Categoria: Everyone

A message from your priest, Fr. Patrick

3/26/2020

Dear Parishioners,

This is a long one, but I have a number of important items to pass on to you. The first is that I am praying for you, for your patience, for your confidence and fearlessness, for your generosity of spirit, and for your health and safety.

The second is that I and the parish pastoral team and staff are fine. The seniors have all gone home to work from a safe place, and most of the staff do as much from home as possible, which is quite a lot. We had some confusion as our first round of responses, limiting exposure, have all been undone by subsequent instructions, eliminating exposure. Sigh.

Dominic MacAller and I are working on next week’s liturgy. Be there at 10:00 am on Sunday.

Brett Becker, our youth minister, is doing amazing things online in Zoom meetings and the like with the teens. If you have a lonely teenager twiddling her thumbs, suggest she look in on Brett’s online gatherings (brett@padreserra.org). Guys too!

Tere Delgado is working with her lovely team to get lessons home to all the children in faith formation, to do with their parents. This will be a team effort, parents. Do your best!

Among Teresa’s goals at this time is to keep people in ministry connected to each other. If you belong to a parish ministry that needs to meet, please contact her (teresa@padreserra.org) and ask how we can help set up a Zoom meeting. It’s fairly easy, even for this 60 year old who never attended a Zoom meeting until this last week.

Among the parish ministries that deserve particular praise is St. Vincent de Paul and members of the Young Adult Ministry, who are working very creatively to take care of households in financial crisis. Now would be a very good time to consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul!

On that point, the parish collection this last weekend was under 1/5th of what we would normally receive. I know that many people have financial stresses. If you can contribute to your parish, now would be a very good time. Checks can be mailed or online offerings can be made at: www.osvonlinegiving.com/4191
Appointments with me:

I will be accepting online appointments with Zoom, Skype, or by phone.
They don’t need to be emergencies. They just need to be important to you.
Please, contact my assistant, Barbara at (babara@padreserra.org)
She is working from home, so be patient

Parish Seniors

If you are homebound with no family or friend support and need help with grocery shopping, please contact Teresa at (805) 482·6417 x322 or by email at teresa@padreserra.org

Moral concerns:

You may wonder if there are any moral consequences to getting sick. Not in general, but if you get sick because you have been careless, in a time when the disease is deadly…then yes, there can be moral responsibility. This is because
your own life is of value (and even the young have gotten very ill or died from this coronavirus);
you may infect others;
your caregivers are also put at risk;
your sickness stresses an already overwhelmed healthcare system, taking sparse medical resources away from others.
- The moral implications are that we should do our very best to avoid getting sick, and that we are to follow the advice of the experts: stay home, maintain at least 6 feet, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, etc.
Regarding hording, we are as important as others. However, we aren’t more important. Don’t let irrational fear drive you, especially when it may leave others at a disadvantage.
- The moral implications are that we should obtain, in as safe a way as possible, what we need, but that we should not horde.
We have to treat every stranger as someone at risk. You don’t know when the person you see, who looks young and healthy, is actually compromised because of
- their smoking,
- a genetic disability, of which they might not even be aware,
- their health history, which you simply cannot know.
  - The moral implication is that we are maintaining all of the recommendations given by the health community because our faith instructs us to have a general concern for everyone, including those who look healthy, but aren’t.

The sacrament of reconciliation / confession:

The archbishop has suspended all confessions except for people in extreme danger.
I cannot hear your confession over the phone or computer; priest and penitent must be physically present to each other. The archbishop told us specifically not to do drive by confessions.
In the absence of the opportunity to go to the sacrament, please do as Pope Francis has instructed:
- make your confession directly to God,
- trust in God’s mercy,
- and make use of the first opportunity you have when the crisis passes, to make a sacramental confession with a priest.

