after day,
the trees that turn our parking lot into a forest,
the cinnamon and cardamom and cloves in chai tea, and for tea’s warm comfort,
ministers who show up so faithfully to greet, to read, to share the Lord in the Eucharist,
lectors and Eucharistic ministers,
the path along the Arroyo Calleguas, and for long walks,
the Santa Monica Mountains, and for the wildflowers that grow there,
warm hugs on cold mornings,
visitors who don’t know me but are willing to smile anyway,
the sight of tried and true parishioners making their way into the church,
the sound of the Our Father, chanted with devotion and affection, and the sight of our community with hands joined all-round the altar,
the warmth of flannel, the softness of cotton, and the comfort of denim,
wine with friends, food with friends, and friends,
squint-free sunglasses,
Chopin’s Nocturne B-Moll, op. 9/1,
sushi, Chinese food, Mexican food, in fact, all the foods,
the bright rainbows that form on cut crystal,

the shadows of trees bending in the wind,
the ripple of light on the ocean,
the thought of Christmas trees and ornaments, the lights, and carols,
long conversations into the night over things that matter,
the humility and beauty of what happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
the dark chocolate Dove squares that Pam leaves out, salty snacks, and cheese – oh yes, and cheese!
Sunday comics,
that moment when my work is done for the day,
a good book in a comfy chair,
the many nights I fall asleep quickly,
eyesight,
that shade of green that happens when sunlight passes through leaves,
cooking podcasts and new recipes,
leisurely time with a newspaper,
every parent who tries to share their love and devotion for God with their children,
the sound of rainfall,
most every song by Simon and Garfunkel,
the kindness of strangers,
the surprisingly large number of times when people around me drive respectfully and well,
good walking shoes,
the many, many volunteers that make our parish so special,
and, as always, for rocky road ice cream, and for everything it stands for!

Can we ever be grateful enough? I don’t think so. Please know with certainty that one of my greatest points of gratitude is for you parishioners, for your goodness, for your support. I hope you have a longer list than mine. Consider making your own list. It lifts your heart!

May you have a lovely Thanksgiving, free of political discord, and full of affection, good food, and gratitude to the Lord, who makes all things possible.

Siempre adelante!

Fr. Patrick

Christmas Mass

11/26/2019

Christmas Eve Mass
Tuesday, December 24
4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 11:00 pm in church
4:15 pm in Serra Center

Christmas Day Mass
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 am in church

Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors...All are welcome!

Also visit: New Year's Mass

Photo by Julius Acero

Fifth Sunday Rosary

11/25/2019

Sunday, December 29
10:15 am
Worship Garden

“Prayer can truly change your life. For it turns your attention away from yourself and directs your mind and heart toward the Lord.” Saint John Paul II

Praying the rosary is a distinctively Catholic experience we can share in family and community.

Hosted by the Knights of Columbus

Contact:
John (805) 587·1210

Also visit: Prayer, Knights of Columbus

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

11/24/2019

New Year's Mass
Wednesday, January 1
10:00 am in the church

Begin the New Year celebrating Mass. It is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, the World Day of Peace, and the first day of New Year's resolutions!

Why do Catholics call Mary “the Mother of God”?
The Catholic Church dedicates the first day of our secular year, January 1, to Mary under her title “Mother of God.” This title was officially affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 C.E. although Mary had been called “Theotokos” (The Bearer of God) since the very early days of the Church.

As with all Marian dogmas, “Mother of God” says more about Jesus than about Mary. It reinforces our belief that Jesus is, truly and fully, both human and divine. Mary always points us to her Son and our relationship with him.

What does this mean for us? We hold Mary as our model. She is the first person who received Jesus into herself and birthed him into the world. She encourages us also to be bearers of Jesus to our world…to our families, neighborhoods, workplaces and beyond. As disciples of Mary’s Son we are called to bring God’s love, compassion, mercy and healing to others. We ask Mary to pray for us that we may be given the grace to do this each and every day.

