About Us
What is Serra?
The Serra Club (not to be confused with the Sierra Club) fosters and promotes vocations to the Catholic priesthood and to religious life. It also encourages its members to fulfill their own Christian vocations in serving Christ and His Church. It works toward these goals through prayer as well as a variety of awareness and support programs.
What do Serrans do?
To promote vocations, Serrans pray that God grant vocations and help men and women, in this secular age, to have the courage to respond to the call. While not a fundraising organization, Serrans make gifts to the archbishop to assist in the education of seminarians, small gifts to priests, sisters, and seminarians as tokens of appreciation. While not a service organization, Serrans assist when they can. For example, Seattle Serrans help with the archdiocesan Quo Vadis Days. Serrans also host events to honor seminarians, priests, and sisters, and to hear speakers on topics that will deepen their faith and understanding of Christianity.
When do Serrans meet?
Seattle Serra members usually meet several times a year. We also have the opportunity to attend national and regional meetings and a regional retreat. For a schedule of events in the Seattle area, see our Calendar.
Who joins Seattle Serra?
Lay men and women, who are actively Catholic, belong to a parish in the Seattle area, and who answer the call to promote vocations and support those in religious life. Members are encouraged to attend meetings and other functions of the organization.
Are there other Serra Clubs in the northwest?
Yes. Along with Seattle Serra, there are several other Serra Clubs in the northwest, including these:
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Cascade (Mill Creek)
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Columbia Valley (Vancouver, WA, area)
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Everett
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Hispanic Club (Renton)
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Portland, Oregon
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Saint Thomas More (Lynnwood)
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Salem, Oregon
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Edmonds
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Spokane
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Tri-cities
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Yakima
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Saint Stephen (Renton)
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Bellingham
What is the history of Serra?
Serra was founded in Seattle in 1935 by four Catholic lay men: Dan Rooney, Leo Sharkey, Richard Ward, and Harold Haberle. Seattle is thus the original chapter. Since 1935, Serra has chartered more than 1,000 Serra Clubs in 46 countries. Headquarters of Serra International are now in Chicago. The total membership is more than 20,000. Seattle Serra has approximately 30 members.