Pastoral care of the sick
(Please read even if no one in the household is sick yet)

Apart from emergencies, the situation does not permit me to make communion or confession visits, though I will certainly speak to the sick over the phone. Please, arrange this by emailing my assistant, Barbara (barbara@padreserra.org), who is working from home.
If the sick have a severe case of the coronavirus, you need to tell me that before I come. I will not be able to touch them or stand close to their head. This means, to give them the sacrament of the sick, I will need:
- to wear a mask, goggles and gloves (I will bring them);
- to stand at their feet, one of which will need to be uncovered;
- to anoint them with a Q-tip or some other distancing mechanism.
If there is a realistic fear of death from any disease or age related weakness, please call the parish emergency number, (805) 512·3208, and I will do my best to come.
- Please don’t wait to the very last moment, as it’s always better to care for the conscious, who may well desire to go to confession if they can.
- If you can call in daylight hours, please do so. In an emergency do what you need to do.
- Please hear this: In my experience, the dying most often know that they are dying (dementia aside), and though they may not want to make you uncomfortable by talking about it, they often will be very free to have a comforting conversation with me, discussing their fears and hopes – because they often have both. Don’t deny them that chance by waiting till they are unconscious.

Sunday and weekday Mass

The current restrictions against saying Mass with a community present extend through April 18, the Sunday after Easter. This is following the request of the governor of California and the archbishop of Los Angeles.
My guess is, having observed the crisis in other places, that this shut down will probably be extended, rather than shortened. Whatever the governor says, I believe the archbishop will follow.
We will continue to livestream Mass. We will always maintain a link on the home page of the parish. So you will be able to find our livestream at
- www.padreserra.org
- The actual page will be www.padreserra.org/mass
- The best streaming experience can be found at www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WvnbCfnHVLZ32JgH2C00g/live
- We will try to have a worship aid, if possible. I received some pictures in which people watched the Mass on their TV, while following the worship aid on their iPad. If you have to choose one or the other, I recommend the Mass livestream.

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross Garden is available for those who agree to maintain a 6 foot distance from others. If you come as a family, please respect the 6 foot distance others need and allow them to pass.
Please do not use the plastic sheets containing the text of the stations. We have no one to sterilize them at this point and they could become a source of contagion.
Instead, use the online versions, found at www.padreserra.org/stations. They work really well with your smartphone.

Holy Week and Easter

We will be trying to observe a simplified, yet prayerful Holy Week / Triduum. This will include:
- the Chrism Mass, where the oils used in anointing the sick, baptism, confirmation and ordination are blessed;
  - this will be streamed by the archdiocese, not the parish, and probably at lacatholics.org/tag/liturgy -- the actual URL has not been released yet.
- the Mass of the Lord’s Supper,
- the Good Friday service,
- the Easter Vigil,
- the 10:00 am Easter morning Mass.
  - The parish will stream them on the same channels as the Sunday Mass, above.

Baptisms, weddings and funerals

Baptisms, apart from danger of death, and baptismal classes are postponed indefinitely.
Weddings are permitted with restrictions.
- The couple must have obtained a marriage license.
- With priest or deacon presiding, the couple may only have 7 guests, who must observe the 6 foot distancing.
- Only the brief wedding ceremony may be done, without the Mass and without instrumentalists or cantor, unless they are included among the 7 guests.
Funeral Masses are replaced by the simple rites at the grave with a maximum of 10 attending, including the priest or deacon.

If you have general questions, email the parish (parish@padreserra.org) or call the parish number (805) 482·6417 and Jane will direct your question to the right person.

In everything, we have to keep seeking those ways in which we can experience Jesus, even in a more constrained environment, and be His disciples in these troubled times.

Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick

Padre Serra/COVID-19 Updates

Making a Spiritual Communion

3/23/2020

Dear Parishioners,
Some of you have asked how to enter the moment of Communion, when our current circumstances make it impossible for you to receive. The centuries-long practice of making a spiritual, rather than physical, communion while sick certainly applies here. The essence of it, as St. Thomas Aquinas puts it, is to express “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in communion at Mass, and to lovingly embrace him as if we had actually received him” I have a few options for you to consider. The first, which allows you a lot of freedom to say what you need to the Lord, is good for those whose words come easy to them. Some more traditional versions give a tried and true approach for those for whom that’s helpful. Be free to do what you want here…so long as you do something at that moment.

