CHARLESTON — Serra clubs foster, affirm and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Catholic Church. Named after Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary known for putting faith into action, Serrans can be found across the globe.
The Diocese of Charleston is trying to start a Serra Club at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, but is struggling to find members, according to Will Simons, president.
Currently, they have about 12 dedicated people but need 25 to obtain a charter.
The push for a Serra Club in Charleston started under Bishop Robert J. Baker, now of the Diocese of Birmingham, Ala. The Serra Club president hopes to meet with Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone in the next few months to discuss the group’s direction. Bishop Guglielmone was ordained March 25.
In the meantime, the Serrans will continue to support the religious men and women of the diocese and promote vocations through school and parish activities.
Simons said they meet at 7 p.m. on the final Thursday of each month, except in June and July, at the Cathedral.
He said they have a speaker every month and then gather to discuss upcoming events. They have sent cards to the priests, participated in diocesan events and offered prayers.
“We have to appreciate what these priests do and what they sacrifice so that we can get to heaven,” Simons said.
The next big project is raising funds to show the pro-life movie, “The Human Experience” to students at Bishop England High School.
