SERRA

Serra Club of Charleston Events Since March, 2008

Regular Meeting
27 Aug 10
The second in the Serra Club of Charleston's "Seven Sacraments" Speaker Series was Msgr. P. Edward Sadie S.T.L., V.F., Rector of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, who discussed the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
 

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
7 Aug 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
6 Aug 10
To kick-off the Serra Club of Charleston's "Seven Sacraments" Speaker Series, Rev. Dennis J. Klemash, OFM Cap, Pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Charleston and Our Lady of the Hills Parish in Elkview, discussed the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

Regular Meeting
16 Jul 10
Thomas Gallagher spoke on his experiences as a seminarian for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston studying at The Pontifical North American College and life in Rome.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
3 Jul 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Optional Memorial of Blessed Junípero Serra, Priest (Vigil)
30 Jun 10
The Serra Club of Charleston sponsored a special mass for vocations, celebrated by Rev. Dennis J. Klemash, OFM Cap at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Charleston.

Regular Meeting
18 Jun 10
Joseph Awad, chief cantor at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, discussed the role of chant in the Orthodox liturgy and demonstrated chanting. 

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
5 Jun 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Presbyteral Ordination
5 Jun 09
Bishop Michael Bransfield ordained Michael Lecias as a priest for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. This blessed event took place at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.

Regular Meeting
4 Jun 10
Rev. Mr. Todd Garland, Executive Director of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston's Department of Social Ministries, discussed Bishop Bransfield's pastoral letter on mine safety entitled "On My Holy Mountain". 

Regular Meeting
21 May 10
Natalie Tennant, West Virginia Secretary of State, discussed the first election that she oversaw as the Chief Election Officer of West Virginia. 

Regular Meeting
8 May 10
Four members of the Serra Club of Charleston attended and participated in the Serra Region 6 District 19 Spring Leadership Conference at Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, W.Va. 

Regular Meeting
7 May 10
This meeting was dedicated to the election of officers for 2010-2012 terms and President’s Address on the State of the Organization and our service to the cause of vocations. 

Convocation of Priests
5 May 10
Serrans volunteered to serve dinner to Bishop Bransfield and the priests of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. This annual convocation takes place at the Blessed John XXII Pastoral Center in Charleston.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
1 May 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Bring a Boy or Girl Luncheon
30 Apr 09
Middle school children from St. Agnes, St. Anthony, St. Francis, and Sacred Heart Catholic schools joined the Serrans at this special annual meeting.  Fr. Carlos Melocoton and Sister Molly Malone, OSF discussed their callings to religious life, and described their exciting lives of service to God and His Church.

Regular Meeting
16 Apr 10
Father Harold Dunn, M.S.A., a member of the Missionaries of the Society of the Holy Apostles, spoke on “Delayed Vocations”. 

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
10 Apr 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Stations of the Cross
2 Apr 10
Members of the Serra Club of Charleston attended Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral.

Regular Meeting
19 Mar 10
Jack Yeager, Mayor of Dunbar, West Virginia, spoke on “Catholic Education for the Average Student”. 

Founders Day Dinner
14 Mar 10
Members of the Serra Club of Charleston had dinner with local priests and religious sisters in celebration of the founding of the Serra Club of Charleston.  Vocalist Micah Atkinson presented a program of songs of inspiration from West Virginia and Ireland.  She was accompanied on guitar by Mark Atkinson.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
6 Mar 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
5 Mar 10
Zennel Sy spoke about the website, www.FamilyCatechism.com, and its importance to family and parish catechesis in the Church today.  Zennel explained how we can use the resources from the Apostolate for Family Consecration to teach our children, grandchildren and those in our parishes the Truths of the Faith.  Zennel is a member of the Catholic Corps mens community at Catholic Familyland in Bloomingdale, Ohio.  Zennel is a consecrated celibate who has given his life in service to the Church through serving families.  

Regular Meeting
19 Feb 10
Jeanne K. Cochran, Business and Marketing Manager of the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center, spoke about the Center’s mission and role in our community.  You can learn more about the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center at the following link: www.kpcc.com. 

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
6 Feb 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
5 Feb 10
Greg Hoyer, the Serra Club of Charleston's secretary, discussed the Catholic Conference of West Virginia and its Legislative agenda. 

Regular Meeting
22 Jan 10
Induction Ceremony for New Members: Michael Tupta, Vice-President of Membership, lead the induction ceremony for our newest members, Diane Kimble and Mia Moran-Cooper.
Speaker: On this 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, Becky Lanham, President of the Kanawha County Chapter of West Virginians for Life, and Marcy Carte spoke on the current state of national and local pro-life efforts. 