Four worthy steps for a deep spiritual communion, to do in your own words:

Consciously state to the Lord your belief about his presence in the Eucharist.
Speak of your gratitude and love for the Lord.
Acknowledge your need and hunger for him in your life.
Invite him, with a humble heart, to come to you.

A traditional spiritual communion suggested by Pope Francis (only slightly altered by me):
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot receive you now sacramentally, I ask you to come into my heart spiritually. I embrace you as if you were already in my heart, and unite myself to you completely. Please do not ever let me be far from you. (St. Alphonse Liguori, (1696-1787)

A spiritual communion suggested by Archbishop Gomez:
I wish, my Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility, and devotion with which your most holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervor of the saints.

The prayer (taken from Matt 8:6) in the Mass just before Communion can be enough:
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

A final suggestion from me is to pray Psalm 63, vv. 2-9:
O God, you are my God — it is you I seek!
For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts,
In a land parched, lifeless, and without water.
I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
For your love is better than life, my lips shall ever praise you!
I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
My soul shall be sated, as with choice food, with joyous lips my mouth shall praise you!
I think of you upon my bed, I remember you through the watches of the night
You indeed are my savior and, in the shadow of your wings, I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.

I hope you find this helpful! You are always in my prayers.

Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick

A personal message from Fr. Patrick

3/20/2020

So...I’m certainly having a different Lent than the one I set my mind to those days before Lent. You too? The governor’s announcement has thrown my plans for keeping the parish open into complete disarray. I accept what Gov. Newsom is hoping to accomplish (flattening that curve of infections / not overwhelming the medical personnel and facilities).

As we move into this odd Lent of restrictions on our movements, and our current inability to work and support ourselves, I remember the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Ash Wednesday: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you” (Matt 6:16-17).

That has a renewed meaning for us as we deal with enforced enclosure, boredom, difficulties in shopping, loneliness etc., that we are to do it with good will, with calmness, and with a supportive attitude to others who will be having a harder time than we are.

Regarding the parish:

It looks like we will have a simple, heartfelt, online Mass on Sunday at 10:00 am. The archbishop limited the attendees to me and two others – for us, that will be a sacristan and a musician. Do not come to the church at that time, as the doors will have to be locked from 9:00 till 11:15 am or so. You can also watch them through YouTube.

The parish offices have closed to comply with the directives from the state of California and the city of Ventura. Staff will come only rarely and briefly to accomplish essential tasks.

We are answering messages left on the phone. So if you have a need, please call! But then be patient with us, as the staff are monitoring everything from their homes, and will be checking in occasionally, rather than being constantly at their desks. Non-emergency requests to meet will need to wait till after the crisis has passed.

Because walks have been deemed correct, but gathering of any kind incorrect, the church building will be open till 9:00 at night. Still, only ten people may occupy it at any given time, sitting only in the designated chairs that will be set at safe distances from each other, and sanitized nightly.

The Blessed Sacrament chapel will likewise remain open, but only two people may enter at any time.

Reconciliation / Confessions will be held outside in the courtyard, on Saturday from 3:00 pm till 5:00 pm (or until after the last person after that time has made their confession). Chairs will be set out at over 6 feet from one another. I must ask that everyone maintain safe distances, even from close friends. There will be no penance service this lent.

Parents of children making their first reconciliation! As we cannot pass anything from child to child, please bring the Act of Contrition with your children, and explain that the circumstances are unusual, but will work just fine.

At the archbishop’s directions, I will be visiting only the very sick, following the most stringent guidelines (mask and gloves). Call the emergency line for this, but please do not wait until the last minute. It is so much better to talk with someone who is conscious, who can make their confession if they want to, and who can pray along.

For both security and sanitation, the restrooms will remain locked all day.

I will leave you these words that have been attributed to Pope Francis:

“Tonight before falling asleep, think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let’s think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk, the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will be all a memory, but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift.
We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us.
Every second will be precious.
Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage.
See you soon!”

