In 1934, in Seattle, Washington, four Catholic friends, Dan Rooney, Leo Sharkey, Richard Ward, and Harold Haberle, had an idea…They decided to meet regularly over a meal to discuss how their Christian values could be lived out in their professional lives. Soon more friends were joining them, and within several months, they had decided on an additional focus the encouraging of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They chose Padre Juniper Serra, the noted 18th century Franciscan Missionary and founder of a string of California Missions.
That small group has grown into Serra International. Since 1935, Serra has chartered over 1,113 Serra Clubs in 46 countries (Seattle Serra club was the very first chartered club), with total membership more than 20,000 Serrans. Headquarters of Serra International are located in Chicago.
Serrans today are still dedicated to the original focus set out by the founding men, that of spiritual growth, continuing Catholic adult education, living Christian values in their professional lives, warm fellowship, and especially encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life. It was a great idea, and it has become a tradition of commitment for all Serrans.
Serrans accept as their responsibility the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. They possess a deep appreciation of the ministerial priesthood as being essential to the Church. Serrans have been generous in offering their support to those who hear the call to serve Christ in the priesthood. — Saint John Paul II
For more information, visit the websites for Serra USA and Serra International.