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5/15/2026 The Mission of the ConfirmedThis Saturday, at Padre Serra, we celebrate the Year 2 Confirmation teens as they receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Throughout their two-year process, they have been catechized and engaged in small group discussion with their peer and young adult leaders. It can be safe to say, that through these two years, the mission of the teen Confirmation program is to have the teens Encounter Jesus. Can you take a guess on what the next step would be for the newly Confirmed teens? Discipleship is at the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is through the Sacramental Grace of Confirmation that the confirmandi become further equipped to be disciples. It is through this Sacrament that the Holy Spirit will guide them to bring others closer to their God. This Sacrament is so beautiful, because it really aids them to live out the second part of our beautiful parish mission statement. I am always beaming with pride when it comes to this point of the year. It’s so easy to reflect on all the fruits that have been born throughout the Confirmation process. If you ever find yourself second guessing the power of the Sacrament, I invite you to take a peek at the large number of leaders that we have for Confirmation. It truly is a sight to behold, and I can’t help but feel invigorated every time I see them. The interesting thing about our leaders, though, is the diverse amount of personalities amongst them. It truly is a mix between extroverts and introverts. While they may have a plethora of personalities, the shared goal always brings them together. To bring people closer to God and His Church. This is such a microcosm of our Church as a whole and it is so fun to see. While not all our recently Confirmed teens and adults may be drawn to leadership in a Confirmation program, hopefully they will recognize that the mission is stillthe same. Although it will look different from person to person, different from disciple to disciple, the goal of bringing people to God is still universal. I have no doubt that our recently Confirmed will take this to heart. They have been such a wonderful group of holy people. I’m very excited for their future. As we celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend, my prayer is that we continue to reflect on how the Holy Spirit compels all of us. Without the Holy Spirit, discipleship is a blank lifestyle.  If we ever find ourselves second guessing the Holy Spirit’s power, it is very comforting to know that we can look to our neighbor and see the Holy Spirit working through them.
God Bless, Brett Becker Youth and Young Adult Minister 5/12/2026 Kathryn "Trenie" Cecchini1932 - 2026Funeral Liturgy
Tuesday, May 12 10:00 am Padre Serra Parish Dear friends on the journey, The May 11, 2002, issue of the Taipei Times reported a remarkable story of a mother’s love. In 1972 two-year-old Chinese boy, Hu Jen-chuan, fell from a table and went into a coma. When he woke up after six days, he could not talk or move. Like any parent, his mother was distressed. This stress was compounded by the fact that she could not afford to place him in a nursing home. Instead, for thirty years, she cared for Hu Jen-chuan herself, a loving care that has shown the unfathomable depth of her mother’s love. So her son would not be totally bedridden, she has done the unbelievable – this mother has carried her son on her back for thirty years. As of the story’s publication, Liu Kuei-lan was 65 years old and weighed 80 pounds. Her grown son weighed 180 pounds. On many occasions carrying her son, Liu has fallen and fractured bones. Yet she continues to carry him. When asked how she can do it, her reply is simple, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my son.” It is this love that God has for each of us and the love with which we are to love God, our neighbors and ourselves. Our faith is not just a set of beliefs or rules, but a living, growing relationship with the God who made us and loves us. Today’s gospel is certainly a declaration of God’s love for us, but it challenges us to move from that knowing to action. Love is more evident in action. To love God is to follow his will and keep his commandments. So how do we know this? How do we know what God is asking of us? The good news is that we do not need to rely on our own resources to do this. With abundant generosity, God has given us Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. In their generosity, God and Jesus have promised not to leave us orphaned and have given us help: the Holy Spirit, the promised Advocate. The word advocate means one who speaks or acts in support of another. The Holy Spirit is our divine guide and intercessor. She helps us to discern God’s will and desire for our lives, guides us in wisdom and truth, and a constant source of support, most especially in moments when we feel far from God. St. Augustine said, “The Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love.” This is the heart of our faith: God’s love for you is personal and profound, like the love of a mother for her child. God created you in love and for love: to know God in a deeply personal way and then respond with your own love in return  How will you love God this week? Who might God be calling you to “carry” right now? No matter how heavy it is, the Holy Spirit is right there with the confidence, support and fortitude needed.
