World News
Serra's USA Council plans to form new organization to promote vocations
Published: August 1, 2012
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CNS) -- Facing the likelihood of an unfavorable court ruling in its legal battle against Serra International, the leaders of the organization's USA Council plan to form a new, independent organization to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the United States. "We are preparing a business plan which we will soon share with all the clubs for their suggestions, comments and support," wrote USA Council president Greg Lynch in an email to Serra Club presidents. An informal poll of local Serra Clubs across the U.S. indicated that most will choose to join the new entity, added Dave O'Keeffe, acting president of the Serra Club in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. Serra International is a lay organization whose objective is to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In December 2010, its board of trustees passed a resolution to dissolve its USA Council, citing overlapping functions and excessive costs associated with maintaining two separate offices in Chicago, where both entities have their headquarters. In a March 2011 interview with The Colorado Catholic Herald, Colorado Springs diocesan newspaper, John Woodward, Serra International's executive director, said the organization needed to adjust its operations to reflect the fact that membership in the United States has declined but is growing in other countries. The restructuring was necessary, he said, for the organization to stay financially sound and more closely adhere to its original objectives.
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