33 Days to Morning Glory

11/23/2019

Saturdays, January 4 to February 8
9:30 to 11:30 am
San Juan Capistrano room
Consecration service on February 15

Encounter Jesus through Mary.
Written by Fr. Michael Gaitley, 33 Days to Morning Glory is a six-week small group journey to draw closer to Jesus through his mother, culminating in consecration to him through Mary. We'll learn what the Church and four great saints - Louis de Montfort, Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, John Paul II - have to teach us about the power and influence Mary and then how to live as better disciples. Whether you are brand new to the concept of Marian Consecration, or you wish to renew your consecration, you are invited.

Questions: Grace Martinez grace@padreserra.org

Epiphany

11/22/2019

Monday, January 6

The Epiphany of the Lord celebrates more than the familiar story of the magi who travel from the east bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the Christ child.

The word "epiphany" means a moment of understanding or insight. This story, found only in the Gospel of Matthew, gives us a theological insight into who Jesus is and why he was born.

Jesus is revealed to the magi, foreigners who have traveled a great distance to find and worship him, as the Lord of all nations. Jesus is the ultimate gift from God who comes with authority (gold) to heal and forgive (frankincense), and to conquer death once and for all (myrrh).

He is the ultimate sign of God's love, a love that knows no limits and includes everyone.

Epiphany Home Blessing

THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI - MATHIAS STOMER

Divorce Support

11/21/2019

A ministry for those healing from divorce

First & Third Tuesday of the month
7:00 - 8:30 pm
San Fernando room

Our next meeting is December 17.

All Catholics/Christians impacted by divorce are welcome and we join as a family-of-sorts to journey together, sharing collective lessons learned and resources available, holding each other up in prayer, and serving our community.

We offer a welcoming environment for people dealing with divorce whether they are in the earliest (often most painful) stages of grief, the initial stages of coping with difficult changes (making necessary life adjustments), or whether they are through the worst of it and now looking to move forward, grow, and serve.

Our mission is:

To be instruments through which God can embrace Catholics/Christians who have experienced divorce, by offering acceptance, comfort, encouragement, reconciliation and healing
To be instruments through which divorced Catholics/Christians are encouraged to listen to the Word of God, attend mass, persevere in prayer, contribute to works of charity and to community efforts for justice, bring up their children in the Christian faith, and cultivate the spirit and practice of reconciliation and thus implore, day by day, God’s grace.

Our Motto is F.R.O.G. Fully Rely On God
Contact: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org

Also visit: Groups, Care

Grace Martinez, Cynthia Jones Campbell, Jett Clyne.
Photo by Julius Acero

Men's Fellowship Dinner

11/21/2019

Every Fourth Saturday
January - October
6:30pm

If you are interested in becoming involved and wish to be on our mailing list please contact us.

Contacts (by email):
Dave McCormick
Tony Likovich
Find us on Facebook

Also visit: Men's Ministry

Altar Server Training

11/21/2019

Boys and girls grades five and up and high school teens.

Begins Sunday, January 12
2:30 pm
In the church

Have you always been interested in becoming an altar server but just haven’t had time? This is your chance!

Boys and girls in grades five an up and high school teens are invited to join this truly special ministry.

Intense training, offered only once a year, to learn the order of the Mass and all the basics of serving covered in seven 2.5-hour sessions.

Join this inspiring group!

Sign-up: robert_shadduck@msn.com

Also visit: Altar Servers

Scripture’s FAQ

11/20/2019

Fr. Patrick Mullen
Monday, January 13
7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Peter Claver
West hall of the parish center
at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

The adult faith formation committee of St. Peter Claver parish invites you for an informative, uplifting, and interactive question and answer session with Fr. Patrick who will address the many challenging and interesting questions about our sacred scripture.
Refreshments will served.
Free will offering appreciated.
Questions:
Office of Faith Formation (805) 526·0680
adultfaithformation@saintpeterclaver.org

Peace & Justice

11/20/2019

Questions: Deacon Luc Papillon
peaceandjustice@padreserra.org

Third Thursday of the month
7:00 - 9:00 pm
San Fernando Room
Bimonthly Team Meeting

Our team works towards making Catholic social justice permeate the life of the parish, with local and global foci on the needs of the vulnerable and the excluded. We provide learning and growing opportunities for parishioners to fully live out Catholic social teaching and to see the face of Jesus through actions such as: feeding, clothing, and housing the poor visiting prisoners caring for life at every stage changing systems that are unjust. All are welcome!

