April 2018 S E R R A C L U B OF P O R T L A N D B U L L E T I N P R E S IDENT S MESSAGE April 22, 2018 was the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. It falls on Good Shepherd Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Easter. The Portland Serra Club, in union with the Madeleine Church and the Archdiocese Office of Vocations, offered three holy hours to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. It was a positive response to a fully recognized need in our Archdiocese calling on the Lord of the Harvest to increase the number of laborers for the harvest by filling his churches now and in the future. The Madeleine Church and the 13 Serrans who make up its vocational committee (with help from other local parishioners and Pastor Mike Biewend) filled the three hours before the Eucharist with prayers, readings, rosaries and intentions. A special thanks to Luis Melendez, a seminarian to be from the Baker Diocese, who offered a gospel reading in the first hour. It was a powerful experience. The three hours just flew by on the wings of angels. Though the numbers were few, it brought us together as a prayerful community to lift our voices together to our Lord and ask him to bring us more laborers? This day was an opportunity to lift our voices, our hearts, together, to thank God for what He is doing in our lives and asking for His love, His support, and His energy, The time for providing prayers, support, assistance, and attendance is now. The Gospel this past Sunday describes the Good Shepherd: He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers. The writer concludes: Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them. John 10: 4-6. Two things I ask of all the membership: (1) Regularly attend a holy hour before the Eucharist in your local parish and pray for vocations. (2) Pray for continued energetic membership in this Serran Club so that we will be able to continually affirm, foster, and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life within the Catholic Church and help one another to grow in holiness through Jesus Christ. Is that His voice I hear? Robert C. Turner President, Portland Serra Club Support our Priests Send a card Say a Prayer MAY 5/01 Rev. Leo Remiington 5/04 Rev. Justus Alaeto 5/05 Rev. Joseph Heuberger 5/05 Rev. Richard Thompson 5/06 Rev. Patrick McNamee 5/09 Rev. Harry Holwell 5/09 Rev. Neil Moore 5/12 Rev. Jim Gallagher, CSC 5/14 Rev. Argie Garcia 5/15 Rev. David Geib, OP 5/17 Rev. Joseph Hoang 5/18 Rev. Jeffery Eirvin Rev. James Herrera Rev. David Shaw MAY 5/19 Rev. Harry Holwell 5/21 Rev. Juan Romero, MSpS 5/23 Rev. Michael Patrick 5/23 Rev. Richard Sirianni 5/24 Rev. Paul Jeyamani Rev. Theodore Frison 5/24 Rev. Kenneth Hume 5/26 Rev. Matthew Libra 5/28 Rev. Michael Lau 5/29 Rev. Felix Vistal 5/30 Rev. John Donato, CSC Our Real Journey What journey is the Lord leading you on? Where have you left the path? In his mercy, Jesus stretches his hand toward you. Ask God for the courage and strength to reach out to him. Pope Francis 5/01 Rev. Joseph Hau Duc Nguyen 5/07 Rev. Brian Allbright 5/10 Rev. Msgr. Dennis O'Donovan 5/11 Rev. Rock Sassano 5/12 Rev. Frank Knusel 5/13 Rev. David Cullings 5/14 Rev. Patrick Donoghue Rev. Jack Mosbrucker Rev. James Rigert, CSC Rev. Scott Vandehey 5/15 Rev. Leslie Sieg 5/18 Rev. Msgr. Charles Lienert Rev. John Betts 5/19 Rev. Robert W. Krueger Most Rev. Kenneth Steiner Rev. John Brouillard 5/20 Rev. Msgr. Timothy Murphy 5/21 Rev. John McGrann Rev. Theodore R. Weber Rev. Philip Waibel OSB Rev. Neil J. Moore Rev. Elwin Schwab 5/22 Rev. Karl Schray Rev. Gerald Quintal Rev. Gary Jacobson 5/23 Rev. Dale Waddill Rev. Louis Urbanski 5/24 Rev. James Dieringer 5/25 Rev. Bruce D. Brown Rev. Kenneth Hume Rev. Jack Krall Rev. David Janes 5/27 Rev. David Gutmann Rev. J. Michael Morrissey Rev. Michael Sprauer 5/28 Rev. William Hund, CSC 5/29 Rev. Theodore Prentice Rev. Sean Weeks 5/30 Rev. Vincent Cunniff 5/31 Rev. Michael Biewend
Page 2 ANNUAL SERRA CLUB SEMINARIAN DINNER HONORING PORTLAND ARCHDIOCESE SEMINARIANS The Portland and Tualatin Valley Serra Clubs hosted our annual Seminarian dinner at St. Patricks Parish on Saturday, March 24th. All the Portland Archdiocese seminarians and family member were invited, as well as young men discerning for the priesthood. About 75 people attended, including Serrans and guests. The evening started with wine social at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. After dinner all the seminarians were asked to give a brief introduction - which included name, their parish and something unique or special about themselves. It was a delightful evening with a late St. Patty s Day flare serving cornbeef and cabbage which was a big hit with the seminarians! Conversations were warm and lots of laughter! It was a great success - as the photos show.
