Our family has thousands of Padre Serra memories. Early years at the seminary, digging the first shovel full of dirt for the building of our church, bringing our lambs to Christmas Eve mass, traveling with Fr. Kidney and the teens to see the Pope in Denver for World Youth Day, celebrating sacraments with all four of our kids...going to SAW, staying up all night for our Lock-ins, Confirmation retreats and adult retreats...but, the best of it all is Sunday Eucharist. We've been to mass all over the world, and truly, we know we are home when we walk through the doors at Padre Serra.
There are SO many wonderful memories I have at Padre Serra Parish... from receiving sacraments to connecting with others in learning/discussion groups, to meaningful and beautiful holiday celebrations, to serving alongside wonderful people in various ministries! Most recently, I celebrated my 40-year career in the defense industry with a mass, blessing, and fiesta at Padre Serra! The love and community in this parish are a deep source of joy and a call to service in my life!
My husband and I moved to Camarillo during COVID, and I missed attending mass in person. When I discovered the outdoor mass at Padre Serra, I was in heaven! It was so beautiful, with amazing music and inspiring sermons by Fr. Patrick. Even though we did not shake hands, I felt welcomed by all the smiles!
Our favorite memories so far are (1) getting married there with Fr. Pat and Deacon Jack Redmond leading the beautiful ceremony. (2) Our daughter, Chiara, being baptized. And (3) Chiara's First Communion. Here’s to more FAVORITE memories!
We have so many wonderful memories. I think we especially enjoy Christmas Eve mass. It’s always a homily full of our Lord’s holy inspiration, all the families arriving early to get a seat, the church is perfectly decorated, with Jesus delicately placed in the manger and our choir that has practiced endlessly. All of our Padre Serra families are decked out in their finest and behaving at their best. Everything comes together for the birth of our Lord Jesus.