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
9 Jan 10
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
8 Jan 10
Members of the Serra Club learned about the Serra Foundation, and watched a video on this important effort of Serra International.

Regular Meeting
18 Dec 09
Speaker: Father William Casey, C.P.M., spoke about the Year of the Priest and how it is a good opportunity to focus on vocations. You can learn more about Father Bill Casey by visiting www.fathersofmercy.com/our_apostolates/missionaries/casey.

Bishop's Burse Dinner
6 Dec 09
The Serrans enjoyed the annual Bishop's Burse Dinner at the Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
5 Dec 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
20 Nov 09
Speaker: Charlie Bellomy, Veterans Service Officer, discussed the function of the West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs.  He also gave some details on benefits available for military veterans.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
7 Nov 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
6 Nov 09
Speaker: Kelly Sadd, first vice president of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, spoke on the work of the Council throughout the diocese.  She opened her talk by leading the Serrans in the Prayer for the Year for Priests.

Regular Meeting
23 Oct 09
Speaker: Diane Kimble, Sacred Heart Co Cathedral parishioner and leader of the Sacred Heart Gardening Committee, spoke about her journey to and through the Catholic Faith.

Regular Meeting
9 Oct 09
Speaker: Former Serra Club of Charleston president, Bob Galloway, discussed his trip to the recent Serra International Convention.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
3 Oct 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Day of Reflection
3 Oct 09
Nearly 125 people attended the Serra Club of Charleston's Day of Reflection entitled "The Reemergence of Religious Vocations in the Church Today".  Our speakers were:
 - The Reverend Fred Byrne O.S.B., Order of St. Benedict, St. Vincent Archabbey Latrobe, Pa.
 - Sister Mary Emily Knapp O.P., Dominican Sisters, St. Cecilia Motherhouse, Nashville, Tenn.
 - Sister Thérèse-Marie Iglesias T.O.R., Franciscan Sisters, Third Order Regular, Mount La Verna Monastery, Toronto, Ohio
 - The Reverend Dennis Klemash O.F.M.Cap., Capuchin Franciscans, St. Anthony Friary, Charleston, W. Va. 

Regular Meeting
25 Sep 09
Speaker: Cathy Savilla, Youth Ministry Coordinator at Holy Trinity Parish in Nitro spoke on “The Importance of Youth Ministry.”

Regular Meeting
11 Sep 09
Speaker: The Rev. Mr. Gary Lane spoke on “United in Prayer,” an initiative he is launching in this area.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
5 Sep 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
28 Aug 09
Speaker: Our Programs VP, Michael Kawash, brought the membership up to speed on the progress of the Oct. 3 Day of Reflection and what the entire membership needs to do as we head into the month preceding it.

Regular Meeting
14 Aug 09
Speaker: Fr. Manny Gelido, pastor of Christ the King and Holy Trinity parishes and St. Patrick mission, spoke about renewing our personal and church devotion to Mary, who submitted unconditionally to God’s will.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
1 Aug 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
31 Jul 09
Speaker: Permanent Deacon Dennis Nesser was ordained for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston after a successful career in the petroleum industry. Deacon Nesser, the Defender of the Bond, explained the canonical status of marriage within the Church and the process of annulment.

Regular Meeting
17 Jul 09
Speaker: Father Carlos Melocoton, newly-ordained priest and Associate Rector of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, shared his vocation story.  Fr. Carlos said that his philosophy about the priesthood is, "Give yourself to the people so that you can journey together to God".

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
11 Jul 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Presbyteral Ordination
27 Jun 09
The Serra Club of Charleston sponsored a pilgrimage to Wheeling for the presbyteral ordination of Fr. James Deviese Jr., Fr. Carlos Melocoton Jr., and Fr. Joshua Stevens.

Regular Meeting
19 Jun 09
Speaker: Father Chuck McGinnis, Interim Associate Rector of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, told his vocation story.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
6 Jun 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
5 Jun 09
Speaker: Bryon Calhoun, M.D., former president of Physicians for Life, spoke on life issues and freedom of conscience in the context of medical care.

Founders Day Dinner
31 May 09
Members of the Serra Club of Charleston had dinner with local priests and religious sisters in celebration of the founding of the Serra Club of Charleston.