Love from your priest,

Fr. Patrick

Sunday Mass

Padre Serra/COVID-19 Updates

Psalm 91

3/17/2020

At this time, Fr. Patrick offers Psalm 91:

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shade of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress,
my God in whom I trust.”
He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare,
from the destroying plague,
He will shelter you with his pinions,
and under his wings you may take refuge;
his faithfulness is a protecting shield.
You shall not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that roams in darkness,
nor the plague that ravages at noon.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
near you it shall not come.
You need simply watch;
the punishment of the wicked you will see.
Because you have the Lord for your refuge
and have made the Most High your stronghold,
No evil shall befall you,
no affliction come near your tent.
For he commands his angels with regard to you,
to guard you wherever you go.
With their hands they shall support you,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You can tread upon the asp and the viper,
trample the lion and the dragon.
Because he clings to me I will deliver him;
because he knows my name I will set him on high.
He will call upon me and I will answer;
I will be with him in distress;
I will deliver him and give him honor.
With length of days I will satisfy him,
and fill him with my saving power.

Also visit: PSP/COVID-19

Message from Fr. Patrick

3/16/2020

Dear Parishioners,

What challenging times!

As I hope you already know, Archbishop Gomez has waived the responsibility to attend Mass for the next three weeks, through the end of March. There may well be extensions of this decision.
I am the last person to suggest we take our liturgical obligations to God and each other lightly, but these are exceptional circumstance. We will continue to have Mass, but I ask you to consider the following concerns.

If you are over 60, you are considered particularly at risk to suffer very serious consequences if you contract covid-19 / the coronavirus.
To make a conscientious decision about coming to church these next weeks, you also need to consider who will be put at risk, if you get sick, because they will need to care for you. Please consider both family members and health care givers.
Please don’t consider this a weekend off from the Lord…with whom I hope you are growing closer year by year. Be determined, if you make the considered decision to bypass Saturday evening or Sunday morning Mass, to keep a holy hour at home:
- We haven’t set up live streaming at Padre Serra, though we may do so in the very near future. In the meantime, consider watching the 10 am Mass at the cathedral in Los Angeles at lacatholics.org/mass-for-the-homebound
- That may not work for you. So, either alone, if you are single, or as a family, read the weekend readings: www.usccb.org/bible/readings
- Pray for the country, the church, our parish, your family, those in the military and first responders, friends and neighbors, certainly the sick, our brave medical caregivers, and for the deceased.
- Give praise and thanks to God for every blessing, beginning with your health if you have that!
Keep in your heart the connections that we have with one another as fellow parishioners of Padre Serra. You are not alone! We belong to one another, even if the circumstances create barriers.
Can we say it enough? – Be overzealous about washing your hands after touching door knobs, railings on stairs, phones, etc. And, though I am finding this challenging too, do not touch your face, where we are particularly susceptible to infection.
Physical isolation is desirable, and for some, necessary, and if we all do this right, temporary. So it will be bearable. Choose to be of good will. Phone someone. Skype or chat with friends and family online. If your phone permits, use FaceTime.

Using every precaution possible, I will be continuing to visit the sick using the very best precautions asked from the medical profession.

I ask you to pass my thoughts on to whomever you know that might not be accessing Facebook or email.

Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick

Also visit: Regarding COVID-19 at Padre Serra

John McColley & Paige Sentianin Recital

3/9/2020

Postponed until further notice.

Also visit: Music

Holy Week

3/7/2020

The holiest week of the year. Take part in one or all of these liturgies and devotions as we travel to the hope of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Saturday, April 4, 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 5, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

5:00 pm and 7:30 am start in the Church
9:00 am and 11:00 am will begin in the Courtyard

Holy week begins with Palm Sunday which recalls Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as well as his suffering and death on the cross. The liturgy begins in the courtyard with the blessing and distribution of the palms and a procession into the church. The palm branch is an ancient symbol of victory. Catholics often display their blessed palms, received this day, on a crucifix in their homes. Read more...

Chrism Mass
Monday, April 6

Archbishop Gomez blesses the sacred oils used by each parish for the year, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Youth Prayer Service
Wednesday, April 8
7:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano

Read more...