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 5/2/2026 Welcome to the Table of the LordDear Parish family, The joy and excitement of the Easter season continues, as we celebrate with those receiving the sacraments for the first time. This weekend we welcome 101 Children to the table of the Lord for the first time. We see them process two by two, in their beautiful First Communion outfits carefully chosen and prepared for their encounter with Jesus, but most importantly is how they have been preparing their hearts and souls for this moment. They have studied, prayed and received the sacrament of reconciliation. Filled with love and joy to receive this “sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.’”(ccc1323) In the same way, every time we receive the Eucharist, we can do so with the eyes of a child receiving for the first time. Eyes lock and light up as the Eucharist is presented — “The Body of Christ.” Hands raised in anticipation, making an altar for Jesus in the Eucharist to be placed, excitedly responding “Amen.” Ever so carefully, pick up the Eucharist and consume it, like wise with His precious blood. And just like the children we too return to our seats almost bouncing with reverence knowing we have the most precious gift possible within us. Bread and wine transformed into Body and Blood; It is the greatest of intimacies and the most profound of mysteries. We are so blessed to be witnesses of these spiritual milestones. Not just because we get to share in their Joy, but because it reminds us of our own sacraments. How do we prepare ourselves weekly to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? And let us Be Attentive, for we get to witness and partake in the Miracle at the Altar. Join me in praying for all receiving their sacraments this month, especially the First Communion children and their families; may this day be an initial step to a lifelong love of the Eucharist.  Children, when Jesus comes to you, tell him you love him, and thank him for coming to you. After the Holy Mass you will have many greetings and congratulations, some may even give you gifts. But, you must remember the most important present today is Jesus coming to you in Holy Communion. Jesus coming to you is the best gift you will receive today and forever! Siempre Adelante! Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister 4/25/2026 Youth Center Construction UpdateDespite a few days of rain delay in January, construction of the youth center is on schedule and will be completed in early December. The photos below show the progress to date. Barring any unexpected delays, our young people can look forward to moving into their new home in 2026!  Siempre Adelante!
Manuel Leon Business Manager 4/18/2026 Recognizing JesusDear friends on the journey, The thread woven through today’s readings is the transformative power of encountering the risen Jesus. The gospel tells the story of two of Jesus’ disciples traveling the road to Emmaus when they’re joined by a “stranger.” Their conversation is all about the unforgettable events that had just taken place in Jerusalem. While they do not recognize Jesus on the road, we know that later their eyes were opened when Jesus broke and blessed the bread. I’ve always wondered how the disciples did not recognize Jesus. Wouldn’t you immediately distinguish your dear amazing friend Jesus from a stranger?! Upon deeper reflection, their recognition would have been way too easy, and we would not be able to identify with them. Filled with great heaviness, the disciples contend with their confusion and disappointment. I suspect their grief clouded their ability to see anything and anyone clearly. Couldn’t this be said for us too? It has certainly been my case. Fear, worry, anxiety and grief can have a powerful chokehold on reality. They become the lens through which we see and experience life and this only perpetuates the problems we face. Finding goodness is almost impossible. We cannot see a way out of the darkness. We feel great despair, not only in the present but for the future, which then opens the door to hopelessness. It becomes a vicious cycle in which we cannot see or feel Jesus’ presence, and we question where God is in the mess of our lives. But their story does not end there. I think this “stranger” in their midst must have been a good listener, helping them feel safe enough to express their tidal wave of negative emotions. (Well, of course...he was Jesus after all.) We know they eventually come to recognize Jesus. Talking with him had transformed their hearts and minds, turning their grief into hope, courage, and confidence, compelling them to share their encounter with Jesus. Their story is our story and our invitation to trust that Jesus is right with us the difficult times of our lives. He is always walking with us gently, quietly, and patiently, inviting us to see him, trust him and open our very selves to him. Jesus never abandons us. Meeting the risen Jesus changes everything. The disciples were moved from sorrow to joy, from doubt to trust and fear to witness. We can be moved too. Each time we go to Mass we encounter Jesus very obviously in scripture and the bread and wine. The real work is to be ready to encounter Jesus between Sundays, in the everyday walk of our lives, to recognize Jesus in the people we meet, in the situations that arise, especially the difficult ones.  Today we are invited to ask ourselves whether we have truly recognized Jesus in our lives. Have I experienced his transforming power? Am I willing to share this good news with others? How can I be more open to Jesus and the hope, faith and trust only he can bring?