See also: PAX Christi, CROP Walk, Just Faith

Photography by Julius Acero

Lemons on the Loose

11/20/2019

Third Wednesday of the month
7:00 pm
Santa Barbara room

Lemons on the Loose is a monthly gathering for women of all ages to enjoy each other’s company, sharing fellowship and laughter while playing Bonkers.
Don’t know how to play this dice game? That’s okay; we'll show you.
$5/person. Proceeds benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Contact: Kathy Quantock or Michelle Paschen

Also visit: Groups, Women's Ministry

Scouts

11/19/2019

Padre Serra Parish is proud to charter a Boy Scout Troop and support three Girl Scouts units.

Boy Scout Troop #257

Our parish charters Troop #257 for boys in grades 6-12. For more information about Boy Scouts in general please visit their website or the Ventura County Council.
For more information about Boy Scouts, please contact:
Terry Tong
terrytong76@gmail.com

Vertical Divider

Girl Scouts

For more information about Girl Scouts, please contact:
Karen Fraser
(805) 987 · 8432
fraserclan5@verizon.net

Prayer Chain

11/19/2019

Prayer support anytime, all year.
Bette Church: (805) 482 · 0067
Shirley (805) 482 · 2617

Also visit: Prayer

Photography by Julius Acero

Women’s Retreats

11/19/2019

We offer a variety of retreat styles to meet the needs of the women and friends of our parish family.

Weekend Retreat
with Fr. Jim Clarke
January 24 - 26
Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes

A weekend retreat created by and for the women of Padre Serra. The retreat is currently full. To be put on the waiting list, contact:
Teresa Runyon: teresa@padreserra.org

Silent Retreat
June 12 - 14
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in
Sierra Madre

A silent weekend retreat with the women of our parish as well as women from other local parishes. Read more about this year's theme God is Doing Something New is Us: Exploring Paths of Deepening Faith.
Contact: Eileen Richards

Also visit: Women's Ministry, Groups

Hospitality

11/18/2019

Event Hospitality & Baking

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

Funeral Hospitality

Contact: Teresa Runyon

Hospitality Ushers

Ushers welcome us as we arrive to worship, helping us find our way around the worship space and into comfortable seats, facilitating our processions (especially at Communion), and handing out worship aids and bulletins. They also help all of us be responsible stewards by taking up the collection at the liturgy. Contact: Paul Collier

Also visit: Ministries A to Z

Open Hearts (LGBT)

11/18/2019

A fellowship ministry where LGBTQ brothers, sisters, and their families and friends in Christ are welcome in a safe harbor to explore spirituality and share experiences, strength, and hope.

Contact: Sue Powers (805) 390-2824 or openheartspadreserra@gmail.com

Sue Powers and Margaret Vesprini
Photo By Julius Acero

Married Couples Ministry

11/18/2019

Retreat
February 14 - 16, 2020
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre

Registration is still open. Reserve your spot today!
$400 per couple / $100 deposit required at registration.
Visit the parish office or contact Christine Olsen christine@padreserra.org

To see the beautiful retreat center visit: www.materdolorosa.org

All couples are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to enrich and strengthen your marriage, sacrament and relationship with one another and God.

The Catechism teaches that "Christ’s grace in the Sacrament of Marriage protects the essential purposes of marriage: the good of the couple and the generation and education of children. These purposes are protected and fostered by the permanence of the marriage bond and the mutual fidelity of spouses” (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, 283).

Resources:

Follow Us:
www.facebook.com/padreserracouplesretreat

Foster Kids & Families

11/17/2019

Contact:
Aubrey Alexander or Teresa Runyon

We have partnered with VC Foster Kids' Faith in Motion program, our parish invites you to consider the following ways to support and care for children in the foster care system from birth to transitioning young adults and their families.

