St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Westlake offers SHINE (Singles Having Inspirational New Experiences), a social ministry for women and men age 40+ who are divorced, widowed, and never married, and who are Catholic or interested in the Catholic faith. Learn more: stmaxchurch.org/shine or contact st.maxsinglesrise@gmail.com
For care and support during your separation or divorce, learn more about the Padre Serra Divorce Support Group. Also visit: Care, Groups
Persons with mental illness often suffer in silence, hidden and unrecognized by others. Consider this stark contrast: a person with a medical disease, such as cancer, will usually receive an outpouring of sympathy and support from their parish and community; a person diagnosed with a mental illness, such as depression, crippling anxiety, or bipolar disorder, frequently experiences isolation and inadequate support, often because of the unjust social stigma of mental illness. This should not be so in our civic communities and cannot be so in our Catholic communities. Those living with a mental illness should never bear these burdens alone, nor should their families who struggle heroically to assist their loved ones. We Christians must encounter them accompany them, comfort them, and help bear their burdens in solidarity with them—offering our understanding, prayers, and tangible and ongoing assistance. – from Hope and Healing
Padre Serra is committed to accompanying you and your loved one and offers these resources:
Questions: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org or (805) 482·6417 x322.
Sessions at Serra Center
|
|
Deep dive into Matthew
Fr. Patrick Mullen 4 Part Series Monday:
This Bible study, beginning in The University Series, and continuing in the following months, will do a close study of the text, always asking, “How can we apply the teachings of this Gospel to our lives?” Bring your bibles, an open and inquisitive mind, your love for God, and your willingness to encounter Jesus. Come to one night, or come to all!
* The original published date of March 16 date was cancelled due to a parish event.
Vertical Divider
|
The Celtic Christian motivation to find Divine in all created nature speaks with uncanny relevance to many of the concerns of our present time. The ancient wisdom, visual images, poetry, and prayers of Celtic Christian spirituality can re-ignite your imagination, restoring what you have neglected or forgotten. The stories and legends surrounding Sts. Patrick and Brigid of Kildare and their tireless evangelization can help you become a better friend to yourself and others. Come learn more about the Celtic tradition.
Vertical Divider
|
Will we have married priests? Women deacons? A Vatican bank free from scandal? A new slate of cardinals? What are we to make of the daily news from synods, papal trips, and competing factions? Hear the world’s foremost Vatican reporter and learn how to answer “What is going on in the Vatican?”
Vertical Divider
|
Good Grief: Telling A Thousand Stories
Dr. Ross Porter Tuesday, March 31
It has been said that grief ends when a thousand stories are told. Because this life is filled with loss, grief is an essential part of healing and growing, and a virtue everyone needs to understand. Dr. Porter will address the “why” and the “how” of good grief.
|
Fr. Patrick's Picks
|
|
This program is presented by The University Series Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Tax donation statements are available on request.
Saturday, May 16 American Red Cross of Ventura County's 5th annual bicycle ride to benefit active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. Register/volunteer: American Red Cross Also visit: Military Family Ministry |  |
|
Due to Covid-19 and the concern for parishioners' well being, our series has been postponed until April 3. Check back for details A six-week Marriage enrichment series to explore God’s plan for your marriage and family.
Will you love, honor and cherish each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, no matter which way the toothpaste is squeezed, where the dirty clothes end up, during football season, through job changes, emotional and body changes...for the rest of your life? If you are unable to make all 6, come to as many as possible; each night is different. Isn’t your marriage that important? $40/couple. Child care will be available. Questions: Robert & Susan Evans ssevans54@gmail.com Also visit: Married Couples Ministry |
|
Next series begins Monday, February 24
6:30 - 9:00 pm
San Fernando room
JustFaith Catholic is a series that invites participants to look at contemporary issues through the lens of Christian faith by engaging in reading, prayer, thought-provoking dialogue, encounter, and by building lasting relationships with a small group in three eight-week phases.
