News |
|
7/15/2026 July 15th, 2026Dear Friends, One of the best passages in the New Testament, in my opinion, is this one from Paul’s letter to the Romans proclaimed at this weekend’s liturgies: “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes...” When we take time to think about what this means, it is very reassuring. When we are out of ideas, out of options, out of energy, and out of meaningful prayers (it seems), the Holy Spirit within us, given to us in our Baptism, prays for us. I think that the Spirit prays for us both in the sense of asking for what we need, and in the sense of praying in our place when we just can’t do it any more. Furthermore, we are told that “the one who searches hearts [God the Father] knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones [you and me, and all who seek God, however imperfectly] according to God’s will.” If this is true, then we can be free from worry because we are assured that prayers in accordance with God’s will get answered (Ask and you shall receive ... seek, and you shall find, etc.). Julian of Norwich, an English Christian mystic of the 14th century, must have been aware of this when she wrote, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” In case further reassurance is needed, today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom tells us that God, who is “master of might” still judges with clemency and governs with lenience; by his deeds he teaches us that: “Those who are just must be kind.” I can’t help but think of Pope Francis, and now, Pope Leo when I read that. It seems clear that his way of leading the Church is evidence of the truth of these promises in God’s word, and an example of how we are to treat one another. Caring for others can be difficult – particularly when those we’re caring for are difficult. Sometimes it’s right in that reality that we “do not know how to pray as we ought.” And what about caring for ourselves – so that we are strong to care for others?  How do we find the proper balance? Who we are and what we do both matter. We are not always going to get it right. But all shall be well – because the one who searches hearts knows the intention of the Spirit praying within us at a level so deep that it’s beyond our thoughts and feelings, interceding for us, according to God’s will.
Siempre Adelante, Dominic MacAller Director of Liturgy & Music Readings Join Dear Parish Family, Our Gospel today gives us a beautiful image of Jesus leaving the house and going to the seashore, as a large crowd gathered around him to hear him speak. God’s word is so powerful and efficacious that it gives life to those in need. I imagine all these people are so eager to listen to every word from Jesus, just like many of us do today in our liturgy. On this occasion Jesus told the crowd the Parable of the Sower. We know that this parable speaks to us about how we are like the different types of soil, and how we must be like the rich ground, and we will produce abundant fruit. Jesus’ disciples questioned him about why he spoke to them in parables,he could have spoken to the crowd more clearly. Jesus tells them, “I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.” These strong words are fitting for us today. How many times do we hear our Gospel, we only focus on the surface of the story and fail to be receptive to understanding and living out what we are hearing? When we open our hearts and allow God’s word to dwell and grow in us, we will bear fruit. We must be mindful that we too must do our part. If I am not willing to put in the work, how can I expect growth? Let us ask ourselves:
God continually offers His grace to everyone, and through conversion and cooperation with that grace, even a heart that was once rocky or thorny can become good soil. And Jesus will tell us, just as he told his disciples, “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”  May we plant deep roots, prepare excellent soil, and diligently cut out the thorns to ensure the Lord has all the room possible to bring forth an abundant harvest!
