Over 1700 vocation supporters, including Serra International President Tomi Asenuga from Nigeria, attended Serra’s 2013 Ordinandi Dinner to celebrate the impending ordination of Rev. Mr. Joshua Roldan and Rev. Mr. Paul Finn.

Both were graduates of the University of Toronto, but their vocation stories could not have been more different.

Joshua was born and raised in Mississauga. Like many seminarians, he has youth on his side.

Paul, from Kingston, came to the priesthood later in life, following a successful career in the grain trade.

Both spoke eloquently of their journey in answering God’s call to priesthood.

They are to be ordained for Toronto and Kingston Archdioceses respectively.

Toronto West Serra Club Newsletter April 2013 - 1

SERRA’S 23rd ANNUAL ORDINANDI DINNER

Joshua Roldan Paul Finn

The demand for Ordinandi Dinner tickets has consistently exceeded the seating capacity of the Pearson Convention Centre. ¯¯

So this year Serra produced a meet and greet Ordinandi Luncheon, structured to interest high school students. Over 400 youth from six local Catholic School Boards took this unique opportunity to meet, talk to and question the Ordinandi and other ordained and professed religious about vocations.

The Serra Ordinandi Dinner and Luncheon are joint ‘external’ vocation projects of the Toronto area Serra Clubs. The organizing Committee includes all Club Presidents and many other Serrans who volunteer to assist with specific tasks. Mario Biscardi initiated this Serra project 24 years ago and continues to provide valuable leadership.

Serra President Tomi Asenuga

President Anna Mangione

V.P. Program

Joseph Gennaro

V.P. Membership Mario Cinelli

V.P. Vocations

David Bain

V.P. Communications John Plunkett

Treasurer

Anthony Mangione

Secretary Irene Skinner Bain

Trustees

Gary MacDonald Caroline Smith

David Smith

Past President Patrick Hearn

Chaplain

Father Martin Pereira

Vocare Team Irene Skinner Bain

Anna Mangione John Plunkett

Caroline Smith Marcello Tarantino

Irene Urbaniak

Contact us 416 245 2223

serracanada@sympatico.ca

Board of Trustees 2012 - 2013

Some Students at the Ordinandi Luncheon

Deacon Diego Maratta, P.D. our Honoured Guest on November 26th, related a story about the halo

of light-energy that all of us emanate. A special camera used by NASA can pick up this aura. When a person is dying, this light diminishes. A scientist in a hospital, where a patient was seen to have a small area of light around a pocket on his clothing while a Catholic priest administered Holy

Communion, confirmed this. The scientist later entered the priesthood. Deacon Maratta then talked about service, such as the true service that is spiritual, and the response to a call. Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, said “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11, 12). To demonstrate this principle, at the Last Supper, Christ washed the feet of his disciples, the task of a slave.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “Where there is silence there is prayer; where there is prayer there is faith; where there is faith there is love; where there is love there is service; where there is service there is peace”. In each poor or dying person, Mother Teresa saw the face of Christ.

Deacon Michael Gennaro, a member of Toronto Central Serra Club was our Honoured Guest on January 28th, 2013. Deacon Michael was ordained in May 2012 and is the first legally blind deacon in the Archdiocese of Toronto. He finds the life of a deacon to be “simply

amazing” after six months, especially the joy of performing baptisms.

His journey to the diaconate began with an invitation to the Ordinandi Dinner. His life was at a crossroads at age fifty-five, having closed down a business and, feeling very uncertain about his future he visited his pastor, who recommended that he attend a Call by Name event at the church. He credits his parents as having been twin angels who left a foundation in all their children that led, in his case, to his vocation to the diaconate. On his journey, which has been very stressful, he has had lots of family support especially from his wife. In this Year of Faith, as well as the fiftieth anniversary of Vatican II, Deacon Michael spoke of the importance of the new evangelization. Sadly, the biggest group of Christians in the world today are fallen-away Catholics. Invite them again, perhaps around Fathers Day. Show them the way by the way in which we lead our lives, and most importantly, pray for them.

Father Martin Pereria, our Club Chaplain, was the Honoured Guest on January 14th. Fr. Pereira was born in Karachi, Pakistan and attended Pius X Seminary. Fr. Pereira spoke extensively about baptism and faith during his homily. The baptism of the Lord is the beginning of our faith, however Christians have struggled with baptism from the beginning. What was the reason for Christ’s baptism? The baptism of John the Baptist was different in that it removed privilege and exclusivity on the path to God. Was John the Messiah who would deliver them? Jesus’ baptism identified him as God’s beloved son. John was the messenger whom prophets foretold would come to prepare the way for Jesus, who came to ignite a fire, to take up our burdens, feelings of inadequacy, the fear of sudden violence, and taxation.

We need fire to bring heat to our faith, as in purification by fire; what is evil will be destroyed.

‘Honoured Guests’ - continues on page 4 and 6

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 - 2 VOCARE

Our Club’s Honoured Guests

Education Night President Mangione has planned a membership Education Night for the April 8th Club meeting. Three Club Officers will share particulars about their work and how it impacts fellow Serrans. Come prepared to ask questions and learn more about how you can personally do more for vocations.