To broaden perspectives, each of the three phases includes an immersion where participants visit local organizations and connect with those living and working on the margins of society. Each phase also contains a retreat that provides a foundation for community building. Each phase is stand-alone and can be taken in any order.
JustFaith is ecumenical and all Christian faiths are welcome.
"Somehow, the highest praise of God is not in speaking unintelligibly but, rather, in speaking a language of inclusion where barriers are dismantled, circles are widened, and no one is left outside." - Fr. Gregory Boyle
To broaden perspectives, each of the three phases includes an immersion where participants visit local organizations and connect with those living and working on the margins of society. Each phase also contains a retreat that provides a foundation for community building. Each phase is stand-alone and can be taken in any order.
JustFaith is ecumenical and all Christian faiths are welcome.
"Somehow, the highest praise of God is not in speaking unintelligibly but, rather, in speaking a language of inclusion where barriers are dismantled, circles are widened, and no one is left outside." - Fr. Gregory Boyle
Phase II:
Journey to Justice
Mondays, February 24 – April 13
Registration in the courtyard February 8 and 9
$70 per person includes three books, online resources, retreat, and immersion experience.
Register by February 21, space is limited.
An 8-week small group faith formation journey to learn and live Jesus’ gospel message to care for the poor. What does it mean to live the Gospel? JustFaith Catholic will challenge us to revisit how our faith informs our responsibility to each other. It will awaken us to the realities of racial and economic inequalities in the U.S. It will remind us that to be faithful to Jesus, we must live out the Scripture’s command to care for the poor and marginalized among us.
Questions and registration: Michelle Paschen mcpaschens@gmail.com
Journey to Justice
Mondays, February 24 – April 13
Registration in the courtyard February 8 and 9
$70 per person includes three books, online resources, retreat, and immersion experience.
Register by February 21, space is limited.
An 8-week small group faith formation journey to learn and live Jesus’ gospel message to care for the poor. What does it mean to live the Gospel? JustFaith Catholic will challenge us to revisit how our faith informs our responsibility to each other. It will awaken us to the realities of racial and economic inequalities in the U.S. It will remind us that to be faithful to Jesus, we must live out the Scripture’s command to care for the poor and marginalized among us.
Questions and registration: Michelle Paschen mcpaschens@gmail.com
Phase III:
Living Simply – Caring for the Earth
TBD
Participants embrace the invitation to care for the Earth as they investigate the teachings of our faith.
Questions and to register:
Joe Zuback zubackj@gmail.com
Gary Freeberg gfreeberg@gmail.com
Living Simply – Caring for the Earth
TBD
Participants embrace the invitation to care for the Earth as they investigate the teachings of our faith.
Questions and to register:
Joe Zuback zubackj@gmail.com
Gary Freeberg gfreeberg@gmail.com
Phase I:
Living Compassionately – Caring for the Poor
TBD
Participants focus on poverty, consumerism, and the Gospel call to care for the poor.
Questions and to register: Michelle Paschen mcpaschens@gmail.com
Living Compassionately – Caring for the Poor
TBD
Participants focus on poverty, consumerism, and the Gospel call to care for the poor.
