Category: Faith Formation

Visio Divina

1/21/2020

Noticing God during Lent through the images in my life.
Dr. Michael Cunningham
Monday, February 3
7:00 pm
Serra Center
Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments

Visio Divina is an ancient prayer form, often referred to as praying with icons. However, it is so much more…Dr. Cunningham will lead us through a prayerful experience of Visio Divina and how we can use it in our everyday lives to deepen our relationship with God.

By the end of the session, you will be able to use this ancient and contemplative prayer form with your cell phone and use photography to reflect on the glory and meaning which surrounds our everyday lives.

The Lenten period gives us the reason to dedicate some special time for reflection and contemplation in this simple but powerful prayer form.

Michael Cunningham OFS is a Secular Franciscan and Retreat Center Director at Mater Dolorosa in the Sierra Madre.

No cost.

Sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation Team

Peer Leaders

1/20/2020

Tuesdays
7:30 - 9:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano room

Everyone confirmed, 14 to 39ish is welcome!
Dates are subject to change, ask Brett to add you to our GroupMe to keep you updated.

February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 3, 10, 17, 31
April 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26

Peer leaders help engage our confirmation candidates by acting as mentors and facilitators during our weekly confirmation sessions, our annual retreats, and at 4:12 youth nights.

If you are confirmed and are interested in joining our team, or if you have any questions, contact youth@padreserra.org

Visit also: Youth and Young Adults

Los Angeles Congress 2020

1/14/2020

Friday, February 21
to 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
We will offer Friday lunch, Friday Happy Hour, Saturday Lunch, and Saturday Dinner.

Submit

Also visit: Faith Formation for Adults

The University Series

1/12/2020

An adult education series in Lent
Thursday, February 27 - Friday, April 3

Over 85 presentations connecting faith with real life in areas such as current events, contemporary moral issues, evangelization, faith and science, marriage and family, church history, scripture, and prayer will be offered in 13 parishes around the county.

Catalogs in the church lobby or parish office.
Learn more about all the sessions offered and sign up at ventura.theuniversityseries.org/classes

Also visit: Faith Formation for Adults, Lent

Youth Prayer Service

1/6/2020

Wednesday, April 8
7:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano

All high school teens, meet Brett and the Young Adults for a special Holy Week Reflection and Guided Meditation.
youth@padreserra.org

Also visit: Youth, Lent

Scripture’s FAQ

12/1/2019

Fr. Patrick Mullen
Monday, January 13
7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Peter Claver
West hall of the parish center
at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

The adult faith formation committee of St. Peter Claver parish invites you for an informative, uplifting, and interactive question and answer session with Fr. Patrick who will address the many challenging and interesting questions about our sacred scripture.
Refreshments will served.
Free will offering appreciated.
Questions:
Office of Faith Formation (805) 526·0680
adultfaithformation@saintpeterclaver.org

The (Scandalous) Mission of the Messiah in the Gospel of Luke

12/1/2019

Wednesday, January 22
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Serra Center
Fr. Slawomir Szkredka

It is commonly known that, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus the Messiah appears above all as a compassionate and gentle savior who socializes with tax collectors and sinners, dines with the Pharisees, and proposes parables that highlight mercy and compassion. In his presentation, Fr. Slawomir show that this image of Jesus is not just very comforting but also deeply scandalous and disturbing. It is not just Jesus’ opponents that fail to understand him. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’s ministry poses a challenge to everyone around, including John the Baptist, Jesus’ disciples and even his Mother, Mary.

Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2002, Fr. Slawomir Szkredka, S.S.D., a native of Poland, served as Associate Pastor at Saint Genevieve Parish in Panorama City (2002-2006) and at John the Baptist Parish in Baldwin Park (2006-2008). From 2008 to 2015 he resided in Rome pursuing biblical studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He is now assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at St. John's Seminary.

Doors opens at 6:30 for refreshments. No cost. RSVP appreciated.

Sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation Team.

Landings

12/1/2019

A Caring Ministry for Returning Catholics

Begins Thursday, January 23
7:00pm
San Juan Bautista Room
10 week series

If you are an inactive Catholic you may want to consider Landings.

We are a group of Catholics who, for any number of reasons, were away from the church and came back to regular attendance and active participation.

