What is Serra?

WHO ARE WE

Serrans are catholic men and women of all ages, from all walks of life: business persons, clerks, lawyers, teachers, farmers and retirees. All share a deep faith and commitment to the aim of the church.

OUR WORK

Responding to Christ's call to "pray the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest" (Math. 9:3*) Serra's first purpose is to foster vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. It is equally important for us to affirm those already serving our church so that they will continue to find in their vocation a fulfilling way of life. Serrans do this in our everyday world of office, home, factory and family.

OUR GOAL

A Serra Club serves as a "University of Christian Principles", contributing to the education and spiritual growth of its members. Serrans are encouraged to fulfill their own Christian vocation to service.

OUR PROBLEM

Many Canadian parishes have been closed because there are no priests available. We all share responsibility for preserving the church we inherited and for passing it on for our children, grand children and future generations. Vocations are everybody's business.

HOW SERRA BEGAN

Serra was started by four Catholic gentlemen in Seattle Washington USA in 1935.

OUR PATRON

The founders chose father Juniper Serra as their patron. He was a Spanish born 18th century Franciscan missionary who established the first missions in Mexico and the coast of California. Father Serra was beatified in 1988.

AROUND THE WORLD

We are over 20,000 men and women in 800 clubs in 37 countries.......and growing! Serra international maintains a permanent world office in Chicago.

IN CANADA

The first Canadian club was established in 1952. The Canadian council now has 13 clubs with more clubs in formation.

OUR AFFILIATION

Serra international is joined to the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, headquartered in Rome.