Triduum:

Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Holy Thursday
April 9
7:00 pm

The one Mass on Holy Thursday that celebrates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. The Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and asking us to do the same, is proclaimed. This is followed by the Mandatum, a ritual washing of each other’s feet. After communion we process with the Blessed Sacrament from the church to the Altar of Repose in the Serra Center where the Blessed Sacrament is placed. There we are encouraged to spend some time in quiet prayer and adoration.
The Holy Oils, blessed by Archbishop Gomez at the Cathedral during Monday’s Chrism Mass, are presented to the parish community at the beginning of the Holy Thursday Mass. Read More...

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,
Veneration of the Cross & Holy Communion
Good Friday
April 10
12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

On Good Friday we commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The liturgy includes a beautiful musical presentation of St. John’s Gospel account of the passion and death of our Lord. The service also includes adoration of the cross and distribution of Holy Communion. Come and experience this moving experience! Read more...

Living Stations of the Cross
1:45 pm
Serra Center Patio

A moving portrayal of Jesus’ passion and death, bringing us into his pain and suffering and the emotional experience of those witnessing this journey to the cross. We recommend bringing a camp chair, water, umbrella for shade. Read more...

Easter Vigil
Holy Saturday
April 11
7:30 pm
Begins with bonfire in the courtyard

Why wait for Easter morning? Come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as it happened, between the darkness of the cross and the dazzling morning light at the empty tomb. The Easter Vigil starts at dusk and continues into the night. A bonfire blazes, candles are lit, stories of salvation are proclaimed, alleluias resound, and the baptismal pool is highlighted when our new members are immersed into the waters of Baptism and anointed with sacred oil. The Mass continues and our newest members receive Holy Communion for the first time with all of us.
The celebration continues with a reception in the San Juan Capistrano Room. All are welcome to this Mass and parking is plentiful! Read more...

Easter Sunday Liturgies
April 12
7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

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: Lent, Triduum

Regarding coronavirus

3/6/2020

Regarding COVID-19 / the current novel coronavirus and Padre Serra Parish

Dear Padre Serra Parishioners,
Many of you have sent me emails regarding COVID-19, the current coronavirus.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention currently evaluates the risk of people living in the United States, at this time (5:30 pm on 3/6/20), as being low. That might change, but we’ll do best if we evaluate the risks calmly and act in reasonable ways.
I would like to make the following suggestions:

First, if at any time you feel ill, please remain at home. Do not come to church, work, or sports or send your children to school. To be clear, do not come to Mass while sick. Stay home, watch Mass on TV, and recover before returning.
Wash your hands, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds of vigorous washing and avoid touching your face.

For us here at Mass:

We will temporarily suspend the reception of Communion from the chalice. We will return to our normal practice as soon as it is deemed reasonably safe.
I ask that all those who receive Holy Communion on the tongue, to temporarily receive in the hand. If the minister’s hand touches anyone’s tongue or lips, that minister has to immediately step away from distributing communion any further.
Instead of holding hands at the Our Father, let’s simply hold our hands up in a prayerful position.
At the sign of peace, let’s offer each other, along with the prayer for peace, the warmest smiles, and the kindliest, respectful bows.
After Mass, for the time being, I’ll still be outside to greet you, but no hugs or handshakes.

All this is temporary. In the meantime, shall we not pray for the sick, the deceased, and the wonderful people who day-after-day work in the medical field for our well-being?

Siempre adelante!
Fr. Patrick

Padre Serra/COVID-19 Updates

Bundle Sunday

3/2/2020

April 26
8:00 am - 1:30 pm
East Parking Lot

The donation truck will be in our parking lot to collect your gently used items: clothes, shoes, kitchen items, DVD/CD, luggage, sports gear, books, and toys. *No electronics please*
Please come early, the truck will leave once filled. Items cannot be left in the office or food bin in church.

Your donations assist those in need twice! Once by donating for the Thrift Store and from those sales funds are given back to local SVDP chapters.

For free pickup of large donations like furniture, large appliances, and vehicles, please call St. Vincent de Paul at (323) 224·6280 or (800) 974·3571.

Together we can help our neighbors in need!