Siempre Adelante, Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister Readings Join Giving Directory 7/2/2026 A Call for the BurdenedIt is always right to rely on God. There are plenty of ways that we can ask God for help. Whether it’s a decision that we need guidance for, asking for assistance on how to love more fully or anything that we can ask of God to give us wisdom and guidance. The examples are never-ending and our God is, in fact, never-ending in His love for us. This Sunday’s Gospel clears that up even more for us. There are times where I tend to approach God only when it comes to making difficult decisions. Whether they are worldly, familial or involve my faith life, I have a habit of asking God to make His intentions clear for me and to give me the strength to do it. While I think there is something very good about this, this Gospel indicates that God’s aid doesn’t stop there. Our loving God doesn’t just give answers to the difficult questions, but He is also our Father who brings us peace. He is our Father who loves us so much, that he is willing to be with you step by step in your lives. Because of God’s personal relationship with us as our Father, we should also reach to him in moments of anxiety and fear. Our God doesn’t just want to give us the wisdom to seek holiness, our God created us so we can be at peace with Him for all eternity. Encounters with God aren’t simply an aid to do what is right, but these encounters are strong glimpses of Heaven, which is eternal peace with Him. When Jesus says “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light,” it is not just Him expressing that life just becomes easy when you follow and learn from Him, but rather, He is expressing His eternal assistance and His eternal gift of peace. He offers you a glimpse of heaven. He offers you His own example of unconditional love. A holy life is not avoiding real life. Fear and anxiety is unfortunately a part of our world. When Jesus asks us to learn from Him, we see a shining example of one who overcame fear, anxiety and pain to save the world. It might be safe to say that holy lives will always have examples of fear and pain, Jesus is a glaring example of that.  Jesus doesn’t express that anxiety and fear is sinful, but rather, He shows that He is greater than these. He shows that when life seems at its most difficult, your God is there to comfort and assist you. He is there to give you glimpses of heaven. He shows that this is not the end. And somehow, he shows that suffering can sometimes help us to love others in the way He did. When trials seem never-ending, God shows you that His love is even greater than that. God Bless, Brett Becker Youth and Young Adult Minister 6/26/2026 Parish Anniversary… and Still GrowingParish Anniversary… and Still Growing Msgr. Liam Kidney, our founding pastor, and the first generation of parishioners built our beautiful church and courtyard complex. The church’s shape and unique seating, the gorgeous woodwork of the ceiling, the sturdy pillars, the impressive, welcoming vestibule doors, and the splendor of the light from the windows all work together to create an incredibly uplifting place to worship God. Fr. Jarlath Dolan and our second generation helped everyone envision and construct our amazing Serra Center, and what a blessing that has been to the life of our parish, sheltering our dinners and dances, our children’s faith formation, and adult education. I, in contrast, have built a BBQ. I suppose I can also take credit for replacing the asphalt out front. The truth, of course, is that pastors do not build buildings…the dedication and generosity of all the parishioners who made great sacrifices deserve the credit. And so, on this anniversary of the founding of our parish, I look forward, within this year to the next fruit of the great generosity and goodness of the parishioners who, in this case, are so especially praiseworthy because our coming youth center wasn’t for our general use. Both the church and Serra Center have served us all well, but that’s the point: it was as much for us all as it is for everyone else, and these buildings have been so worth the sacrifices you made to make them possible. But this last building, our youth center, doesn’t serve you, the donors. It makes me so incredibly happy to think that your generosity will serve the needs of young people. It will provide a warm, safe, and comfortable place for a particularly struggling demographic who are not yet able to provide for themselves. It won’t be a small, minimal space with a stingy spirit. It will be a large, pleasant place to gather, in a grand and attractive building, which will be all theirs. It will wait for them every day, providing a place for youth and peer ministry, for young adult ministry, for scouting, and for young people from other parishes and churches. They won’t ever need to feel like stepchildren in this new place or in our parish. We are building it for the express purpose of bringing youth to the Lord who loves them. The ground on which it sits is holy ground. The building will be a blessing. We are now entering into the last months of constructing what may well be the last major building of the parish, and it’s coming along very quickly. In fact, the contractor thinks we may be finishing construction before Christmas. And you all made this possible. This priest is feeling incredibly grateful towards you as we move though these last months of construction  The spirit of our patron, Padre Junipero Serra, and his motto, siempre adelante,
