Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

Dear friends on the journey, 
When I arrived at Padre Serra in July 2001, I spent the summer getting to know the parish, the ministries, and the people and found that a number of characteristics struck me profoundly. The first being the number of ministries, well over fifty for all ages, for prayer, outreach, learning, pastoral care, and community. Even more impressive to me was the leadership in ministries, councils and staff. Leadership development and empowerment was evident in the shared responsibility of running an energetic, vibrant community. In my estimation it seemed that everyone was active in some way and beyond talented, gifted, smart, and so generous with their time. Yesterday’s leaders invited and mentored the leaders of today and as such the parish is home to 70+ ministries. All these years later, I am still overwhelmed and inspired by the energy, the vibrancy, the gifts called forward, and the leaders who live our patron saint’s motto Siempre Adelante and move this parish forward into the future.


Another hallmark of Padre Serra is our altar server ministry. The sheer number of children and teens in the ministry is impressive alone. For fun before Mass my husband and I try to guess the number of kids who will be serving. But, in all seriousness, sixteen servers at a given Mass is only a testament to the dedication of the servers and their families. In peak years, the ministry roster boasted 120 servers! Since Covid the number has dropped to under a hundred youth. But that’s indicative of life really and the normal ebbs and flows in parish and ministry participation in general.


Even more inspiring to witness is the leadership development within the ministry under the talented Bob Shadduck. Bob is more than just talented. He has this uncanny ability to connect with youth. Bob trusts and empowers the servers, honoring their God-given talents. He fosters confidence and pride. Bob’s instruction goes beyond just the actions they do; he imparts to our servers the why, the purpose, and the importance of their role and responsibility. Bob is growing leaders within the ministry but also for life. They are learning skills that they take outside church and beyond their teens. Last weekend I watched a more seasoned server consult with Bob on an issue then confidently made a decision to correct it. I was in awe!


Today I am reminded of my own service to the Church as an altar server. My one small claim to fame is being one of their first female altar servers in my childhood parish! It was a monumental change to see women on the altar in the ’80s and I was honored to put on an alb and assist with liturgy. As a teenager, I sensed the importance of this new opportunity and took the responsibility seriously. What I received was even greater! My service as an altar server was really where the early whispers of my call to vocation began. So today I am so honored and grateful to be part of the annual installation ceremony where twelve new servers will be welcomed into the ministry. 

Bob once wrote: Serving is a privilege and with a privilege comes responsibility. Our altar servers have been called to serve during our liturgies. Padre Serra Parish is grateful that they have responded to this call with a real sense of dedication. They help the entire community celebrate the Eucharist by their humble service. They help the assembly thank God, and in doing so they show their love.
Please join me in thanking and showing our love for our altar servers and Bob Shadduck!


Siempre Adelante,
Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate 

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