Good Friday is a most solemn day for all Christians.  Catholics have a powerful liturgical service that takes us deep into the mystery of the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In silence the clergy process in and lie prostrate around the altar as we begin.  A beautiful and moving sung rendition of St. John’s Gospel account of the crucifixion is proclaimed followed by a solemn presentation of a wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” 

​The assembly then processes to the cross to kiss or touch it in an act of veneration. The service continues with the distribution of Holy Communion.  All depart in silence.  The cross is displayed in the church throughout the afternoon for those who wish to visit and pray.

Also visit: Triduum, Living Stations of the Cross

The Easter Vigil is celebrated at the center of the Sacred Triduum and is called the “night of nights.”  It is the heart of Christianity and of our Church. It is Easter!

​The Vigil begins in the courtyard around a bonfire representing the light of Christ from which the new Paschal Candle is lit.  Those assembled light tapers from the candle and process behind it into the darkened church where scripture selections are proclaimed to remind us of God’s great love poured out through the ages for our salvation, culminating in the Gospel account of Jesus’ rising from the dead. New members are initiated through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and first reception of Eucharist (Communion).

All this contributes to a mass you won’t soon forget. A joyful reception is held after the mass to congratulate the newly initiated and to celebrate the great feast of Easter. All are welcome and parking is plentiful!

Alleluia! Dying, Christ destroyed our death; rising, he restored our life. He will come again in glory! Alleluia!
​We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the promise of our own eternal life.
Come to Easter Sunday Mass ready to be renewed!
​
Also visit: Triduum

Our High School Teens and Young Adults are invited to take part in this inaugural pilgrimage to St. Martinville, Louisiana. This will be a life changing, cultural faith experience.

The Sacred Heart Servants Mission is an opportunity for hands on service to the poor. Participants will work directly with families in need, learn about the committed religious life of our hosts, participate in the Fete-Dieu de Teche eucharistic boat procession and experience the unique food and culture of this region of Louisiana.
 
The Mission is scheduled for August 11 - 17, 2019.  Please join us for one of our information nights.

For more information contact
Tere Delgado, tere@padreserra.org
Howard Durand, hdurand@line6.com

Also visit: Youth, Young Adults

​For those who want to grow deeper in their Catholic faith through discussion, community building, spiritual activities and service projects. For more information contact youngadults@padreserra.org

An 8-week program for people who want a deeper faith, a greater sense of purpose, and a practical understanding of how to make a difference in the world.

Participants engage in reading, prayer, and thought provoking dialogue. Over 8 Monday evenings and 2 Saturdays they encounter the world, each other, the Gospel, and build lasting relationships.

JustFaith is ecumenical and all Christian faiths are welcome. 

Learn more in the courtyard April 27, 28 or contact Michelle Paschen, mcpaschens@gmail.com

"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

Also visit:
www.justfaith.org/programs/justfaith, Groups ​

If asked, most of us could easily answer the question: Why are you Catholic? After all, we were born into the faith. Our families are Catholic. We married into it or we went to Catholic schools. But with today’s screaming headlines many of us find ourselves challenged by those who are now asking: Why are we still Catholic?

​Join us for an uplifting evening of shared stories as we honestly answer that question with humor, insight, and love.
Why are you still Catholic?
 
No charge. Sponsored by Adult Faith Formation Team.
Also visit: Young Adults

We provide community and spiritual support for transitioning special needs teens and young adults (16+), their families and friends. 
Meetings:

• May 8

Contact:
Monica Spooner
(805) 484·8379
monicaspooner@twc.com

Cards are available in the church lobby starting Monday, April 22 for those who wish to enroll their mother, living or
deceased, in our novena of Masses.
For nine masses in a row, your mom will be prayed for in the community during Mass.
This prayer tradition has its origin in the 9 days that the apostles prayed in the upper room while they waited for Jesus to send the Holy Spirit. It is concentrated prayer
for a specific intention done in a community of love.
Contact: jane@padreserra.org

Beautiful orchid corsages are perfect gifts for your mother, grandma, or that special “mom” in your life. $5/corsage, available after masses.
Proceeds benefit the good work of Life Centers of Ventura County. Your donation helps save the lives of unborn children and offers hope and free resources to mothers in need. www.vclifecenters.com

Need a gift idea for your mom or wife? Consider the gift of a retreat. Deadline is May 24. Retreat information here.

Register early, deadline is May 24.
​Once a year our parish joins with other Catholic women from around our diocese for weekend silent retreat at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre. This year's theme is: 
Be Not Anxious! Living in the Peace of Christ
Contact: Eileen Richards (805) 558·4291.

Our parish Boy Scout Troop 257 is hosting a pancake breakfast complete with raffle baskets and silent auction items! The menu includes pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, milk and coffee. 

Tickets will be available for purchase after mass on May 18, 19, 25 and 26, as well as at the door on the day of the event.
​$5 per individual or $20 per family.

Proceeds help the Scouts pay for summer camp, other activities, and Scouting gear. Thank you!

For donation opportunities or questions please contact:
​​Nicole Sasek
(805) 816·7177 or nicolesasek@earthlink.net

Sincere gratitude to all who donated blood on December 16. Forty-one units of lifesaving blood were collected!

​Mark your calendars for our next drive on...

Give the gift of life. Donate blood! 

​Also visit: Outreach

“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