We share our faith journeys and want to hear your stories. We also discuss contemporary Catholic themes and have resources available for questions about the Catholic Faith and the Church.

Landings is a 10-week series that offers a safe place to tell one’s story, discern a place in the Church, and find a way home. Join us; we welcome you.

Information:
Gwen, landings@padreserra.org
or call Teresa Runyon
(805) 482 · 6417 x322

Also visit: Adults Faith Formation

Gwen Ripplinger, Denise Ginty.
Photo by Julius Acero

Family Dinner & Reconciliation Service

11/12/2019

This event is for children enrolled in the parish faith formation program grades 1 - 5, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents...your whole family!

Tuesday, November 12
5:45 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Prayer Service
Serra Center and Church

Celebrate Food, Friends and Forgiveness!
Let's be thankful for all our many blessings. Have some dinner with your family, relax and slow down. Be blessed with the gift and healing of Reconciliation (Confession).

This is an important faith learning experience for the children in which they witness their grown-ups participating at church in prayer and going to talk with a priest. By your example, you teach.

Come to our gathering and enjoy:

Yummy food provided!
Great family fellowship with a spiritual connection...and craft!
Holy peace, prayers and priests available to give blessings.

This is not First Reconciliation! Children enrolled in grades 1 to 5 who have not yet made their First Reconciliation will go to a breakout session that is sacrament preparation focused.

Children preparing for First Communion next May, will make their First Reconciliation on March, 14 2020.

This is our Faith Formation gathering the week of November 12. Regular Centers resume the week of November 18.

Photography by Julius Acero

Adult Faith Formation Meeting

11/10/2019

Second Monday of the month
7:00 pm
San Miguel Room

Visit our monthly team meeting to see how we dream, plan, and present adult formation opportunities for our parish.

Contact teresa@padreserra.org

Also visit: Ministries A to Z, Adults

Photography by Julius Acero

Little Church

11/10/2019

Sunday preschool
9:00 am and 11:00 am Mass
Age 3 through Kindergarten

Sign up your little one for a fun time at church during Mass.
Children learn so much! From the Sign of the Cross to bible stories, songs and more.
Super fun to make friends and be at church on Sundays!! Parents love it too.
Register your child as soon as they turn 3.
soraya@padreserra.org

Starting Again from Our Why

11/5/2019

Tuesday, November 5
7:00 pm, Serra Center
Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments
Fr. Parker Sandoval

WHY is the great question of mission. Sometimes, we can forget the WHY of the Church. A clear sense of WHY, however, changes what we do as Church and how we do it.

The WHY of the Church, in fact, is really a WHO: Jesus! Renewal in the life of the Church means starting again from our WHY. Come renew your sense of missionary discipleship.

Ordained from St. John’s Seminary in 2015, Fr. Parker is the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

No cost.
Sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation Team

Community Advent Reconciliation Service

11/1/2019

Wednesday, December 4
7:00 pm
Padre Serra Parish
Stay after for refreshments in the courtyard

♪ Let every heart prepare him room ♪
Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus...at Christmas, at the end of time, and into our hearts each and every day. Although not a season of penance, reconciliation finds a special place in Advent, as we seek to approach Jesus' coming with hearts free of sin and filled of praise.

Participate in the Parish Advent Reconciliation Service, an opportunity to examine our lives, go to confession, and open ourselves to God's boundless mercy. Then celebrate afterward with refreshments in the courtyard!

More Advent Reconciliation services:

Monday, December 9
7:00 pm
St. Julie Billiart
2475 Borchard Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320
Tuesday, December 10
7:00 pm
St. Maximilian Kolbe
5801 Kanan Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Monday, December 16
7:00 pm
Holy Cross
13955 Peach Hill Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021

Also visit: Advent

La Posada

11/1/2019

Tuesday, December 10
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Begins in the church
Fiesta to follow in the Serra Center

Let us come together for a fun, interactive, and enriching Advent celebration to prepare our hearts for Jesus' coming!
Come and learn how to enjoy this cheerful faith tradition with your family and friends. Everyone is welcome!

The Posadas is a Christmas tradition celebrated throughout Mexico for over 400 years that commemorates Mary and Joseph's long, arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay, and for Jesus to be born. The word Posada is Spanish for "lodging" or "accommodation."

