Serra USA began with a single group of Catholics in Seattle, in 1935, including "men and women of all ages and from all walks of life: lawyers, doctors, accountants, business people, nurses, engineers, sales people, clerks, retirees, etc., all dedicated to promote and foster vocations."

Over time, similar groups were formed throughout the United States and 45 other countries. These groups now number over 1100. In 1941, Serra became the only organization affiliated with a Primary Pontifical Work: The Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations. The AOD Vocations Office has adopted Serra as its lay working apostolate.

Our patron is St. Junipero Serra, who is considered by most historians to be a founding father of California. His labors and tireless advocacy for indigenous peoples earned him sainthood, as discussed in the authoritative video below.

Detroit Oakland Serra began in the mid-1950's. Our Tuesday evening group meetings are held twice monthly, with at least one meeting devoted to a talk from a local priest, deacon, or sister, and occasionally an AOD program director or parish activities director. We hear the stories of their own vocational callings and formations. These moving portraits affirm our belief that all vocations, like those of the original Apostles, come from a variety of origins...many unexpected!

In addition, we sponsor many events supporting vocations, and maintain a comprehensive library of resources for promoting them within parishes, families, and Catholic schools. Our leadership team is always available to discuss them with you, and advise you as to how to implement them in your community. For a wide variety of resources and ideas, navigate to "About>Vocations Resources/Serra Spark>Serra Vocations Resources."

Our goal is to create a Culture of Vocations in every parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit. The Detroit Oakland Serra Club was instrumental in establishing the Serra International "Five Star Program" which includes prayer and a variety of activities that create a "Culture of Vocations."

We have also been challenged by the Archdiocese to help establish a vocations committee in all of the more than 200 parishes in the Archdiocese, to assist in finding, welcoming, and supporting vocations among parishioners. 

Likewise, our Traveling Chalice Program enables prayer and vocations in families; and our Traveling Crucifix Program does the same in Catholic Schools. The Newman Connection, nationally promotes faith preservation and vocations among Catholic high school graduates. To learn more, navigate to "About>Our Vocations Programs."

If you are interested in learning more about the priesthood, please visit Detroitpriest.com.