Dear Fellow Catholics –
The St. Serra Club of Des Moines cordially invites all "Friends of Vocations" from the Diocese of Des Moines to consider attending our annual Sister’s Appreciation Dinner on Sunday evening April 2, 2017 at St. Mary of Nazareth Parish Hall, Des Moines (Beaver and Meredith) starting with a reception and refreshments at 5:00 PM, a catered dinner following at 6:00 PM, and a program to honor all of our Diocesan Sisters at 7:00! Last year over 27 Sisters attended and I expect as many this year. Several Sisters marked 50+ years of service to the Church, including one Sister with 75 years of service! Truly outstanding! I am sure that most Catholics have been touched by a Sister in their lifetime, and this event is a way for us to show our deep appreciation and gratitude for their years of service to us and the Church!
Please join Bishop Pates, fellow Friends of Vocations, and the Sisters at this very nice event!
The cost for the meal and refreshments is $25 per attendee. Pay in advance or at the door!
Please respond no later than March 27th so we have an accurate count!
See you there!! “Avante!!” – Jim Henscheid, President
---------------------------------------------------------------RSVP by mail, email (preferable) or phone by March 23rd to:
Nicole Ryan
4624 Westwood Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50265
nicoleryan1970@gmail.com
(515) 225-0578
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Total Attending - _______
Call Jim Henscheid with questions at: (515) 422-0960
______________________________________________________________________________________
Join the Saint Junipero Serra Club of Des Moines!
In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard.
Born on Spain’s island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name of St. Francis’ childlike companion, Brother Juniper. Until he was 35, he spent most of his time in the classroom—first as a student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun years before when he heard about the missionary work of St. Francis Solanus in South America. Junipero’s desire was to convert native peoples in the New World.
Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero’s left leg became infected by an insect bite and would remain a cross—sometimes life-threatening—for the rest of his life. For 18 years he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. He became president of the missions there.
Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the territory. So the last two conquistadors—one military, one spiritual—began their quest. José de Galvez persuaded Junipero to set out with him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the 900-mile journey north was San Diego (1769). That year a shortage of food almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero and another friar began a novena in preparation for St. Joseph’s day, March 19, the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived.
Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luís Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after Serra’s death.
Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The outcome was substantially what Junipero sought: the famous “Regulation” protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first significant legislation in California, a “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans.
Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The Native Americans were kept at the mission after Baptism lest they be corrupted in their former haunts—a move that has brought cries of “injustice” from some moderns.
Junipero’s missionary life was a long battle with cold and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was beatified in 1988. Pope Francis canonized him in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2015.
Comment:
The word that best describes Junipero is zeal. It was a spirit that came from his deep prayer and dauntless will. “Always forward, never back” was his motto. His work bore fruit for 50 years after his death as the rest of the missions were founded in a kind of Christian communal living by the Indians. When both Mexican and American greed caused the secularization of the missions, the Chumash people went back to what they had been—God again writing straight with crooked lines.
Quote:
During his homily at Serra’s beatification, Saint John Paul II said: “Relying on the divine power of the message he proclaimed, Father Serra led the native peoples to Christ. He was well aware of their heroic virtues—as exemplified in the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha [July 14]—and he sought to further their authentic human development on the basis of their new-found faith as persons created and redeemed by God. He also had to admonish the powerful, in the spirit of our second reading from James, not to abuse and exploit the poor and the weak.”
Serran Prayer for Vocations
God our Father, today may I have an opportunity by my actions to encourage a vocation to the religious life. Help me to conduct myself in a Christian manner that I might give proper example particularly to the young. Through the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, may I also support those in religious life in their vocation of service to your Church. May the sincerity of my prayers and my concern for vocations result in an increase of laborers for Jesus and His Church. Amen.
Our Inspiration
Father Serra's missions were established along El Camino Real, which linked his Church-centered communities up and down the California coast. By linking clubs throughout the world, Serra International strives to carry out its own mission: to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life and to further Catholicism by encouraging its members, in fellowship, through education, to fulfill their vocations to service. Let Father Serra inspire us to nurture vocations and become missionaries ourselves as we work for vocations. The Serra Club of Des Moines invites you to carry out this program of renewal by which all Serrans recommit themselves to furthering Serra International's principles and objectives. (see also www.serraus.org/)
Serra Meetings and Activities
The St. Serra Club of Des Moines was established in 1949. Members are encouraged to attend meetings regularly and participate in the various activities offered throughout the year. More information and our Newsletter is found at: www.dmserra.com.