This Advent custom re-enacts the gospel story told in Luke 2:1-7 with prayer and song. Traditionally, a Posada starts with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a reflection of the Gospel of Luke, and the re-enactment procession of singing requests for lodging. The celebration continues with a piñata; the seven corners of the piñata represent the seven deadly sins, and the beating of the piñata symbolizes overcoming the sins. The candy within each piñata characterizes the sweetness of God's grace to us through the birth of Jesus.

A Posada teaches us that by welcoming the poor and needy, we are embracing Jesus in our midst. Typically the Posadas begin on December 16 and end nine days later, on December 24 and midnight Mass. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims.

Come early to enjoy Taco Tuesday at 5:30 pm! Tamales and Champurrado will also be available for purchase (cash only) before and afterward. Piñatas for the kids and goodies for the adults!

Also visit: Children, Advent

33 Days to Morning Glory

11/1/2019

Saturdays,
January 4 - February 8
9:30 - 11:30 am
San Juan Capistrano room
Consecration service on February 15

Encounter Jesus through Mary.
Written by Fr. Michael Gaitley, 33 Days to Morning Glory is a six-week small group journey to draw closer to Jesus through his mother, culminating in consecration to him through Mary. We'll learn what the Church and four great saints - Louis de Montfort, Maximilian Kolbe, Mother Teresa, John Paul II - have to teach us about the power and influence Mary and then how to live as better disciples. Whether you are brand new to the concept of Marian Consecration, or you wish to renew your consecration, you are invited.

Questions: Grace Martinez grace@padreserra.org

Homeboys

10/15/2019

Somethin’s Comin’, Sometin’ Good.

Tuesday, October 15
Serra Center
6:30 doors open
7:00 presentation begins

Founded by Fr. Greg Boyle in 1988, Homeboy Industries is the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Homeboy provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women, to redirect their lives and become contributing members of the community.

While Fr. Greg was initially scheduled to be here and regrets that he is called away, we have the unique opportunity to see Fr. G and Homeboys Industries through the eyes of the people who know him best.

Representative Homeboys will be with us to share the stories that brought them to Fr. G and how he and his outreach ministry forever changed their lives.

Learn more about Homeboy here.

Sponsored by the Adult Faith Formation Team.

Please Welcome Our New Catechumens!

10/13/2019

Sunday, October 13
11:00 am Mass

16 people celebrated the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, which marks their first step toward Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion.

During this important rite, they declared their intentions to become members of the Church, and the parishioners, in turn, pledged their support.

They were signed with the Cross and claimed by Christ as members of his community of disciples. Please keep these new catechumens in your prayers as they journey toward the sacraments.

If you would like to know more about the process of becoming Catholic, please contact Catherine Shadduck at (805) 482·6417 x331 or catherine@padreserra.org

Also visit: Becoming Catholic

Photography by Julius Acero

JustFaith

10/7/2019

Orientation Gathering
Monday, October 7
7:00 pm
San Fernando Room

Followed by

8 Mondays, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
2 Saturdays, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

JustFaith 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 8-week phases. To broaden perspectives, each of the 3 phases include 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.

Phase I:
Living Compassionately – Caring for the Poor
October 7 – November 25, 2019
Participants focus on poverty, consumerism, and the Gospel call to care for the poor.
Questions and to register: Michelle Paschen mcpaschens@gmail.com

Phase II:
Living Justly – Caring for Each Other
February 24 – April 13, 2020
Inspired by a new level of understanding about issues of racial and economic justice, participants will develop new levels of passion and compassion for the ongoing work of social justice.
Questions and to register: 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

$70 new participant (includes books, binder, online access)
$50 returning participant
$100 couple

"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

JustFaith is ecumenical and all Christian faiths are welcome.
Also visit: Groups, www.justfaith.org

Santa Barbara Regional Congress

9/28/2019

Saturday, September 28
St. Bonaventure High School
3167 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93003

Come be nourished and grow in faith and knowledge of our Catholic faith through workshops, prayer, and Mass with Bishop Robert Barron.

Early registration is $30 by September 20.
You may register online until Tuesday, September 24.

Details and Registration

Also visit: Adults

Faith Formation for Children and Teens at Padre Serra!

9/20/2019

Live a Life of Faith, Understanding and Love...

Registration packets are available in the parish office or download/print them here.

