MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP | |
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Dear Fellow Serrans and Followers,
Sunday, October 13th is Deacon Sunday in the Catholic Church. On this day, parishes in the United States and Canada will observe a day to encourage vocations to the diaconate
and to recognize the dedication of deacons and their families. This relatively new celebration (this is its third year) comes thanks to the hard work of Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, an organization dedicated to supporting and increasing vocations in the Church, as is our Serra Ministry.
Deacons have always played an important role in the daily lives of their churches, which, depending on the parish and its pastor, may have them proclaiming the Gospel, delivering homilies, performing baptisms, witnessing marriages, visiting the sick, and more. The men called to this vocation are readied to undertake these responsibilities over a five-year formation period that ends with their ordination. For married men, the preparation includes their wives, who are willing and able to support their husbands’ endeavors.
Despite the importance of the diaconate, there have been few opportunities for the clergy and their parishioners to formally support their deacons. While there is nothing in the Catholic Calendar that speaks of appreciation for deacons, Vocation Ministry recognized a need in the Church to affirm them and teach younger generations about the diaconate. Thus, they felt it necessary to begin something themselves.
At our churches in the Bridgeport Diocese, let us recognize the immense support that our deacons provide to our respective parishes and the strong interpersonal relationships they develop with parishioners along the way. As we did for our priests on Priesthood Sunday last month, let us pray for the continued work of our wonderful deacons.
God bless you all,
Thom Field
President
St. Serra Vocations Ministry of Bridgeport
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VOCATION EVENTS
Deacon Sunday
Sun, Oct 13
Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians
Mon, Nov 4
National Vocation Awareness Week
Nov 3-9
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Dear fellow Serrans and families, here we are, October. A month devoted to the rosary. On October 7th we will celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. Indeed, as at many times throughout the liturgical year, we especially honor the Mother of God and our mother, the Ever Virgin Mary. Sister Ruth Burrows, O.C.D., an English Carmelite (+2023), often wrote about Our Lady and how through devotion to her we can become not only more like her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, but in love with him. Sister Ruth said there are three things we need to learn and remember from Our Lady.
“First, ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.’ I am yours absolutely. Do your will in me and through me; I have no ambitions even of the most religious and spiritual kind. Do your will in darkness if needs be, in pain if needs be; I do not ask to understand, I commit myself to you completely. This is the perfect contemplative stance.
The second glimpse of Mary comes through Elizabeth: ‘Blessed are you for your believing everything the Lord promised you will be fulfilled.” The culmination of God’s promises is in you. You have allowed him to fulfill his will in you.
And in between this perfect offering of trust and its final consummation in her Assumption we are told that Mary ’Kept all these words and pondered them in her heart.’ Yes, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”
These are the mysteries which Our Lady and Our Lord Jesus ask that each of us allow them to make present in each one of us. To the extent that we do, our relationships with both Our Lady and Our Lord will grow, will become loving as Our Lady loves.
“We do not know how Our Lady spent her days, the details are unimportant. We are told only the things that matter and which must be true of all who belong to Christ. We are to be contemplatives living at the depths of reality. Our fantasy can take us into excitement, delights, satisfactions. Faith keeps us in the here and now, in this moment and no other, in this situation and no other. Here is my Jesus, here in this moment, this duty, this set of circumstances. What a test of faith is this daily round, this pressure of seeming trivialities!“
Yes, the rosary not only educates and converts us more and more into joining with Our Lady to pray for the reconciliation and sanctification of all, but is also a means through which you and I are called to live just like Our Lady in the daily chores of life. For when we allow this to happen to us, then just as Sister Ruth concludes, “Mary has allowed herself to be transformed by love into what she was called to be”, we too will allow ourselves to be transformed by love into what each of us has been called to be.
Finally, may we too this month welcome the aid of Saints Therese of the Child Jesus and Teresa of Avila. So that resting in the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Holy Spirit may make Jesus Christ present in our hands, our feet, our eyes our ears, and our mouths to others. Let us thank Our Lady and ask for her maternal intercession and aid throughout October. Our Lady of the Rosary, Saint Junipero Serra, pray for us!
Father Jim
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Embracing the Call: Celebrating Our Catholic Vocations
What an exhilarating time it is for all of us as we just celebrated Priesthood Sunday! With Deacon Sunday right around the corner on October 13th, followed closely by National Vocation Awareness Week, our hearts are brimming with hope and gratitude. This is our moment to unite in prayer, to uplift, encourage, and promote all Catholic vocations!