Questions and to register: Michelle Paschen mcpaschens@gmail.com
Fairways to Heaven |  |
Congratulations to Our New Catholics!On Sunday, February 23, James Burgoyne, Rachel Naumann, and Jim Shields were received into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Already one with us as baptized Christians, they made a Profession of Faith, were confirmed and received Holy Communion for the first time during a beautiful ceremony at the 11:00 am Mass. We are grateful to God for them and the gifts they bring to our parish community! For more information about the process of becoming Catholic, please contact Catherine Shadduck at (805) 482·6417 x331 or catherine@padreserra.org Also visit: Becoming Catholic | |
Congratulations to our Catholic Charities Partners in Service Honorees!On Sunday, February 16, Padre Serra joined with other parishes in Ventura County to honor and thank parishioners for their dedication to ministry and life as Jesus' disciple. Padre Serra proudly honored Laurie Nichols and Terri Korell. Laurie Nichols and her husband Jim joined Padre Serra when it was established in July 1988. Over the past 32 years, Laurie has been an engaged parishioner and disciple of Jesus. In the early years, she was a faith formation catechist, children's liturgy facilitator, alter server leader, and confirmation retreat volunteer. In the past 15 years, Laurie has served on the baptism team, as a Eucharistic Minister and, with her husband Jim, on the married couples retreat team. She has led our parish Welcome Team from its inception five years ago and currently leads the 44-member lector team. Through it all, she has sung in the alto section of the adult choir, which brings her tremendous joy. Terri Korell's life of ministry began in high school, where she was president of the Young Catholics in Action at San Gabriel Mission High School in San Gabriel, CA. She received her degree in nursing and had dedicated her working life to caring for the health needs of her patients for 46 years. Since 2002, she has served as a Eucharistic Minister. For the last twelve years, she has been a member of our parish's St. Vincent De Paul conference, where she has served as the Vincentian conference and district recording secretaries. Most recently, she has served as our conference's president. Also visit: Adults, Giving, SVdP, Volunteer | |
| 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). A new married couples enrichment series begins this Lent. Visit: United in Love, United in Christ Resources:
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/padreserracouplesretreat Also visit: Groups, Retreats, Spiritual |  |
Become a Knight! There is no more effective evangelization tool than regular, everyday people choosing to live their faith in their homes, councils, community, and parish. Through our programs and resources, we provide opportunities to live and spread the Catholic faith. To learn more visit our parish’s Council 5272 representatives in the courtyard. |  Men’s Ministry: Tony Likovich, Dave McCormick, Lee Pasaraba. Knights of Columbus: Paul Collier, Steven Loeffler. Photo by Julius Acero |
About
Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 has served the Church and its parishes and communities for 130 years! Today it is the world's largest Catholic men's organization dedicated to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping people in need and fostering a bond between members.
As a Knight, men 18+ have the opportunity to strengthen our parish, give back to the community, and grow in faith. Joining our local council doesn’t mean sacrificing quality time with your family; volunteering an hour here or there with your family can make a real difference.
Our local Knights of Columbus Council #5272 is made up of men from Padre Serra and St. Mary Magdalen parishes. They coordinate and carry out fundraising and social events to support a variety of charitable causes and Catholic education.
For more information or to become a Knight, please visit Council 5272's website.
Follow the Knights of Columbus Council #5272 at Facebook @kofc5272
Also visit:
Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 has served the Church and its parishes and communities for 130 years! Today it is the world's largest Catholic men's organization dedicated to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping people in need and fostering a bond between members.
As a Knight, men 18+ have the opportunity to strengthen our parish, give back to the community, and grow in faith. Joining our local council doesn’t mean sacrificing quality time with your family; volunteering an hour here or there with your family can make a real difference.
Our local Knights of Columbus Council #5272 is made up of men from Padre Serra and St. Mary Magdalen parishes. They coordinate and carry out fundraising and social events to support a variety of charitable causes and Catholic education.
For more information or to become a Knight, please visit Council 5272's website.