Also visit: St. Vincent de Paul, Groups, Outreach

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper

3/1/2020

April 9
7:00 pm

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins with the Presentation of the Holy Oils consecrated by our archbishop, Jose Gomez, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at the Chrism Mass the previous Monday. The Oil of the Sick will be used to anoint those who suffer illness. The Oil of the Catechumens will be used to anoint those preparing for baptism. The Sacred Chrism, oil mixed with sweet perfume, will be used to anoint the baptized who are to be sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.

The Scripture readings at this mass take us from the Exodus story of Israel’s preparations for the flight from Egypt to the Last Supper with Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and telling us to do the same. In obedience we wash one another’s feet (the “Mandatum”), we celebrate the Eucharist, and we process with the Body of Christ from the church to the Altar of Repose in the Serra Center where we can spend time in prayerful reflection and in adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Also visit: Triduum

Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday

2/29/2020

April 10
12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

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

Easter Sunday

2/29/2020

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
Liturgies
7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am (Church)
9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

Ash Wednesday

2/26/2020

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
According to the ancient tradition, we mark ourselves with
ashes to remind ourselves that we are mortal,
and that we stand in need of God’s tender mercies.

Also visit: Catholic Lenten Practices

Mardi Gras

2/25/2020

Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday," is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. In the past, people would clean out their cupboards, removing all the sugar, fat, and lard to prepare for the forty days of fasting ahead. Here at Padre Serra, we share a delicious dinner or dessert and talk about what we will do as a family to draw closer to Jesus this Lent.

Also visit: Children, Lent

Taco Tuesday

2/21/2020

Due to the rain Taco Tuesday is next week, March 17.

2nd Tuesday of the month
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Parking lot

Have a busy Tuesday evening or a meeting or class at church? Come early to enjoy dinner in the courtyard. Cash only.

Contact: Teresa Runyon

Los Angeles Congress 2020

2/21/2020

Friday, February 21 -
Sunday, February 23
Anaheim Convention Center

The largest Catholic convention in the world is right in our own backyard!

Congress is open to adults and young adults and offers more than 180 speakers presenting nearly 300 workshops, in addition to lunchtime entertainment, evening concerts, over a dozen liturgies in a variety of characters, the exhibit hall and much more. Come for one, two or three days.

Visit www.recongress.org for workshops and speakers and be sure to to check out Fr. Patrick's sessions:

1 – 17 On His Shoulders With Great Joy: Jesus as Model of Ministry
5 – 17 The Good, the Bad, and the Ornery: Discipleship in the New Testament

Our parish hospitality suite will be at the Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
640 W. Katella Ave
Anaheim, 92802
Contact Anne McMahon or Teresa Runyon for details

Also visit: Faith Formation for Adults

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

2/17/2020

Saturday, April 4
5:00 pm

Sunday, April 5
7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

5:00 pm and 7:30 am start in the Church.
9:00 am and 11:00 am will begin in the Courtyard.

The liturgies of Palm Sunday begin with the celebration of the Lord’s triumphal messianic entry into Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds shouting “Hosanna!” We gather in the courtyard to hear the proclamation of the Gospel account of this event. Palms are blessed and distributed, followed by a procession into the church.

Palms are an ancient symbol of victory and Catholics often display the palms, received this Sunday, on a crucifix in their homes. The Hebrew word Hosanna means “(O Lord) grant salvation” but it has become an acclamation of jubilation and welcome.

Once inside the church, the focus shifts to Jesus’ suffering and death as we hear the proclamation of his Passion from the Gospel of Mark this year. We celebrate the Eucharist with Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper still echoing in our minds and hearts.

Also visit: Lent, Triduum

Photos by Julius Acero

Warning! Fraudulent Emails and Texts

2/12/2020

Fraudulent emails and texts are being sent by an individual posing as Father Patrick. Please do not email or text with the individual, divulge any personal information or provide money/credit card/gift card payments. Father Patrick will never request money from any parishioner by email or text. We have alerted the authorities of this continuing problem. Please forward any questionable emails/text screenshots claiming to be from Father Patrick to gaby@padreserra.org

Phishing/Spoofing Prevention Tips

Be suspicious of any unsolicited email requesting personal information.
Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal information.
Always compare the link in the email to the link that you are actually directed to.
Log on to the official website, instead of "linking" to it from an unsolicited email.
Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify if the email is genuine.