Governor Hearn's Spring District Conference

All Serrans and spouses are encouraged to attend this inspirational event. The KW Club has arranged for high caliber presenters that will entertain and inform on matters important to Serrans and other Catholics. The scheduled speakers are:

Dr. Katherine Bergman, President and Vice-Chancellor of St. Jerome’s University will deliver the Keynote address. Very Rev. Cornelius O’Mahoney, Vicar for Education for Hamilton. Fr. Toby Collins, C.R., Vocation Director for the Resurrectionists.

Fr. Wojciech Kuzma, diocesan Vocation Director.

Bishop Crosbie will celebrate the closing Mass prior to the Banquet.

PLEASE REGISTER NOW

K/W NEEDS TO KNOW FOR CATERING AND OTHER

LOGISTICS

Club Meetings are held in a private downstairs room, at The Canadiana Restaurant 5230 Dundas Street West

unless otherwise noted

April 8, Meeting #1103 Education Night

April 22, Meeting #1104 Honoured Guest tba

May 13, Meeting #1105 Honoured Guest tba

May 27, Meeting #1106 Honoured Guest tba

June 10, Meeting #1107 Honoured Guest tba June 24, Meeting #1108 Honoured Guest tba

The Board of Trustees meets

on the 3rd Monday of each month for planning and

other Club business.

April 15, Meeting # 552 Plunkett Residence

May 20, Meeting # 553 Cancelled – Victoria Day

June 17, Meeting # 554 Cinelli Residence

July 15, Meeting # 555 Location tba

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 - 3 VOCARE

Club Meetings

Board Meetings

On April 20, the K/W Serra Club will host the Spring District Conference at St. Jerome’s University,Waterloo

CONTACT INFORMATION

For Serra International serra.org

For Serra Connects Serraconnects.com

For Serra club supplies serraus.org

A Special Guest Deacon in-training Peter Takaoka brought his wife Nadia to the Jan. 28th meeting to meet Honoured Guest, Deacon Michael Gennaro. Welcome Nadia.

s

Fr. John Arulthas Our speaker on March 11, 2013 was Fr. John Arulthas, a native of Sri Lanka, and a member of the Congregation of Rosarians, began in Sri Lanka by an Oblate priest in 1928. One of seven children, Fr. John’s faith was encouraged by his mother. He was attracted to the priesthood while serving as an altar boy. His interest in the priesthood led to attending a vocation camp while at school, then he studied at the National Seminary of his homeland. He is currently serving at Mary Lake in King City. Fr. John expressed his gratitude for the fact that the Portuguese sent missionaries to Sri Lanka in 1505, and therefore we all share one Catholic faith. The family is the basic unit of faith, and in this Year of Faith, which began on October 11th, 2012, we are all invited to recall and strengthen our memories: know faith, live faith, share faith.

Rev. Rohwin Pais, OFM On February 25, our Honoured Guest was Fr. Rohwin Pais, OFM. He was ordained in Bangalore on April 1st, 1989 and is currently Pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Toronto. As a Franciscan, he has a special affinity to our organization, which was founded by Franciscan Junipero Serra. “Religion” comes from the Italian word “religare”, derived from Latin, meaning “bound”, and brings properly together our relationship with God, and with one another. Pope Benedict has been emphasizing this – an intense personal relationship with God. In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 7, the Roman centurion said, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof’, and Jesus marveled at his faith. Before the Edict of Milan in

313, Romans were considered pagans. In Luke, Chapter 4, while visiting Nazareth, Jesus was amazed at the lack of faith of the Jews. In John’s Gospel it is said that, “he came unto his own, and his own did not accept him.” Membership in the group does not guarantee faith; when one is assigning tasks, it is wise to choose a person that can be relied upon to do the task – faith is all about this. Being Catholic means not necessarily having faith, as God does things in his own time. In Chapter 11 of the letter to the Hebrews, “faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen.” Also, the meaning of faith is described as, “worshipping, walking with God, working with God, waiting for God.” Fr. Pais ended his talk by encouraging Club members to have faith in our priests.

Governor Patrick Hearn Our speaker on March 25th 2013 was District Governor and member of Toronto West Serra Club, Patrick Hearn. Patrick is a father of six children. At his parish, Our Lady of Sorrows, Toronto, he serves as a Lector and Extraordinary Minister to the Sick. Patrick talked about his governorship over the last six months, and said that at first he had to ask himself, “what must I do, and what do I have to work with?” He realized that he likes to visit, and he has the time, therefore if he knows the clubs, they will know him. Being able to speak with authority from practical experience is also important. At a meeting of club presidents held on January 19th, 2013 it was decided that just one conference would be held per year, that the club presidents would meet every three months, and newsletters would be exchanged among the various clubs. The presidents did not want textbook training at the conference, and the agenda for the event that will take place on April 20th, 2013 certainly supports this assertion. Patrick ended his talk with an overview of a very busy calendar of upcoming events throughout the District, an impressive undertaking by all concerned

.

