Throughout the year, the Serra Clubs send greetings to the priests of the Diocese of Columbus, wishing them blessings on the anniversary of their ordinations. The effort reaches a peak in May and June, when the vast majority of the ordinations occurred.
Sue Stalter of the Serra Club of North Columbus finds the task enjoyable, especially in that it has reminded to her to send notes to the priests who have accompanied her in her faith journey.
Check the Diocesan directory to find your favorite priests’ anniversaries, and drop them a note of appreciation and congratulations!
Over 80 sisters from various congregations gathered at the Martin DePorres Center on Saturday, September 29, to enjoy a festive luncheon in their honor, hosted by the Serra Club of North Columbus. Since it was the Feast of St. Wenceslaus, a “Christmas in September” theme created much festivity!
Tables were festooned in red, with creches as centerpieces!
Each sister was entered in a drawing for door prizes.
Ginger West MC’d the door prize drawing in her inimitable style!
The Serra Club Choir, directed by St. Gabriel Radio’s Bill Messerly, led in the singing of “Good King Wenceslaus”.
A plentiful buffet of traditional Christmas dinner fare was enjoyed by all!
Serran Vocations Crucifix Inspires Students to Pray About and For Vocations
Club President Virginia Hardy presents the Serran Vocations Crucifix to All Saints Academy Principal Laura Miller, as Fr. David Schalk watches.
The Serra Club of Downtown Columbus presented their first Serran Vocations Crucifix to All Saints Academy at the Club’s lunch meeting on July 12, 2019at Saint Charles’ Cavello Center.
Father David Schalk, Pastor of Christ the King Church, blessed the crucifix. It was then presented to Mrs. Laura Miller, the Principal of All Saints Academy, by Serra Club President Mrs. Virginia Hardy and Mr. Tom Murphy, President-elect. Music Teacher Mrs. Liz Carle and 3rd grade student Iyonna Godfrey accompanied Mrs. Miller for the presentation.
The Serran Vocations Crucifix comes with a prayer program for students that encourages them to pray for their vocation, to be open and follow God’s will for what He calls them to be.
The Downtown Serra Club launched their Serran Vocations Crucifix program in July 2018, with a Crucifix blessed by Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, who serves as the Episcopal Adviser to Serra International. During Eucharistic Adoration, the crucifix had been touched to a relic of Saint Junipero Serra at Serra’s International Convention in Nashville. Club members Chester and Virginia Hardy, who attended the Convention, donated the beautiful crucifix to the Club. The Serran Vocations Crucifix program has been well received among club members, schools and wherever it has been shared.
Regional Director Addresses Club
Gino Dimattia, Great Lakes Regional Director of Serra, was the featured speaker at the July 12 luncheon meeting. He shared the story of Saint Junipero Serra, describing the challenges and successes of his life as a missionary. Mr. Dimattia also related the story of the founding of the first Serra Club in 1935 in Seattle, Washington. He also described the current programs and efforts in which Serra engages the mission of fostering vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Consecrated Religious Life.
To attend a meeting or learn more about the Downtown Serra Club, contact the Membership Officer at carl@faehnle.com
Pictured left to right: Virginia Hardy, Laura Miller, Father David Schalk, Gino Dimattia, Liz Carle, Tom Murphy and, holding the Crucifix, Iyonna Godfrey.
The Serra Club of North Columbus held their annual Day of Reflection on Monday, May 7, at the Jessing Center at the Pontifical College Josephinum. Over 30 Serrans and guests heard Fr. Jonathan Wilson, Pastor of Newark Blessed Sacrament Parish, offer two talks on “Living the Life of Christ in Our Daily Lives.” During the event, the group visited the recently restored St. Turibius Chapel for prayer, confession, and Holy Mass.
Just prior to the conclusion of the Mass, Serra North Chaplain Fr. Jeff Rimelspach offered a blessing for officers continuing or assuming new roles in the club.
Serrans listen to Fr. Wilson’s homily, expanding on the theme of his presentations.
Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jeff Rimelspach, with Fr. Wilson con-celebrating.
President Rosemary Finneran discusses the day’s itinerary
Fr. Wilson answers questions at the end of the day.
The Serra Club of North Columbus was awarded a grant of $1,399 by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Columbus to support the Club’s 2016 Life Awareness Youth Luncheons, which typically draw close to 300 students over two events held for high school Boys and Girls. These Luncheons are the signature projects of the Serra Club of North Columbus, and feature clergy or religious speaking on discernment of vocations.
The 2017 Awareness Luncheons are scheduled for the Boys on Tuesday, October 3rd, and for the Girls on Tuesday, November 7th.
