Life has roads not imagined

Dear friends,
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This is a thank-you note and a love letter.

After 40+ years in Camarillo, my husband and I are moving to Los Angeles. I know this might be considered a backward move. People our age move to the quiet of this area not to the hustle and bustle of LA. However, as many of you know, life has roads not imagined, and so we move on to the next adventure.

Padre Serra Parish has been the rock of my family’s life. I am writing today asking those of you who have been in the parish for years to join me in gratitude for all we have experienced. If you are new to Padre Serra, stay, hang around. It will lead you
to God. If you are a visitor and live locally, join the parish. If you are a visitor, as our children are now, enjoy the spirit this parish offers. It is a gem, a jewel to be cherished.

My children, now adults with their own families, were formed in part by this parish. My sons were altar servers under the guidance of Bob Shadduck. My daughters were not afforded that privilege. Thankfully, their daughters have the privilege as do the families of Padre Serra today.

All of our children were confirmed here and four of the five were married around this altar. One of my daughters-in-law was welcomed into the Church around this altar. My parents were welcomed when they moved to Camarillo and buried with the love this parish offers.

The next generation, our grandchildren, were baptized here, and for that I am most grateful.
The milestones of our family’s life happened around this altar. Please know that you have something unique here. Back in the day, a long time ago I would visit two of my younger brothers at St John’s Seminary and declared that I would never live in a place called Pleasant Valley.

God had another plan. 

Embrace the good you have with the Padre Serra community. Share it. The world needs what Padre Serra has to offer.

With deep gratitude,
​
Anne Hansen 

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