Follow the Knights of Columbus Council #5272 at Facebook @kofc5272
Also visit:
Shamrock Sponsor $500On Monday, March 16, at Las Posas Country Club, your Tee sign will be displayed around the putting green as golfers arrive, then moved to a hole for the rest of the day. For your kind donation and support you will receive:
All sponsorships include a Tee Sign. With opportunities ranging from $500 to $10,000, Padre Serra’s Fairways to Heaven has a sponsorship package that ideally suits your business and offers plenty of exposure-generating opportunities and amenities. |  |
| Take Communion to the sick, hospitalized and homebound, thereby taking Christ through faith and charity, on behalf of the whole community. Celebrating the Eucharist is central to our faith. However, due to illness or injury, many Catholics in our parish and community cannot join in the celebration. Our desire is to stay connected with them so we have a team of volunteers, Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick, who bring Communion to convalescent, nursing, and individual homes as well as local hospitals. If you or a loved one are sick, hospitalized and/or homebound and would like Communion brought to you, please contact the parish office or Deacon Luc Papillon. Coordinator: Deacon Luc Papillon (805) 482 · 6417 x412 deaconlucp@gmail.com |  Linda Lowe and Deacon Luc Papillon. Photo by Julius Acero |
| Our parish Lazarus Ministry is essential and needed. More importantly, it’s a ministry of loving people into God’s hands after death, escorting them with our prayers and supporting their family and friends. Many non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics who don’t know the liturgy, nor the responses, attend our funerals. As a member of the Lazarus Ministry, you simply attend the funerals, as your schedule allows, to pray and sing the responses. Your presence and participating alone support the grieving family and friends as they celebrate the life of the deceased, whether you know them personally or not. No special skills are required. No time commitment beyond the one-hour funeral liturgy. Just your loving presence and participation. When a funeral is scheduled, you will receive an email with details from Jane Riggio. Questions and to sign up: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org Also visit: Care, Bereavement Ministry, Funeral Planning, Lent |  Photography by Julius Acero |
Offers support to those who are caring for an aging parent, relative, or spouse. Contact: Patricia Sentianin sentclan@gmail.com Resources:
Also visit: Care A Caregiver's Prayer Lord Jesus, who from the cross gave the care of your Mother to St. John, help us to realize that you have blessed us too with the care of someone in our family. Help us to be your gentle hands and loving compassion on earth. Father in heaven, you know my heart, calm my anxieties. Pour out your grace and mercy in my life like a healing balm. Lighten my burden, answer my prayer, and give me the strength to do what so often seems impossible. Spirit of life, remind me to breath - give me a quiet place to rest when I need it and breathe in me your loving peace. Remain my constant companion through this journey. And, when it is time for me to let go, help me remember that my dear one is leaving my loving embrace for yours. Amen |  Left to right: Lisa Barra (Cherubs), Patricia Sentianin (Caritas Caregivers). Photo by Julius Acero |
A fellowship and service ministry where all skill levels are welcome. No experience? That’s alright; we’ll show you. Come and learn or inspire others! The group's projects are donated to several groups and individuals throughout the year, including prayer shawls for grieving families. Contact: Donna Lovato (805) 383·0074 healthysneaker7@gmail.com |  Donna Lovato |
Third Thursday of the month |  Photography by Julius Acero |
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:
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
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
Offers assistance with meals to those who are recovering from illness, accidents, injuries, and surgeries.
 |
“When I was recovering from surgery, I thought my husband could just take care of our meals. But once I got home little did we realize how much time and energy he would need to care for me and attend to my needs. We made a call to Denise and Gwen and are so grateful to Good Samaritans for providing delicious meals which allowed me to focus on recovery and freed my husband to focus on caregiving.” – Diane R
Event Hospitality & Baking
Funeral HospitalityContact: Teresa Runyon Hospitality UshersUshers 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
Lectors proclaim the Word of God to the assembly at liturgy, voice the community’s petitions in the Prayer of the Faithful, and make announcements.
To volunteer, contact coordinator: Laurie Nichols
Also visit: Lectors, Liturgical Service
To volunteer, contact coordinator: Laurie Nichols
Also visit: Lectors, Liturgical Service
NEWS CATEGORIES
All
Adults
Advent
Altar Servers
Audio
Becoming Catholic
Behind The Scenes
Bulletins
Children
Confirmation
Eucharist
Events
Everyone
Faith Formation
Friday
Funerals & Memorials
Giving
Knights Of Columbus
Lent
Liturgy
Men
Message Of The Week
Monday
Music
Ongoing
Other Notes
Parish Safeguard
Photo Albums
Reconciliation
Retreats
RSVP
Safeguard The Children
Saturday
Scouts
Seasonal
Seniors
SMMS
Special Needs
Spiritual
Sunday
Support
SVdP
Thursday
Tuesday
Video
Volunteer
Wednesday
Wellness
Women
Workshops
Young Adults
Youth
News
ARCHIVES
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
January 2017
May 2016
April 2016
September 2015
April 2015
RSS Feed