Vocations are more important than careers and yes even secular education; they are Gods call leading us toward holiness. Each vocation—be it priesthood, diaconate, religious life, or marriage—beckons us to embark on a worthy journey towards God. The essence of our faith lies not in our worldly professions, but in answering God’s unique invitation to serve and love while living the Gospel.
As we reflect on this journey, I want to share a heartfelt prayer that encapsulates the spirit of our quest for Catholic vocations: "Dear Lord, guide us in discernment, help us uncover the purpose you have set for each of us, and lead us in faith. May we trust in Your plan, knowing You will light our path to joy and fulfillment .Let us pray for an increase in practicing Catholics, sacramental marriages, good holy families and that they may contribute to the church, the ordained and consecrated vocations."
So, let’s inspire one another to go forth and discern what God desires for our lives. Remember, the voyage toward Heaven starts with embracing God, your neighbor and your vocation. As we actively live the Gospel and embody our unique calls, we will discover that navigating life with faith in God makes every challenge more joyous.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
Let’s rejoice in the blessings of our church and the vibrant call to vocation. Together, let’s echo the message of love, service, and faith as we journey closer to God! Here we go, ready to live our vocations wholeheartedly!
Pray, Encourage, Accompany and Raise Awareness of what Catholic Vocations truly are.
Carpe Diem, Seize the Day !
Mike The Lesser
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National Vocation Awareness Week
Nov 3rd - 9th
Did you know that in our country, compared to 50 years ago, there are 20,000 fewer priests and 130,000 fewer religious sisters? During Vocation Awareness week, please pray that young people today will hear and respond to God’s call. And do your part to encourage them to consider the priesthood and religious life.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO IN YOUR PARISH
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CATHOLIC VOCATIONS
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SERRA SPOTLIGHT
Serra Club of Hong Kong S.A.R.
Serra Spotlight: Mother’s Day 2024
Serra Club of Hong Kong always looks forward to hosting a Mother’s Day luncheon for the religious sisters of Hong Kong. This event, which is also our flagship project and very familiar to the sisters of different orders in Hong Kong, is an annual gathering since 2005. Of those 19 years, it was halted for the last four due to city unrest and global pandemic. In the early years, this event was held in the evening but later changed to a luncheon due to popular demand. The title for this event came about as it was held near Mother’s Day and what is more appropriate than to celebrate this day with the sisters as our guests. They are like spiritual mothers to us. We feel this is a small way to show our gratitude and appreciation to all the religious sisters for their devotion to the Church and to the people they serve.
It is never easy for the sisters from various orders in Hong Kong to gather under the same roof for an event other than Church related. This is a rare opportunity for them to meet socially, to catch up with one another, to listen to the guest speaker(s) on medical or social issues, and last but not least to relax and have some fun in the process. To spice up the event further, there are table prizes and a lucky draw before the luncheon ends. As always though, the highlight of the day is to meet and chat with the Cardinal of Hong Kong who would always find time to attend this event.
For this event to go smoothly, the organizing committee works closely with the president of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in Hong Kong. After a date and time are confirmed, the president will inform all the religious orders in Hong Kong. Depending on the size of the order, the number of confirmations ranged from one nun to sometimes 12 or more from some orders. The turnout is usually impressive. One year we entertained 150 sisters.
This year, the association took on an active role in selecting two medical doctors as speakers to discuss health issues concerning Conditions associated with Degenerative Cognitive Impairment and Common Hearing Problems Among The Elderly prior to the luncheon. The event started at 9:30am and ended at 2:30pm at a private club.
The art of hosting a successful luncheon requires a dedicated team of Serrans who worked tirelessly to make sure this Mother’s Day event was a fun and memorable one. Hence, the work behind the scenes is worth mentioning. The organizing committee worked relentlessly from negotiating with the club on venue access to creating a lunch menu. While members sort out donations received either in the form of goods or cash, they also have to arrange gifts appropriate for the nuns and the occasion. Seating arrangements is another carefully thought through process. Pairing religious orders at the same table is no easy task. One to two Serrans are usually assigned to each table to assist the nuns.
Over 130 religious sisters from 23 orders in Hong Kong attended the event this past May, including Cardinal John Tong and Msgr. José Luis Diaz Mariblanca Sanchez of Holy See Study Mission Hong Kong as our VIP guests. This is a happy occasion for the sisters. They were able to connect with other sisters they haven’t seen in a long time. Also an opportunity to learn more from the medical professionals on issues relating to aging, which is a common concern. The Mother’s Day event is always praised by all participants who on leaving the club feel good and “cared for”.
Post-event, the association wrote an article in the Sunday Examiner (a newsletter from the diocese) praising the work of Serra Club of Hong Kong. We are blessed to be given the opportunity to host for our spiritual mothers. Until next year…. praise be to God!