Download Registration Packet

Questions contact:
Tere Delgado
tere@padreserra.org
(805) 482·6417 x347

Becoming Catholic

9/16/2019

Tuesdays
7:00 - 8:30 pm
San Miguel room

Do you know someone who is wondering if the Catholic Church is the place for them? It could be your neighbor, your coworker, or someone in your family.

At Padre Serra, we have a group which meets on Tuesday evenings, year-round, to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in the Catholic tradition. The atmosphere is informal, open and free of any pressure. Those attending are invited to ask any questions they may have followed by a discussion on various topics regarding our faith.

If you know someone who might be interested, invite them to accompany you to one of the meetings. We serve great refreshments, too!

For information please contact:
Catherine Shadduck
catherine@padreserra.org
(805) 482·6417 x331

Also visit: RCIA

Fr. Patrick, Marcia Galles, Catherine Shadduck.
Photo by Julius Acero

Hidden Graces

9/10/2019

Lessons about God, Life and a Very Special Boy - Dr. Ross Porter

Tuesday, September 10
7:00 pm
Doors open for refreshments at 6:30 pm
Serra Center

Dr. Ross Porter spent 23 years as a school teacher and holds both a Masters in Divinity and a Ph.D. in Psychology. But his most excellent teacher has been his firstborn son, John Michael, who is blessed with Down’s syndrome. God, through John Michael, has given Dr. Porter greater understanding about what is essential to happiness in this life and the next. Come and be inspired!
No cost.

Sponsored by Adult Faith Formation Team.

Got Questions? Try Alpha

9/5/2019

Thursdays
September 5 to November 21
6:45 - 8:15 pm
Serra Center
Plus Alpha Day

Why am I here? Where am I heading? Is there more to life than this? Alpha is your chance to explore life’s big questions...

What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks, plus an Alpha Day. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe in many different settings and everyone is welcome.

Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for everyone, specially those who:

don’t believe at all
are new to the Christian faith
want to grow in understanding and faith

What does Alpha look like?
Every session includes a meal and a chance to get to know each other, followed by a short video presentation, and concludes with a small group discussion.

For more information about Alpha contact:
Teresa Runyon
teresa@padreserra.org
(805) 482·6417 x322

“Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance and, if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
- C.S. Lewis

Submit

Also visit:

Sacred Heart Servants Mission

8/18/2019

Sunday, August 18
After 11:00 am Mass
San Juan Capistrano

Help us welcome back our Sacred Hearts Servants. Conversation and refreshments.

We have 17 teens and young adults who will take part in this inaugural mission trip to serve the poor in St. Martinville, Louisiana. This will be a life changing, cultural faith experience. If you would like to sponsor one of our young adults please contact tere@padreserra.org

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.

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

Also visit: Youth, Young Adults

Catechetical Sunday

8/15/2019

Coming in September

Catechetical Sunday is a day set aside to recognize the vocation and ministry of teaching and sharing the faith with others. A wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each baptized person plays in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.

On this day catechists throughout the diocese, and country, are commissioned and dedicate themselves to their vocation of teaching the faith to the children, teens and adults of our parish community.

The catechists of our parish, wonderful men and
women who answered YES to the call to be present and walk the faith journey with the adults, youth and children of the parish, are called forth to receive a blessing and be formally commissioned to continue the beautiful labor of sharing and growing in the faith.

To all catechists in our lives, parents and grandparents, priests and deacons, religious sisters, church family, all who have been encounters of Jesus in our lives, we thank you!

Also visit: Children, Youth, Adults, RCIA

<<Previous

​News

Noticing God during Lent through the images in my life.Dr. Michael CunninghamMonday, February 37:00 pm​Serra CenterDoors open at 6:30 for refreshments

Please RSVP

Tuesdays7:30 - 9:00 pm​​​San Juan Capistrano room

Friday, February 21​to Sunday, February 23Anaheim Convention Center

Please complete the following:

Friday Boxed Lunch $15

Friday Happy Hour​5:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday Boxed Lunch $15

Saturday Dinner $20Chicken Marsala, Pasta Primavera, Salad, Bread.