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 4/11/2026 Happy Easter!Happy Easter! The first reading for this Sunday is so interesting. It almost reads like a narrator in a nature documentary. It feels like an astute observation of Easter people and their mission to bring people to the God who loves them. So, what exactly happens in this reading from the Acts of the Apostles? Simply put, the Catholic Church is happening. There is liturgy, community and almsgiving practiced with these disciples. Notice also, that at the end, the number of Christians increases through the activities of the disciples. Please notice that the acts of their Christian devotion are very direct. It’s through Church teaching, community life and prayer (especially mass), that disciples show their dedication. It’s obvious that the Acts of Apostles was written a long time ago. But even with such a historic text, I would argue that the blueprint to being disciples and bringing people to God’s Church is the same today. It is through our Church and her communities, that we naturally become good disciples. This is especially true when it comes to the mass, and the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist, which feels like a cornerstone of discipleship, even back then. The blueprint of the Church that Christ instituted is clear in this passage, and the cornerstone of discipleship hasn’t changed one bit. So what do great, modern disciples do today? The answer still lays in it’s foundation; The breaking of the bread and the prayers. As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, my prayer is that we continue to find strength and meaning in the same way the Apostles did. I pray that through our participation in the liturgy, we continue to awe the world with our faith.
God Bless, Brett Youth and Young Adult Minister 4/4/2026 Easter BlessingsThe rain came early this year, and in such abundance, that I have found a sweet pleasure in viewing our green hills and mountains, filled with wildflowers and life. Knowing the golden hillside hues to come I try to make the most of these beautiful months of late winter and spring. The lush push of nature is a foretaste of the promises of Easter, reminding us of the renewal of life, not so much in our hills, as in our hearts. All that the Lord’s rains have done to the world around us, His grace can do within us. Each of us bears our own set of struggles to this moment, our own crosses carried to our unique Golgotha, bound, beaten, and weary. Perhaps, we are responsible for these Calvaries, but even when we have done all things well and good, the world and its politics, our companions and their struggles, can darken our optimism. For the Christian, though, there is hope. Resurrection is the basis of our faith, and the horizon toward which we journey. It has happened for our Lord Jesus. He would also have it for us, and there is no better time than now. If you have brought any sorrow or heaviness to this Easter Day, I invite you to confidently lay it at the foot of Jesus’ cross. Jesus died while we were yet sinners, because He sees what He needs to heal in us, the Godlikeness that remains in us to redeem, and that which is our truest self for Him to love. Can you, this Easter, simply bathe in your Lord’s tender devotion to you? If we could, we would be like our beautiful Ventura County countryside, brought back to verdancy through the deep and satisfying rain of God’s grace into our arid hearts. If, by blessed chance, you come with joy in your heart, I encourage you to celebrate with full voice and heart.  Whatever circumstances bring you to Padre Serra Parish today, you are most welcome, you are most wanted, and for as long as you are here, you are at home in this vineyard of the Lord.