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Welcome to the New SERRA SPARK©
In April, we went on-line with the new Serra SPARK website. The new site include three new tools. All of the tools were updated with new material. In addition to the basic tool information, we have a set of resources. The resources are divided into two sections. The first is References; it contains source material, case studies and lessons learned. The second section is Serra SPARK Helpers; it contains materials that may be downloaded and used directly or tailored for local use.
We welcome all suggestions. The website will be updated quarterly and all hotlinks will be re- verified. Corrections and suggestions may be sent to usvocations@serrainternational.org.
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PRAY THE ROSARY FOR OUR DEACONS !
What a joy it is to celebrate our incredible Deacons and their families. Come together with Serra Vocations Ministry, our Parishes and the whole Diocese, and lift our voices in gratitude by praying a Rosary during the week of Oct 6th. Whether as a parish, a family, or in personal reflection, let's shower our deacons with prayers and appreciation. They serve us with such dedication and love—let's thank them with our heartfelt prayers!
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Intercessions for Vocations
Let us pray,
For our Deacons.
Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all, Send your Spirit upon our deacons as they serve your Church. Give them eyes to see the needs of your people. Give them a discerning mind to know your truth. Give them a generous spirit when they are tired but needed. Give them a humble heart when their work goes unnoticed. Give them peace of mind in obedience and service. Give them health of body so they may serve with strength. Make them fertile ground for your inspiration and love. Comfort them when they question themselves and their ministry. Grant them grace as they age so they may share your wisdom. Make their hearts like yours so they may love your people. Amen.
For all Vocations,
Dear Lord, guide us in discernment, help us uncover the purpose you have set for each of us, and lead us in faith. May we trust in Your plan, knowing You will light our path to joy and fulfillment .Let us pray for an increase in practicing Catholics, sacramental marriages, good holy families and that they may contribute to the church, the ordained and consecrated vocations.
For the conversion of souls, an increase in practicing Catholics, sacramental marriages, good holy Catholic families, that they may contribute to the church, the ordained and consecrated vocations.
For the successful implementation of Parish Vocation Ministries in our diocese to pray, encourage and raise awareness of sacramental marriage, holy family's, priests, deacons, sisters, nuns and brothers.
For our church and all those who serve it. We pray for proper worship, evangelization, charity and for an increase in Catholics and vocations.
For the Pope, our Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Sisters, Nuns,Brothers and Seminarians.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRAYERS
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THIS MONTHS VOCATIONS SAINT | |
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
A.D. January 2, 1873–1897
Who is the greatest woman you know?
Many of the most extraordinary women in history are Catholic saints. They were elegant and dignified, kind and courageous, confident and deliberate, humble and honest. They were strong-willed and at the same time had the beauty of self-control. They were incredible thinkers and prayerful giants. And their love knew no limits, as demonstrated by their empathy and compassion for others. Thérèse of Lisieux is just one example of many.
Thérèse was dead by the age of twenty-four; she entered the cloistered life as a Carmelite nun at fifteen and died nine years later, yet few women have had more impact than the Little Flower, as she is affectionately known. She is the ultimate example of blooming where you are planted.
Toward the end of her life her superiors ordered her to write her story. Thérèse was reluctant; in fact, in the end her vow of obedience had to be invoked to get her to write. Those writings became the enduring classic Story of a Soul, in which she outlines what she calls "the little way.” The essence of the little way is to do little things with great love. By pouring great love into the smallest act, Thérèse discovered great joy.
Thérèse didn’t become one of the greatest modern saints because of a complex philosophy or academic theology, but by the simple and consistent application of the Gospel. This amazing woman took Jesus at his word when he told us that whatever we do for another person we do for him. When someone actually lives the Christian faith, it is practical, relevant, accessible, and hopeful.
Thérèse of Lisieux didn't waste her life caught up in the self-importance of wondering what God's specific will was for her. She knew clearly what his universal will was for us all: to love others. By living what she knew to be the simple and universal will of God, she discovered His specific will for her days, weeks, months, and life. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote, "Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."
How different would your life be if, in every moment, you did the little things that you believed God was calling you to do?
WHAT LITTLE THINGS IS GOD CALLING YOU TO DO WITH GREAT LOVE TODAY? WHO IS GOD CALLING YOU TO LOVE?
I will do little things with great love!
Feast Day: October 1
Patron Saint of: Florists, Foreign Missions, Loss of Parents, Priests, and The Sick
Also Known As: The Little Flower
Symbols: Roses
Canonized: May 17, 1925
Canonized By: Pope Pius XI
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