What is Serra International?

1. What is Serra International?
Serra International is a voluntary organization of practicing Catholic men and women, representing various ages, races, and backgrounds, who have joined to foster vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life, and to further Catholicism through fulfillment of their own Christian vocations to service. International web site www.serraus.orge 
Its name is in honor of the Blessed Junipero Serra, the 18th century Spanish Franciscan who spearheaded the evangelization of California.
From one club, established in Seattle, Washington, by a group of four laymen in 1935, the Serra movement has grown to more than 735 clubs in 37 countries with a combined membership of over 20,700 persons. Spiritual growth, Christian fellowship and continuing education in the Catholic faith accompany members efforts on behalf of vocations awareness and affirmation. Serra is committed to the work of the Church. It performs works cited by John Paul II in Christifideles Laici as "criteria for ecclesiolaty for lay groups" namely, "The reawakening of vocations to ... the ministerial priesthood and the consecrated life."

2. Serra Club of Arlington-Metro
The Serra Club of Arlington was chartered in November 22,1985 and currently has over 30 members. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. Dinner is provided with reports from the different vice presidents and a talk by a guest speaker. The Trustees meet on the Tuesday before the second Wednesday dinner meeting to set goals and plan programs.
Serra Clubs are organized into Districts and the Arlington Metro is in district 46W. This district also includes two clubs in Ft. Worth, one in NE Tarrant County, one in Wichita Falls and a club in formation in Denton.

3. Vocational Programs
• Prayer Programs - Petitioning God's help in providing Priests and religious

• Awareness Programs - To bring about religious vocations among candidates, families, peers, and other support groups.

• Affirmation Programs - To show love, respect, and gratitude to those who have accepted the religious vocation call.

• Support Programs - To assist through personal involvement and monetary means seminaries and other vocational activities.

4. Vocation Programs and Events
• Newly Ordained Gifts
• Seminarian Friendship
• Prayer Breakfast
• Altar Server Certificates
• Seminary Gifts
• Priest Recognition
• Vocation Awareness Program
• Parish Vocation Committees
• Serra International Foundation

5. Why Serra - FAQs?
There are Vocations which manifest themselves.
- They must be fostered
There are Vocations which are not conscious of themselves.
- They must be awakened
There are Vocations which do not dare manifest themselves.
- They must be found and encouraged.
There are Vocations which meet opposition.
- They must be strengthened.
There are Vocations which are paralyzed by poverty.
- They must be helped.
There are Vocations which must be encouraged and supported by family and friends.
- They must be sought out and encouraged.

6. Why Me? What Can I Do? How Can I Help?
Pope John Paul II asked Serrans throughout the world to be the "Vocation Arm of the Church." Your participation in this effort is vital to insure the future of our Church and the development of its religious and lay leaders. Being an active participant in all Serra Programs. Where Parish Vocation Committees are established, encourage parishioners to identify possible candidates to the priesthood, or other religious vocations such as sisters, nuns, brothers, deacons or other lay church leaders.
Pledge to pray daily to the Queen of Apostles, by saying:

The Our Father

Hail Mary

Glory Be to the Father

The intercession: Mary, Queen of Apostles, inspire vocations to the Church.