To report potential e-scams, please go the Internet Crime Complaint Center and file a report.

Phishing Infocard

Scout Sunday

2/9/2020

Sunday, February 9
9:00 am Mass

All boys and girls involved in scouting are invited to be recognized during Mass.

Cookie time! Girl Scouts will be in the courtyard after all masses on February 1 and 2. Still $5/box and 8 delicious varieties.

Find out about joining a troop!
Boy Scout Troop #257 for boys in grades 6-12. Contact: Terry Tong
terrytong76@gmail.com

Girl Scouts are kindergarten through 12th grade.
Contact: Karen Fraser
fraserclan5@verizon.net

Also visit: Scouts

Dialogues Concert Series

2/9/2020

Sunday, February 9
6:00 pm in the church
Chorus Caritas and CVYO Virtuosi
Dominic MacAller · James Drollinger · Fred Beerstein · Alexander Tseitlin · Rebecca Tseitlin

Please RSVP

Join us for an evening of dessert, stories, and breathtaking music featuring Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra Virtuosi and guest artists performing the rare and engaging Glazunov String Quintet, and Mahler’s magnificent “Adagietto” from his 5th Symphony. All are welcome!

Chorus Caritas, a collaborative project of James Drollinger and Dominic MacAller, comprised of select singers from St. Charles in North Hollywood and Padre Serra in Camarillo, joins the orchestra for Haydn’s mighty “Te Deum,” and the world premiere of the Hawes “Beatitudes” arranged for choir and orchestra.

Desserts at intermission. Free will offering.

Camarillo Special Families

2/8/2020

Second Tuesday of the month
September - May
7:00 pm
Santa Barbara Room

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

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

Photo by Julius Acero

St. Valentine's Dinner Dance

2/8/2020

Saturday, February 8
6:00 pm
Serra Center

Enjoy an Italian dinner hosted by Knights of Columbus, Council 5272, followed by music and dancing and a 50/50 raffle for extra fun!

Presale tickets:
$20/person
$10/child (3 - 12 years)
$50/Family (2 adults with children)

At the door tickets:
$25 per person

Contact:
Paul Collier
paul@padreserra.org
(805) 233·2810
through February 5.

Funds raised benefit KC charities and youth program scholarships.

Also visit: Knights of Columbus

Scouts

2/8/2020

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

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Girl Scouts

For more information about Girl Scouts, please contact:
Karen Fraser
(805) 216·2235 (cell and text)
fraserclan5@verizon.net

Girl Scouts offers the best leadership development experience for girls in the world - one designed with, by, and for girls. The possibilities in Girl Scouts are unlimited...

build confidence and leadership
develop character and community service
discover the courage to try new things: outdoor adventure, hands-on science, running a business, exploration, etc.
grow new friendships
discover all you can be and everything you can accomplish when you have the right tools and a safe space to shine - and work together to change the world

In the greater Camarillo area, there are about 600 girls from Kindergarten to Grade 12 involved in over 50 troops. Each troop has its own meeting times and activities but also participates with other local troops in events (see Micasa Service Unit website at www.micasagirlscouts.com). We are part of the California Central Coast council stretching from Simi Valley through Santa Cruz (www.girlscoutsccc.org ), the national USA organization (www.girlscouts.org ), and the international World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouting (www.wagggs.org ).

This is a wonderful, low-cost parent/daughter activity (yes, dads are girl scouts too!) building memories and results that last a lifetime. Please call or text me; I would love to meet you and discuss the benefits of scouting further.

Many Meals of Camarillo

2/4/2020

Through volunteer efforts and generous donations, Many Meals provides free home-cooked meals twice a week to the under served and homeless in Camarillo.

