Fort Worth Serra Club

Connecting with "big Serra"

As I write this, we are mourning the death of Pope Francis and anticipating the unfolding of the conclave and the Holy Spirit’s guidance upon those men who will elect our next Holy Father. I have been glued to EWTN, The Catholic Channel, reading statements from Catholic bishops, and fielding questions from my non-Catholic friends. I am reminded how large, yet how small, our Catholic Church actually is. At times like these, when we are united in prayer and confidence in the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of the universality of Christ’s church on earth.

I feel much the same about Serra International. Like you, I joined a local club at the invitation of two friends, but in the years since, I have come to appreciate the larger work of Serra throughout the world. “Big Serra,” as our District Governor Bill Moore refers to it, actually provides many benefits to its members and the dioceses and religious communities they serve. We are fortunate to enjoy the benefits of the programs offered by our club, but in collaboration with the other two diocesan Serra Clubs and the four in the Diocese of Dallas, we make a larger impact through the VAP weekend, parish vocations ministries, our annual priest/religious appreciation dinner, our annual seminarian dinner, and other activities.

The friends I have made through my membership in Serra are treasures. What a joy to work with like-minded Catholics to increase our own spirituality and carry out the work of increasing vocations! Yes, you can enjoy these friendships through our club alone, but to truly enrich the blessings of your membership, I encourage you to participate in the many opportunities provided through Serra International.

Two of the monthly events I never miss are Serra Meets (third Monday at 7 p.m.) and the global rosary for vocations (fourth Saturday at 8 a.m.). As a board member, I also participate in the various online trainings offered by the Serra USA Council. Best of all was attending the Serra USA Rally that our Dallas and Fort Worth Clubs organized a few years ago. Over the years of participating in these online and in-person events, Serra has become smaller as I get to know more members who are united in our shared purpose.

One of the special Serra friendships I have made is with Dr. Anne Roat, president of Serra USA Council, who will travel to Fort Worth to speak at our June 18 luncheon program.

Then, a few short days later – June 26-29 – we have the opportunity to experience the Serra International Convention in Kansas City MO. Several in our club are planning to attend, and I hope you will consider joining us! It will be a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and to engage with well-known speakers (and make new friends!). More information is available at https://www.si2025-kcconv.org/ 

In this historic time in the life of our Church, let’s celebrate our unity in Christ, walking with his disciples here on earth who live out our faith and carry out his mission.
 
Yours in the Risen Christ,

Renée Underwood
President, Fort Worth Serra Club