find expression in this next expansion of our campus. Thank you for making this possible. Your priest, Fr. Patrick 6/19/2026 It’s Worth RepeatingOur lives are filled with borrowed wisdom. We find funny, thought-provoking, or often meaningful quotes at our favorite restaurant, buried in media events, or within shared conversations. I recently heard the following on a television documentary: “I didn’t fail. I just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.” It was Thomas Edison that embraced this philosophy as a way of life where multiple failures encountered often paved the road to eventual successes. While I agree with the sentiment shared, I’ve developed an additional perspective when considering these words through the lens of personal reflection and what I’ve witnessed. We have all made the wrong decision at times, felt challenged, or been exposed to trials beyond our control. Most adults have felt the stress and impact of difficult choices, financial and family decisions, or health concerns. This can be daunting at times as we acknowledge our own 10,000 ways that didn’t work as we had planned or anticipated. It takes courage, strength, and will to find hope in the midst of it all. But, we do not have to go it alone. We have a God that loves us as we are including all good things, challenges, and decisions made. In faith, we recognize this reality and become fully aware that Jesus is the source of our hope and strength. We do nonetheless require reminders from time to time. Today’s Gospel meets our anxiety with a threefold refrain. Jesus reminds us to, “Fear no one,” to “not be afraid.” These words are not intended to imply that the world is easy to navigate or that trusting Him is always comfortable. It often takes great courage to rise above our personal trials though worry may remain. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to trust God more than any distress we face. It leads us to believe and accept that God sees, He knows, and He holds and cherishes every moment of our lives. Jesus is offering us a relationship, one where we are never alone or feel abandoned. He calls us to not be afraid and to recognize we are precious to Him. Ultimately, the Lord asks us to include faith, hope, trust, and courage as we journey through life with Him by our side.  Personally, I find it difficult at times to remember not to be afraid. When this feeling overwhelms my thoughts, I find a quiet place and sit with the Holy Spirit. I soon grasp once again that in faith, God is with me; He is ahead of me, bringing me hope. Working through me, God teaches me what it means to trust. And, when I need courage, He strengthens me. Then, I truly realize what Jesus means when he says: “Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” Endless Blessings, Deacon Luc and Diana Papillon 6/12/2026 Receive & GiveDear friends on the journey, About ten years ago, I discovered the teaching strategy called “I do, we do, you do” being used in mentoring and raising up leaders in ministry. I appreciate this profound yet simple method and wonder if its origin is in fact in Jesus. Today’s gospel is an example of the master teacher at work. Leading up to our gospel story, Jesus has called each of his disciples and begun to teach them in word and deed. They have become his students, watching and listening to his lessons on life, love, and faith. With the Beatitudes as a foundation, Jesus has taught them how to live as citizens of God’s kingdom — how to love, pray, forgive, trust God, and follow him faithfully. Moving from words to action, Jesus then began to teach the disciples through miracles and his ministry of healing. Through all this, Jesus has been equipping them for something more, not just to receive and hold to themselves all his wisdom and lessons. A disciple learns from the master; an apostle is sent by the master. Jesus has shown that authentic discipleship always leads to mission. Today’s gospel is a pivotal moment, the movement from “I do” to “you do.” The Twelve are no longer only his disciples, his followers. Now they are his apostles, sent forth to do and put into action all they have learned. The apostles are now going out to give to others what they had received from the teacher. The apostles were sent out to proclaim and to heal. This is our life of faith too. We are disciples and apostles. It’s not one or the other, rather it’s both and. We are to be disciples — followers who sit at Jesus’ feet to learn and receive his teaching, his healing, his love, his mercy and forgiveness. This transformative receiving is our motivation and invitation to be his apostles, sent forth to give what we have received. In the gospel, Jesus did not send the apostles to the ends of the earth but rather to their own people it the house of Israel. Jesus asks us to start at home too. It is often said that charity begins at home so in reality we do not have to leave our zip code to minister for Jesus. Sometimes proclaiming the kingdom and bringing about healing simply means listening patiently to a struggling spouse, encouraging a discouraged coworker, forgiving a family member, reaching out to a lonely neighbor, and extending a spirit of generosity wherever we go, to whomever we meet.  This week, Jesus sends us where he first sent the apostles — not to distant lands, but to the people already in our lives so today I invite you to reflect on what you have received from Jesus that others need to experience too, then, with confidence and courage, go and give freely what you have freely received.