Meals are served twice a week
5:00 - 6:15 pm
Mondays at St. Mary Magdalen Church
Thursdays at Trinity Presbyterian Church

Questions or to volunteer:
manymealsvolunteers@verizon.net

Also visit: Care, Outreach

Many Meals Group with a congratulations cake

Family to Family

2/2/2020

Prepares and serves healthy meals. It is a unique collaboration of church, temples, and clubs to serve the neediest in Ventura, serving lunch three days a week and breakfast on the weekend.
Padre Serra serves breakfast the 3rd Sunday of each month.

To help, contact:
Deacon Neil Kingsley
neil@padreserra.org

<<Previous

​News

At this time, Fr. Patrick offers Psalm 91:

The holiest week of the year. ​Take part in one or all of these liturgies and devotions as we travel to the hope of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordSaturday, April 4, 5:00 pm​Sunday, April 5, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

Chrism MassMonday, April 6

Youth Prayer Service​Wednesday, April 87:00 pmSan Juan Capistrano

Triduum:

​Mass of the Lord’s SupperHoly Thursday​April 9​7:00 pm​

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,Veneration of the Cross & Holy Communion​Good Friday​April 10​​12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Living Stations of the Cross 1:45 pmSerra Center Patio

Easter VigilHoly SaturdayApril 11​​7:30 pmBegins with bonfire in the courtyard

Easter Sunday​ LiturgiesApril 12​​7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

Regarding COVID-19 / the current novel coronavirus and Padre Serra Parish

April 26​8:00 am - 1:30 pmEast Parking Lot

April 97:00 pm

April 1012:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday​, April 12, 2020Liturgies​7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am (Church)9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

2nd Tuesday of the month5:30 - 7:30 pmParking lot

Friday, February 21 -Sunday, February 23Anaheim Convention Center

Saturday, April 45:00 pm​Sunday, April 57:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

Sunday, February 9​9:00 am Mass

Sunday, February 96:00 pm in the churchChorus Caritas and CVYO VirtuosiDominic MacAller · James Drollinger · Fred Beerstein · Alexander Tseitlin · Rebecca Tseitlin

Second Tuesday of the monthSeptember - May7:00 pm​Santa Barbara Room

Saturday, February 86:00 pmSerra Center​

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

​Boy Scout Troop #257

​Girl Scouts

Meals are served twice a week5:00 - 6:15 pmMondays at St. Mary Magdalen ChurchThursdays at Trinity Presbyterian Church

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NewsARCHIVES

Mass Schedule

​​Reconciliation (Confession)

​Church Hours

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

The holiest week of the year. Take part in one or all of these liturgies and devotions as we travel to the hope of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Saturday, April 4, 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 5, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

Chrism Mass
Monday, April 6

Youth Prayer Service
Wednesday, April 8
7:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano

Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Holy Thursday
April 9
7:00 pm

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion,
Veneration of the Cross & Holy Communion
Good Friday
April 10
12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Living Stations of the Cross
1:45 pm
Serra Center Patio

Easter Vigil
Holy Saturday
April 11
7:30 pm
Begins with bonfire in the courtyard

Easter Sunday Liturgies
April 12
7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

April 26
8:00 am - 1:30 pm
East Parking Lot

April 9
7:00 pm

April 10
12:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
Liturgies
7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am (Church)
9:15 am, 11:15 am (Serra Center)

2nd Tuesday of the month
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Parking lot

Friday, February 21 -
Sunday, February 23
Anaheim Convention Center

Saturday, April 4
5:00 pm

Sunday, April 5
7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

Sunday, February 9
9:00 am Mass

Sunday, February 9
6:00 pm in the church
Chorus Caritas and CVYO Virtuosi
Dominic MacAller · James Drollinger · Fred Beerstein · Alexander Tseitlin · Rebecca Tseitlin

Second Tuesday of the month
September - May
7:00 pm
Santa Barbara Room

Saturday, February 8
6:00 pm
Serra Center

Boy Scout Troop #257

Girl Scouts

Meals are served twice a week
5:00 - 6:15 pm
Mondays at St. Mary Magdalen Church
Thursdays at Trinity Presbyterian Church

News
ARCHIVES

Reconciliation (Confession)

Church Hours

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

Address

Staff Login

Contact Communication