Page 3 ANNUAL SERRA CLUB SEMINARIAN DINNER HONORING PORTLAND ARCHDIOCESE SEMINARIANS IN LOVING MEMORY of FELLOW SERRANS John L. Moore, a Serran for 24 years, passed away March 26 at the age of 88. He is survived by his lovely wife, Josephine; 4 sons and several grandchildren. John joined the Portland Serra Club in 1994 and transferred to the Tualatin Valley Serra Club about a year ago. He was a long time active parishioner of St Cecilia parish. John was one of the original members of the St Cecilia s vocation ministery, a tireless advocate for fostering, promoting and supporting vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life. May John rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. He was your faithful servant and a wonderful friend to us all. Our fellow Serran, Leola Bowerman, passed away March 29 at the age of 82 years old. Leola had struggled with her health for an extended period of time; but she was a tiger! Leola joined Serra in May 2013 and was a great supporter of our mission. Due to health reasons she was unable to participate as actively the past year; but she was faithful in prayers for vocations and generous with her treasures in all respects. May she rest in peace and sing with choirs of angels!
Page 4 19th Annual Serra Asian Convention Davao City, Philippines April 13-15, 2018 SI President, Dan Jones, and his wife, Lynn, were invited to attend the Serra Asian Convention held in Davao City, Philippines. It was an honor and privilege to participate in this gala event. The Serrans, seminarians, priests, Bishops and guests were so very gracious and spiritual. They love to dance and sing and praise the Lord. Seminarians and local hosts met Dan/Lynn and John Liston at the airport. The United States was also represented by two Past-Presidents, Dennis Leiber and Dan Grady. We checked in and had lunch with the President of the local club (who owned her own restaurant). There were three Masses over the course of 3 days and Dan presented the Saint Junipero Serra relic to the presiding Bishops who placed on the altar for Mass. Afterwards all parishioners had an opportunity to kiss the relic and honor Saint Junipero Serra. The photos (which they love to take) are the best way to share the joy of the Filipino people and their wonderful celebration of Serra and God! Seminarians and host Club of Davao City greeted Dan/Lynn & John at airport; and treated them to lunch with Past Presidents Dennis Leiber and Dan Grady Seminarians dancing Mass with Most Rev Romulo G Valles, DD Presentation of the Club Flags which were displayed throughout the convention Mass with Archbishop Wilfredo (Left photo / L-R) Past Presidents of SI Dan Grady, Dennis Leiber, SI Exec Director John Liston, Current SI President Dan Jones (Right Photo) Club awarded for highest attendance 33 Serrans Mass with Msgr. Edgar V. Rodriguez
Page 5 19th Annual Serra Asian Convention Davao City, Philippines April 13-15, 2018 The devote Serrans/parishioners were so honored to be able to pay respects to Saint Junipero Serra relic - very reverent. All clubs had unique color coordinated uniforms(vests or jackets or shirts) which they wore to meetings and Mass. Filipino's are very reverent and very festive (as you ll see from the photos). Dan Jones presents St. Junipero Serra relic to Serrans/parishioners Serrns present gift to SI President, Dan Jones Seminarians and Serra club members with Dan/Lynn Cultural presentation was a major portion of Saturday s event. Each club wore their respective cultural attire and entertained with dance and song. It was a very festive evening and everyone got into the dance afterwards! Heart-warming presentations!
Serra Club of Portland Bulletin RECAPS from PROGRAMS Page 6 February 14, 2018 - Suzanne McKenzie spoke on Consecrated Widows. In his first letter to the Corinthians, St Paul notes that marriage is a holy state, but in the married state one must always consider the happiness of the spouse and the things of the world. Himself being called to a celibate state he continues: "Now to the unmarried and to widows, I say: it is a good thing for them to remain as they are, as I do". And again, " An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so she may be holy in both body and spirit. Finding myself a widow after 42 years of marriage I felt deeply called to give God the rest of my life and to follow this encouragement of St. Paul and pursue a single life, dedicated to God. It took some perseverance to find any sort of organization that was specific to the needs of a widow. I needed an organization that took into consideration the presence of children and grandchildren and perhaps the need to continue to work. There were some established orders who would take widows but that required moving to them and leaving family and work aside. With the encouragement of my spiritual director I continued to pursue my search and found the lay apostolate called The Widows of Prayer. The foundation was started in Wisconsin in 1994. The majority of the Widows are in the Wisconsin, Minnesota and Indiana area. The apostolate has the mission to pray for priests and those in Church leadership. This also includes prayers for seminarians and for vocations to the priesthood. Each Widow has a slightly different form of prayer, depending on her family situation, health, age etc. Frequent Mass is encouraged, praying of the Divine Office and the Rosary are usually part of this. Also meeting with other Widows for Adoration and prayers for priests. After several interviews with Carlotta