By Elena Macias
On Sept. 10, a new Serra Club of the High Desert was chartered by Bishop Alberto Rojas during Mass at Our Lady of the Desert, Apple Valley. The commissioning of this Serra club became the first in 20 years to be chartered in the Diocese of San Bernardino.
The Knights of Columbus (KoC) Color Core 2664 escorted Bishop Rojas into the parish before Mass. The Mass included dignitaries from other clubs; San Bernardino Serra Club President Rich Herbst, Riverside Serra Club President Laurie Pittman, Hemet Serra Club President Eloise Sanabria, and Fresno Serra Club President Carrol Perez. Also, in attendance from Serra International were Anne Champagne, Pacific Regional Director and Greg Schwietz, former Serra International President, who was the keynote speaker for the evening.
Serra Club members assume a pivotal role, primarily dedicated to nurturing vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Members of Serra Clubs embark on a journey to identify potential candidates before these individuals even contemplate these profound callings. Subsequently, Serra Club members provide unwavering support and accompany each aspirant through the intricate process of discernment. Through various programs and activities, they touch the lives of young Catholics and “plant seeds” of priestly and religious vocations.
“Our main mission is to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. We try to give them support when they are in the seminary or the convents,” said Diana Seixas, District Governor of #79, Serra International.
There was a reception after the Mass where the congregation enjoyed an array of appetizers, main courses and dessert. The centerpieces on the tables were glass bowls with a goldfish in them and a scripture reading, “I will make you fishers of men.”
“Because that’s what Serrans do, we are out to recruit men for the priesthood and let them know we’re here to help them and support them in their journey and once they become priests, to help them go through the priesthood and support them for all they do for us because without them we wouldn’t have the sacraments,” Seixas said.
The new Serra Club of the High Desert board members are: President Frank Thompson, Vice President of Vocation Michael Seixas, Vice President of Membership Deacon Ricardo Uribe, Vice President of Programs Rita Moore, Vice President of Communication Meiji Gesulga, Vice President for Cultural Outreach Mina Aguilar, Secretary Jule Delong, Treasurer Diana Seixas, Trustee Anne Brenser, Trustee Louis Lerna, and Trustee Ron Ward.
If you are interested in becoming a Serra Club member of the High Desert, please call Diana Seixas at (760) 596-1333.
Elena Macias is the Managing Editor of the Inland Catholic BYTE.