Mission
The mission and purpose of the Serra Club of the Archdiocese of Hartford is to foster and affirm vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life, and to enrich and develop our Catholic faith.
Pope John Paul II designated Serra Clubs as the: “Lay vocation arm of the church.”
As Serrans you will pray and work actively for seminarians entering the priesthood; meet priests, sisters, and other religious at activities which honor their vocation and dedication; grow spiritually through prayer and activities; and meet Serrans from around the world at the annual international convention.
History of the Serra
The Serra movement started in 1935 with the formation of a club in Seattle, Washington. It has since grown into an international organization with more than 800 clubs in 37 countries with membership in excess of 23,000 Catholic men and women.
Serra chose Father Junipero Serra, the noted Spanish missionary as its patron. This 18th century Franciscan priest was an explorer and colonizer for California where he was the founder of the “Missions of California.” He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in September 1988.
Membership
Membership in the Serra Club of the Archdiocese of Hartford is open to all practicing Catholic laypersons. Members are encouraged to attend club meetings, participate in activities sponsored by the club and share responsibilities by serving on committees and accepting election to various offices.
Serra Club Activities
Adopt-A-Seminarian – A Serran is assigned a seminarian who they pray for, correspond with and invite to dinner or lunch when they are on break.
Birthday and Anniversary Greetings – Correspond with seminarians and retired priests on their birthdays and the anniversary of their ordinations to let them know that they are truly appreciated.
Retired Priest Luncheon – Help coordinate this annual event, which usually takes place in October.
Seminarian Picnic – Help organize a picnic in August for seminarians before they return to classes.
Prayer Calendar – Organize a quarterly calendar designating certain days on which individual priests will be observed with prayer.
Gifts of Appreciation – Present newly ordained priests with a gift as an expression of appreciation.
Meetings
The Serra Club meets on the second Thursday of the month, usually at lunch, but there are some evening dinner meetings. The lunch meetings are followed by a speaker. There is also one Saturday morning meeting on the third or fourth Saturday of the month, which begins with Mass for vocations followed by coffee and a discussion of a topic of faith.
All meetings are held at the Archdiocesan Center at Saint Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT.
Financial Obligation
The annual dues for the Serra Club are $160, which is billed in quarterly payments of $40. This covers the club and International obligations. Lunch and dinner meetings are on a pay as you go basis.
Contact Information
Write to George Dumas, Membership Chairman, Archdiocesan Center at Saint Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999 for more information.
Registration Form
Click here to see and print registration form from your browser print function.
Serra Prayer for Vocations
O God, who wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live, grant we beseech You, through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever virgin, Saint Joseph, her spouse, Blessed Junipero Serra, and all the saints, an increase of laborers for Your Church, fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus Christ, Your son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.