Siempre Adelante, Teresa Runyon Pastoral Associate Dear Parish Family, Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This solemnity focuses our attention on the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and calls us to profess our faith in the Eucharist. At every liturgy, we get to be witnesses of the greatest miracle, when our Lord Jesus offers himself to the Father, for us. Be attentive! Because of this sacrament, earth becomes heaven for us, we celebrate with the angels and saints. I invite you to lean intentionally as we pray like the Centurion, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Let this be a true moment of self-emptying, and grace, aswe prepare ourselves to receive The Body and Blood, soul and divinity of our Lord. In the Eucharist, what we are given as bread IS the glorified body, blood, soul, and divinity of the risen One in the sacrament of the altar. This food strengthens us: It emboldens us to speak freely to our God; it is our hope, our salvation, our light, and our life. We are empowered to Go Out, Sent on our mission to proclaim the Good News to others. Though we are unworthy, we are made worthy by Jesus who desires to remain in us. This is the source and the summit of the Christian life, the only way to fill the deepest hunger of the human person. Our Lord’s promise to be with us till the end of times, is manifested in the Eucharist. When we receive him, not only is he in us, but we can bring him to others through us. We can be physically present with him in Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel even when we cannot receive him in the Eucharist. He is always patiently and lovingly waiting for us. Just this past May, 115 children, teens and adults received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. What a blessing this is. May we always hunger for our Lord, and take every opportunity to receive him in the Holy Eucharist. For those who are in need of sacrament preparation to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for your children, the Faith Formation registrations for the new program year open on June 1, for children grades 1-12. You will find the online registration on our parish website. For adults who also need sacrament preparation, please contact [email protected]
Siempre Adelante, Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister 5/30/2026 Happy Trinity Sunday!In the second reading today, we hear from St. Paul, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” We hear this greeting from St. Paul at every Mass, and today, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the love of the Trinity of Persons is top of mind. The Church is one because of her source: “the highest exemplar and source of this mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit (CCC 813). Love is central to the Trinity. God desires that we share in this eternal love. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35). You can see love in action when parishioners use their time and talents to build up the Kingdom right here at Padre Serra. This past April, the number of volunteers who serve the parish was front and center for me as I worked through the process of counting our volunteers for the Safeguard the Children Program. The number of volunteers is impressive and to see that many volunteers serve in multiple ministries is a testament to their commitment to this parish. While it is impressive to have over 200 active volunteers, our parish community is much larger. I encourage you to consider joining one of the ministries over the summer. For example, Tere Delgado is always looking for adults who have a desire to help children grow closer to Jesus. Tere is currently looking for Adult Children’s Liturgy leaders, and volunteers to join the Posada and Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe planning teams. There are many other opportunities to serve. A couple of others that come to mind are the Welcome Gazebo ministry and volunteer photography. Friendly folks to volunteer at the welcome circle gazebo are needed to welcome visitors and help them navigate our parish. We are also looking for volunteer photographers to take photos at parish events. I encourage you to pray about how you might serve your parish, and if you feel called to serve, reach out to one of us on the parish staff. You can also call the parish office or send me an email. Looking forward, in September we will have the ministry fair in the courtyard and there you can learn more about all of the opportunities to volunteer.  My heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who responded to my request and submitted their Safeguard Program acknowledgment forms. We are so grateful to all our volunteers who choose to give their time and talent to Padre Serra Parish.
Siempre Adelante! Manuel Leon Business Manager 5/23/2026 Send down the fire!Dear Friends, As I think about this weekend’s Solemnity which closes and culminates the Easter Season, I try to imagine what the outpouring of Holy Spirit must have been like for those who experienced it as it’s described in Scripture – whether it’s the Risen Jesus appearing in the locked Upper Room and breathing the Spirit and peace on his disciples, or the rushing wind and tongues of flame described in the Acts of the Apostles, or the sudden ability of Jesus’ disciples to speak and be understood in a multitude of languages. All of those stories seem both thrilling and remote. If there was ever a time where we needed an outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn’t now that time? I write this overshadowed by our collective sadness over a world still at war in Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza. How can we joyfully celebrate Pentecost in light of such violence as that, or the economic uncertainty many of us live under, or any of countless other instances of violence, hunger, trauma, and grief? While we may not have experienced it in such a dramatic way as the apostles did, or as the early church did, nevertheless our faith tells us that at our baptism we were given the Holy Spirit – none other than the One who inspired such courage, such wisdom, and such love in the apostles so many years ago. None other than the Spirit that built the church to which we belong today and whose truth we profess. Even the secular media has noticed a huge increase in the number of conversions to Catholicism, yes, but also to religious belief in general. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles just this past Easter, more than 8000 new Catholics were initiated – and that is a 139% increase over the number in 2025, itself remarkable. To what else can this be attributed but to the work of the Holy Spirit? Often when we celebrate Confirmation, Fr. Patrick tells the newly confirmed (and all of us) that the grace of that sacrament is one that is quietly there for us to draw on when needed – when we need the courage to do the right thing. To stand against bullying and violence. To love the not very lovable, and not very attractive. To care for all of creation. To find the outcasts and bring them back in. We may feel powerless to change our world, our politics, maybe even ourselves. But we can draw upon the Gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us in baptism and confirmation to be God’s love right where we are, to (as a song in the 70s said, probably meaning something quite different) “love the one we’re with”. It might not change the world, but, then again, it might. St. Teresa of Calcutta said we are called not to success but to faithfulness. Plant the seed, tend the garden, leave the harvest to God. Here is a list of the gifts given to all of us for the good of all: Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and piety. Let’s support one another drawing upon the inexhaustible supply of grace given to us by the Holy Spirit. Siempre adelante, Dominic MacAller Worship Minister 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 5/8/2026 It Ain’t Heavy with the Holy SpiritDear 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 3/28/2026 Holy Week A Journey with JesusDear 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 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 Hello Friends, In today’s Gospel, Jesus says to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” He does not say we might be or we should try to be. He says we are. It is important to reflect on what these words mean to our families, and how the home itself is meant to be a place where salt seasons and light shines—the domestic church, if you will. Salt works quietly. It preserves. It brings out flavor. Light, too, does not draw attention to itself; it simply illuminates. The first place where faith is preserved, seasoned, and illuminated is not our church or faith formation classroom; it is the home. The Church teaches that the family is the “domestic church” because it is where faith is first lived, taught, and witnessed through daily life. Jesus says: “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Children, especially, learn the faith less from what we say in words and more from what they see us do. They notice how we speak about our faith and Church. They notice how we handle disagreements and conflict. They notice when we help our extended family and neighbors. A home becomes a domestic church not because it is perfect, but because Christ is allowed to be present—in the mess, the noise, the routines, and the struggles. A family that prays together, forgives each other, and keeps Christ at the center becomes a quiet but powerful witness for the world. Homes filled with peace, generosity, and love shine the brilliant light of Christ’s love for the world. If your home feels far from holy at times, take heart. Jesus did not say, “You are the light only when you get it right.” He says, “You are the light of the world.” The domestic church is built one small act at a time: one prayer before bed, one conversation about God, and one act of mercy.  Grace works through consistency, not perfection. May we ask the Lord for the grace to let our homes be places where faith is spoken, love is practiced, and forgiveness is normal.
Blessings on the journey, Deacon Joe and Kim Torti 1/31/2026 BlessedDear Parish Family, Just the other day as I was greeting a good friend, her response to my “How are you?” was “I am Blessed”. This was not the typical response we usually get of “ fine, good, or even hanging in there”. Her response made me pause, because I realized she truly was blessed in her awareness of God’s presence in her life, and she was giving witness to this fact, in her response. I had to ask once again, but this time my real question was, how has God Blessed you? I need to know more, as we spoke, she shared about some of her life’s struggles, and yet she was focused and happily accepting of the will of God, which in return filled her with comfort and happiness. In our Gospel, Jesus goes to the mountain and teaches the people, saying BLESSED (happy) are those who suffer, mourn and express purity of heart and other virtues. What the world sees as tragic or empty, Jesus sees as blessed. In order to live as his disciples and love others, we must not strive for the things of this world. The world may say that we will find happiness when we have money, pleasure, comfort and power, but this is not true. Instead, we must actually seek out and cultivate what is of God. A good place to start is by prayerfully examining what things we are most attached to and discerning if those things are coming between ourselves and God. If something comes up as an obstacle, we should choose to focus on the virtue of the beatitude. For example, someone who seeks power or control in an inordinate way would want to focus on the beatitude of meekness. I think this is what my friend was doing. We will have struggles and obstacles, but when we recognize that many times these are opportunities to focus on God, and know that our reward is not here on earth, but by his side, in his kingdom. As disciples of Christ, all who live according to his way of life are – and will be – richly blessed. May our struggles be building blocks for our salvation and not stumbling blocks.
Siempre Adelante, Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister 1/23/2026 Youth Center Under ConstructionYouth Center Under Construction We had a break in the rain just in time to kick off construction of the Youth Center. Anderson Construction kicked off the project in the first week of 2026. The construction site fencing is up, and grading will be underway shortly. The next major milestone is when City inspectors come on-site to review the grading and give us the green light to pour concrete. There are a few logistical items for parishioners to be aware of. The construction site will be fenced and off-limits to the public for the duration of the project. Monday through Friday, the east end of the parking lot will be closed. During the week, when the east end of the parking lot is closed, the north parking lot will be accessible only via the west entrance. The construction crew will open up the parking lot on Friday afternoon for the weekend so that traffic can flow normally for weekend Masses. If you are on campus during the week, please respect the barriers around the construction area for your safety and the safety of others. As heavy equipment is moved to the site, additional temporary barriers may be installed to facilitate equipment movement. Below is a snapshot of the campus. The area shown in red will be closed Monday through Friday. Thank you for your patience during this construction.  |
RSS Feed