Central Region Serra Convention to be held Oct. 11-12, 2024

October 1, 2024

We can all play a role in encouraging young men and women to consider a vocation to priesthood or religious life.

How do we do it?

Pick up some tips at the upcoming regional Serra Club convention on Oct. 11-12 in West Des Moines. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Hear Cardinal Thomas Collins, retired from the Archdiocese of Toronto, in addition to Bishop William Joensen, Father Mark McGeary, Deacon Jim Houston and others just how important your prayer is for them in their vocation.

In his vocation story, Cardinal Collins explains how moved he was by a priest he knew who would quietly go to the hospital every day to visit the sick.

“He went every single day. I thought that was faithfulness. It was impressive,” he said during his interview with Bishop Joensen on “Making it Personal with Bishop Joensen”, a radio show available through Iowa Catholic Radio.

The priest suggested Cardinal Collins consider the priesthood. Shortly thereafter, he entered the seminary.

Also speaking at the convention will be a panel of local men ordained priests in recent years: Father Reed Flood, Father Max Carson, and Father Ross Caniglia. Each of them works with youth – Fathers Flood and Carson at Des Moines diocesan high schools – and will share their perspectives on what they are seeing with youth and vocations.

Addie Croegaert, of Dowling Catholic High School, will talk about the program Ut Fidem, which helps high school students remain in the faith in college and beyond.

Vocations Director Father Ross Parker will share trends in vocations, and Father Rodrigo Mayora Landeros will share how influential encouragement is with those pondering priesthood or religious life.

The Des Moines Diocese is blessed with two chapters of the Serra Club, one in Des Moines and one in Council Bluffs.

The Serra Club conference will be at the West Des Moines Marriott Hotel. All are invited to attend. You can register online at the Serra International website.