Stricker, WP, the General Servant Leader, I was accepted for a year of discernment. Then on September 3, 2017 I made my first Promises as a Widow of Prayer to Carlotta at the Mt Angel Abbey. These promises were to live a life of holiness and prayer. I was blessed and grateful to have Fr. Abbot Jeremy officiate at the ceremony. If God wills, I will make my second Promises this year and after a third year my final Promise and private vows of Consecration to a life of chastity, obedience and simplicity of life. Widowhood is a lonely time for most, and a heavy cross. To be able to join this suffering to the suffering of Christ in a formal and loving way gives this cross a distinct beauty and solemn joy. March 21, 2018- Deacon Felix Garcia (Coordinator of Archdiocese of Portland Hispanic Ministry) was our guest speaker. Deacon Felix Garcia was born in Veracruz, Mexico. He immigrated to the USA in 1999, and since that time, he has been working in the evangelization within the Hispanic community. From 2007 to 2016, he served as the coordinator of Hispanic Ministry at Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church in Central Point, OR. In October of 2011, he was ordained as a deacon for the Archdiocese of Portland, and since January of 2017 he has been working in the Pastoral department of the Archdiocese of Portland, as a coordinator of the Hispanic Ministry. His wife, Denise, is Japanese-Brazilian and they have 5 children, who were all born in the United States. Together, they experience the interaction of cultures day by day. He believes this experience helped him better understand his role as deacon and Hispanic Minister in the midst of a Church with many cultures. April 4, 2018 - Tom Streckert was our guest speaker and he entitled his talk as Action and Solidarity in Malta. Refugees over the last fifteen years have landed on Malta, a small island country south of Sicily and north of Libya in the Mediterranean Sea. After a harrowing journey, the refugees landed on Malta with nothing, but their resolve to make their way to Europe and a better life. Worldwide, there are 65.5 million refugees or internally displaced people. Tom traveled and stayed in Malta for almost three months in the fall of 2017; enrolling in an Education in Emergencies graduate class through Fordham University s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. He saw firsthand how the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Diocese of Malta accompany refugees by providing services, advocating for and helping them integrate into Maltese society. Tom volunteered at St. Andrews of Scotland and Methodist Church in Valetta and at the Paulo Freire Institute in Zejtun, Malta run by the Jesuits. Fr. Edgar Busuttil SJ, the director of Paulo Freire served all and especially the poor with compassion. The migrants themselves carry a determination and courage as they shoulder their hardships. Fr. Edgar walked with them with joy, smelling like one of his sheep encountering their longings and aspirations. Tom said he will never forget them! April 18, 2018 - Father Christopher Brennan, CSC (newly ordained priest on April 7, 2018) shared his vocations story. Father Chris serves as a parochial vicar at Holy Redeemer Parish. A native of South Bend, he attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate, majored in philosophy and theology and graduated in 2012. After graduation, he spent his novitiate year in Colorado Springs, CO. In August of 2013, he professed final vows and was ordained a deacon in September 2017. On April 7th, he was ordained a priest at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Nortre Dame, IN. Fr. Brennan has 3 older brothers, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. His older brother, Mike, was ordained to the priesthood last May. Father Chris shared his faith journey which led him to the priesthood and it was a heart-warming story.
Page 7 REGISTER TODAY! MARK YOUR CALENDARS SERRA MEETINGS May 2, 2018 Board Meeting 10:30 PROGRAM: Miriam Marston, Institute for Catholic life and leadership May 16, 2018 Mass PROGRAM: Fr. Richard Rutherford, CSC, U of P s Island of Serra Project June 6, 2018 Board Meeting Serra International Convention website for registration and hotel accommodations http://www.serrainternational.org/content/serra-international-convention 10:30 PROGRAM: Fr. Pat McNamee New officers Installation June 20, 2018 Mass PROGRAM: Charter Day - Ed O Hanlon Emcee SPECIAL EVENTS April 25, 2018 - Archbishop s Seminary Tea 3:00 6:00 pm Portland Golf Club ($38/pp) Call Mary Kay Beaudoin 503-297-2994 May 5, 2018 Spring Leadership Training session 9:00 am - 1:00 pm St. Pius X Parish All incoming and outgoing officers are invited Saint Junipero Serra Relic on altar in Philippines Club Information Serra Club of Portland 847 NE Floral Pl Portland, OR 97232 Bob Turner, President 503-282-3516 bobstun@comcast.net Serra Club Bulletin Margret Harris / Lynn Jones, Editors 503-645-5589 / 503-645-2172 ksmboston@gmail.com lcayanusjones@frontier.com WEBSITE: www.serraportland.org THOUGHT FOR THE DAY We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, and He packs our life with surprises all the time. Leave the whole thing to Him. It is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Oswald Chambers May 19, 2018 - Portland Archdiocese Deaconate Ordination St. Mary s Cathedral 11:00 am 1:00 pm June 2, 2018 - Portland Archdiocese Priest Ordination St. Mary s Cathedral 11:00 am 1:00 pm June 27 July 2, 2018 Serra International Convention Nashville, Tennessee USA