Regular Meeting
22 May 09
Chaplain's Remarks: Our special guest, Deacon Gary Lane, spoke about the scripture readings for the Feast of the Ascension.  He drew parallels between the calling of the apostles to evangelize the world following the Lord's Ascension, and our calling to serve the Church in our own time.
Speaker: Carl Olian, Immediate Past State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, spoke about K of C membership efforts, including recruitment and retention. Carl also talked about a very prestigious award he received in February from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, the “Circle of Honor,” which is the highest award a State Deputy may receive. This award is based upon membership goals attained when Carl was the State Deputy.

Diaconate Ordination
17 May 09
Bishop Michael Bransfield ordained Michael Lecias as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. This blessed event took place at the Cathedral of St. Joseph.

Regular Meeting
8 May 09
Speaker: William Scharf, Serra USA District 19 Governor and member of our local club, provided us with an update of things going on in Serra Clubs throughout our District. Since we are in the Year of St. Paul, Bill also discussed St. Paul's ministry and writings from the first century of the Church.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
2 May 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Bring a Boy or Girl Luncheon
24 Apr 09
Middle school children from St. Agnes, St. Anthony, St. Francis, and Sacred Heart Catholic schools joined the Serrans at this special annual meeting.  Sister Judith Ann Teufel, CSJ, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, and Brother Dennis Klemash O.F.M. Cap. discussed their callings to religious life, and described their exciting lives of service to God and His Church.

Also, Mike Tupta, V.P. of Membership, led the induction ceremony for two new members, Mark Zachwieja and Mike Brumley.

Stations of the Cross
10 Apr 09
Members of the Serra Club of Charleston attended Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
4 Apr 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
27 Mar 09
Speaker: As part of Worldwide Fertility Care Week, Tracy Comer discussed Natural Family Planning. She explained the The Creighton Model - Fertility Care System. More details are available at www.creightonmodel.com.

Quarterly Organizational Meeting
13 Mar 09
In lieu of a regular meeting, the Serra Club of Charleston had a Quarterly Organizational Meeting. Committee chairs gave reports to the entire club, and club members planned upcoming events and projects.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
7 Mar 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Officers' Meeting
2 Mar 09
The Serra Club of Charleston officers met to plan the 3 Oct 09 Day of Reflection: "The Reemergence of Religious Vocations in the Church Today".

Regular Meeting
27 Feb 09
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about the lenten season, and our custom of giving things up for lent.
Speaker: Rich Ireland discussed the craft of brewing beer, and the historical connections between Catholicism and beer brewing.

Regular Meeting
13 Feb 09
Speaker: In celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, Beth White, a published Civil War historian and president of the Kanawha Valley Civil War Roundtable, spoke on the topic, "Lincoln, Religion, and the Second Inaugural Address".

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
7 Feb 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Officers' Meeting
2 Feb 09
Serra Club of Charleston Officers with the District Governor to plan Serra meetings and events for the coming months.

Regular Meeting
23 Jan 09
Speaker: Debbie Sweeney, Western Regional Director for Catholic Charities of West Virginia, spoke about the mission of Catholic Charities in our state.  She also distributed copies of a Catholic Charites information brochure.

Regular Meeting
9 Jan 09
Speaker: Sister Molly Maloney, OSF, spiritual and retreat director at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality, spoke about Catholic vocations, distributed some resources about vocations, and talked about the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality. Since 2002, Sister Molly has served on the Vocation and Associate Membership Committee for the Holy Name Province of her order, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Stella Niagara, New York.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
3 Jan 09
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
19 Dec 08
Speaker: C.J. Hamilton and his daughter, Kelly, spoke on the topic of fostering religious vocations and the role that Catholic Youth Ministry plays in that capacity. C.J. and his wife, Alice, are parents to 6 wonderful children and are actively involved with Youth Ministry in their parish at St. John the Evangelist in Summersville, W.Va. C.J. works for the US Army Corps of Engineers and serves as Resource Manager at Summersville Lake. Kelly is a senior in high school and is a National Merit Scholar. C.J. and Alice homeschool their children.

Diaconate Ordination
14 Dec 08
Seminarian Carlos Melocoton was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Bransfield at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
6 Dec 08
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Bishop's Burse Dinner
1 Dec 08
Bishop Bransfield celebrated mass for the Charleston Serrans, and then all enjoyed the annual Bishop's Burse Dinner at the Blessed John XXIII Pastoral Center.

Regular Meeting
21 Nov 08
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about the great contributions that Catholic monks have made, not only to the Catholic Church, but to all of civilization. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Benedictine monks.
Speaker: Fr. Fred Byrne, O.S.B., Vocation Director for the St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA, spoke about the need to develop a culture where people learn how to listen to God. As a vocation director, Fr. Fred works to bring young people into full conversion to Jesus Christ, and to lead them into formation of a life of prayer and Christian service. He spoke about the importance of working with families, and creating a culture of life.

