Serra Club officially chartered in diocese

Bishop John C. Nienstedt’s vision of the re-establishment of a Serra Club in the Diocese of New Ulm came to light when the Serra Club of the Good Shepherd of the Diocese of New Ulm was officially chartered on November 8, 2005. Serra International is an organization to foster priestly and religious vocations.

The charter members and guests from Serra Clubs from across the state gathered at the Church of St. Mary in Sleepy Eye for the recitation of the Luminous Mysteries. Bishop Nienstedt celebrated Mass for the intentions of the new Serra Club members, and offered the Votive Mass for Vocations to the priesthood. “I am delighted that this group has now taken up the torch and will continue to pray for and otherwise encourage vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life,” expressed Bishop Nientstedt.

Following the Mass, there was a banquet and the Chartering event. During the event, Arnolda Fisher was installed as the Club’s first president, with 37 charter members of the newly formed club. Serra District 7S Governor Peg Zehren presented the Charter from Serra International. The new council was presented with a number of official gifts by the other clubs in the district - the Serra Banner, a Statue of Blessed Junipero Serra, the Serra Bell, the president’s gavel, and pins to be given to each new member.

Fr. Todd Petersen, Chaplain of the Club and Director of the Diocesan Office of Vocations spoke briefly about the initial beginnings of the Club on April 14, 2004 with four couples. “From those humble beginnings, these couples invited others to come and to pray for vocations. Slowly, the club took form until they had 25 willing members to request the Charter, with 12 more members applying before the November 8 Charter night,” stated Fr. Petersen. The club was formed with the assistance and care of the Mankato Serra Club through past and present presidents and members. There are now 22 Serra clubs in our province (Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota), with 16 in the State of Minnesota. There was once a Serra Club in New Ulm, but the club disbanded and merged with the neighboring Mankato Serra Club.

The Good Shepherd Serra Club meets the first Thursday of each month at the Chapel of Divine Providence, Sleepy Eye, at 7 pm. For more information visit www. serrainternational.org or serraus.org. For information on becoming a member of the Serra Club of the Good Shepherd, contact Arnolda Fisher (507) 794-5333 or Fr. Todd Petersen (507) 227-2657; frtodd@mac.com