Serra Foundation seeking support
Local
A foundation that has supported priestly and religious vocations for more than 40 years is inviting Catholics to offer prayers and financial support to men and women making life-long commitments to the Church.
The Serra Foundation was founded in 1982, emerging from Serra clubs, which were first established in the United States to support vocations. In Australia, the first Serra meeting was held in 1968, with the first clubs formally convened in Sydney and Melbourne in 1970.
The Foundation began in 1982 with $4000 raised from across the country. In the decades since, tens of thousands of dollars have been donated and distributed to support vocations and vocations-related activities.
Chairman of the Foundation’s board of trustees, Neville Hackett, said funds had been used to help seminarians and young pilgrims attend World Youth Day, people to undertake discernment, support and expansion of facilities at seminaries, assisting education and training and participation in retreats, among many other activities.
“Our Church is deeply indebted to the men and women who commit to lives of prayer, service and ministry,” Mr Hackett said.
“The prayerful encouragement that the Serra clubs offer and the financial assistance the Serra Foundation can provide are ways in which the faithful can express their gratitude and love for those servants of the Lord.”
Membership of Serra clubs is open to all practising Catholic lay men, women and permanent deacons.
“We have several clubs across Australia that meet regularly for prayer, fellowship and discussion,” Mr Hackett said.
“In addition to our focus on those already in ministry and those considering ministry, we also look for ways to recognise and respond to God’s call to holiness in our own lives.”
There is no Serra club in Adelaide at the moment but the Foundation is endeavouring to make the movement more widely known throughout the Catholic population of Australia.
Mr Hackett said the Foundation welcomes donations from all people, whether they are members of a local Serra club or not.
Bishop Michael Kennedy of Maitland and Newcastle Diocese has served for many years as episcopal adviser.
Contact the Foundation at talktonevnmary@bigpond.com.au or PO Box 440, Doncaster, Vic 3108
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