Regular Meeting
7 Nov 08
Speaker: Fr. Douglas Ondeck and Michael Kawash presented a summary of the approved revisions to the Novus Ordo Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
1 Nov 08
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Regular Meeting
24 Oct 08
Induction Ceremony for New Member: Michael Tupta, Vice-President of Membership, lead the induction ceremony for our newest member, Jim Garvin.
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck reminded everyone that the next Holy Hour for Vocations will be 3:00 to 4:00 pm on 1 Nov 08 (Feast of All Saints), and All Souls Day is 2 Nov 08.
Speaker: John C. “Max” Wilkinson, Jr., Corprate Counsel for ICG, LLC and Operations Officer (S-3) for the 1092d Engineer Battalion (WVARNG), spoke about his spiritual journey and conversion to the Roman Catholic faith. He spoke about how the historical aspects of the Catholic Church resonated with him, and helped draw him to the Catholic faith.

2008 Serra Super Regional Convention
10-12 Oct 08
Seven members of the Serra Club of Charleston attended this Super Regional Convention (Regions 2,3,4,6, and 7) in Wheeling, WV. Speakers included:
- The Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston
- The Most Reverend Bernard W. Schmitt, Bishop Emeritus of Wheeling-Charleston
- The Most Reverend Edwin F. O'Brien, Archbishop of Baltimore
- Helen Alvaré, Associate Professor of Law, George Mason University School of Law

Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations
4 Oct 08
The Serra Club of Charleston and St. Michael the Archangel Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsored Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, dedicated to praying for vocations.

Special Event - "Motherhood to Sainthood"
25 Sep 08
The Serra Club of Charleston sponsored a public event at Sacred Heart Center. Rev. Mr. Randall Redington and Mary Ellen Redington spoke about the Fascinating Cause for the Canonization of Gwen C. Coniker, as well as explaining the process of canonization.
Information Brochure    Charleston Daily Mail Article

Regular Meeting
12 Sep 08
Induction Ceremony for New Member: Michael Tupta, Vice-President of Membership, lead the induction ceremony for our newest member, Dana Fox.
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about the importance of quiet prayer, and how we can have meaningful prayer time although it may seem like we are not "doing" anyhing.
Speaker: Mike Kawash presented “Eucharistic Adoration: How devotion to the Lord in the Eucharist increases vocations to the priesthood and religious life." This timely topic was chosen to detail how planning for our local upcoming adoration hours will further our mission of seeking fellow laborers for our Church by highlighting Pope John Paul II's reminder that the Eucharist is the source of all vocations. The Knights of Columbus has expressed an interest in co-sponsoring Eucharistic Adoration.

Regular Meeting
22 Aug 08
Mark Sadd distrubuted copies of an article by Anna Arco entitled "The Renewal of the Dominican Order is Flourishing"
Speakers: Janet Kawash and Terri Moore Imani, scrip coordinators for Sacred Heart Grade School and St. Agnes Grade School, spoke about the important role that scrip plays in raising funds for their schools. They expained how each of us can use scrip for our everyday purchases, at no additional cost to us, and provide our local Catholic grade schools with much-needed funds. Our speakers also distributed copies of the Sacred Heart Scrip Order Form, St. Agnes Scrip Order Form, a Scrip Information Pamphlet, the SHGS Aug. 22 Scrip Newsletter, and Information on Ordering Scrip on the Internet.

Regular Meeting
8 Aug 08
Speaker: L.J. Fairless, President of Snodgrass Funeral Home, spoke on directing funerals among a variety of cultures and religious traditions.

Regular Meeting
25 Jul 08
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about the importance of living our lives in anticipation of the second coming of Christ, and planning, not for the present, but for the future. Fr. Doug summed up his message with, "Look busy, the Lord in coming."
Special Meeting: The Charleston Serrans had a special meeting to plan the upcoming year for the club. They developed a list of specific goals over the coming year.

Regular Meeting
18 Jul 08
Induction Ceremony for New Member: Michael Tupta, Vice-President of Membership, lead the induction ceremony for our newest member, Maria Rendinell.
Special Announcement: Our club president, Mark Sadd, discussed the efforts of St. Paul Radio Co., a Kanawha Valley Catholic lay apostolate dedicated to the development of Catholic radio to spread the good news of Christ to the Kanawha Valley and Southern West Virginia.
Speaker: The Honorable Joseph P. Albright, Justice, Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, discussed Dilemmas of Conscience in Public Office: "I do not speak for my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me." - JFK

Optional Memorial of Blessed Junípero Serra, Priest
1 Jul 08
Members of the Serra Club of Charleston attended noon mass at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston. Fr. Doug Ondeck celebrated the mass and in his homily discussed the life of Blessed Junípero Serra and the contributions that Fr. Serra made to the Church in 18th century California.