There are many ways to get involved. Become a:

Prayer companion
Business partner
Donor
Volunteer
Respite caregiver
Mentor
Foster family

To learn about the many ways to be involved from prayer companion to becoming a foster family and everything in between and/or to help with our first project, email Teresa Runyon or Aubrey Alexnader

Also visit: Care

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

11/17/2019

Eucharistic Ministers serve the Body and Blood of Jesus to the community at liturgy. Coordinated by Wendy Grasso, this ministry is open to additional volunteers.

<<Previous

​News

Wednesday, December 1111:00 am - 2:00 pmSerra Center

Friday, December 13Christmas Dinner Serra Center, 6:00pm​Christmas ConcertChurch, 7:30pm

December 14, 15In the courtyard

Saturday, December 145:00 pm MassFollowed by reception at the Serra Center

Sunday, December 158:00 am - 12:30 pmBloodmobile in parking lot

Christmas Eve MassTuesday, December 244:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 11:00 pm in church4:15 pm in Serra CenterChristmas Day MassWednesday, December 2510:00 am in ​church

​Sunday, December 2910:15 amWorship Garden

New Year's MassWednesday, January 110:00 am in the church

Saturdays, January 4 to February 89:30 to 11:30 amSan Juan Capistrano roomConsecration service on February 15

Please RSVP

Monday, January 6

First & Third Tuesday of the month7:00 - 8:30 pm​San Fernando roomOur next meeting is December 17.

Every Fourth Saturday​January - October6:30pm

Begins Sunday, January 122:30 pm​In the church

Fr. Patrick MullenMonday, January 137:00 - 8:30 pmSt. Peter ClaverWest hall of the parish center​at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

Third Wednesday of the month​7:00 pmSanta Barbara room

Padre Serra Parish is proud to charter a Boy Scout Troop and support three Girl Scouts units.

​Boy Scout Troop #257

​Girl Scouts

Weekend Retreatwith Fr. Jim ClarkeJanuary 24 - 26Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes

Silent RetreatJune 12 - 14Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre

Event Hospitality & Baking

Funeral Hospitality

Hospitality Ushers

RetreatFebruary 14 - 16, 2020Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre

NEWS CATEGORIES

NewsARCHIVES

Mass Schedule

​​Reconciliation (Confession)

Blessed Sacrament Chapel Hours

Office Hours

Telephone

For emergencies requiringa priest after hours, such as serious illness or death, ​please call:

Address​

Guest WiFi

Staff Login​​Contact Communication

News

Wednesday, December 11
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Serra Center

Friday, December 13
Christmas Dinner
Serra Center, 6:00pm
Christmas Concert
Church, 7:30pm

December 14, 15
In the courtyard

Saturday, December 14
5:00 pm Mass
Followed by reception at the Serra Center

Sunday, December 15
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Bloodmobile in parking lot

Christmas Eve Mass
Tuesday, December 24
4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 11:00 pm in church
4:15 pm in Serra Center

Christmas Day Mass
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 am in church

Sunday, December 29
10:15 am
Worship Garden

New Year's Mass
Wednesday, January 1
10:00 am in the church

Saturdays, January 4 to February 8
9:30 to 11:30 am
San Juan Capistrano room
Consecration service on February 15

First & Third Tuesday of the month
7:00 - 8:30 pm
San Fernando room

Our next meeting is December 17.

Every Fourth Saturday
January - October
6:30pm

Begins Sunday, January 12
2:30 pm
In the church

Fr. Patrick Mullen
Monday, January 13
7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Peter Claver
West hall of the parish center
at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

Third Wednesday of the month
7:00 pm
Santa Barbara room

Boy Scout Troop #257

Girl Scouts

Weekend Retreat
with Fr. Jim Clarke
January 24 - 26
Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes

Silent Retreat
June 12 - 14
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in
Sierra Madre

Retreat
February 14 - 16, 2020
Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre

News
ARCHIVES

Reconciliation (Confession)

For emergencies requiring
a priest after hours,
such as serious illness or death,
please call:

Address

Staff Login

Contact Communication