May every Easter blessing be yours, Fr. Patrick Mullen Pastor Dear friends on the journey, Here we are...Holy Week. For the last five weeks of Lent, we have been on a pilgrimage, a spiritual journey of conversion of the heart as we seek to follow Jesus more faithfully. But we’re not there yet. As a matter of fact, with Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem today hailed with palms and hosannas, we too are entering the most sacred and holy part of the pilgrimage: his passion, death and resurrection. If you’ve struggled with your Lenten promises, if you’re feeling like you missed the mark this season, and/ or you’re desiring to experience Holy Week in a rich meaningful way, this is your opportunity. I invite you to journey with Jesus this week by going deeper into what each day means, moving from routine observance to a more personal, reflective, and transformative experience. Here are meaningful ways to do that: Slow Down Intentionally Holy Week loses depth when it’s rushed. • Set aside quiet time daily (even 10–15 minutes) • Reduce distractions (social media, unnecessary busyness) • Let the week feel different from normal life Pray with Purpose Each Day Match your prayer to the meaning of the day: • Palm Sunday: Surrender and welcome • Midweek: Repentance and honesty • Holy Thursday: Gratitude and humility • Good Friday: Silence and sorrow • Holy Saturday: Waiting and trust Offering a simple prayer like “Lord, help me understand your love more deeply today” can be powerful. Stay with the Hard Parts Many people rush past Good Friday to get to Easter. Instead sit in the tomb: • Hold the weight of the crucifixion • Reflect on suffering, injustice, and sacrifice • Allow yourself to feel grief and gratitude • This makes Easter joy real, not superficial. Enter the Story (not just read it) Instead of just reading scripture, place yourself in it: • Imagine being in the crowd on Palm Sunday • Sitting at the table during the Last Supper • Standing at the cross on Good Friday Asking yourself: What would I feel? Where would I be? How would I respond to Jesus? Practice Real Sacrifice & Service Holy Week is about love that costs something. • Forgive someone you’ve been holding onto • Help someone quietly without recognition • Give up something meaningful (not just convenient) The deeper the sacrifice, the more meaningful the week becomes. Let Easter Be Earned Joy If Holy Week is deep, Easter becomes powerful. • Celebrate intentionally (not just casually) • Reflect on what has changed in you during the week • Carry something forward (a habit, insight, or commitment  May this Holy Week draw you closer to the heart of Jesus. May his sacrifice renew your spirit, his love fill your heart, and his peace guide your days.
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate Dear parish family, In the most recent weeks, many of my encounters with others, people have shared with me, how lately the struggles of daily life seem to be even harder to manage. So many are dealing with health issues, financial worries, or feeling unsafe with everything that is happening in our world. We can feel overwhelmed, fearful and unseen; perhaps we even feel like our prayers go unheard. When we feel this way, consider that a “no” or a “wait” from God is often an invitation to trust a plan we cannot yet see, just like Mary and Martha in our Gospel today. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was very ill, but Jesus did not immediately go to them. The fact that he did not immediately go to them, was not out of a lack of love, that kept Jesus away. St. John clearly tells us in the Gospel, “Jesus loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus tells his disciples, his delay “is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus knows what is to come, it is the glorifying miracle, so that others will see, hear and believe. During these struggles and difficult moments of our lives, we are called to trust in the darkness. Both Martha and Mary each freely grieve and share their hearts with Jesus. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Martha adds, “But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus reminds them, “I am the Resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” Martha makes a confession of faith, “Yes, Lord, I believe.” Just like Martha we are called to trust and have faith, even before we see the miracle or the resolution to our problems. For in our darkest moments, our Lord’s heart aches with those that are hurting. He hears our prayers. As we say in our Palms today, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.” We are not alone in our pain, as members of Christ’s body, we are called to accompany, support and help one another. As we all know, Jesus’ death was an act of immense and pure love. I t was the result of him choosing to join with humanity to the utmost degree; entering into taking on all the kinds of our suffering. To believe in Him is to already possess eternal life that death cannot touch. If we believe, we will see the glory of God.