​An adult education series in LentThursday, February 27 - Friday, April 3

​Wednesday, April 87:00 pmSan Juan Capistrano

Fr. Patrick MullenMonday, January 137:00 - 8:30 pmSt. Peter ClaverWest hall of the parish center​at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

Wednesday, January 227:00 - 8:30 pmSerra Center​Fr. Slawomir Szkredka

Please RSVP:

Begins Thursday, January 237:00pmSan Juan Bautista Room10 week series

Tuesday, November 125:45 pm Dinner7:00 pm Prayer ServiceSerra Center and Church

Please RSVP

Second Monday of the month7:00 pmSan Miguel Room

Sunday preschool9:00 am and 11:00 am MassAge 3 through Kindergarten

Tuesday, November 57:00 pm, Serra CenterDoors open at 6:30 for refreshmentsFr. Parker Sandoval

Wednesday, December 47:00 pmPadre Serra ParishStay after for refreshments in the courtyard

More Advent Reconciliation services:

Tuesday, December 107:00 - 8:30 pm Begins in the churchFiesta to follow in the Serra Center​

Please RSVP

Saturdays,January 4 - February 89:30 - 11:30 amSan Juan Capistrano roomConsecration service on February 15

Please RSVP

Tuesday, October 15Serra Center6:30 doors open7:00 presentation begins

Sunday, October 1311:00 am Mass

Orientation GatheringMonday, October 77:00 pmSan Fernando Room

Saturday, September 28St. Bonaventure High School3167 Telegraph RoadVentura, CA 93003

Live a Life of Faith, Understanding and Love...​

Tuesdays7:00 - 8:30 pmSan Miguel room

Lessons about God, Life and a Very Special Boy ​- Dr. Ross Porter​Tuesday, September 107:00 pmDoors open for refreshments at 6:30 pm​Serra Center

ThursdaysSeptember 5 to November 216:45 - 8:15 pmSerra CenterPlus Alpha Day

Registration Closed

Sunday, August 18After 11:00 am MassSan Juan Capistrano

Coming in September

NEWS CATEGORIES

NewsARCHIVES

Mass Schedule

​​Reconciliation (Confession)

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

Noticing God during Lent through the images in my life.
Dr. Michael Cunningham
Monday, February 3
7:00 pm
Serra Center
Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments

Tuesdays
7:30 - 9:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano room

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

Friday Happy Hour
5:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday Dinner $20
Chicken Marsala, Pasta Primavera, Salad, Bread.

An adult education series in Lent
Thursday, February 27 - Friday, April 3

Wednesday, April 8
7:00 pm
San Juan Capistrano

Fr. Patrick Mullen
Monday, January 13
7:00 - 8:30 pm
St. Peter Claver
West hall of the parish center
at 2380 Stow St., Simi Valley, 93063

Wednesday, January 22
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Serra Center
Fr. Slawomir Szkredka

Begins Thursday, January 23
7:00pm
San Juan Bautista Room
10 week series

Tuesday, November 12
5:45 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Prayer Service
Serra Center and Church

Second Monday of the month
7:00 pm
San Miguel Room

Sunday preschool
9:00 am and 11:00 am Mass
Age 3 through Kindergarten

Tuesday, November 5
7:00 pm, Serra Center
Doors open at 6:30 for refreshments
Fr. Parker Sandoval

Wednesday, December 4
7:00 pm
Padre Serra Parish
Stay after for refreshments in the courtyard

Tuesday, December 10
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Begins in the church
Fiesta to follow in the Serra Center

Saturdays,
January 4 - February 8
9:30 - 11:30 am
San Juan Capistrano room
Consecration service on February 15

Tuesday, October 15
Serra Center
6:30 doors open
7:00 presentation begins

Sunday, October 13
11:00 am Mass

Orientation Gathering
Monday, October 7
7:00 pm
San Fernando Room

Saturday, September 28
St. Bonaventure High School
3167 Telegraph Road
Ventura, CA 93003

Live a Life of Faith, Understanding and Love...

Tuesdays
7:00 - 8:30 pm
San Miguel room

Lessons about God, Life and a Very Special Boy - Dr. Ross Porter

Tuesday, September 10
7:00 pm
Doors open for refreshments at 6:30 pm
Serra Center

Thursdays
September 5 to November 21
6:45 - 8:15 pm
Serra Center
Plus Alpha Day

Sunday, August 18
After 11:00 am Mass
San Juan Capistrano

News
ARCHIVES

Reconciliation (Confession)

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

Address

Staff Login

Contact Communication