Regular Meeting
20 Jun 08
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about the import role that the Catholic Church has played in shaping world history and U.S. history, and how important it is for Catholics to understand their past while looking to the future. He quoted St. Ambrose, one of the Great Doctors of the Western Church, who said, "Most men strive for the present. We (Christians) strive for the future". Fr. Doug also recommended that the Serrans read "When Worlds Collide", and article from The Weekly Standard by P.J. O'Rourke, and the books listed on Reading List for RCIA 2007-2008.
Speaker: Ms. Emily White, Director of Archives & Records for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, presented "Celebrating West Virginia Day--A History of the Catholic Church in West Virginia"

Special Event
15 Jun 08
Serra Club of Charleston member Nick Casey was installed as a member of the Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral during the noon Mass. The Holy Father announced his inclusion of Nick on the Honors List earlier this year.

Regular Meeting
13 Jun 08
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about "Catholicism as a Lifestyle"
Speaker: Tony DeMeo, Football Coach at the University of Charleston spoke about "Faith, Football and Devotion to St. Anthony". This was a timely topic since June 13th is the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Coach DeMeo emphasized the four values that his assistant coaches and players live by - character, courage, class, and integrity.

Charleston Saturday Gazette-Mail Article
7 Jun 08
The Saturday Gazette-Mail published an article entitled "Fewer Priests, More Work".

Founders Day Dinner
18 May 08
Fourteen Serrans, twelve guests, and eighteen members of the local Catholic clergy and religious celebrated the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Serra Club of Charleston. They had dinner at the Bleesed John XXIII Pastoral Center, and entertainment was provided by the Huntington Brass Quintet.

Diaconate Ordination
17 May 08
Two of our seminarians, James DeViese, Jr. and Joshua Stevens, were ordained as transitional deacons at Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, their ordination to the diaconate through the sacrament of holy orders “configures them to Christ, who made himself the ‘deacon’ or servant of all.” (1570). Deacons are ministers ordained for tasks of service to the Church. Ordination confers on them important functions in the ministry of the Word, divine worship, pastoral governance and the service of charity, tasks they must carry out under the pastoral authority of their bishop.

Regular Meeting
9 May 08
Chaplain's Remarks: Fr. Doug Ondeck discussed the role of a chaplain in the life of a Serra club. He distributed copies of the Serra Chaplain's Manual.
Speaker: Catherine Romeo, Director of the John Paul II Campus Ministry Center, spoke abou the new ministry center located on the campus of the University of Charleston. Thirteen of the twenty-eight colleges and universities in West Virginia now have a Catholic presence of some kind. These ministries provide many activities for students including meditation groups, charitable activities, interfaith activities, retreats, and many other things. Unfortunately, only 44% of students who participate in campus ministry activities regularly attend mass.

Convocation of Priests
6 May 08
Serrans volunteered to serve dinner to Bishop Bransfield and the priests of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. This annual convocation takes place at the Blessed John XXII Pastoral Center in Charleston.

Regular Meeting
25 Apr 08
Speaker: Ron Rushworth presented the new Serra Club of Charleston website, and solicited comments from the membership.

Spring Leadership Planning Conference
19 Apr 08
District Governor Bill Scharf organized and presided at the biennial meeting of leadership from the five West Virginia Serra Clubs in Charleston, Parkersburg, Clarksburg, Morgantown and Wheeling. Nearly 20 Serrans met in Bridgeport at the Pete Dye Country Club. Don Gosselin discussed membership development. Other Charleston club participants were Carol Hannah and Mark Sadd. Diocesan priest and long-time Serran, Father Leo Lyden, addressed the group during the first session about the role of the club chaplain.

Bring a Boy or Girl Luncheon
9 Apr 08
Forty middle school children from St. Agnes, St. Anthony, St. Francis, and Sacred Heart Catholic schools joined the Serrans at this special annual meeting. Our chaplain, Fr. Doug Ondeck spoke about his calling to the priesthood.

Officers' Meeting
31 Mar 08
Outgoing and incoming officers met at the Blessed John XXII Pastoral Center to plan their upcoming transfer of responsibilities.