Jan Berbers, president of Serra International, urged the Serra organization here in Atlanta to approach the problem of increasing vocations to the priesthood “using the same techniques as in your daily professional lives.”

A successful, Uruguayan textile manufacturer, the newly elected president cited three approaches to increased vocations in the post counciliar age:

“The first step is a deep commitment to spirituality” on the part of each member. Secondly, “complete, informed men (in the Serra Club)...serving as Christ’s modern apostles.” And thirdly, “the promotion of external vocation activities.”

Berbers urged the Atlanta club to join with all Serra affiliate groups in the “reassessment and renewal” now taking place, and begin to seek out new ways of increasing the number of vocations through putting into practice the many arts of the business world in the planning, organization and production of the task.

“Still try to spread the vocation message on the Catholic and secular campuses through the Newman Apostolate,” he urged the members and “never overlook the adult vocation...who may now be willing to serve in Christ’s army.”

On the question of celibacy, Berber commented, “It is the most important part of the religious vocation, for the priest cannot do his work if he is married.” In answer to recent America Magazine articles which said that Serra is an amorphous group without any plan, he said, “We are in the process of changing our methods as any company does from year to year, but production is still going on.”

He offered a unique approach to increasing vocations. Citing the example of a Mexican diocese which, badly in need of vocations itself, began a foreign missions seminary and has since seen a vast increase in the number of vocations. “In the diocese, 1,200 seminarians are now in training.”

Berbers was elected head of the Serra International last May and is in the process of visiting the 307 Serra Clubs throughout the world during his three-year term of office. He addressed the local members at their regular, monthly luncheon meeting.

Serra International is an organization of Catholic laymen dedicated to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood. President of the local Serra affiliate is Lew Gordon.