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 – 4 VOCARE

Honoured Guests – continued from page 2

Fr. Pereira Fr. Arulthas Sr. Floyn Sr. Josie

!!Tarantino!Photos!

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 - 5 VOCARE

Birthday Celebrations

APRIL

Patrick Hearn David Smith

Maria Tolomei MAY

John Gennaro Caroline Smith

JUNE Ray Track

Anna Mangione

Wedding Anniversaries

APRIL Mario & Frances Cinelli Nicola & Lina Critelli Milan & Maria Popik

Ray & Pam Track Irene & Joseph Urbaniak

In Our Prayers We Remember

Jack Shagnessy R.I.P.

Peter Calzavara John Holland

Frank Kennedy Ambrose Lucas

Bill & Clare Whelton

and all who have requested our prayers.

2012 Club Christmas Party

The Brampton home of Serrans Milan and Maria Popik was the scene of our Club’s 2012 Christmas Party. Starting with Mass celebrated by our Chaplain, Fr. Martin, nearly 50 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful feast graciously organized and prepared by Maria Popik, with some specialty dishes contributed by other Club ladies. Milan’s well stocked bar supplemented by Tony Tolomei’s ‘private stock’ wine contributed to many lively conversations including a poetry reading of some original works by Governor Pat Hearn. Great fellowship is always a feature of our Club gatherings, and this event was no exception. Many thanks to all who attended and to all who contributed to the festivities, making this Club event another memorable occasion.

Tarantino Photos

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 - 6 VOCARE

A PRAYER

FOR OUR NEW POPE

O Gracious God, our shepherd and guide,

Look with love on Francis your servant, whom you have

appointed as successor to Saint Peter.

Grand him courage and wisdom, and fill him with love

for your people.

May he serve with fidelity all those whom you have

entrusted to his care and bring your Church together

in unity of heart and purpose as we seek to fulfill the mission of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

for ever and ever. Amen.

< Our < Honoured < Guest on February 11th was Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha. He was born in Bangalore, India and educated in Pakistan. His parish priest encouraged him to enter the seminary in Karachi in 1952, and he was ordained in 1960. From 1960-1963 he studied in Rome for a doctorate in theology. At age 75, as Archbishop of Lahore since 2001, his long career ended and he retired to Canada.

Archbishop Saldanha told the group that a vocation comes from personal contacts, like Jesus Christ and his disciples, and that young priests need encouragement. In his Diocese of Lahore there were 400,000 Catholics. A Serra Club was established there in 2001. He went on to describe the difficulties that exist for the scattered population of 1.2 million Catholics in Pakistan. They have problems with security. The faithful are searched as they enter the churches for Mass for fear that a suicide bomber may be in their midst. He is planning to attend the Ordinandi Dinner on March 5th. His important message to us was to keep in contact with priests after ordination.

POPE FRANCIS March 13, 2013

Pope Francis’s Message To His

Cardinals

These encouraging words apply equally well to all

vocation-seeking Serrans "Let us never give in to

that pessimism, that bitterness which the devil offers us every day," he exhorted. "Let us not give in to pessimism and discouragement; we have that firm

confidence which the Holy Spirit gives the

Church, with his mighty breath, the courage to persevere and to seek

new ways to evangelize, to bring the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.

Toronto West Serra Club April 2013 - 7 VOCARE

It’s Good To Know!

Evaluating Your Club’s Operations Periodically Serra Club members should evaluate their club (rating ‘S’ strong, ‘A’ Average, or ‘W’

weak) on the following points, and then take action as indicated by this analysis.

1. All club members have a thorough understanding of Serra’s objectives. 2. The club occasionally analyses Serra’s objectives in terms of today’s problem and needs and the results of this analysis are communicated to all members of the club. 3. The club demonstrates its concern with the many groups related to the priesthood and religious life through its various activities: youth, seminarians, sisters, brothers, deacons, associate pastors, parents and others. 4. Club leaders continually develop club members in their spirituality and vocation work. 5. Club officers and committee members regularly study all material on club leadership found in this handbook for Serrans and other manuals for assistance and guidance in serving the club competently. 6. Club officers are nominated and elected from among those who have been members of the Board of Trustees and/or have served on at least one committee. 7. All officers and members of standing committees have and use appropriate Serra International manuals and other material related to their areas of responsibility. 8. The terms of club committee assignments allow for a reasonable amount of carry-over of experience from one administration to another. 9. Committees have a balance of experienced and new members. 10. Club leaders are continuously trained including instruction in the principles of leadership 11. The club plans and schedules events in advance including regular club meetings, special meetings, meeting programs, vocation activities, finances and conventions. 12. Most members actively participate in club decision-making. 13. Actions of the Board of Trustees are promptly communicated to club members. 14. The content of the talks given at regular club meetings are related to the club’s activities. 15. Qualified members are given opportunities to participate in the meeting program in order to continue their interest in the club and to utilize their potential talent. 16. Club programs allow for discussion and analysis of contemporary Catholic issues. 17. Club leaders encourage the creativity of all the members and implement ideas whenever possible.

How Serra Operates – edited excerpts from the Handbook for Serrans