ATLANTA--John McLaughlin, newly inducted president of Serra International, urged delegates to the organization's convention to remain focused upon their primary goal of promoting and affirming religious vocations.

At the closing banquet of the 54th International Convention in Minneapolis, McLaughlin said that the contributions the Serrans make to foster vocations are numerous.

"We recognize that our Church needs priests and religious," said McLaughlin, a parishioner at Holy Spirit Church in Atlanta. "We Serrans, with our material and moral support--and most especially our prayers--make an important contribution to the fostering and supporting of vocations in our Church."

McLaughlin told those in attendance that there is not one set way to promote vocations. "I do not come before you this evening proposing specific programs for adoption because I believe this administration can best serve you and further the cause of Serra by encouraging and supporting plans and programs designed and implemented at the club level, the level at which the work of Serra is done," he said.

"I do, however, want to use this opportunity to caution that we Serrans not resist the Spirit by deviating from our objective to promote and affirm vocations as the Church defines those vocations. We must not be dissuaded by those who may have a different agenda for us."

Inducted as president by Atlanta Archbishop John F. Donoghue during the July convention, McLaughlin called it "a grand time to be a Serran," citing high numbers of vocations in Africa, Poland and parts of Australia and Mexico. In the U.S., he said, dioceses in Peoria, Ill., Lincoln, Neb., Arlington, Va. and Atlanta "have distinguished track records."

Twice president of the Serra Club of Metro Atlanta, McLaughlin was elected an international trustee in 1992 and served as president-elect in 1995-96. As Serra district governor he worked with clubs to promote vocations and membership in Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee.

He retired as managing director of Marsh & McLennan, Inc., after 37 years in client services, railroad, product liability and health care areas. A graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, he holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. He is a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Joseph Krygiel of the Serra Club of North Metro Atlanta served as a delegate to the convention.

Serra International, founded in 1935 in Seattle, is a Catholic membership organization of lay men and women who work to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life while developing their Christian identity. Currently there are more than 20,000 Serrans organized into 629 Serra clubs in 35 countries.