July 2008

Prayer Intention: 

For an increase in vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.

For an end to abortion and a respect for all life4 from birth to naturan death

For our military personnel and their families

     On June 3, 2008, the meeting was brought together by Dennis Behm.  Fr. Joe Szybka inducted the new officers for the next two years. They are Patricia Englehart, President, first Vice President -programs Dave Mileski, second Vice President-Membership, Tom Welter, third Vice President – Vocations Matt Plotts, fourth Vice President – Communications, Norma Kimmet, Secretary, Carolyn Price.  Fr.  gave a short message as to the ordinations of the two new priests. He asked us to pray for them and all priests.  We had a chocolate cake for Fr.’s 25th anniversary as a priest.

           Our guest speaker was Thomas Fretz who is in charge of the Literature at St. Mary’s Church.  He spoke on his and his daughter Nicole trip to New York for the youth Mass with Pope Benedict.  Tom showed pictures of the event. Pope Benedict welcomed a capacity of 45000 people at Yankee stadium.  They attended the Mass with Pope Benedict.  Pope went through the crowd in his motor vehicle and extended his hands to all of them.

             On June 17, 2008 Pat Englehart brought the meeting to order.  Pat passed a paper out for everyone to sign up for the different programs. We are also going to start the youth ministry awards program for our youth.  Fr. Joe spoke how at the 5:15 pm they enrolled a new member to the Church.  He thanked us for the anniversary card that we all signed.  This coming week is the Convocation for the diocese priests. It is a meeting for days of prayers and enrichments. Changes of Mass schedule so check the bulletin.  Asked to pray for the transistion period of all the priest at this time.  First Saturday will still have the vocation Mass on July 5th even though it is the 4th of July weekend.

              We did the finalizing on the reception for Monsignor Dunn.  Our member are in charged of bring of brownie which you can bring to the cafeteria next Sunday or to Pat Englehart house at 54 Hancock St. next Saturday.  If you want to bring anything else it would be Ok as they are planning on around 300 or more people.

              On July 1st meeting Fr. John Miller will be here to speak and to receive the stole that we are giving him.  On July 15th Deacon Floyd Hohman and Chris Bansack (Seminarian) will be the speakers.

                The Annual Serra Club picnic will be on August 5th at the K of C.  More information coming in later bulletins.

                  When you are unable to attend a Serra meeting or bringing a guest please contact Carolyn Price at 419-934-2170 by the Monday before the meeting by 5:15 pm.

                   Our guest speaker Tom Shook was unable to attend the meeting but gave a DVD to Pat Englehart to show.  Campus College Program for the Seniors going into College. Why was it so important for college students to stay connected to their Catholic Faith while away at school.  We need to give them an environment for them to practice and share this.  It is important that they continue their faith once they are out of college. We need the participation of young people in the Church with their concerns and ideas and controls.  How can staying connected to the faith during these formative years  help to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Those who attend to their faith during this time tend to make sure they consider their religious life calling.

                 What is the College Connection program?  It is a Serran program to attempt to get information from area catholic high schools students and to provide that information to Campus ministry where the student is going to attend. How does the Campus College Program work?  Contact the parishes and high schools to get the students names and addresses and where they are going to attend college. All the information will be placed in a packet of materials and the material will be provided to the student and also to the campus.  This will inform the student of the ministries on their new campus and will inform the campus of the new student.

                    Who has indorsed the Campus Connection Program?  A number of bishops and in particular 4 bishops who have share the bishops committee on vocations for the national councils and in addition of the past presidents of this organization have endorsed it.

                       Why should every committed Catholic support this important endeavor?  These are our children and young people have so many pressures and things thrown at them we as adults who have our own record of faith remember what it is like to go through college with our doubts about ourselves and our future.  Colleges cannot do everything and they need our support.  For more information go to www.Serrans.org.

                         Pat then read the letter that Tom sent to each student. It was very informative and sent a packet.