Dear Friends,

Today’s reading from Mark’s gospel is one of my favorites, but with some caveats. I love what Jesus teaches his apostles after his conversation with James and John (Zebedee’s sons):

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

It reminds me of a story one of our well-loved parishioners tells about when he and his wife first arrived at Padre Serra. She asked him how they would ever get to know people and be part of this new community into which they had moved. His answer was something like this: “That’s easy. Whatever activity or event we go to, we just stay after and help clean up.” They did that, and, sure enough, their experience was exactly as he’d predicted. They got to know more and more people, good people, who came to love and value them and they felt themselves more and more deeply drawn into the life of the parish and its people.

It is taking me a little longer to learn this lesson but I can say that in some cases where I’d rather not, but it seemed the only right thing to do, when I pitched in and helped with post-party or post-meeting cleanup, it has proved to be a way of connecting to other people and I walk away with a sense of peace.

I have a long way to go. This willingness to be of service comes from a radical sense of the value of the person we try to help, indeed, from an awareness of their having been made in God’s image and likeness. Saints see that value readily, even in the most wretched (St. Teresa of Calcutta comes to mind). For me, I have to make an effort of will sometimes, and ask for God’s help to see it in the people I encounter at home, or at work, or in the news.

Returning to the conversation between Jesus, James and John before the passage above. It seems that the two apostles are looking for a shortcut to greatness. “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” When Jesus says to them “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” their glib response “we can” leaves me shaking my head at their apparent cluelessness. Of course James and John did go on to become great saints, so maybe there is hope for me when I am dense and self-absorbed, but not without cost:

The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized

If I read this correctly, there will be suffering for me, even were I to follow Jesus perfectly (which of course I can’t). It’s the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews that gives me (us) hope, in spite of my desire for glory and my reluctance sometimes to roll up my sleeves and serve. The author, referring to Jesus, says:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Thanks be to God. Let’s pray for one another.

Siempre Adelante,

Dominic MacAller
Worship Minister

​Contact: Dave McCormick  
​
If you are interested in becoming involved and wish to be on our mailing list please contact us.
Find us on Facebook

Also visit: Men's Ministry

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.
​For more information, contact coordinator: Laurie Nichols

Also visit: Lectors, Liturgical Service

Sacristan ministry is coordinated by Deacon Neil Kingsley.
Sacristans ensure that all the materials needed to celebrate liturgy are ready and in place for each celebration.

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

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.

​All seniors are invited to a weekly adaptive exercise class.
No class on October 24.
​
​Contact:
Marg (805) 405 · 9901

Provides a variety of human services to seniors, aged 60+, supports their independence and dignity, while protecting their quality of life through friendly volunteer visits, in-home needs assessment, on-going case management and transportation assistance to medical and other appointments.
A branch of Catholic Charities, Camarillo Office: (805) 987 · 2083

Next gathering: October 27​ at Ottavios Italian Restaurant 
1620 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo

Contacts (by email):
Dave McCormick
Tony Likovich

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

Also visit: Men's Ministry

Robert D. Shadduck is the Director of Altar Servers, a position held for 20 years. He holds a Certificate of Director of Liturgy from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and has worked as Director of Worship in two parishes.  Bob has served as master of ceremonies for several bishops and directed major liturgies including Dedication of a Church, ordinations, Chrism Masses, countless Triduum liturgies, and Confirmations.  He has worked with the RCIA process for over eighteen years as catechist and director of rites. Bob received both his bachelor and master degrees from Loyola University of Los Angeles. In 1999, he was bestowed the Papal Honor “Benemerenti” by Pope John Paul II, in recognition of committed service to Christ and the Church.  He is also the recipient of the Ad Altare Dei award.
​Bob Shadduck co-authored Guide for Servers (Español), a book in The Liturgical Ministry Series published by Liturgy Training Publications in Chicago.

Our warmest welcome to all who celebrate with us.
Please help us keep our records up to date.
​Go to Join to complete a parish registration form or confirm your household information.
Moving? To be removed from the census: liz@padreserra.org