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SERRA CLUB MINUTES
8/15/05
The
meeting was called to order by president Steve Scrignoli.
Fr.
Petrich led the Prayer for Vocations and introduced the speaker,
Brandon Moravitch.
Brandon
is a seminarian from Ely. His brother is also a seminarian, in the
North American College in Rome.
Though
he was raised Catholic, Brandon went to Crown College, a bible
college in the Twin Cities. In this environment, his Catholic faith
was challenged as never before. As he tried to answer questions from
fundamentalist Christians, he investigated the teachings of the
Church more deeply.
He
joined the National Evangelization Team (NET) program, traveling
with a team of ten Catholics, staying with families and making
presentations in parishes all over the country. After working as a
youth minister in Virginia for four years, he decided to enter the
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary affiliated with St. Mary's
University in Winona, Minn. He is in his second year of
undergraduate work and hopes to focus on spirituality and spiritual
direction.
Brandon
answered questions, especially about the apparent increase in the
number of men currently in formation. He posited that the increase
is due to Bishop Schnurr's focus on building good relationships with
young Catholic men. He also attributed renewed interest to a strong
community of joyful priests.
Fr.
Petrich closed the meeting with the Prayer for Perseverance.
21
Serrans and one priest were in attendance.
8/1/05
The
meeting was called to order by President Steve Scrignoli
Fr. Petrich led the Prayer for Vocations.
Steve announced:
1)
The new Serra Web site is now live. See
www.serraduluth.com. We have the ability to make changes to the
site when necessary. We also have the advantage of an online
database with member information that can be updated as necessary.
2)
The Annual Serra Summer Celebration for priests and deacons will be
held Thursday, September 8, at St. Margaret Mary church in Morgan
Park, beginning with Mass at 5:00. Details will be mailed, emailed
and posted on the Web site. Home Page
(NB: not a steak
fry––we’re serving prime rib!)
Steve introduced Fr. Joel Hastings, a newly
ordained priest, now studying canon law in Rome. Fr. Hastings noted
that he had spoken to the group twice as a seminarian and was
pleased to be peaking to us as a priest. He thanked the group for
prayers and support.
Fr. Hastings spoke primarily of his
experiences in Rome this spring during the death of Pope John Paul
II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI. He was touched by the
obvious presence of the Spirit and was appreciative for the
overwhelming presence of the media. At last, it seemed the press
was publicizing the good news of the Church, with positive coverage
of the life of Pope John Paul II and accurate reporting on the
election of the new pope. As an American seminarian studying in
Rome, he was interviewed on TV several times.
One of his most vivid memories is the
recitation of the rosary in many different languages in St. Peter’s
Square. The death of the pope seemed to be less an occasion of
sorrow for the multitude and more a sense of peace and gratitude
that a truly holy man had been called home to God. As a deacon, Fr.
Hastings assisted with distribution of communion during the nine
daily masses between the death of John Paul and the opening of the
conclave. He also spoke of the spirit of anticipation as they kept
vigil in St. Peter’s Square during the conclave and the spontaneous
and tremendous demonstration of joy at the appearance of the white
smoke.
Fr. Hastings showed an edition of the Vatican
newspaper that was printed within minutes after the announcement. He
has had the privilege of greeting Cardinal Ratzinger several times
as they passed on the streets of Rome and is convinced that his
election is a blessing for the Church Universal, as well as the
Church of the United States.
Fr. Hastings answered questions and reminded us
that we are always in his prayers.
Fr. Petrich led the prayer for Perseverance and
gave his blessing
20 Serrans and 2 priests were in attendance.
7/18/05
(No
meeting 7/4/05 due to the holiday)
The
meeting was called to order by membership chair Jim Jarocki.
Fr.
Petrich led the Prayer for vocations.
Jim
Landwehr introduced guest Chuck Fagrey of the Catholic Aid
Association.
Jim
Jarocki invited Serrans to assist with dinner for the seminarians,
Sat. Aug 6th at the Cathedral, beginning with Mass at
4:30.
Fr.
Petrich filled in as a speaker and gave an overview of Christianity,
noting that until the 14th century, most of the Western
World was Christian. Christianity was closely allied with political
structures. In many Western countries, the local bishop would confer
the crown on a new king. Henry VIII founded the Anglican Church over
a dispute with the Pope over divorce and remarriage. Martin
Luther––who never set out to start his own Church––caused another
schism over much–needed reforms, the Reformation and the foundation
of the Protestant movement and religions. Wars were waged to
legitimize one religion over another. Kings made proclamations
regarding the accepted religions of conquered regions.
Methodism established a method of studying Scripture. The goal of
Evangelicals and Pentecostals was to evangelize the world in the
light of the Gospel. Baptists organized around the practice of
acceptance of Christ as a personal savior through adult baptism by
immersion.
Fr.
Petrich noted that––even before the formal establishment of
Christianity––Jesus encouraged the apostles to pray for the unity of
all believers.
Fr. Petrich answered questions from the group
and led the prayer for Perseverance.
15 Serrans, 1 guest and 1 priest were in
attendance.
6/20/05
The meeting was called to order by Steve
Scrignoli. Guest speaker Fr. William Graham led the Serran Prayer
for Vocations.
President Steve Scrignoli announced that the
next meeting will be held Monday July 18.
Lee Stubenvoll introduced Fr. William Graham,
director of the Catholic Studies program at the College of St.
Scholastica.
Fr. Graham thanked the group for welcoming him
back after his address to the group at the most recent Christmas
dinner. He talked about the value to the Church of priests serving
in professions other than as parish priests. Currently priests
become pastors at a very young age and serve in that capacity. A
culture that supports a variety of opportunities for study and
leadership would be an significant help to recruiting bright,
educated men in search of a fulfilling career as well as a
satisfying vocation. Fr. Graham also pointed out that our history
includes a tradition of priests using their talents in other areas,
including Pope Benedict XVI, who began teaching a year after he was
ordained.
As Fr. Graham described what it means to be a
Catholic college, he described his responsibility for overseeing
Catholic influence and reaction to all areas of a liberal education,
including the sciences, humanities and the arts. There are very few
Catholic studies programs in the United States; this is a pioneer
effort.
Fr. Graham answered questions from the group
and led the prayer for perseverance.
25 Serrans and 1 priest were in attendance.
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