1. We celebrate Mass on the First Fridays of the month at 7:15 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church. A short business meeting with coffee/juice and pastries is offered. A free-will donation is requested.
2. On the third Wednesday of most months we meet for lunch (on your own) at 11:30 AM at the Farm Bureau Ins. home office in a special meeting room off the cafeteria. A special speaker provides a presentation on a relevant topic.
3. Throughout the year five special events are planned for the members and guests: the Bishop’s Appreciation Dinner; the Priest’s Appreciation Dinner; the Sister’s Appreciation Dinner; the New Member Showcase Dinner; and the Seminarian Luncheon. When we have a special event the monthly luncheon is usually canceled.
Become a Serra Club Member
1. Download a new member application (www.dmserra.com) and print.
2. Complete the application (attached)
3. Send your completed application and check for dues to:
Mr. William R. Cook
Saint Serra Club of Des Moines
1133 7th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
The semi-annual dues are $60.00 for regular members and $30.00 for spouse members. You are welcome to pay for a full year at one time, if you would like to do so.
Please make your dues check payable to the Serra Club of Des Moines, and mail with your application.
Thank you for all the financial support and time you devote to the mission of the St .Serra Club of Des Moines! ______________________________________________________________________________________
Serra Club is a voluntary organization of Catholic men and women fostering vocations to religious life.
Serrans take their name from Franciscan missionary Saint Junípero Serra, the 18th century founder of a string of California missions. Like Father Serra in his time, the Serrans of today put faith into action.
Whether through meetings, vocational programs, or personal involvement in school, parish and diocesan activities, Serrans accept the challenge of fostering vocations and encouraging spiritual growth.
Check out the categories above to learn more about the Des Moines, Iowa chapter of Serra International.
The St. Serra Club of Des Moines cordially invites all "Friends of Vocations" from the Diocese of Des Moines to consider attending our annual Sister’s Appreciation Dinner on Sunday evening April 2, 2017 at St. Mary of Nazareth Parish Hall, Des Moines (Beaver and Meredith) starting with a reception and refreshments at 5:00 PM, a catered dinner following at 6:00 PM, and a program to honor all of our Diocesan Sisters at 7:00! Last year over 27 Sisters attended and I expect as many this year. Several Sisters marked 50+ years of service to the Church, including one Sister with 75 years of service! Truly outstanding! I am sure that most Catholics have been touched by a Sister in their lifetime, and this event is a way for us to show our deep appreciation and gratitude for their years of service to us and the Church!
Please join Bishop Pates, fellow Friends of Vocations, and the Sisters at this very nice event!
The cost for the meal and refreshments is $25 per attendee. Pay in advance or at the door!
Please respond no later than March 27th so we have an accurate count!
See you there!! “Avante!!” – Jim Henscheid, President
---------------------------------------------------------------RSVP by mail, email (preferable) or phone by March 23rd to:
Nicole Ryan
4624 Westwood Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50265
nicoleryan1970@gmail.com
(515) 225-0578
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Guest Name ______________________________________________
Total Attending - _______
Call Jim Henscheid with questions at: (515) 422-0960
______________________________________________________________________________________
Join the Saint Junipero Serra Club of Des Moines!
In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard.
Born on Spain’s island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name of St. Francis’ childlike companion, Brother Juniper. Until he was 35, he spent most of his time in the classroom—first as a student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun years before when he heard about the missionary work of St. Francis Solanus in South America. Junipero’s desire was to convert native peoples in the New World.
Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero’s left leg became infected by an insect bite and would remain a cross—sometimes life-threatening—for the rest of his life. For 18 years he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. He became president of the missions there.
Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the territory. So the last two conquistadors—one military, one spiritual—began their quest. José de Galvez persuaded Junipero to set out with him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the 900-mile journey north was San Diego (1769). That year a shortage of food almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero and another friar began a novena in preparation for St. Joseph’s day, March 19, the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived.
Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luís Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after Serra’s death.
Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The outcome was substantially what Junipero sought: the famous “Regulation” protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first significant legislation in California, a “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans.
Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The Native Americans were kept at the mission after Baptism lest they be corrupted in their former haunts—a move that has brought cries of “injustice” from some moderns.
Junipero’s missionary life was a long battle with cold and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was beatified in 1988. Pope Francis canonized him in Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2015.
Comment:
The word that best describes Junipero is zeal. It was a spirit that came from his deep prayer and dauntless will. “Always forward, never back” was his motto. His work bore fruit for 50 years after his death as the rest of the missions were founded in a kind of Christian communal living by the Indians. When both Mexican and American greed caused the secularization of the missions, the Chumash people went back to what they had been—God again writing straight with crooked lines.
Quote:
During his homily at Serra’s beatification, Saint John Paul II said: “Relying on the divine power of the message he proclaimed, Father Serra led the native peoples to Christ. He was well aware of their heroic virtues—as exemplified in the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha [July 14]—and he sought to further their authentic human development on the basis of their new-found faith as persons created and redeemed by God. He also had to admonish the powerful, in the spirit of our second reading from James, not to abuse and exploit the poor and the weak.”
Serran Prayer for Vocations
God our Father, today may I have an opportunity by my actions to encourage a vocation to the religious life. Help me to conduct myself in a Christian manner that I might give proper example particularly to the young. Through the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, may I also support those in religious life in their vocation of service to your Church. May the sincerity of my prayers and my concern for vocations result in an increase of laborers for Jesus and His Church. Amen.
Our Inspiration
Father Serra's missions were established along El Camino Real, which linked his Church-centered communities up and down the California coast. By linking clubs throughout the world, Serra International strives to carry out its own mission: to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life and to further Catholicism by encouraging its members, in fellowship, through education, to fulfill their vocations to service. Let Father Serra inspire us to nurture vocations and become missionaries ourselves as we work for vocations. The Serra Club of Des Moines invites you to carry out this program of renewal by which all Serrans recommit themselves to furthering Serra International's principles and objectives. (see also www.serraus.org/)
Serra Meetings and Activities
The St. Serra Club of Des Moines was established in 1949. Members are encouraged to attend meetings regularly and participate in the various activities offered throughout the year. More information and our Newsletter is found at: www.dmserra.com.
1. We celebrate Mass on the First Fridays of the month at 7:15 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church. A short business meeting with coffee/juice and pastries is offered. A free-will donation is requested.
2. On the third Wednesday of most months we meet for lunch (on your own) at 11:30 AM at the Farm Bureau Ins. home office in a special meeting room off the cafeteria. A special speaker provides a presentation on a relevant topic.
3. Throughout the year five special events are planned for the members and guests: the Bishop’s Appreciation Dinner; the Priest’s Appreciation Dinner; the Sister’s Appreciation Dinner; the New Member Showcase Dinner; and the Seminarian Luncheon. When we have a special event the monthly luncheon is usually canceled.
Become a Serra Club Member
1. Download a new member application (www.dmserra.com) and print.
2. Complete the application (attached)
3. Send your completed application and check for dues to:
Mr. William R. Cook
Saint Serra Club of Des Moines
1133 7th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
The semi-annual dues are $60.00 for regular members and $30.00 for spouse members. You are welcome to pay for a full year at one time, if you would like to do so.
Please make your dues check payable to the Serra Club of Des Moines, and mail with your application.
Thank you for all the financial support and time you devote to the mission of the St .Serra Club of Des Moines! ______________________________________________________________________________________
Serra Club is a voluntary organization of Catholic men and women fostering vocations to religious life.
Serrans take their name from Franciscan missionary Saint Junípero Serra, the 18th century founder of a string of California missions. Like Father Serra in his time, the Serrans of today put faith into action.
Whether through meetings, vocational programs, or personal involvement in school, parish and diocesan activities, Serrans accept the challenge of fostering vocations and encouraging spiritual growth.
Check out the categories above to learn more about the Des Moines, Iowa chapter of Serra International.
