About Serra Atlanta
Mission
The mission of Serra Atlanta is to foster and promote vocations to the ministerial priesthood of the Catholic Church as a particular vocation to service and to develop an appreciation for the ministerial priesthood and of all religious vocations in the Catholic Church, and to further Catholicism by encouraging its members, in fellowship, through education, to fulfill their Christian vocations to service. Also to further Catholicism by encouraging its members, in fellowship, through education to fulfill their Christian vocations to service.
Dedication
Serra Atlanta shall perform all of its work under the protection and patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Blessed Junipero Serra.
History
Serrans take their name from Franciscan missionary Blessed Jun?ero Serra, well known as the 18th century founder of a string of California missions.
In 1934, four Catholic lay men in Seattle, Washington, decided to meet in fellowship to grow in their faith through programs of Catholic education and contribute to the mission of the church. They chose the support of seminarians as their special project. Their original purpose was "to assist in the education of young men to the priesthood". While financial support of seminarians loomed large in 1930's, since then many additional needs have emerged. Serra's purposes have evolved over the years in response to the changing times and needs of the Church, especially in light of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Responding to Christ's call to "pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest"(Matt. 9:38), Serra has made the encouragement of Church vocations its hallmark.
Since its founding, Serra has worked closely with the bishops in building the Church. In fact, each club is formed only after it has received support from the local bishop. Serrans are constantly encouraged by the bishops, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, to express their opinions on things which "concern the good of the Church."
Today
Serra is a voluntary organization of Catholic men and women of various ages, races and backgrounds. There are 683 clubs with more than 21,000 Serrans in 35 counties around the world. Here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta there are nearly 100 active Serrans. In 1986, Serra International voted to welcome women, as well as men, to membership in the organization. Women, as full fledged members, are very important contributors to Serra.
Service
The Church needs men and women who are willing to dedicate themselves to the mission of Jesus through Church vocations. The decline in many countries in the number of candidates for priesthood and religious life is well known while the leadership needs of the Church increase.
Serrans believe that all men and women are called to holiness. Response to this call takes many forms: all are important and necessary for he building up of God's Kingdom. Serra has had a primary focus of encouraging others to consider Church vocations. Likewise, Serrans support men and women already in Church ministry. They see prayer and work for Church vocations as part of their own Christian vocation to service.
Membership
According to the Bylaws, Serra Club members shall:
- Be practicing Catholic lay men or women or permanent deacons.
- Be willing and able to assume the attendance, membership, and financial obligations of a Serran.
- Reside or work in the territorial limits of the club.
- Have the ability and willingness to grow in Serra, both intellectually and spiritually.
- Have the essential motivation or contribute actively to the work of Serra and fulfillment of its purposes.
- Have a marked potential for Christian leadership as demonstrated by their interest in a devotion to the problems of the Church and community in the world today.
The benefits of membership include:
Spiritual: Spiritual growth and enrichment through the deepening of your faith and increasing knowledge of the church's teachings.
Educational: Study of current events happening in the public square in light of our Christian principles.
Service and Social: Association with priests, religious and Catholic men and women who are faith filled, dedicated and generous - all sharing the ideals of the church and Serra and working toward a common goal.
Click here to contact a Serra Atlanta representative about becoming a Serran
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