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Elements of Serra

Blessed Junipero Serra

Bishop David said Serrans may have to remind priests that they are challenged to be holy and Serra clubs are centred on holiness.

Encouraging priests to live up to the challenge of their calling is a very positive form of support, he said. It is easy for any priest to lose enthusiasm for his calling, and vocations can die. To provide this positive challenge, Serrans need to be aiming for holiness in their lives.

Serrans need to be holy if they are to act as a challenge to their priests. Serra Clubs are schools of prayer and set a standard. Caring for your priest is a longtime task, and the priests will respond because they are good men.

Although priests are encouraged to live in relationship with each other, it is not always possible. They are often isolated. Whether they live from nine to five or in on-call circumstances, they still need fraternal assistance. They need encouragement and affirmation by their parishioners, if this is required. This matches the responsive lay leadership of the Serran.

Priests need the collaboration of other priests as well as their parishioners. They need to be able to trust people, although this may result in some suffering.

Priests need to be competent, particularly as situations and rules have changed since they were first ordained. They need to be faithful to their calling and to their people. This is shown in their preaching and in the authenticity of what they say. They need to affirm their beliefs in liturgical and pastoral roles with fire and vigour.

Parishioners can support the priest by being prepared to be more involved in parish activities. Affirming a priest, said Bishop Walker, does not mean agreeing with everything the priest says or does. Affirmation can be critical, as long as the aim is to achieve better effort and results in his lifetime service of his people.

Priests are accountable to their parishes and to their bishops. This may not be easy to accept and may require a change of attitude.

Many priests are challenged and inspired by their people, and today they need to relate to their people in a way not required before. Lay-people can help if they are supportive and affirmative.