SVDP is open to both men and women who wish to grow in their faith by serving God and their neighbor.  Members are united in their efforts to conduct their ministry with compassion and confidentiality, while promoting human dignity and respect.  To learn more about volunteering, contact: Terri Korell korellhome@verizon.net
​
From a current member of the ministry: 
"Being a volunteer is a blessing. It makes me aware of the blessings in my own life. Viewing the world through the eyes of the less fortunate keeps me grounded and more aware of the people around me. Our parish conference very special. The love and support we receive from our fellow Vincentians is wonderful and the service itself keeps faith in front of everything you do. Come and join us and count your blessings."

SVDP relies on donations to support their efforts. Ongoing simple fundraising opportunities include:

•  eScrip
  Simply follow this link to www.escrip.com and use Group Code 136559191
• Amazon Smile
  Shop Amazon like normal and Amazon will donate 0.5% to our St. Vincent De Paul.  Simply follow this link to smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1002110
• iGive
  Follow this link and shop your favorite stores!
• Ralphs Community
  Follow this link to register your Ralphs card

​The donation truck is onsite twice a year to accept your donations of gently used clothing, books, games, DVD/CDs, sports gear, toys, and small household items such as lamps, small appliances, frames, etc.

Every Monday food is bagged and distributed to families in need. Remember our friends and neighbors in Camarillo served by our food pantry. ​All the items you place in the boxes in church are taken over to our centralized storage at St. Mary’s Chapel on Sunday afternoon.

Also visit: Children

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Westlake offers SHINE (Singles Having Inspirational New Experiences), a social ministry for women and men age 40+ who are divorced, widowed, and never married, and who are Catholic or interested in the Catholic faith. Learn more: stmaxchurch.org/shine or contact st.maxsinglesrise@gmail.com

For care and support during your separation or divorce, learn more about the Padre Serra Divorce Support Group.

Also visit: Care, Groups

Persons with mental illness often suffer in silence, hidden and unrecognized by others. Consider this stark contrast: a person with a medical disease, such as cancer, will usually receive an outpouring of sympathy and support from their parish and community; a person diagnosed with a mental illness, such as depression, crippling anxiety, or bipolar disorder, frequently experiences isolation and inadequate support, often because of the unjust social stigma of mental illness. This should not be so in our civic communities and cannot be so in our Catholic communities. Those living with a mental illness should never bear these burdens alone, nor should their families who struggle heroically to assist their loved ones. We Christians must encounter them accompany them, comfort them, and help bear their burdens in solidarity with them—offering our understanding, prayers, and tangible and ongoing assistance. – from Hope and Healing

Padre Serra is committed to accompanying you and your loved one and offers these resources:

• Recommendation mental health professionals in our area. To obtain the list, contact Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org or (805) 482·6417 x322
• Our parish Support and Care Ministries and Referrals
• St. Julie Billiart (Newbury Park) Mental Health Ministry: stjulieschurch.org/mental-health-ministry.
  We have partnered with St. Julie’s to bring awareness and support through information events. 
• Archdiocese of Los Angeles Mental Health Resources: old.la-archdiocese.org/org/oljp/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Suicide
• California Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on caring for those with mental illness Hope and Healing: www.cacatholic.org/hope_and_healing 
• Christianity and Mental Illness, an article by Julianne Miles at Catholic News Agency catholicnewsagency.com
  
• Podcast Series with Katie Prejean McGrady 
  Ave Explores: Stress, Anxiety, and Mental Health

 
Questions: Teresa Runyon teresa@padreserra.org or (805) 482·6417 x322.

Also visit: Adults, Prayer

About
Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 has served the Church and its parishes and communities for 130 years! Today it is the world's largest Catholic men's organization dedicated to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping people in need and fostering a bond between members.

As a Knight, men 18+ have the opportunity to strengthen our parish, give back to the community, and grow in faith. Joining our local council doesn’t mean sacrificing quality time with your family; volunteering an hour here or there with your family can make a real difference.

Our local Knights of Columbus Council #5272 is made up of men from Padre Serra  and St. Mary Magdalen parishes.  They coordinate and carry out fundraising and social events to support a variety of charitable causes and Catholic education.

​For more information or to become a Knight, please visit Council 5272's website.
Follow the Knights of Columbus Council #5272 at Facebook @kofc5272

Also visit:

• Knights of Columbus News
• Groups
• Clergy Religious Appreciation Dinner
• Fifth Sunday Rosary
• Men's Ministry