Siempre Adelante, Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister 3/14/2026 Empty, Fill, UseDear friends on the journey, Well, here we are on the fourth Sunday of Lent, just over the halfway point of this solemn season. Today is known as Laetare Sunday, a momentary pause for joy and encouragement on our journey to Easter. It’s a good time to renew ourselves in the remaining weeks of Lent and to reflect on the hope and promise of new life through Jesus’ resurrection. Today, at the 9:00 am Mass, we also celebrate the second of three Scrutiny rites for the Elect, the ten children and teens and three adults preparing to receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter vigil. Dating back to the early Church, these rites take place in the period of Lent called Purification and Enlightenment, an intense exercise of self-examination, repentance and spiritual renewal. The rites celebrated at Mass lead the Elect to uncover and heal what is broken or sinful while strengthening what is good, strong and holy in their lives. Though they are meant for the Elect, the Scrutinies can help all of us seeking continued conversion to examine our own areas in need of God’s mercy and healing and to celebrate and give thanks for the goodness and holiness of our lives. The Scrutinies are rooted in scripture, with gospel stories of people’s profound encounters with Jesus. The First Scrutiny (last week) is Jesus encountering the Samaritan woman at the well – where he offers himself as the Living Water, symbolizing conversion and our thirst for love and belonging. Today we hear about Jesus healing the man born blind – where he gives himself as Light of the World, representing our call to move from darkness into the light. Next week Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead – where he reveals himself as the Resurrection and the Life, signifying freedom from sin and death. Each story of conversion can be a catalyst for our own conversion which involves a certain emptying of ourselves, a turning away from sin, and surrendering ourselves to God’s transformative healing and mercy. These Scrutinies remind me of a simple but powerful prayer offered by Mother Olga as shared in the Hallow app’s Lenten Challenge: Lord, empty me. Fill me. Use me.  It’s a prayer of trust. A prayer of letting go. A prayer that invites the Living Water to quench our deepest thirst, the Light of the World to illuminate our blindness, and the Resurrection and the Life to raise whatever is dead within us. Perhaps, in these last weeks of Lent, this can become our prayer too. Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate 3/7/2026 If you can find a better offer.Dear Friends, Near the end of this weekend’s gospel account of the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s well, John the evangelist writes: “Many of the Samaritansof that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman. . .” This passage strikes me as encouraging. Let me try to explain. For a long time, and with greater intensity since the election of Pope Francis and now, Pope Leo, we have been hearing that the Church’s mission — our mission! — is to evangelize. In other words, we are all called, required, commanded to share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ. No one is exempt. It’s not just the job of Pope Leo, nor of the bishops, nor the clergy, nor lay people like me employed by the Church. We are all expected to do this; in fact, it has to be done for the Church to continue. I don’t know about you, but I find that a little intimidating. Knowing my faults and weaknesses so well, I question how I can possibly be an effective evangelizer. I guess the reason I find the passage about the Samaritan woman’s success in leading people to belief in Jesus encouraging is because, let’s face it – she had her issues. Never mind her domestic history (Jesus points out that she’s had five husbands – and Fr. Patrick has explained to us that it’s entirely possible she was quite innocent). She also seems a bit obtuse. When Jesus offers her living water she responds with a protest about his lack of a bucket. When he repeats his offer, she again narrows the focus to plain old H2O: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” It was only then that Jesus broached the subject of her personal history and interestingly it was that—sharing her experience of Jesus in her own brokenness—that brought her community to him: “’Come and see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?’ Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified ‘He told me everything I have done.’” So let’s all take courage. If the Lord can use the Samaritan woman, the Lord can use us. Let’s share our experiences of Jesus. They may be hidden where we least expect—in the most broken parts of our lives. And let’s not worry about looking foolish. Moses in the first reading might have looked foolish striking a rock with a stick. But it was the Lord who caused water to flow from it for the people to drink. He will bless our good faith yet imperfect efforts to trust him too, we can be assured.  Fr. Eugene Walsh, SS put it this way: “Jesus promises you two things: your life has meaning and you’re going to live forever. If you can find a better offer, take it.”
Siempre Adelante, Dominic MacAller Director of Liturgy & Music 3/1/2026 Jacob & Judy Burckhard
3/1/2026 Thomas Rene Angeles
3/1/2026 Nellouise August
3/1/2026 Robert De la Torre1938 - 2026Funeral Liturgy
Thursday, March 12 10:00 am Ivy Lawn, Camarillo Mortuary Ivy Lawn 2/28/2026 Lent and RetreatThis weekend, over 70 retreatants and around 40 leaders are in Ojai, participating in our annual Year 2 Confirmation retreat. While the weekend is lots of fun, full of comradery, worship and good times, I would be lying if I didn’t say there wasn’t a lot of sacrifice involved. The leaders have given up months in training for this retreat, meeting multiple times a week. Although it is a joyous time as we are training, our leaders have sacrificed quite a bit. The retreatants are also sacrificing their time, but they are also sacrificing their phones and the comfort of home for a mysterious weekend. Although the benefits of the retreat will shine, sacrifice is a definite theme going into the weekend. I bring this up because this reminds me of Lent. There are obvious joys when we get to the end. We celebrate our God conquering death and opening the gates of heaven. The interesting thing about Lent though, is that our sacrifice somehow makes that celebration even more vivid. It’s through our fasting, almsgiving and prayer that our souls become attuned to the goodness of God. We understand God’s sacrifice for us, and it becomes abundantly clear. Please pray for everyone involved in this weekend’s retreat. With their open hearts, I am confident to say that there will be encounters with God. Whether it’s through Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, Receiving Reconciliation or the fellowship that leads all of us to God’s grace, it will happen if their hearts are open (even if it’s just a little bit). Lent is essentially a retreat. To get away from the world’s distractions tosee God and His role in your life. All these things that the teens are experiencing this weekend can also be beneficial for you! You don’t have to go to a fancy retreat center to go to Adoration, receive Reconciliation and immerse yourself in deep prayer. Please continue to have a blessed Lenten season. As a Confirmation team, we don’t demand perfection at the retreat. God also doesn’t demand perfection from you this Lent, he just wants you to try. If you fall, pick yourself up. Remember that God conquered death, he can also conquer your weaknesses.
God Bless, Brett Becker Youth and Young Adult Minister 2/21/2026 The Stations of the Cross at Padre SerraHello Friends, When I first arrived at Padre Serra Parish, I was taken by the beauty of the entire campus. I was especially drawn to the Stations of the Cross garden. One afternoon, I was admiring the garden when Neil told me that during Lent, he would occasionally encounter pilgrims from all over Southern California who made a day trip to pray in our Stations of the Cross garden. We have a truly unique and beautiful place to pray the Stations of the Cross. I can see why people who have discovered our garden might tell their friends and make it a destination during Lent. On this first Sunday of Lent, I am happy to report that the Stations of the Cross garden will remain open during the construction of the Youth Center. This was not always going to be the case. The original underground utility plan was designed to cut through the garden. The plan also included full restoration, but the garden would be off limits for a period of time. Fortunately, our construction contractor, Anderson Construction, figured out a way to install the utilities without disrupting the garden. You will see remnants of the trenching near the Serra Center, but the garden and pathway are intact and ready for visitors and parishioners to pray the Stations of the Cross during this season of Lent. I invite you to set aside time during this Lent to rediscover our beautiful garden and pray the Stations of the Cross. There will be no construction activity over the weekends. On weekdays, after construction shuts down at 4 pm, the stillness returns, allowing you to prayerfully walk along the Stations of the Cross. On the construction front, as I write this, we are preparing to pour the first phase of the foundation. Rain is expected in a few days, and construction will halt during the rain. Once the rain stops, we should be a few weeks away from framing. Barring extended rain delays, we can expect the skeleton of the new building to take shape in March.
Seimpre Adelante! Manuel Leon Business Manager |
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